KTM 990 - long term experience wanted

[Waihou Thumper]

The reason these bikes appeal to me is that it appears to offer a lot more serious adventure riding potential without losing too much of what I like about the Tiger

Yes it definitely does, no doubt about it!

My concern about the KTM is about ownership costs and longevity - hopefully theres someone with longterm experience with one who can provide some informed comment.

Ring Wheels of Thames. The mechanic there has a 2004? 990A, George. it has been around the clock, the bike gets used regularly. When he looked at the engine it was fine, no significant wear! He did do some maintenance but only because the bike was apart, but he felt it didn't need doing.
He is only too willing to share his thoughts. He rides fast and hard with that machine.

What is the fuel consumption like on an easy highway cruise (110-120km/hr)?

Can be good, reserve can be achieved in as little as 240Km, and as much as 310Km, but these bikes beg to be ridden hard and fast too...Budget might dictate.

would you be happy to buy a second hand one that had been well serviced but had ,say, 50-60,000km on it?

KTM do a thorough check on bikes and have a comprehensive ownership detail of what has and waht hasn't been done. It is in the database, if you are really serious, have a look at the bikes history. Most dealerships would be happy to let you have a look, then you can make up your mind, see what perhaps has been missing

Theres a huge difference in price between 990's and 950's on Trademe - is it worth the extra coin?

No, I don't think so, and many owners prefer the pre fuel injected models due to all of the little hic-cups with the throttle. It never really concerned me though. A colleague of mine has a 950, I had the 990, he rode the 990, all he really said was that the cabling is much more tidier around the dash area. It is, it is neater and overall the bike is finished a little better.

If anyone has some useful links I would appreciate it.
Thanks

Of course ADV.com, these guys are good. There is also a great you tube video of a guy in Canada that has nothing better to do than disasseble his KTM over winter. I think it is 10 parts and is very informative. He boasts that he can take it apart within a time frame blindfolded, and he does! seriously...

[NordieBoy]

Slightly over the top I would say, Honda, BMW, Yamaha, Cagiva and KTM all won on big twins, the organisers decided to ban large twins in a bid to make it easier for the amateurs to compete against the pro teams tho alot say the pressure was on as guys were killing themselves racing at 200+ on the KTM's.
They changed the race's target towards the smaller bikes so the big twins are a thing of the past but in their day the twins like the KTM were the only real option if you wanted to win.

They also capped the max speed at 160kph for a couple of Dakars.
Including one in which they then changed their minds and opened it up again at the race briefing... Slightly too late to be of any benefit to the riders who'd set their bikes up for <160kph.

[Padmei]

I think what you may be aware of by now Ruralman is that KTM riders are pretty fanatical about their machines. That's why I found Crisis managements account very interesting.

I quite like the blue ones myself (with big dakar decal)

[Woodman]

Off topic slightly, but I have trouble seeing the point of them really, would have to have a go to have my mind changed.

[dmc]

KTM do a thorough check on bikes and have a comprehensive ownership detail of what has and waht hasn't been done. It is in the database, if you are really serious, have a look at the bikes history. Most dealerships would be happy to let you have a look, then you can make up your mind, see what perhaps has been missing

Yes and no, their dealer warranty database changed in 05? so before then they can tell if parts where sent to a dealer but no record of whether the parts were ever fitted, on earlier bikes just check and see if the recalls have been done, some you can tell from outside like the head nuts others you have to start pulling things apart. Its worth making sure they are done....believe me.

[dmc]

Off topic slightly, but I have trouble seeing the point of them really, would have to have a go to have my mind changed.

Riding one can get expensive.

[Woodman]

Riding one can get expensive.

Riding a KLR can get expensive.

[warewolf]

Side stand and centre stand are too long and make putting it on either stand a bit of a mission. The side stand holds the bike too upright and the centre stand requires a huge heave to get the bike onto.

On that point, have you tried it with a fresh set of really knobby tyres in slightly soft terrain? Those tyres can be slightly largely diameter necessitating a bit more length on the stands. KTM would factor that in, they did on the 640. Ye olde adventure compromise...

Sounds like the 9x0 has a bit more of everything than the 640: more power, more weight, more issues, and more severe issues (yeah, yeah, and more smoothness).

[Crisis management]

Off topic slightly, but I have trouble seeing the point of them really, would have to have a go to have my mind changed.

Having spent a chunk of saturday blasting gravel roads north of Auckland I'm in the love phase again, there really isn't anything quite like the 990 on song...don't ask about tank range tho ok?

On that point, have you tried it with a fresh set of really knobby tyres in slightly soft terrain? Those tyres can be slightly largely diameter necessitating a bit more length on the stands.

Hadn't thought of that Colin, it certainly is a bit of a compromise as it gets heavy very quickly when it leans over on you and too short a stand would exagerate that problem.

Like all these bikes, compromise is the description and it really is up to the individual about where that line is drawn, possibly for me the 640 Adventure would be a better fit, anyone want to buy a 990, never been out in the rain?

[marks]

Like all these bikes, compromise is the description and it really is up to the individual about where that line is drawn, possibly for me the 640 Adventure would be a better fit, anyone want to buy a 990, never been out in the rain?

throw your 990 and 200 into a blender and you'd get a 640/690
best of both worlds on some days
and worst of both worlds on other days

if I had to limit myself to just one bike a 640/690 would probably be it (or If I was broke and gay - a DR650)

[Bass]

and worst of both worlds on other days

if I had to limit myself to just one bike a 640/690 would probably be it (or since I'm broke and gay - a DR650)

You do realise don't you, that you are now morally obligated to ignore everything I wrote about sorting out your DT

[Crisis management]

throw your 990 and 200 into a blender and you'd get a 640/690

You leave the 200 out of it, what other bike can you endo at 80k/hr up a 2 m bank, pick it up and ride off, that bikes a keeper! It's more likely my body that will give up first.

Faintly on topic, a 690E with a decent tank is probably a good option.

[Paladin]

.......

if I had to limit myself to just one bike a 640/690 would probably be it (or If I was broke and gay - a DR650)

I might be broke(financially & bodily!) but I seriously resent the "gay" remark, unless you mean "happy"!

[ducatijim]

Hey....how do you like 13.6km/L ??

Crap eh!! That was my last fill from riding here in WA out on the big sweepers

F800gs will pull 20+ and not break a sweat.

The 'orange rush' fanaticism is purely the average males desire NOT to look like a dick in front of his peers.....yeah....REALLY!!!
( No red blooded male EVER wants to admit that he may have not made the best decision and not have the best girlfriend/wife/car/bach/rideon/motorcycle...sad I know.....but true.)

[young1]

F800gs will pull 20+ and not break a sweat.

But I don't want one of them!