KTM 990 - long term experience wanted

**marks** · 12th July 2009, 18:07

those are frightening weights

I struggle to pick up my 175kg KLR
I don't think I could lift a 200+kg bike without rupturing something

**Eddieb** · 12th July 2009, 18:21

Originally Posted by marks

those are frightening weights

I struggle to pick up my 175kg KLR
I don't think I could lift a 200+kg bike without rupturing something

The cylinders of the GS make it easy The seat is knee height before you are actually lifting any weight so you are halfway there already and past the worst bit.

I couldn't lift Joe's DR when I dropped it on Big River, yet I can pick the PD up relatively easily and thats probably 40-50kg heavier.

**Woodman** · 12th July 2009, 20:09

Originally Posted by marks

those are frightening weights

I struggle to pick up my 175kg KLR
I don't think I could lift a 200+kg bike without rupturing something

An impressive power to weight ratio doesn't really make the bike feel lighter when you are picking them up.

Whats 100hp like on gravel? does it make for a lot of wheelspin and no forward momentum? or is it just cool?

**dmc** · 12th July 2009, 20:35

Originally Posted by Woodman

Whats 100hp like on gravel? does it make for a lot of wheelspin and no forward momentum? or is it just cool?

A 100hp makes for lots of wheel spin on shingle with lots of forward momentum.

**warewolf** · 12th July 2009, 21:11

Originally Posted by Eddieb

I figure as close as we are going to get is what the manufacturers list.

Usually a good source these days, particularly for Euros.

Originally Posted by Eddieb

apart from the statement that it is dry weight I couldn't find any indication on the KTM site that their measurement system was the same or different, however thier model comparison tool showed that weight as the dry weight, and had any row of data for Weight (no fuel) which was blank.

Strangely the 990 Adventures actually list a dry weight; all the others say "weight (no fuel)" which is defined many places elsewhere as half wet. According to an industry source (citing KTM) it includes 1L fuel so the bike can start and run at that weight. I've asked for and tried to find independent corroboration of that latter point, but no result so far. For 737g I'm not too fussed about it.

If you compare any other models, "weight (no fuel)" is there and the "dry weight" row is blank. "Dry weight" only shows up for the two bikes on the site that have that data... the two 990 Adventures.

**Eddieb** · 12th July 2009, 21:20

Which happened to be the only 2 I selected for comparison. That'd explain why I never saw otherwise.

BMW often offer a simliar measurement which they refer to a Kerb weight, but I think that is fully fuelled.

I actually like the oils and 1 litre of fuel measurement, it would give a more real world comparison between models.

**warewolf** · 12th July 2009, 21:34

Originally Posted by Woodman

Whats 100hp like on gravel? does it make for a lot of wheelspin and no forward momentum? or is it just cool?

It's cool! And also makes for a better road bike.

Originally Posted by dmc

A 100hp makes for lots of wheel spin on shingle with ~~lots of~~ forward momentum.

Fixed! My 640 can get more drive at sub-triple-digit speeds. hp/kg ~= 0.36.

**warewolf** · 12th July 2009, 21:48

Originally Posted by Eddieb

BMW often offer a simliar measurement which they refer to a Kerb weight, but I think that is fully fuelled.

I actually like the oils and 1 litre of fuel measurement, it would give a more real world comparison between models.

Kerb weight = wet weight = fully fuelled.

Yes the KTM method has some merit. Fully-fuelled is not really a useful comparison, particularly in our arena where we want bikes with big tanks. They get penalised on the spec sheet for that. To me, fuel is a variable like luggage: how much I carry depends on the trip.

Although things get murkier when you start to factor in fuel consumption and range. The F650 with 17.3L tank and miserly fuel consumption is a winner on that front; less fuel weight to carry for the same range, and lower running cost.

**That looks like fun** · 12th July 2009, 21:48

Turn the handlebars to full lock so that the front wheel points uphill.
Go to the side of the bike with the end of the handlebar nearest the ground.
Position yourself:
facing the bike
so the end of the handlebar is:
central between your feet
just in front of your feet
feet shoulder width apart
Grab the end of the handlebar nearest to the ground with BOTH hands. (So it feels that you are going to pull the handlebar into your crotch).
Prepare yourself for lifting by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
Depending on the position of the handlebars and the layout of the ground, you may need to go into a full squat.
Lift by straightening your legs WITHOUT BENDING YOUR BACK.
Stop lifting just before the bike becomes vertical (to stop it going over on the other side!).
After completing this manouvere seek urgent medical assistance as your fufu valve will be hanging out

**Waihou Thumper** · 12th July 2009, 21:54

Remember, this bike weighs in at nearly 200Kg and they are throwing it around like a 125cc...

The HP2 is a beast allright and whatever you have, if the bloke on top is good then it doesn't matter...

I would like to see the 990 Adventure do this, might get some of the way up there....
The 1200GSA would be struggling too, but the point is I guess, weight, Horsepower and talent ALL make for a exciting ride!!!

[YOUTUBE]K6wkjOo90Kg[/YOUTUBE]

**warewolf** · 12th July 2009, 22:00

Call mummy on cell phone.
Wait for tow truck.
Watch towie attach cable to bike, then drag bike on side up on to tilt-deck.
Go home for a quiet Pimms before calling your accountant.

**Waihou Thumper** · 12th July 2009, 22:03

Originally Posted by warewolf

Call mummy on cell phone.
Wait for tow truck.
Watch towie attach cable to bike, then drag bike on side up on to tilt-deck.
Go home for a quiet Pimms before calling your accountant.

From the Orange camp.....
Mind you, picking up my beast and even yours when your a big poked makes it a trying event right?

**warewolf** · 12th July 2009, 22:22

Originally Posted by NZKTM

From the Orange camp.....

Well if you can't take the piss out of your mates, who can you?

Originally Posted by NZKTM

Mind you, picking up my beast and even yours when your a big poked makes it a trying event right?

Mine is right on the limit of what I can handle. Dunno if I could pick up a KLR unassisted in rough terrain.

**cooneyr** · 13th July 2009, 08:14

You lot need to eat some spinich. I've drop the XTZ with 30l of fuel and about 10kg of luggage, say 240kg, and can pick it up without too much trouble. No sticky out cylinders to help either. Hardest thing is finding something to lift with when you are in a hurry cause you dont want the other people in the car park to realise you are such a plonker - doh

Cheers R

**marks** · 13th July 2009, 09:07

Originally Posted by cooneyr

You lot need to eat some spinich.

Cheers R

I'm not a big strong southern boy and I didn't spend my early days "chasing sheep and jumping boarder dykes"*

my (in)ability to pick up the klr is the biggest factor when considering whether to have a go at something knarly. A lighter bike like a DR makes sense then - but at the end of a long day even picking up 110kg trail bike becomes a struggle for us ol' fella's

*I preferred straight girls who didn't need shearing