990 Adventure v. 1200 GS

[Lawn Dart]

 

Go get 'em Hon!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Go get 'em Hon!

You kidding? He's in the middle of fookin' nowhere!    I'm not going to waste my time riding there just to kick his butt. Besides, he'd probably enjoy it (and that's what he has a wife for now...)

[XLR8]

The KTM 950/990 a maintenance hog because the owners ride them offroad and dirt wears things out.   Other than that, it's not too bad. Changing the oil is a bit of a hassle and the valve adjustments are supposed to be a little more complex.

Comfort? I find my 990 just as comfortable as my FJR1300 was except that there is more wind buffeting and that's the compromise with a bike like the 990. The bike is designed to be ridden standing up on the pegs, not sitting down but the seat is comfortable. It's just that when doing above 85Mph it can get uncomfortable because of the wind.

My 990 had a snatchy throttle but most of it was solved with a remap of the FI as a result of a TSB from KTM. All good shops are doing this but the clueless shops are...well they are clueless. I still have some spots in the FI but it doesn't bother me too much. However the cure is this:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240706

What else...? Frak I don't know I'll think of some more stuff. I like my 990 a lot. I always own one.

[garry]

I demo'd a GS Adventure and wasn't impressed. Didn't really like anything about it. Boring engine. No feedback from the suspension. Felt like riding a giant, cushy Teutonic couch. Too bland for my tastes. Felt very large and heavy but solidly built.

I need to ride a 9x0 Adventure some time. I know a few people that would be glad to swap bikes on a ride.

Personally, I would just get a used Wee Strom, throw a few bucks at upgrades and be happy for many thousands less than a BMW or KTM. Put TKC80s on one and I'd even take it on that WV dual-sport route you organized.

[R Doug]

Personally, I would just get a used Wee Strom, throw a few bucks at upgrades and be happy for many thousands less than a BMW or KTM. Put TKC80s on one and I'd even take it on that WV dual-sport route you organized.

You could very easily ride a Wee on the trip we did.  But, I tend to flog the DR by often "attacking" those roads and like the fact I can more comfortably back it into corners (as I'm slowly learning to do).  It's my niche off-road bike for around these parts.

Regarding BMW v. KTM, it looks like I just need to get out and test ride this year.

[XLR8]

If you want another street bike then get the GS. If you want a big dirt bike that tours fairly well then big KTM. But you know these things.

Strom? No not even on the same planet. Uly?   Sorry, the truth hurts.

[kieth]

     I have owned both of the above,  it seems you may be asking the wrong question,  The KTM is definately pointed more toward the dirt and the type of riding you mention is not really riding dirt,  just cruising some back dirt roads would make me ask the question should I buy a 1200 GS or a V Strom DL1000 for your type of riding I would go with the Strom,  one can buy 2 for the price of the BMW.  MTCW.  Aw now the pot is stirred...........

[XLR8]

I don't care what type of bike anyone owns, heck I love the GS and think it's a sexy beast.  

However, why not pay less and get more of a dirt going vessel, especially if you already have a street bike? That was my logic when I purchased my 990.

[basco]

I demo'd a GS Adventure and wasn't impressed. Didn't really like anything about it. Boring engine. No feedback from the suspension. Felt like riding a giant, cushy Teutonic couch. Too bland for my tastes. Felt very large and heavy but solidly built.

I need to ride a 9x0 Adventure some time. I know a few people that would be glad to swap bikes on a ride.

Personally, I would just get a used Wee Strom, throw a few bucks at upgrades and be happy for many thousands less than a BMW or KTM. Put TKC80s on one and I'd even take it on that WV dual-sport route you organized.

How many miles did you ride it? I demo'd the GS before I bought the Aventure and the GS for 20 miles did not do it justice. Did you play with the ESA settings. Sounds like the aventure you rode did not have it. It's great riding on Colorado roads.

[garry]

How many miles did you ride it? I demo'd the GS before I bought the Aventure and the GS for 20 miles did not do it justice. Did you play with the ESA settings. Sounds like the aventure you rode did not have it. It's great riding on Colorado roads.

About a 45 minute spirited ride on a mix of paved roads (some pretty beat up cowpaths). There was nothing wrong with it per se, but no aspect of it pushed my buttons. I don't recall it having ESA. I know I didn't play with it if it did. This was in 2006 I think. Just not the bike for me.

[R Doug]

I cannot bring myself to purchasing a V-Strom.  I'm sorry, but I find its looks offensive.    The appearance isn't everything to me, but it does play a role.

I know the GS and 990 Adv have like-it-or-leave-it looks too.  But I'm quite fond of the GS's industrial look and I love how the 990 Adv. looks just like a Dakar bike!  

Plus, I know I'm getting top shelf suspension with the BMW and KTM.  Heck, the Tiger is most likely off my list because of it's rear suspension and the Versys will most likely get kicked off too due to its suspension.  Yes, I'm that picky (or should I say discerning?     )


EDIT TO ADD:  Regarding suspension, I'm talking about a bike's tendency to wallow under load of full luggage.  I've been on bikes that do that like my FZ1 and an older model Sprint.  Yes yes, I know you can adjust the suspension, but you can only adjust a crappy suspension so far to compensate.  

[XLR8]

I know the GS and 990 Adv have like-it-or-leave-it looks too.  But I'm quite fond of the GS's industrial look and I love how the 990 Adv. looks just like a Dakar bike!  

So you know the KTM Adventure bike was a Dakar bike correct? It was designed for that purpose, then became the Adventure for mass consumption. And that is why it was designed to be ridden standing up.

[R Doug]

So you know the KTM Adventure bike was a Dakar bike correct? It was designed for that purpose, then became the Adventure for mass consumption. And that is why it was designed to be ridden standing up.

Yes and no.  I did know it's modeled after a Dakar bike.  But, I didn't think they raced the liter sized version of the motor, just the 600s.  

[R.Markus]

Yes and no.  I did know it's modeled after a Dakar bike.  But, I didn't think they raced the liter sized version of the motor, just the 600s.  

They raced the Liter bikes until they changed the rules. They then went back to the 660.

[XLR8]

Yes and no.  I did know it's modeled after a Dakar bike.  But, I didn't think they raced the liter sized version of the motor, just the 600s.  

Now days they race thumpers because of restrictions. Most of the KTM guys if not all are on the 690 this year. When KTM first raced the 950 platform, it could hardly finish a race.  

[R Doug]

Making my list and checking it twice.  Here are the bikes I plan to test ride this year.

[garry]

If you want to do any semi-serious dirt roads, I would remove everything with a 17" front wheel from your list. The 19" feels better than a 17" on everything unpaved short of smooth, hard-packed dirt. Not saying you can't do dirt roads with a 17", just that it's nicer with a 19". Rolls over bumps better and rolls through loose stuff (gravel, sand, etc) better.

I really notice the difference on SMR versus the Wee Strom. The SMR has better/longer suspension, but the wide tires and 17" front are more of a handful on a gravel road.

[R Doug]

I'm really just looking for a comfortable touring bike with hard luggage.  The big dual sports appeal to me the most for several reasons, one of which is the fact I could more easily tackle off-road conditions.  

Who knows, watch me end up w/ a Uly.  Or, I could always go the other way and get a 690 Enduro to replace the DR and pimp it out with luggage, touring screen, aftermarket seat, etc...  

[sagerat]

And I thought I was the only guy who did spreadsheets about the specs of my various dream bikes.  

For what you are describing a GS does sound like the appropriate bike.  But I have to admit the KTM 990 has a much more visceral appeal to me.  I don't dare test ride one because I know I'll suddenly be in bike ho mode.  The local KTM dealer is supposed to get a 990 Adv in next month.

Have you though about the Moto Guzzi Stelvio?  They even have a TT version this year and if you're just doing dirt roads it would be fine.  I sat on one at MPH Cycles in Houston and the ergos were superb.  I'd consider trading the Breva for one if a Stelvio did well on a test ride.  

Although there are days when I have considered just having a two-bike stable of a new KLR and my Ural.

[R Doug]

Have you though about the Moto Guzzi Stelvio?  

Good option.  I'll need to search for the closest Guzzi dealer to my area.  


EDIT... I think I'll pass.  That has to be the ugliest Italian bike ever.  

Stelvio must be Italian for V-Strom.