First Ride on My New 990 Adventure (initial thoughts)

[faststage1]

Suspension.
The Tiger suspension always felt uncertain unless the road was perfect and the tires were new and it always felt like it wanted to push out wide, not as wide as my ZZR1200 mind you. The KTM loves tight roads. I've dragged the pegs on it feels like it wants more.

The 1050 motor of Triumph's is a fantastic motor. I wish the KTM had the same feel.

[sagerat]

lalalalala...not reading this...lalalalalala

Cripes, between you and XLR8 I'm barely holding off the 990 demon.

I love the KLR and think that and and used Viffer or Strom to keep the Ural company would be the perfect stable.  Then my thoughts stray back to the 990 and how much I enjoyed my test ride.

Thanks for the all the solid info and write-up.

lalalalalalalala....  

[R Doug]

Well, I can say for touring the 990 Adventure does have an Achilles heal.  The stock seat.

After 300+ miles in a day, I am ready to get off the bike.  In contrast, the seat on the Super Duke is all day comfortable.  The difference between them is the seat on the Adventure is way too soft.  It just doesn't support my bum.  

I have a Renazco seat on order (w/ the suede top).

[XLR8]

lalalalala...not reading this...lalalalalala

Cripes, between you and XLR8 I'm barely holding off the 990 demon.

I love the KLR and think that and and used Viffer or Strom to keep the Ural company would be the perfect stable.  Then my thoughts stray back to the 990 and how much I enjoyed my test ride.

Thanks for the all the solid info and write-up.

lalalalalalalala....  

 

[R Doug]

There was another thread on STN which got me thinking of what was my most favorite bike and what did I like about it so much.  That bike was my Ducati ST3.  For the longest time, I deeply regretted ever selling my Ducati ST3.  That was the first sport bike I've ever owned and I acquired it off a 10 year long hiatus from riding (what used to be old 80's JSMs and a few Harley Ds).  Shortly after going though a few bikes after the ST3, I realized either how lucky I was picking that bike or how much my homework paid off before its acquisition because, as mentioned,  I have missed it dearly.  

Well, after having over 3K miles on the 990 Adventure so far, I can say I have finally found a bike that I like better than the ST3.  Granted, the ST3 was a much better looking bike (depending on how you define those things), but the 990 Adventure gives me a great twin motor, wonderful handling, comfortable all-day-long ergos, and a good build quality with nice touches like high end suspension, brembo brake components, etc..  

The thing which sets the 990 Adventure apart from my old ST3 is I no longer have to go by a beautiful looking dirt road and think, "I wonder where that goes?"  

I'm going on my 3rd year of ownership with the Super Duke and that is a record for me.    

I wholeheartedly believe this 990 Adventure will be with me for quite some time.  

[alphabet man]

There was another thread on STN which got me thinking of what was my most favorite bike and what did I like about it so much.  That bike was my Ducati ST3.  For the longest time, I deeply regretted ever selling my Ducati ST3.  That was the first sport bike I've ever owned and I acquired it off a 10 year long hiatus from riding (what used to be old 80's JSMs and a few Harley Ds).  Shortly after going though a few bikes after the ST3, I realized either how lucky I was picking that bike or how much my homework paid off before its acquisition because, as mentioned,  I have missed it dearly.  

Well, after having over 3K miles on the 990 Adventure so far, I can say I have finally found a bike that I like better than the ST3.  Granted, the ST3 was a much better looking bike (depending on how you define those things), but the 990 Adventure gives me a great twin motor, wonderful handling, comfortable all-day-long ergos, and a good build quality with nice touches like high end suspension, brembo brake components, etc..  

The thing which sets the 990 Adventure apart from my old ST3 is I no longer have to go by a beautiful looking dirt road and think, "I wonder where that goes?"  

I'm going on my 3rd year of ownership with the Super Duke and that is a record for me.    

I wholeheartedly believe this 990 Adventure will be with me for quite some time.  

 I absolutly understand I feel the same way.
Did you buy a new seat, if so which one, I'm thinking Renzco

[R Doug]

 I absolutely understand I feel the same way.
Did you buy a new seat, if so which one, I'm thinking Renzco

Oh yea, Renazco all the way.  I've already sent in my money and am on the calendar for mid February.  

[Punchdude]

R Doug and others - Could you give me a sense of the service intervals on the 990 Adventure?  I was aware of the first 1,000km service and the tune of $399 sounds right. I test rode one last week and I was quite impressed with basically everything but the seat.

How frequent are the scheduled services thereafter..particularly valve adjustments? I was told by what I believe to be a very knowledgeable dealer that the 990 ADV should have a major service every 4k miles?

I did some research on Orange Cursh and it seems to say that valve adjusts are not required until 15k km or ~9k miles and that the initial adjustment can possibly be skipped now, depending on who you believe about water pump/water jackets. That makes more sense and is not that far fetched. Can you confirm?

I've conjured up your old threads on when you were comparing the 990 ADV and the R1200 GS. Very helpful by the way.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[R Doug]

The service manual from the factory says every 9K.  For me, I'll do what I did on my old Duc.  I'll stick to the factory suggestions during the warranty period and increase the major service interval to around every 12K (like many others do).  I'm not saying it's the right thing to do, but that's what I'm going to do unless I find out the valves were way out of spec at my next 12K service.  

Good luck on your decision.

[black hills]

I'm 99% sure it will be my next bike

correction, 100%  thanks for pushing me over the edge, this thing is amazing!!!!

[R Doug]

Nice R.  I'm glad you like it!

[bubba zanetti]

correction, 100%  thanks for pushing me over the edge, this thing is amazing!!!!

Thats a beauty     Maybe my bike can meet yours in Custer ? !

I just did my 30,000 km valve check and they were all well within spec and no need for shims. Gotta love that.

[black hills]

Maybe my bike can meet yours in Custer ? !

Definately!  perhaps a ride is in order? let me know what type of terrain you prefer and I will find a fitting route