KTM 990 Adventure S

[roy e6]

Has any body got one? Sat on one at the local dealers and it seems very comfortable, compared to my GSXR K7. Not yet ridden one as they did not have a demo. I am thinking of maybe getting one next year to do some touring on. Just after some feedback from some owners,are they reliable etc. Thanks in advance for any advice. Roy.

[Twit]

Go for the 950, the carb bikes are much better at low revs than the 990 injected model.

As for reliability... I destroyed my 950 but I did put it through much more than the average owner, as long as you stay within the dealer network I'm sure you will be fine.

Pretty comfortable to ride, quite quick for the type of bike. I'd have one over any naff sports type bike but thats because I don't really 'get' sports bikes. If you do and are coming off one, make sure you get a good test ride to see what you think.

[roy e6]

So how did you break yours? and what are parts like to get for them? Cheers Roy

[Twit]

roy e6 said:

So how did you break yours? and what are parts like to get for them? Cheers Roy

Rode it to Australia and took in a fair bit of rough riding along the way. Broke most of what could be broken, overheated it a few times and the clutch / slave etc just ate themselves. Coupled with that there was the normal off road drops and the suspension took a hammering carrying a years worth of kit etc. In normal use it would be fine.

Spares are dead easy in Europe - KTM is a much bigger brand outside of the UK as peopel are much less attached to sports bikes in say France or Italy etc. Spares here are no problem but you want to make sure that you are near a dealer to get them. As bikes go they are quite highly strung and not the easiest to service etc.

To be honest (and me looking back with hindsight) if you want that type of bike for touring then go for a GS - its a cliche for a reason, they are just really good bikes. Other than that look for an Africa Twin, I think the ATs are probbably the closest to the KTMs in style etc but they really are bomb proof!

[fredd1e]

KTM have a habit of fixing "issues" with each new model year (sometime introduce some too) so I'd recommend a 990 over the 950 but not the 1st year they were released. Alternatively get as late a 950 as possible.
Note 950S is higher than the 990S (from memory so cant b accurate on year they lowered )