If you ride 3000 miles a year or so like most KTM riders its difficult to ignore the appeal of the big KTMs, it looks good, the spec is perfect, mag tests are full of praise with KTM as top in class.
Once the miles pile on the fuel consumption is a massive cost, but this is an annoying incidental running cost compared with the servicing. Do you ever wonder why there are so many low mileage KTMs for sale, they have had a quote for the first big service (less than 12000m) and decided to get rid of the bike.
My friend has done the first big service on his 990 supermotard and it was a nightmare, well above the average DIY mechanic.
It explains why so many KTM dealers set up and then close down, its not worth the hassle.
Sorry to bust your stereotype: I've done 8,500 miles on my 990 Adventure since I bought it new 5 months ago (part exchanged my R1200GS and I haven't regretted it for a second). Way more fun ... and for me it's well worth a little more cost. I can only compare to the 1200GS as that's what I had.
I've averaged 40mpg; up to around 43 when touring and am happy enough with that.
I have had a couple of small reliability issues with the Adv but nothing to get worked up about and my dealer has been very good. My GS dropped a valve at 8,000 miles thereby eating the entire right cyclinder, and also had the FPC failure, and ring antennae failures - the BMW definitely didn't impress me on reliability.
I also think the general quality on the KTM is better. Some owners have had a bit of spoke rusting but that's about the only problem with the finish that seems to come up.
As for servicing - yep the KTM interval is 4,500 miles and not particularly cheap. Think my first proper service was a bit over £200 (I'd need to check), and the 2nd (includes valve check, new sparks, brake fluids) was £360 - I had this done a bit early.
List price on a new KTM is £9,600 so a lot cheaper than a BMW R1200GS (I think this is a clearer equivalent than the F800GS). The money I saved will cover the extra on service and bit more spend on petrol.
KTM for offroad, BMW for the road is a bit too generalised but true in that the KTM is way better off road. No argument on that point from anyone. Not sure why anyone would saw the BMW is better on road - comfort or efficiency maybe? From my ownership of the KTM vs R1200GS I'd walk past the 1200 for any ride. Can't comment on the 800 but hard pushed to see why it would be better than a KTM on road.
By the way, the KTM the OP mentioned is the 950 so no worries about on/off fueling as per many complaints from 990 owners. I've had no issues with mine but it does seem that FI versions up to 2009 were too jerky at low speed (generally sorted out with a replacement throttle cam). The 950 uses carbs and everyone seems to really like the fueling. On KTM forums it's a bit like R1200GS versus R1150GS when it comes to the 990/950 debate.
Whatever you chose - enjoy! Both great bikes, and although I've been doing a sales pitch for the KTM (in the spirit of creating a balanced argument overall) I think the F800GS is a great looking machine and maybe makes better financial sense. For me the KTM wins hands down, it's about smiles per gallon not miles per gallon!
if you can touch the floor of cause
