990 Adv Am I missing something?

[mikestatt]

I cant help but feel I must be missing something with regards to my 990Adv. I've had the bike since sept 07 and tbh have never really felt comfortable on it. I made the choice between it and the 1200 GS and chose it really because I felt it would be more fun and after my 650 GS. I thought it would be a vast improvement but I dont feel this has been the case. In fact the only real improvement has been the power.
The things I dont like about it are. The seats a killer, the range is crap, the centre stand is impossible to use if you've got any weight in the panniers and no matter what anybody says I cant live with the snatchy surging throttle even after a new throttle cam. I appreciate some people have managed to fix this but I'm not really willing to spend loads of dosh if the problems is still there.
I've got an 800GS demo for the weekend but can't help but feel I may be going backwards if I go down this route. I don't want a 1200 as they are too bloody big.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Mike

 

[Jeremy]

I've just test rode the new 09 model and was impressed. It felt like a real fun bike. But after 20k miles on a 1200GSA, its the day to day one for me as its the complete package although I hear what you say about the weight (try an 1150ADV!)

To my mind, the GSA is a cracking road bike that can go off road, the KTM is a cracking off road bike that can go on road.

 

[chad]

you know the mods needed to ease the fueling issue , but they do cost a bit

the only way to increase the range is bigger tanks fookin pricy

i had mine for a year and loved it but the cost of running and the tank range did it for me it is a cracking bike but from the way you are talking i think you will be better suited to the GS800 that is also a good bike

good luck with your choice whatever you go for

 

[Rushy]

I think the 8 may surprise you . Let us know how you get on after the test ride

 

[mikestatt]

Well I took the F800GS back this morning having had it since Saturday morning and having done about 250 miles on it and I must say I'm sorry to see it go. From the off I felt more at ease on it than the KTM. The power delivery is smooth and it feels more composed when cornering and to be honest for overtaking in 3rd of 4th the GS has more than enough power.
Rode the KTM home and wished I was on the GS so the decision has been made the KTM is going.
Only sad part is that I still feel I may have missed something as everyone seems to love the KTM including the biking press.
I think I'd say the KTM is great for a test ride but no so great to live with. Most of the points I dislike about it shouldn't be a problem with the GS although I could live to eat those words.
Anyway as I don't want it is anyone interested in buying an 07 990Adv. I'll get the panniers off it clean it up and stick it in the for sale bit in the next week.

 

[Uinneag]

Ktm 990's

F800GS is though

 

[Decster]

Ktm 990's

F800GS is though

Your a cult yo know that dont ya

I bet ya Micky might have a word or 2 to say about that an all

 

[Uinneag]

 

[Pipster]

I cant help but feel I must be missing something with regards to my 990Adv. I've had the bike since sept 07 and tbh have never really felt comfortable on it. I made the choice between it and the 1200 GS and chose it really because I felt it would be more fun and after my 650 GS. I thought it would be a vast improvement but I dont feel this has been the case. In fact the only real improvement has been the power.
The things I dont like about it are. The seats a killer, the range is crap, the centre stand is impossible to use if you've got any weight in the panniers and no matter what anybody says I cant live with the snatchy surging throttle even after a new throttle cam. I appreciate some people have managed to fix this but I'm not really willing to spend loads of dosh if the problems is still there.
I've got an 800GS demo for the weekend but can't help but feel I may be going backwards if I go down this route. I don't want a 1200 as they are too bloody big.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Mike

Your not the first to struggle with the surging its a shame KTM won't address the problem The 950s are spot on How about a 950 SE fitted with the large aussie tank like Arsey has done

Center stand problem thats easy join a gym

 

[beemerboy9]

Only sad part is that I still feel I may have missed something as everyone seems to love the KTM including the biking press.

The biking press will say what they think their readers want to hear.

Take the recent K1300GT vs. FJR1300 vs Z1400GTR test. MCN (conservative GSXR and Fireblade riders who will only consdier a BeeEmm machine if it has a conventional front end) declared the Kawasaki the pick of the bunch whereas Motorcycle Sport and Leisure (same journos probably) declared the BMW the best machine by a significant margin.

The only solution is an extended test ride - which is precisely what you have done. Good Luck with your choice.

 

[mikestatt]

Thanks for all the input people. Have now ordered an F800GS from SLM. Will have it by the end of next week

 

[chad]

Thanks for all the input people. Have now ordered an F800GS from SLM. Will have it by the end of next week

good dealership it will be nice to here your thoughts on the 800 after a decent few miles under your belt.

as you have found with the 990 you cant get the real picture till you try to live with a bike full time

 

[mooky]

The things I dont like about it are. The seats a killer, the range is crap, the centre stand is impossible to use if you've got any weight in the panniers and no matter what anybody says I cant live with the snatchy surging throttle even after a new throttle cam.

Not much argument on the twitchy EFI.
Though I have ridden a friend's 990 that had been twitchy & had the latest map, etc & it was much better. 950 is smooth as butter.

The seat? I really dont know why this keeps coming up as an issue. Its like complaining that the tyres are no good. Yeah, it might be disappointing discover - but its such a relatively cheap thing to rectify...

The range can be an issue (economy on the 990 not so great) but it does have a lot to do with how hard you ride it. Ive seen fuel economy drop sharply if its really pushed beyond 70 ... There are aftermarket fuel solutions ... but can be a bit on the spendy side

The centre-stand ... never found mine to be an issue - even with my 19/17" wheels. Depends how much you load it though I guess (and how big you are)

Be interesting to see how you get on with the 800 - sounds like its a better fit for you.

 

[mikestatt]

F800GS is going well and I'm enjoying it although I've not had the chance to do many miles on it. Anybody want a 990Adv? I'll stick it in the For Sale and Wanted this weekend.

 

[Deleted Member I]

F800GS is going well and I'm enjoying it although I've not had the chance to do many miles on it. Anybody want a 990Adv? I'll stick it in the For Sale and Wanted this weekend.

How much do you want for it mister .. given it's got all those faults

 

[Arsey]

Ktm 990's

But perfect for vertically challenged skirt wearers.

Whereas,

Your not the first to struggle with the surging its a shame KTM won't address the problem The 950s are spot on How about a 950 SE fitted with the large aussie tank like Arsey has done

Center stand problem thats easy join a gym

Totally agree with Pipster.

Whilst the 990s are tolerable and definitely better with some fettling,the 950s are SO much better.


My 950SE was a bloody revelation on my 2000 mile jaunt to the GOTC and back.


All day seat comfort,280 mile tank range,luggage for 10 days,and so so smooth.


Minor prob with side stand bending but a recognised problem and new ones are beefed up,so on order from dealer.


Bloody bargain as the bike with everything on it has cost me about the same as the original new price of the bike (before KTM offered them for £2k off last summer)


Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch



Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

 

[freeloader]

I feel almost KTeMpted myself, but where would I put my stepladder?

I'll just have to stick with my low-seated 800 for now...

 

[The White Rabbit]

The 990 isn't that high. Lower than my 12GS certainly and the 800 isnt low.

Shortarse managing mine fine.

 

[freeloader]

The 990 isn't that high. Lower than my 12GS certainly and the 800 isnt low.

Shortarse managing mine fine.

I thought there were stereotypes to be maintained...

 

[robbie c]

I didn't like the power delivery of the gs 800, it felt to me as if they were trying to get too much power out of it to tempt jap bike riders.

I did 30000 miles on my 1150 Gs adv in 3 years and I loved it, however, after buying the 950 se it became clear to me just what an adventure tourer should be.

I use the se mostly for trail riding with fairly aggresive tyres so it's not going to be good on the road, but with the right tyres I'm sure that it will be good.

I rode the 800 off road and it's clearly a road bike that's built down to a price, the se on the other hand was a bargain at 6k, yes that's all, 6k for a bike like that

so it's racks and a safari tank, some road tyres and away we go touring