GSA Replacement....

[WindyChuffer]

Waiting on insurance payout on my nicked 1200GSA.

So I test rode a KTM 990 Adventure today. Big bike to look at; aesthetically pleaseing and all that. But felt like a small bike to ride; a lot smaller than a GS. Didn't feel quick, but christ, couldn't believe I was doing 105mph !!! Handled well. Nice and flicky.

But felt rather bland in its delivery. Had standard cans on, and the bike really felt choked by the internal cats. Overall, a bit lame in the grin factor department.

Going back next week when dealer has put Akro cans on their demo bike.

In contrast, drove home, got on my G650X and that had me grinning. Fek that bike is a lot of fun around town, even with a cat !

 

[petkostas]

Waiting on insurance payout on my nicked 1200GSA.

So I test rode a KTM 990 Adventure today. Big bike to look at; aesthetically pleaseing and all that. But felt like a small bike to ride; a lot smaller than a GS. Didn't feel quick, but christ, couldn't believe I was doing 105mph !!! Handled well. Nice and flicky.

But felt rather bland in its delivery. Had standard cans on, and the bike really felt choked by the internal cats. Overall, a bit lame in the grin factor department.

Going back next week when dealer has put Akro cans on their demo bike.

In contrast, drove home, got on my G650X and that had me grinning. Fek that bike is a lot of fun around town, even with a cat !

Used to have a KTM 640 Adventure few years ago, have to admit that it was a fun machine, and the first bike I ever tried off road (without any kind of experience) and left me with a happy smile (and not a single crash).
Yet for the 990 I hear from owners...they are really happy with them, but they do still have problems, they are nothing close to a GS when touring, they "drink" fuel like a car, and cost somewhat to maintain...If you are into hardcore stuff then the KTM would be a nice toy...if you prefer comfy long trips...then you know where to look at

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've ridden a few of the big Katooms (sorted with cans etc) and the grin factor was there in spades. But, for what I want (big F-off jack of al trades bike) my GS wins hands down, even if the grin factor isn't quite there.

Andres

 

[iaindoha]

I traded in my 1200 against a new 990 a few weeks ago and haven't looked back.

Amazed you found it bland and lacking grin factor, mine (now nicknamed ASBO) makes me laugh out loud. I think it made the GS feel ... how to put this delicately ... a little 'pipe and slippers'.

If bikes were dogs my GS would be a German Shepherd. Big, strong, capable. The 990 is a pit-bull. Feels smaller than it is and it's surprisingly easy to handle yet you get the sense it would love to take your head off.


Very different machines and I wouldn't take anything away from the GS, they're obviously great bikes. For some reason too much emotion seems to get stirred up when people start comparing BMW with KTM. Both make great machines, just in a different way.

Just choose the one that suits your needs.

If you're under 35 (or wish you were) buy the KTM!

 

[Spike]

I could of had one of them big katooms brand new(09 model registered) for just a little more than I paid for my 07 gs, BUT i sat on it and well the GS wins hands down in that department too, I wanted the bike for touring two up with a few miles so the KTM did not even get taken out the showroom for a test ride.

It all depends on what you do with the bike as to what you buy it for.

spike

 

[DING-DONG]

I had a 06 990 adv with akro's and the fueling was total shit, worse than my k12r and that was bad, and it had poor tank range and in my opinion it tarnished worse than my gs and do you still have to put equal amounts of fuel in the twin tanks as there not linked!!!

 

[iaindoha]

It all depends on what you do with the bike as to what you buy it for.

spike

Ride it + Fun = KTM

Logic + sense = GS

 

[how much for a service!]

Part exchanged my 1150 ADV for a new KTM 990 in Dec the jury is still out
May be looking to swop back soon!

 

[Big Nick]

I'm test riding the Multistrada this week but am pretty sure it'll be too much power for me but feel I must at least give it a try!

Times are hard for dealers and they seem more inclined to have demo bikes than ever before so just test ride'em all!

 

[WindyChuffer]

My GSA had Remus Headers + Akro Can, and the engine really felt alive and as if it was able to breathe. Plenty of grin factor and good enough performance.

The KTM 990 I test rode had standard cans on and felt choked. So am I hoping this was the cause of the "bland" delivery I experienced.

Whats interesting is that the dealer normally runs akros in their demonstrator for this very reason. I was on a new demo bike where Akro cans had not yet been fitted. Previous demo bike c/w Akro cans had just been sold.

Interestingly, went for a spin on my 650 XChallenge yesterday afternoon. Big grin factor even with standard can and knobblies.

Will report back after next test ride.

 

[trainman]

KTM

having come from a 950 ADV they are of course totally different, the KTM is narrower, lighter and the engine and smaller flywheel means they spin up quicker, they certainly use more fuel, but if you are into fettling there is a great deal of extra power available if you can afford cans etc

the BMW is an easier ride as you can be lazy and leave it in a higher gear, the KTM does take a bit of box prodding if you want to make progress

the KTM engine does needs looking after (it wont tolerate missed attention as a BMW twin might) and is a bit more complicated to self maintain (dry sump and access to valves etc), but I believe the electrical side is a deal less complicated and therefore more reliable (no issues on ABS and no servos etc)

dealer costs were ok and well in line with BMWs, parts were cheaper i would say

of course it has a chain but with an oiler these can go 20k easy

the 990s suffered in the early days from poor fuel mapping and if you do go used make sure its had the updates

finally if you need to be noticed get a KTM, I got stopped regularly by bikers and non bikers, they are still a rare sight!

 

[Gromit]

I had a KTM 640 LC4 (the supermoto one) and it was great. Having had a 1200GS if I had the money again I'd buy the KTM.

Rob

 

[petkostas]

the 990s suffered in the early days from poor fuel mapping and if you do go used make sure its had the updates

Plus the dreaded clutch slave cylinder (more apparent on 950's).

 

[SamD]

I rode the 990 Adventure with Akros on a couple of weeks back (I suspect it was the one that;s just been sold if you tested at the KTM Centre?) - felt far from bland, so I reckon the standard cans are choking it. For me it was a fantastic, flickable, fast, and eager bike. I'd have one in a heartbeat but I am not so sure about it's ability to be a do-it-all bike like my GS. That said, I am certain I will have one at some point

 

[SamD]

Oh and I think my license would last about 5 minutes on the KTM

My 690 is enough of a hooligan

 

[WindyChuffer]

I rode the 990 Adventure with Akros on a couple of weeks back (I suspect it was the one that;s just been sold if you tested at the KTM Centre?) - felt far from bland, so I reckon the standard cans are choking it. For me it was a fantastic, flickable, fast, and eager bike. I'd have one in a heartbeat but I am not so sure about it's ability to be a do-it-all bike like my GS. That said, I am certain I will have one at some point

Aye - was The KTM Centre.

I do hope you are right re Akros though ! No reason to doubt you...other than wanting to see-it-to-believe-it.

 

[SamD]

Aye - was The KTM Centre.

I do hope you are right re Akros though ! No reason to doubt you...other than wanting to see-it-to-believe-it.

Wil be interested to hear your views when you get to test one with them fitted I fear I am looking at the bike through orange-tinted glasses

 

[WindyChuffer]

I'm test riding the Multistrada this week but am pretty sure it'll be too much power for me but feel I must at least give it a try!

Times are hard for dealers and they seem more inclined to have demo bikes than ever before so just test ride'em all!

Just looked this bike up. Fek me - 150 BHP !!!! I think I'll stay well away from that then. Sounds like one hell of a fun way to lose yer license. Cute bike though, but a bit to shiny for me.

 

[Giles]

Just looked this bike up. Fek me - 150 BHP !!!! I think I'll stay well away from that then. Sounds like one hell of a fun way to lose yer license. Cute bike though, but a bit to shiny for me.

I took one out this morning. Loved it!! I'd been for a hoon earlier in the morning on the Kent marshes with a three other mates; two on 690 smc's and one on a 990 Adventure. I was working my arse off keeping up with the 690's on the narrow marsh roads and could only really reel them in given a bit of straight. An hour later I was on the Multi Strada. What a machine! The 690 boys, for all their fun, were quick to say that they wouldn't want to do long distance trips on them. The Ducati is the perfect balance of sports bike fun with a bit of practical distance, luggage, and time in the saddle.

 

[snerkler]

I'd consider the Multistrada before the KTM every day of the week. If you prefer the liveliness of the KTM then surely the Multistrada is the cream of the crop?
When I decide to change the multistrada will be first on my list, although I'm not sold on the looks