It's great to hear from people who have tried both. I love the 800. I rode it on the bmw level 1 off-road course before I got mine and although I had never ridden one before and had never ridden off road i found it so much fun - day 2 I even managed some air! It handles like a BMX!!! I used to have a 1150 adventure which was too big for me but I can imagine wanting to step up from the 800 in a couple of years but would never go back to the 1150s/1200s. Sounds like the 990 would be a good place to start.
Could you be more specific?
OK not exactly what you asked, but I've ridden an F800GS and a KTM 990 adventure back to back on the same day. Both completely stock dealer test bikes.
The KTM is quicker, it's got a ridiculous amount of shove to it, very torquey and a completely different animal to the 800. It's a bit better at handling motorway cruising thanks to its fairly low gearing, and it's got a much better screen (Though you say you've changed yours anyway).
The 800 is more of a fun bike, less serious than the KTM if that makes any sense. they're both great down little gravelly back roads, but thanks to the weight the 800 just feels more at home there to me (though I'm no offroad god, never even seen proper dirt!). Also I found there was more feel in the suspension than on the KTM, which felt a really tiny bit like the 12gs in that it was beautifully stable but you don't get quite the feel from the wheels, it just plows through bumps without a care in the world. In terms of handling I thought they were really very similar to be honest, both have massive front wheels and masses of ground clearance, and both good fun.
The 990's fuel delivery is really jerky, the 800's much smoother in traffic, but then you asked about the carb fed 950 which I've heard is as smooth as you like.
Personally I fell in love with the little 800, I think it's a great bike. The KTM's just as good, perhaps better, though it's more of a serious bike, it's a bit of an animal. It's got more grunt and is a more practical tourer, but the lightness of the 800 means it's more fun down less travelled roads.
I'm considering one or the other, and some days I prefer the 800, some days I prefer the KTM. Both are superb bikes to ride, but at least this way you've got that nice comfortable BMW warranty and aftersales treatment (something that's helped me to no end more than once). That said, KTM's parts are supposed to be cheaper? Dunno.
At this moment in time, I think if I could just go into a shop and buy an 800gs, I'd probably do it. I would with a KTM too, but I'd have to think a bit harder. All in all, I'm inconclusive
just read the windscreen disgust thread on ADV rider its quite a big thread. Also to big to take of road unless you dont mind dropping it.
Hi guys, I currently own a 990 Adventure S which i am just about to sell for a F800gs (have deposit down) I have done 4500 miles on the KTM and i will try to summarize it now: Fun bike with plenty of poke, very vibey past 5000 rpm, terrible fueling at constant traffic speeds 30mph (unusable in 1st gear) though has got slightly better as the mileage has increased. Biggest gripe is the screen in a word F&**$^g awful - bought the bike to go touring with my girlfriend (much worse 2up btw) and I think twice about anything over 10 miles as my brain and ears can no longer take the unbearable buffeting/drumming even with earplugs - it makes my sight go blurry over 60 mph. Just cant understand Johny L saying the screen is better and the bike is better for touring, maybe stationary it looks more competent
Test rode the F800GS and liked it cos the screen is smaller meeing my helmet isin cleaner air but one things for sure i will miss the power of the big KTM.
Bit frustrated as the perfect bike for me just doesnt exist anybody else feel like this?
cheers
Mine's perfect for me now, and I'm still not 100% happy with it! Truth be told though I'm just bored and fancy a change.
. KTM do a touring screen, not sure if you've tried that? It's not very expensive apparently.
The thing with screens is they're a very personal thing, dependant on rider's size, shape, and ride position. What suits me might not suit others
Hi guys, I currently own a 990 Adventure S which i am just about to sell for a F800gs (have deposit down) I have done 4500 miles on the KTM and i will try to summarize it now: Fun bike with plenty of poke, very vibey past 5000 rpm, terrible fueling at constant traffic speeds 30mph (unusable in 1st gear) though has got slightly better as the mileage has increased. Biggest gripe is the screen in a word F&**$^g awful - bought the bike to go touring with my girlfriend (much worse 2up btw) and I think twice about anything over 10 miles as my brain and ears can no longer take the unbearable buffeting/drumming even with earplugs - it makes my sight go blurry over 60 mph. Just cant understand Johny L saying the screen is better and the bike is better for touring, maybe stationary it looks more competent
Test rode the F800GS and liked it cos the screen is smaller meeing my helmet isin cleaner air but one things for sure i will miss the power of the big KTM.
Bit frustrated as the perfect bike for me just doesnt exist anybody else feel like this?
cheers
For the most part, KTM bits are cheaper. However, I have had experience of both BMW and KTM aftersales and warranty service and there is no contest. KTM every time. May vary from dealer to dealer, of course...
For £90 or so the touring screen solved this problem for me but there is no perfect screen. I do still keep the wee screen on for all but touring as it makes the bike feel nimbler - all in the mind?
Probably the biggest gripe and one that cannot be ignored.
There are several...
Try the following:
