Well, I guess you wont know if you dont give it a go.
Of the extras, none are big-cost items I would get excited about. Top-box isnt that cheap I guess... (and not many 2nd hand) so if thats useful to you, its worth something.
Well, not having owned or even ridden a GS, I cant give you much by way of comparison. There is unlikely to be any KTM elves that are going to take it during the night, fix it and return it in the morning (how much does that
cost by the way??).
On the flip side, you can pop a problem on Orange Crush (advrider) or even ktmforum.co.uk and get an answer within minutes or single-digit hours. Some very knowledgeable & helpful ppl on those forums. Ppl will go miles out of their way to help a fellow advrider.
I have a 950 - somewhat lower tech than an EFI 990, and I am confident I can take that thing well off the beaten track, and if I have a problem I can fix it myself.
Is it going to break down? Unlikely. As likely as any other bike IMO. There are guys who have done near 100k miles and motor still going strong.
There are some things you can check over yourself - some usual-suspect spares to carry (e.g. levers). Ultimately, pre-trip preparation & bike maintenance is
your responsibility. This includes the responsibility to check the bike over yourself - not rely on a dealer. A responsibility you may not want.
Is it stable over 95mph - er, yes. Is it pleasant at that speed? You might find it a bit windy - depending on your height and a bunch of other factors, you get some buffetting. From what I have read, you get that with the stock GS screen too?
You might find that the GS is the preferable mile-munching bike - at least thats what a lot of ex-GS KTM owners say. But I avoid that kind of riding... so I dunno.
My only advice regarding you having the only non-KTM amongst your mates is .... ****em !
Ride the bike thats fun - whichever it is.
Mooky,
Thanks for the reply.
The bike has Touratech screen extender, GPS mount and a seat,
Throttle cam--gives alittle slack?
Crash bars
Some carbon fibre protectors
big foot side stand extender
center stand?--not sure if thats an extra
Fitted top box
Heated grips--not ktm
Bit nervous of break down and not sure of how good on the fast motorway section, is it stable between 95-115mph. BMW has a great european network for recovery. Our group has used it only once on all of the trips, took the bike from hotel at night,and it was their next morning to continue. In all the mileages on trips we have done,1 battery failure, and 1 puncture, no mechanical faults at all. I just fancied a change, but imagine the stick I would get if the only non Bm broke down. The dealer coverage doesnt look too good, so it may take some time for them to assist.I do have a Honda Varedero, I could do it on that,. regardless if I bought the KTM. I suppose its just a confidence thing, but I dont know anyone with a KTM or anyone who has done a long trip on one, but obviously there are lots.
Thanks
Bill