KTM V GS

[trainman]

My first post!
Having had a 950 KTM Adv for 4 years and now returned to a GS1200 (I had the 1150 version before the KTM), a few observations that may be of interest:

KTM feels taller and lighter and you sit on it rather than in it (GS), feels more flickable as i guess the c of g is higher than the GS.

KTM motor spins up quicker and feels more powerful higher up the range, no doubt a smaller flywheel helps

1200 feels lighter than the old 1150 from memory, great improvement as I remember the older bus being a bit wallowy when loaded up

I do a lot of commuting, KTM mpg in town 35, GS about 45 currently

dont miss the rough running in winter on the KTM - carb icing!

glad to have the heated grips back!

KTM quality very good, run in all weathers and very little corrosion, puts the GS front engine cover to shame, spares and servicing quite reasonable and the clothing and accessories have developed the brand in the same way BMW has

KTM attracts a lot of attention, still a rare bike, drivers see you and it a mile off, a lot of orange visible from the front

would probably have another and the SMT looks like a good compromise between an all purpose bike and a good tourer, similar to the new Ducatis

anyway for now heres hoping the BMW does well and I dont yet have to work out what EWS and FPC means??

 

[APE]

what made you buy another GS ? - you don't sound convinced

 

[nickcgundogs]

Just get a 990 KTM, load it up with panniers, top box, tank bag and then ride it across a load of Cols in the Pyranees for 4 days, the fueling as you go around each hairpin bend will soon convince you that the GS is a better touring bike.

KTM is great for hooning about or off road but long continental journeys give me my GS any day

KTM last summer, GS this summer

Just my two pennies worth

 

[GSband]

Elektronische Wegfahr Sperre : Electronic Drive-off Obstruction (litterally).
FPC : Fuel Pump Controller.

 

[Deleted User O]

No comment


apart from the one above

 

[doyle]

Just get a 990 KTM, load it up with panniers, top box, tank bag and then ride it across a load of Cols in the Pyranees for 4 days, the fueling as you go around each hairpin bend will soon convince you that the GS is a better touring bike.

KTM is great for hooning about or off road but long continental journeys give me my GS any day

KTM last summer, GS this summer

Just my two pennies worth

Ahem, the original post did state it was a 950adv, with perfect fuelling.Each to his own,both great bikes.No doubt though when you get on a KTM it begs to be ridden quick

 

[trainman]

i had bought the KTM as i fancied something lighter and dare i say a bit quicker after the 1150, also for some strange reason Norwich did away with its BMW dealer for a few years and the KTM place seemed ok, i had considered KTM years before this but the engine failures had put me off, theres no doubt they cured this problem though

i came back to the 1200 as it seemed like a big step forward from the 1150, lighter and better looks, also we now have a dealer again and to be honest i wouldnt have one without a dealer nearby as i dont bother with servicing myself (i am an engineer but a lazy one)

whilst the fuelling might not be as good in some places (the 950 top end rush is good) the 1200 can certainly cope with less gear box prodding and will run cleanly much lower revs than the KTM (i imagine down to the fuel injection)

so far so good, am a happy bunny, dont intend to modify as yet but no doubt the bug will bite!!

 

[Tricky]

Best of both worlds

Had a KTM 990 loved it apart from the flaky FI.

Traded it for a late 950 (06) with nice smooth carbs... much better.

Still love my 56 plate GS Adv though for two up riding and touring Europe.

Never had two bikes before but hope to keep them both for some time.