Test rode a 09 KTM 990 Adventure today

[Jeremy]

Having ridden the updated 09 BMW 1200GSA last weekend and deciding that I preferred my existing 07 model, I decided to try the new and well reviewed 09 KTM 990 Adventure.

I spent an hour on the bike courtesy of Hyside Motorcycles in Romford http://www.hysidemotorcycles.co.uk and came away impressed. In summary:
positives
1. light and lithe - it feels like a mountain bike with an engine
2. what an engine - yes it vibes a lot more that my GSA but boy does it like to rev and it absolutely howls around the guage, what a hoot
3. suspension - very comfortable and forgiving on standard settings
4. looks - slim and purposeful bike, top notch equipment and build quality
5. comfortable - had no issues with the seat, bars just the right reach and my arms didn't feel as splayed out as my GSA
6. service - Hyside will offer a loan bike and service on a Saturday (they get good feedback on the KTM Forum which is why I choose them over Bracken or In Moto who are closer to me). The guys in sales and service were helpful, straightforward and obviously KTM fans
7. fuelling - none of the chug chug issues with the FI that I've read about on the previous model, smooth in town and easy to filter

negatives
1. screen - poor wind and weather protection vs the GSA
2. service intervals - first between 500-100, then every 4500
3. lack of standards goodies - no heated grips, engine bars, obvious place to add a GPS
4. chain - just being lazy as used to the shaft drive
5. distance bike - didn't feel like, roaring around at 70-80mph was not as comfortable
6. price - ok so vs a GSA at £10,895 on the road its on par but fewer extras and I'm not sure the whole package ie Bike+Dealer+Reliability+Capability is comparable with what I've experienced in five years of BMW ownership across four bikes

When I've read any of the reviews in Two, Bike or TBM, the one factor they all seem to focus on is FUN. And yes I can now see why as the bike does bring a huge grin factor.

To anyone who hasn't tried one, have a go. Have to say I am tempted by the bike but just thinking back to the 4200miles we did in nine days to Morocco back including four days of 750 each across and back through France and Spain, my GSA excelled. I'm not sure the KTM would.

But I'm tempted................

 

[the_laughing_mole]

Good review. I tried the new 990 Adventure yesterday down at Sideways nr Dorchester. I currently have an 1150GS with the all the bits (and all the weight ) and have been thinking about what next? The 1200GS has never done it for me and the 1200GSA is probably just too big for me! So have always been interested in the KTM.

Sideways were great - full tank of petrol, off you go, no rush back and no hard sell on the return either. How was the bike? Well, the previous review summed it up pretty well for me too:
THE +
The engine, the noise, how quickly it revs does give a lot of fun. It's agile, easy to throw around. Gearbox is slick, it's much lighter to push around than my GS and I like the looks. Finish looks good too. And throttle was smooth - I didn't notice any of the infamous jerking, maybe all the enginee & ECU changes they made with this model have worked.

THE -
Above about 75 the buffeting gets fairly intense and no adjustment possible in the screen - a major failing Mr KTM, so a long road & motorway journey would be painful compared to my GS. It's not as well planted on the road, so it's agility comes at the cost of stability. Didn't feel quit so confident when braking hard and throwing into a corner as the GS, probably the tyres. Brakes at first are compared to the BM servos, you REALLY have to pull hard.
Lastly the price rise to £10,800 and you'd need to then spec panniers, heated grips and extra lights to match my current spec. That's way too much money.

Sideways still had a new 2008 Adventure which was £8,995 - a big saving - but maybe also comes with the jerky throttle....

Overall, I did like it, it was fun and I'd love to have in my garage! But as my one bike....... I'm not sure.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I'm sure Premier Bike Didcot were selling 08's for £8495 otr

 

[Dave J]

or just buy a 950 and have no FI problems at all.

If you must have a 990, the snatchiness can be got round by fitting either a 200 or 400 throttle cam.

HTH

Dave J

 

[Fanum]

If you're going to do any long distance stuff or do any serious off roading with one, make sure you buy a set of fork seals and take them with you....they have a tendency to blow, leaving you and your bike in potential difficulties

 

[DavidHale]

And by the same token a decent seat enhancer; airhawk, sheepskin or similar.

Good review though, Jeremy. Often tempted myself, but funds won't stretch at the moment...

 

[JALFREZI]

Just to add to Bill's comments as it's my bike in the picture. If l had a choice of any bike for that Level 2 trip l would still had ridden the KTM no question and will when l go again.

The problem with the forks can be prevented l am now assured by fitting neoprene socks on the forks these prevent dust and grit getting past the dust seal.

To answer some of the other points raised.

Screen
The screen maybe small but gives just enough wind pressure to support the upper chest and better weather protection than it has a right to. I have never experienced buffeting but maybe that a height thing as l'm 6'-4'' and have never had a problem. They also do a taller touring screen which may help some people.

Brakes
Brembo brakes are no problem but can be noisy on the 950 at times. Personnely l prefer not to have servo or anti-lock, to much to go wrong.

950 or 990
Mine is a 2004 950 carbed bike which l have found to feel faster and revs free'er than a stock 990 but that could be down to the difference in mileage between the two bikes. Also with Akro's fitted and the baffels remove it sounds brilliant.

Seat
Cannot disagree with seat comfort. As an '04 model the original seat was higher and harder (the suspension was also 20mm higher than '05 onwards) but KTM did provide a lower gel seat free of charge.
I wanted a higher seat so l bought a Touratech which is a bit more comfortable on the road as i'm stopping every 160 miles for fuel. Off-road in Morocco l was sitting most of the time on all surfaces from graded pistes to rock and the WP suspension just soaked it up (please do not bring up the seals again).

Carb or FI
Carbs on tarmac the fueling is spot on, pulls like a train up to the limiter. Off road on more technical piste's l will be altering the throttle cam just to soften it a bit at very low speeds otherwise great on everything else, just wants to go faster.

Stability
No problem, even with those huge plastic panniers on l can still maintain 90mph. Handles like a sports bike with stock tyres and has lean angles way above my skill level. Was great on TKC's especially fast mixed surface twisty mountain roads.

Main difference between the bikes for a lot of people will be if you regulary take a pillion, if you do then it will be the GS.

Also, do not dismiss how important the grin factor is, that's what biking is all about, to me that was the biggest difference between the 950 adventure and the 1200GS.

 

[Zoton]

Just to add to Bill's comments as it's my bike in the picture. If l had a choice of any bike for that Level 2 trip l would still had ridden the KTM no question and will when l go again.

The problem with the forks can be prevented l am now assured by fitting neoprene socks on the forks these prevent dust and grit getting past the dust seal.

.

Fit the sock and maybee

KTM FORK PRO BLEEDER SET
Specially for WP Fork designed bleeder valves allow quick and accurate removal of built up, unwanted air inside your fork legs .

Price: £16.24 (Including VAT at 15%)

 

[JALFREZI]

Fit the sock and maybee

KTM FORK PRO BLEEDER SET
Specially for WP Fork designed bleeder valves allow quick and accurate removal of built up, unwanted air inside your fork legs .

Price: £16.24 (Including VAT at 15%)

Hi Zoton
Yup have done that as well. Much better than that little screw.