What are they like to live with?

[flytoolow]

Well, I tried a 1190 adv last weekend and I must admit coming from a BMW 1150 GSA it was the only bike that impressed me for a long time.

I've tried the 1200 gs, the Triumph exp, the Yamaha , aprilla cap, but the Ktm is currently the only machine that truly has got under my skin, and I am thinking of changing. Well, I won't sell the GSA but maybe add a ktm to the fleet.

I've heard lots of stories about regular and frequent servicing requirements ok KTMs etc, and I'm not used to chain drive obviously . I home service my GSA about once a year, change fluids, filters pads etc and it just keeps on going

I've. Noticed that the new 1190 has a service interval of 15000 km, how does this compare to the "regular" reliability of the overall machine ?

Anyone care to comment about the reliability , of this new bike compared to other models of the past, or is it an unfounded concern ?

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Hi Fella,

I've had both 990 and 950 Adventures and have found them both to be superb bikes and enjoyed the ownership of both immensely!

They're a little more complicated to work on than the BM boxers, leave a couple of hours for an oil change (Dry sump, two drain plugs and two filters) and leave a whole day to do the valve clearances.
They have a fairly fragile water pump setup in that the shafts have a life of 15-20k miles (depending on how lucky you are) but are a relatively easy fix and there's a company called CJ designs that manufacture an uprated kit that you can fit and forget about.
Clutch slave cylinders don't last forever either, the clutch runs mineral oil which will eventually eat away at the seals. Oberon make beautiful billet replacements for less than £100, again, fit and forget (Or admire!) and it's a half hour job tops.

Those are the only real considerations, the engine is superb, the suspension is superb and they are fantastic to ride.

The 990's can be a little heavy on juice, down to 35mpg if ridden hard and the throttle response is ...... sharp!

I currently have a 950 which is a different animal altogether, it's got a creamy throttle response, has exactly the same power and performance as a 990 but returns me 45-50mpg when ridden in the same manner.

Another huge benefit on either bike is there's no can bus, just a lovely fuse box and conventional electrics.

The chain drive for me is another plus, set of chain / sprockets will cost you just over £100 and looked after will do 20k miles. I have a scottoiler on mine which does about 1000 miles between fill ups. I check the chain adjustment at the same time. All in all it takes me about 5 minutes.

Here's a couple of pics of mine to get you warmed up

 

[JiTe]

Seriously guys, where do you find time to keep your bikes this immaculate?
I used to do all that polishing with my GSA. With 990R i'm just so busy driving it that i hardly have time to wash it.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Anyone care to comment about the reliability , of this new bike compared to other models of the past, or is it an unfounded concern ?

Who knows about the reliability of a bike that's been out for about two months?

You need to ask again in another 12

 

[shay]

This is a thread from advrider, Joe took a new 1190r across Africa, no support vehicles and no issues:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=841341

and a post from Joe at 7,000km+

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20427335&postcount=142