"KTM 990 Adv. as a commuter - what do we think?" thread in "Motorbike Chat"
I'm looking to replace my aging VFR, and I need a commuting tool. My daily ride takes in twisty country roads, stretches of dual carriageway, ...

I'm looking to replace my aging VFR, and I need a commuting tool. My daily ride takes in twisty country roads, stretches of dual carriageway, some very bumpy bits of road, Putney and into West London.

I want a bike with a sit-up, commanding riding position, something which is narrow and easy to chuck about in traffic, something which I can scratch hard on the twisties, and which will last 4 years and 50K.

I don't really mind how powerful an engine is, as I care more about handling characteristics. I prefer lighter bikes, but I want good weather protection.

Choices at the mo are the Buell Ulysses, BMW GS 1200, or the KTM Adventure.

I seriously dig the KTM, but is is quite ugly. I would get the Akros, the lowered gel seat, and the heated grips.

Has anyone owned one for long, and can tell me what they experienced?

Or does anyone else have any better suggestions?

Going by reports on the interwobble it doesn't sound like KTMs are made for regular consistent use, more as a plaything. Why not give something like a husky a test ride, owners on here seem very happy with them.






stands back and waits

---

The Cardiomyopathy Association a heart muscle research leader
http://www.cardiomyopathy.org


Accelerated ageing made easy

I'm always dreaming about a 990 Adventure. I'd really like one.

Servicing is fairly pricey and the valve clearances needed doing relatively often (every 8000 or 12,000 miles??).

A handful of tales of woe from US owners on websites but probably no more than most other bikes.

Not sure about MPG, as in don't know.

I'd still really like one though. Works well everywhere.

---

Lying outrageously on the internet since 2003

you want a Multistrada you do.

---

------------------
GP

I test rode a Multistrada and loved it.

But that motor is just stuck right out there in the air. It wouldn't last five minutes.

THe KTM appeals in that respect because everything is tucked away and protected.

I'm testing an Adventure at the weekend, and I just hope it is as good as the Multistrada to ride.

Thats definitely doesn't apply to the 990's.....they are a proper adventure bike, although some reports say the FI makes for a snatchy throttle round town/traffic..and the fuel economy is abyssmal..but if you can live with 30 or less to the gallon then it would make a great commuter..

---

Es mejor morir de pies que vivir en las rodillas

MC 004

A good mate has the 950 Adv,more or less the same bike bar the injection replacing carbs.

He has over 20k on his with no issues. He uses it to take him places rather than commute,but I'm sure it could cope. The seat height is fairly tall if that's an issue for you,it would be just on the limit for me. Slow speed balance is good. Oil changing is a protracted and fussy affair.

I haven't heard him mention anything adverse concerning mpg.

I had one as a loner when my SM was being serviced...
Great motor, handling good
Cramped seating position, lots of buffeting

And the low speed fueling was just horrible. Out of town , it was a hoot. In town it was the worst bike I have ever ridden

I think its a 990 thing...

from here..2006 KTM 990 Adventure - First Ride - Motorcyclist Magazine

---

Es mejor morir de pies que vivir en las rodillas

MC 004

I'm used to a snatchy throttle and poor fuel economy on the VFR, although less than 30 mpg is really pretty bad, when the new BMW GS800 does about 60 mpg.

Although, having said that, I've always got way better fuel economy on the VFR than mag reports would suggest - easily 175 miles a tank. At the 'Ring I drained a tank in less than 100 miles. Maybe my daily riding style would see the Adventure claw its way back up to about 40 mpg.

Why is the fuel economy on the KTM so bad? There is no exscuse for it these days. The LC8 engine is very new.

What? in terms of corrosion? being struck by incredibly small pedestrians? Its an old air cooled lump - plenty of very old ones stil out there

---

------------------
GP

I had the KTM for a year, and it was tremendous fun, and much better than I was expecting for long, fast journeys. I had an 1150GS at the same time, and the KTM was slightly more of a handful to wrestle around in heavy traffic because it was so tall. Maybe the low seat would cure that.

If you'll be commuting through the winter I'd have thought the KTM's chain would be a bloody nightmare. And the BM is so fantastically practical in rubbish weather - sockets to plug in your heated waistcoat etc. And p'raps the KTM's finish wouldn't last so well? I dunno.

But the KTM is dead funky and an experience everyone should try, if their legs are long enough. The only complaint I can think of is that I preferred the BM's telelever front end to the KTM's fork dive. And that I had to sell it.

Not sure I could be antisocial enough to put Akros on it, but that's me. What about the poor cyclists and pedestrians who have to put up with all that racket?

I really am getting old.

Agreed there is no excuse..but I dont think the LC8 engine is particulary new ... or hi tech...

The GS800 would be a good commuter but the new 650gs even better..same 800 twin engine, better power delivery for commuting and less hardcore etc....and the 1500 quid you would save would pay for a lot of fuel

---

Es mejor morir de pies que vivir en las rodillas

MC 004

Hmm. Thats interesting. I'll definately factor in some tight urban riding on my test ride to see how it feels.

I've heard the same criticism being made agains the VFR, but I've never had any problems at all. Maybe its just me.

I don't like the sound of the buffeting. Why so these bikes with these massive screens behave worse than sporty bikes with small screens. Again, theres no excuse. I just hope it depends on one's size, and that it is ok for me.

Yes I know, I've seen them, all corroded to hell and back.

I am a big fan of the Multistrada, it was such a brilliant hoot to ride. But for an all year tool, I'm not sure I would be confident enough to hand over my cash . . .

Maybe I'm wrong.