just suppossin'.....

[Austin]

Ok, so just supposin' a 2007 KTM 990 Adventure had been seen for sale and appeared to be such absolutely stonking value that a staunch Honda owner was severely tempted and a credit card could be flexed to buy it.

What would the propsective buyer of such a mega deal look out for?

What about servicing costs - I see Stan's 9K service was £400, what about other services? How often, how much? Is it feasible for at least some servicing to be DIY - I hear they can be a bit a nightmare to work on.

What's the good points... what's the bad points.

The bike has not been seen in the flesh yet, but the advert is seductive.

[Dogfart]

Austin,

Just supposin' I got a 2005 950 in lovely orange at the weekend for a bargain price off of eBay. I would have no experience and am not much of a mechanic ( Computer nerd ). I would still be doing at least the small service which is basically just and oil change at home. There is lots of info and help on the KTM forums and plenty of workshop manuals with pics to be had on ebay.

had a BMW 1150 and never spent a penny on servicing, the BM service kit cost £11.50 from BMW dealer and I got the oil from B&Q for a fiver. I fully intend doing the same with the KTM.

Go for it, really nice bike Im very impressed with it.:thumbright:

Allan

[stanbloke]

Ok, so just supposin' a 2007 KTM 990 Adventure had been seen for sale and appeared to be such absolutely stonking value that a staunch Honda owner was severely tempted and a credit card could be flexed to buy it.

What would the propsective buyer of such a mega deal look out for?

What about servicing costs - I see Stan's 9K service was £400, what about other services? How often, how much? Is it feasible for at least some servicing to be DIY - I hear they can be a bit a nightmare to work on.

What's the good points... what's the bad points.

The bike has not been seen in the flesh yet, but the advert is seductive.


:sign5::sign5::sign5::sign5:.

As soon as the warranty is up on mine all the servicing will be done by me.:thumbup:.

There is loads of help out there if you want to work on your own bike and I've had mine apart and it's dead easy.:D.

Ride one first, just to make sure :rolleyes:they are different to the Vara. :D. Not as good two up IMHO, but the Vara excels at that, (ask Nursey tho :rolleyes:).

Good luck tho mate.:thumbright: They are completely addictive!!!!.:D:D:D:D.

[Wee Jack]

There are a lot of "nay sayers" out there who like to bad mouth KTMs without actually ever having ridden or owned one , and a lot of urban myths regarding HUGE servicing costs etc. Tank range is another thing that people who don't own them seem to slate.

I have had a 990 from brand new (bought Aug 2007) and it has got approx 12k on it now. It died on me once with a fuel pump failure at 1600 miles , but fuel pump failures happen even on ultra reliable Hondas too - ask most AT owners !!!!!

Servicing cost are no higher than dealer servicing of Hondas , I have mine dealer serviced to retain warranty validation , but fully intend to do at least the interim service myself after Aug 2009, once the warranty expires. I spend less on servicing the KTM than I did on the Pan European.
One interesting difference is that on Hondas and most other bikes the servicing schedule is Small - Large - Small - Large etc with KTM it's Large - Small - Large ?????? so there is a big service with valve clearance checks etc at 600 miles , then an oil change at 4500 miles etc.

Tanks range is around 180 - 200 miles and the fuel light comes on at around 140 miles . I'm into the habit of refueling at around 150 miles and to be perfectly honest , I never understood the argument that carrying 400+ miles of fuel is good when my arse has a range of 100 - 150 miles and my caffine addiction needs a fix around the same time and my 50 year old bladder needs routine maintenance afer a couple of hours anyway !!!!! But you will never win the "my knob is bigger than your knob" competition with GS riders and their 40 litre tanks !!!

They are very satisfying bikes to ride , nice low C.O.G., awesome handling for a big trailie and one of the most well ballanced bikes to ride at slow speeds. Some people have issues with the ultra responsive throttle but I and most other owners fit the G2 Ergonomics Throttle cam, that , and the very latest fuel mapping - has totally cured the "issue" - but still leaves one hell of a satisfying "urge" when you want to get cracking !!

I love my big Katoom and I am looking at this as a "keeper" , but everyone looks for different things in a motorcycle and you should have a decent run on it to ensure tis for you.

The way I look at it is - if the KTM is the sort of bike that floats your boat - then you are still a big kid at heart !!!! THATS ME !!!:thumbright:

Enjoy Austin - you will make the right choice for you , but be warned don't ride one unless you've got the readies to buy it , cause the big seductive bitch will reel you in like a well played Salmon!!! :teeth:

EDIT : and another thing - you will be surprised at the number of car drivers at petrol stations who instantly recognised the bike and come over pointing and saying "thats the bike that Euan and Charlie really wanted to take isn't it ?"

[Chad]

:sign5::sign5::sign5::sign5:.

As soon as the warranty is up on mine all the servicing will be done by me.:thumbup:.

There is loads of help out there if you want to work on your own bike and I've had mine apart and it's dead easy.:D.

Ride one first, just to make sure :rolleyes:they are different to the Vara. :D. Not as good two up IMHO, but the Vara excels at that, (ask Nursey tho :rolleyes:).

Good luck tho mate.:thumbright: They are completely addictive!!!!.:D:D:D:D.got to say stan i dissagree with the two up statement me and stevie did the normandy trip and she thinks theres not much to choose between the vara and the ktm ...everything else is bang on though:thumbup:

[Cie]

Austin, buy it!!!!

I just picked mine up and it is .... well, I don't have the words. You will not be disappointed.

[Chad]

Austin, buy it!!!!

I just picked mine up and it is .... well, I don't have the words. You will not be disappointed.
hehehehehe a different world isnt it mate:D:D:D:D

[Dogfart]

Tanks range is around 180 - 200 miles and the fuel light comes on at around 140 miles .
EDIT : and another thing - you will be surprised at the number of car drivers at petrol stations who instantly recognised the bike and come over pointing and saying "thats the bike that Euan and Charlie really wanted to take isn't it ?



is this correct, I will be disappointed if I only get 180 out of a 22 liter tank

Dogfart

[stanbloke]

is this correct, I will be disappointed if I only get 180 out of a 22 liter tank

Dogfart

Get used to dissapiontment then fella:thumbleft:, these engines are built for performance not economy, if you want economy buy a transalp.:D



I managed to empty both tanks in 111miles trying to catch WeeJack on the longest day.:rolleyes::D:D:D:D. and the best i had was 63mpg (no idea how this happened tho.:toothy10::toothy10::toothy10:.

[Chad]

is this correct, I will be disappointed if I only get 180 out of a 22 liter tank

Dogfart
in reality the 990s tank is around 19ltrs because the fuel pump is inside the tank , ive regularly had around 45-50 to the gallon out of mine:D


what this bike gives you is well worth the loss of a couple of miles to the gallon:D:D:D its a beast:thumbup:

[Austin]

I knew this would happen..... all good news, and :nike:, and "get one they are great". :confused:

Someone please tell me the downside...:eek:

[Chad]

:D:DI knew this would happen..... all good news, and :nike:, and "get one they are great". :confused:

Someone please tell me the downside...:eek:
down side let me see errr sorry mate there isnt any oh hang on there is
a slightly limited tyre choice :confused: but that is changing and the scorpions are so fookin good and last for nigh on 10.000 miles anyway its not really a down side:D:D:D:D:D


go on ride it i DARE YOU:D:D:D

[Dogfart]

managed a wee run tonight, that's the first real ride I have had since getting the bike at the weekend.

down sides;

seat height can take some getting used to. Im 5:10 and managed no problem with a Triumph Tiger and a BMW 1150GS but for some reason I seem to be on my toes on this one. guess I will get used to it.

Scorpion front tyre seems to follow the crap bits in the road, this could be down to wear so I will reserve judgment on that one.

Emm can't think of anything else, emm, emm your ****ed if you don’t like orange, emm, emm back wheel locks up if you change down too quick but I think that’s fun.

Think that’s about it.

Dogfart

[Chad]

Scorpion front tyre seems to follow the crap bits in the road, this could be down to wear so I will reserve judgment on that one.



Dogfart could be tyre wear could be tyre pressures, another thing worth checking is that some numpty hasnt been playing with the front suspention settings..im assuming if you have tyre wear the bike was second hand so the suspention setting could have been tamperd with:thumbup:

ive always found the scorpions excellent:thumbup:

[Dogfart]

could be tyre wear could be tyre pressures, another thing worth checking is that some numpty hasnt been playing with the front suspention settings..im assuming if you have tyre wear the bike was second hand so the suspention setting could have been tamperd with:thumbup:

ive always found the scorpions excellent:thumbup:


Hi Chad,

agreed it could be any of the above, I have reset the back end to default but have not had time to check the front yet. I'll start with tyre pressure and work my way up. having said that I do find that tyres tend to do this near the end of their life.

[Chad]

Hi Chad,

agreed it could be any of the above, I have reset the back end to default but have not had time to check the front yet. I'll start with tyre pressure and work my way up. having said that I do find that tyres tend to do this near the end of their life.
aye ive had 10.000 miles out of a set of scorps and they were still pretty good:thumbup:

hope you nail it down dude

[piguglyshandydrinker]

I really must stop visiting the KTM section........:error:

Phil

[Austin]

I really must stop visiting the KTM section........:error:

Phil

if i decide the bike is not for me I will let you in on the secret of where its advertised:thumbup:

[piguglyshandydrinker]

if i decide the bike is not for me I will let you in on the secret of where its advertised:thumbup:

STOP BEING SO.......... HELPFUL

Anyway - I can't 'cos I'm looking at spending a similar amount on a new van (ferchrissakes....)
Phil

[Dogfart]

could be tyre wear could be tyre pressures, another thing worth checking is that some numpty hasnt been playing with the front suspention settings..im assuming if you have tyre wear the bike was second hand so the suspention setting could have been tamperd with:thumbup:

ive always found the scorpions excellent:thumbup:


checked tyres tonight, they were well low 26psi front and 28psi rear, could explain a lot. :rolleyes:

Dogfart

[Chad]

checked tyres tonight, they were well low 26psi front and 28psi rear, could explain a lot. :rolleyes:

Dogfart:D:D:D:D

[Wee Jack]

I knew this would happen..... all good news, and :nike:, and "get one they are great". :confused:

Someone please tell me the downside...:eek:

I thought I did give you it, warts 'n all - just goes to show - even the downside is good !!!! :D

Just ride the bloomin thing and make your own mind up - if you do - you'll be orange within a week!!:thumbright: AND THAT IS A PROMISE !!!

[Wee Jack]

managed a wee run tonight, ...........down sides;

seat height can take some getting used to. Im 5:10 .............. I seem to be on my toes on this one. guess I will get used to it.

Dogfart

You will - I'm 5' 5" and it's not ever been an issue - low C.O.G. and perfect balance , means that even hobbits like me can run them !!!:D

[Chad]

You will - I'm 5' 5" and it's not ever been an issue - low C.O.G. and perfect balance , means that even hobbits like me can run them !!!:D
hello mr frodo:D:D:D:D

[J]

If one was to come up on the cheap and I could get away with it I'd have it and I'am BEEMER driver.:hitler: it would have to be as "S" like Stans Tho

[Austin]

I am going to have a look at the bike this afternoon and hopefully a go on it. I phoned the guy, its been stood a while and needs a bit of TLC to bring it back to tip top condition - just dust and grime from being shoved into the corner of a workshop and small rip in the seat, so we will see what's needed, but it does give a bit of negotiation leverage.

I am feeling a bit excited.:blob6:

[Dogfart]

Go for it, a new seat isn’t that expensive :thumbright:Im lovin my new bike, I even had a go off road and they are not lying when they say it works off road. I did the same route with my old BM1150 and was sh*ting myself.


PS handling problem sorted now that I have the correct tyre pressures.:p

Dogfart

[Cie]

.... it back to tip top condition - just dust and grime from being shoved into the corner of a workshop

What a crime!

If nothing else, have a fun ride... I know you will :thumbright:

[Dogfart]

actually I just had a thought, Don’t buy it. The whole reason I went for this bike was I wanted something that would do it all but didn’t want a BMW 1200GS because every f—er has one and they travel in packs.:confused:

[Chad]

actually I just had a thought, Don’t buy it. The whole reason I went for this bike was I wanted something that would do it all but didn’t want a BMW 1200GS because every f—er has one and they travel in packs.:confused:
:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D

[Austin]

just back from looking. Its a black Adventure EFI with 7,000 miles, pannier frames and panniers somewhere. I Didn't get a go, but hopefully will next week. It's at a dealers and has a bit of a sad history. It belonged to a guy who was killed in an RTA along with his wife and least of one of their kids (might have been 2) a few months back. His family returned the bike to the dealers but the bike couldn't be sold until probate or whatever had been granted to the trustees of the will. This has all just happened. In the meantime the bike has been in the back of the workshop. Flat battery, softish tyres, and they said they wouldn't let me go on it until it had been through the workshop, checked etc etc. Which is fair enough, if they don't know the bike is A-OK they wouldn't want to risk me riding it. Should be cleaned, polished, checked over this coming week though.

I have got a horrible feeling I am going ride it, love it, and buy it. It felt good enough just sitting on it:thumbright:

For sale...... Black Varadero......anyone???????

[Slimie]

Yer doomed, DOOMED I tell ya!!

The only downside to owning the Adv, IMHO is the lack of time to ride it.

Mine's sat there, all "go on, you know you want to..." but I have to go to work or do kid stuff. Snot fair AT ALL.

It's a great machine, honestly.

-Simon

[doglegdon]

Only word that comes to mind for me with regard to my 'S', is "awesome"!:thumbup: I did over 1800kms in less than a week, an awful lot of it, off road/very bad road too. (Note to self, make sure all nuts/bolts are fully tightened before leaving showroom, Scorpions are not too good in thick, clay type mud and don't go over 150kph with panniers on!) Other than that two words now come to mind, "truely awesome!":D:D:D

[Jacqueslemac]

managed a wee run tonight, that's the first real ride I have had since getting the bike at the weekend.

down sides;

seat height can take some getting used to. Im 5:10 and managed no problem with a Triumph Tiger and a BMW 1150GS but for some reason I seem to be on my toes on this one. guess I will get used to it.

That's odd. I'm 5' 9" and when I sat on a standard 990 in the dealer's it felt much lower than my Tiger (because it's narrower). Chad's has a higher seat and was no higher than my Tiger, even with the extra 2".

[Dogfart]

That's odd. I'm 5' 9" and when I sat on a standard 990 in the dealer's it felt much lower than my Tiger (because it's narrower). Chad's has a higher seat and was no higher than my Tiger, even with the extra 2".

could just be me imagination, Im a big trailie man through and through but for reasons unknown in a moment of madness I bought a Fazer 1000 last year. I guess I need some time to get back used to the big cats again. I will have a go on my mates Tiger next time we are out and see what the difference is.

[outrunner]

I will have a go on my mates Tiger next time we are out and see what the difference is.

You mean I will have to drive something ORANGE!!! :(;)


Andy.

[Snaphappy]

I'm only lookin'


First rule of engagement - know the enemy :hitler::hitler::hitler:

all weaknesses noted


on a postage stamp

[vanman]

once you ride it you will be hooked !! I bought one 5 weeks ago, now done 1100 miles ,took it down a local byeway on the way home from the dealers, not as light and easy as my XR250 but will be having a proper go soon with lower tyre pressures and off road gear on. fantastic bike on the road,handles great and ain't too slow either..........

[vanman]

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z65/vanman_photos/ktm-adventure-04-bikepics-141529.jpg looks like KTM gives you wings!!

[Wee Jack]

just back from looking. Its a black Adventure EFI with 7,000 miles, pannier frames and panniers somewhere. I Didn't get a go, but hopefully will next week. It's at a dealers and has a bit of a sad history. It belonged to a guy who was killed in an RTA along with his wife and least of one of their kids (might have been 2) a few months back. His family returned the bike to the dealers but the bike couldn't be sold until probate or whatever had been granted to the trustees of the will. This has all just happened. In the meantime the bike has been in the back of the workshop. Flat battery, softish tyres, and they said they wouldn't let me go on it until it had been through the workshop, checked etc etc. Which is fair enough, if they don't know the bike is A-OK they wouldn't want to risk me riding it. Should be cleaned, polished, checked over this coming week though.

I have got a horrible feeling I am going ride it, love it, and buy it. It felt good enough just sitting on it:thumbright:

For sale...... Black Varadero......anyone???????

Jeez what a sad story !!

But!! fast forward about 1 week ................... Welcome to the club Austin !!! you WILL buy this bike , it's no use fighting , your will be hooked and reeled in.

Enjoy

[piguglyshandydrinker]

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z65/vanman_photos/ktm-adventure-04-bikepics-141529.jpg looks like KTM gives you wings!!


Gotta be a calendar pic!

Phil

[Dogfart]

That's odd. I'm 5' 9" and when I sat on a standard 990 in the dealer's it felt much lower than my Tiger (because it's narrower). Chad's has a higher seat and was no higher than my Tiger, even with the extra 2".

Have re done suspension both ends and can now get my feet down, guy I bought it off must have fiddled with it,:thumbright: I still say its higher than the Tiger. Now all I need to do is get it stripped down and covered in ACF50 for the winter roads.

[Dogfart]

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z65/vanman_photos/ktm-adventure-04-bikepics-141529.jpg looks like KTM gives you wings!!

It's me, or at least it was in my dreams last night, wondered why the bed was wet in the morning.:D:D

[Snaphappy]

It's me, or at least it was in my dreams last night, wondered why the bed was wet in the morning.:D:D

Why, S#it myself have you

:D:D:D:D:D

[Dogfart]

if the wheels left the ground by more than an inch I probably would sh?t myself.:blob3:

[Chad]

these things whealie for england and make me scream like a baby when they do:D:D:D

[Slimie]

if the wheels left the ground by more than an inch I probably would sh?t myself.:blob3:

He he, we've got two bridges in the village 20 mph area and I can get the wheels off the ground on both of them!

At 15 mph it feels quite safe yet still thrilling!!

Mind you Chad got the front wheel of his BMW off the road not far from here...

-Simon

[Chad]

He he, we've got two bridges in the village 20 mph area and I can get the wheels off the ground on both of them!

At 15 mph it feels quite safe yet still thrilling!!

Mind you Chad got the front wheel of his BMW off the road not far from here...

-Simon
yup and still screamed like a baby:D:D:D:D:D

[Slimie]

yup and still screamed like a baby:D:D:D:D:D

Me too, every time!!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

-Simon

[Austin]

test ride tomorrow:blob7::blob7::blob7:

[Cie]

Uh-oh!

Best fire up the grin-o-meter again then, and make sure it still goes to eleven!

Enjoy, and don't say we didn't warn you.

[Slimie]

Before you go you might want to read this...

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401664


Best to go with an open mind :D:D:D

Have a great ride!

-Simon

[Austin]

bugger, things didn't quite work out how I thought. :(

First of all the dealer (triple D in Kendal) is a motorsport only dealer and doesn't have insurance for test rides :confused: My insurance only covers my named bikes so the test ride was limited to the yard (about 30metres x 40metres). Despite that limitation the bike was really good to ride - I could 360 /720 or more full lock circles easy peasy, the brakes are good, the bike sounds good, everything falls to hand really well, but the seat is erm, hard and I suspect comfortable for all of 1/2 hour or so. Even Mrs Austin was impressed, except for the seat.

Secondly what is advertised as an '07 bike turns out to be an July 06 bike - out of warranty and at least 9 months older than I was first told. The deal is beginning to not look so good. Its £5995 and said to be with panniers.

Thirdly, now the bike has been cleaned properly it has clearly suffered while it has been stood. The spokes on both wheels were very rusty - more rust than chrome. The rear shocker spring was also very rusty, there was oxidation on quite a lot of exposed alloy and several fasteners were also suffering. The bike had been dropped both sides -just minor scratches, but enough and there was a big gouge in one of the fairing panels. With a close up inspection it looked a bit sad, especially compared to my almost pristine Vara.

Fourthly it is also very close to its 8k service - they said £280 but then said they can't do it as they don't have the service equipment for FI bikes.

Finally it has none of the stuff on it I would want - crash bars, luggage (the dealer doesn'tknow what the guy's estate has done with the panniers), scotoiler, etc etc. So that would be another few hundred quid kitting it out properly

I went and had a cup of coffee and decided the bike isn't for me - well that's my decision at 5.30 today anyway as it has been yes/no/yes/no/ all day Its tempting to make a silly offer though and see what happens.

Hey ho, another day perhaps:D

[Cie]

Good choice I think, especially when £6k is 2/3rds of a new one!

[Dogfart]

I would walk away.

I seen an 06 990 on autotrader just the other week with full luggage, crashbars, Akro's and next to no miles on the clock for £6200. I got my 05 reg 950 with full luggage, scott oiler, crach bars and high front mudguard for £5100:thumbup:

its a bit hard on anyone who has bought new but thats just the way it is, money is tight just now.

just my two pence worth:angel10:

Dogfart.

[stanbloke]

Walk away Austin. there's always another one.:thumbup::D:D.

[doglegdon]

Walk away Austin. there's always another one.:thumbup::D:D.

Thoroughly seconded. Plenty more fish in "blue and orange sea", mate!:thumbup::D:D:D

[Wee Jack]

I wouldn't touch it Austin - there are plenty more in your price range better than that one. But !! the important thing is that your very limited test ride showed you how nicely balanced they are , and if you get one with the optional gel seat - standard fit from 2007 onwards , you'll notice they are quite comfy.

[Chad]

yes mate walk away there are much better out there for that money ,,,and to be fair the dealer sounds a bit clueless:confused:

[Austin]

yep, after a couple of days I am not even thinking about it anymore so I am happy that I made the right decision.

But I do now have that itch. I think Robinsons of Rochdale might be getting a visit soon. :thumb:

[Dogfart]

ist there, just think if you'd bought it you could be riding it now. three bikes = three times as happy you know.:angel5: Im sure the bank wouldn't mind you taking just a little more money out, its only a couple more years on the mortgage.:happy7:

:joker::joker::joker:

[Austin]

ist there, just think if you'd bought it you could be riding it now. three bikes = three times as happy you know.:angel5: Im sure the bank wouldn't mind you taking just a little more money out, its only a couple more years on the mortgage.:happy7:

:joker::joker::joker:
I know, I know, its very tempting still. :king:

[Dogfart]

I know, I know, its very tempting still. :king:


he he, I thought you'd tell me to f off for tempting you.:blob: