KTM 950,990,1050 or 1190 ?

[KTMBLAG]

Why do the people say 950 is best.

[Crossrutted]

Why do the people say 950 is best.

Because the early 990 FI acquired a rep for jerkiness - I had one,was easy to ride around.
An overstated internet bar room myth IMO.

However, the 950 is smoother, but the 990 is more urgent.
(The 990 in SMT format is a weapon.....)

All are head and shoulders above anything else available.

(I was going to say "the competition", but didn't 'cause there isn't any!)

[Mike54]

Why do the people say 950 is best.

Because they're stuck in the past or haven't ridden an 1190R. There's no doubt the 950 and 990 were ground breaking bikes, but time moves on. The 1190R is a FAR FAR superior bike offroad than the 950 or 990 adv's. It's also a better (and more comfortable) road bike by so far a margin its not even measurable. It will smoke most sports bike and it handles well offroad (yes, better than a 950 and 990).

BUT...the best value? It's the 1050, especially if riding only tarmac and fire roads/hardpack. It's a huge amount of bike for the money.

[AndyB]

BUT...the best value? It's the 1050, especially if riding only tarmac and fire roads/hardpack. It's a huge amount of bike for the money.

I really shouldn't admit this but I find myself thinking I should have grabbed a bargain and gone for the 1050 for what I do on the bike.

I don't use the extra power of the 1190 very often so having one above a 1050 is purely a vanity project and the cash difference would pay for several holidays.

[beddowsm]

I've owned a 950adv and 2 950se. Rode a couple of 990's. For me it's the SE any day.

But the SE are expensive. For the same cash they are fetching you could get a decent 990r. That's what I'd go for, and probably will when the time comes for the SE to go bang

Never been on the later models yet.

[KTMBLAG]

Because they're stuck in the past or haven't ridden an 1190R.

That's exactly my thinking. People was always the same with new landrovers. Generally companies don't take backwards steps. I know someone will have an example. I never thought there was anything wrong with the 990

[Mike54]

BUT...the best value? It's the 1050, especially if riding only tarmac and fire roads/hardpack. It's a huge amount of bike for the money.

I really shouldn't admit this but I find myself thinking I should have grabbed a bargain and gone for the 1050 for what I do on the bike.

I don't use the extra power of the 1190 very often so having one above a 1050 is purely a vanity project and the cash difference would pay for several holidays.

Nothing wrong with that. My feeling was that the "right" bike to thrash about and not care about was a 1050. But I wanted more power (like I need it :laugh: ) and I just wanted an R, and frankly, it's fucking amazing.

I've had an SE, and yes, it's ace, but its not a do-it-all bike (for me that is). Is it better than an 1190R offroad? yes it is, but its very marginal. A well set up 1190R with stiffer springs in front and a better shock will kick its arse. But can it do road tours in total comfort and speed? No it can't, not really. It can def ride to an offroad area for sure - I rode my all the way round morocco twice but is it comfortable on the motorway and on fast A roads? Not really. And it cooked my bollocks, they get pretty hot.

The "best bike" is the one that suits you the most really. If you want more and can afford it? Then why not? No pockets in shrouds!

[robson]

I never thought there was anything wrong with the 990

really?

http://www.ktm950.info/how/ktm_950_issues.html

[KTMBLAG]

I never thought there was anything wrong with the 990

really?

http://www.ktm950.info/how/ktm_950_issues.html

I owned one from brand new rode it hard off road and never had any real problem. 45k when I sold it did 19k in the first year. You need spend less time reading and more time riding

[robson]

You need spend less time reading and more time riding

then I would not learn new interesting things each day...
I guess you don't like reading, how you managed at college?