KTM Riders and BMW Riders...A Question

[TomBoyNI]

I currently have a G650GS, but what something with a bit more go.

To be fair when I am on my own the G650GS is a great wee bike but the better half has took an interest now and two up on it is tough going, for the bike anyway

I'm 6"2 and about 17st after a good dump, the other half is pretty much half that, so the suspension of the GS is pretty much at it's limit.

Luggage, even the top box is a lost cause.

I have seen a KTM Adventure 2008 with 18,000 miles on the clock. Comes in at £5700.

I have also seen a BMW R1200GS 2007 with 20,000 miles on the clock. Comes in at £6500.

Can I have some views or comments please on which would be the better suited bike, I'd be mainly touring about whilst 2 up, and when on my own maybe some single track style roads. Probably not too much off road, but a bit is always good.

Oh and the option of adding luggage so I can stay out and play for a while would be good too!

[herman]

You have to ride both as they are very different beasts. You will end up falling in love with one and disliking the other probably. I am not a boxer man personally but probably have not given them a long enough test as that many people cant all be wrong. :whistle:

[jkyz]

I know the early Ktm 990's had a problem with a snatch throttle, if I was looking to to buy a 990 it would have to be 2009 model or later for that reason because they seem to have fixed that issue from what I have read some forums. Not trying to put you off on the Ktm, I love mine.

As Herman said, a test ride is probably the best way to go about it.

[Willandkate]

+1 on the above but I think most folk would favour the BM for your needs. The Kato is a bit uncomfy for 1 let alone 2 but is much more a stonker than the placid BM. You've got to ride them but if you HAD to buy blind, I'd opt for the Bavarian beast. Best of luck. What about newer and possibly less desirable bikes like a 1000 Strom or the big Versys. A 2 year old one went on here recently for less money than a 6 year old beemer. Got to be worth a thought......

[TomBoyNI]

Is there anything I need to look out for in relation to the BMs, I have read something about Servo brakes?

[Mosel Bikes]

I'm in agreement with Herman and Will on this one, having owned a few of both. Best to get a test ride on both if you can, maybe from a mate? They feel very different. Will has a good point about an alternative, before you spend loads more on the BMW or Katoom. I've also had 2 V Strom thous (current one I'm keeping and have had since 2004). It is an amazingly capable all-round bike for the kind of work you envisage. If it were me, I'd pay maybe £4k for a decent, low mileage, little older Strom, already with luggage, then spend another few hundred quid on a better rear shock (Wilbers maybe) and for sub £4500 you'll have a cracking bike.
BTW, you might like to have another think about the 08 990. I pick one up next week, with 12000 miles, H&P Luggage, Mivv cans and other extras and fueling mods to cure snatchiness, for £5100.

[Big Stu]

Agree with the above, it`s personal choice .
I was told not to test ride the BMW ,would hate it? But it is true, after years of Jap in lines the GSA was a bit of a shock, however after a couple of days started grinning like a five year old.
Now for a 6`4" bear it is so comfy , my kitten has loads of room and can carry so much stuff without any problems. Not the quickest thing on the road in a straight line, but through the corners B)
Best of luck with your quest, the KTM is a grand choice too, but as said what about the Versy thou?

[bimota]

Hi,
my pennys worth had both ktm small tank range and drinks fuel like nobodies business
I swopped for gs.
just my own opinion though

[MrJames]

I've had both bikes, currently retain the KTM 990 adv although mine is a '12 plate. Of the two I found the GS to be a truely capable mile eating stomper, very accomplished and convincingly able off road. Main downsides I found with the bumwer was the dealers, the gearbox sounding like a tractor (not the smoothest changes) and lack of throttle response (although an accelerator module cured that to some extent.

I now have my Katoom and after the GS it feels so much lighter, nimble and capable. For pure grin facto you can't beat it. It just has so much more beef than the GS and the grunt is unbelievable. Like you I'm 6ft3 and 95kg so, no too dissimilar.

The coments about fuel are true... I have Akra's without baffles and the Akra mapping, which makes the Katoom a very intersieting fruity ride. On a combined motorway ride from Bristol to Devon using A, B & Motorways I managed to return 42 to the gallon. Around town plipping the throttle whilst filtering to announce my arrival, and under bridges for the sheer hell of it I get about 36mpg. I use to worry about MPG - not now, the pleasure outweighs the pain. The 2012 Adv has the same engine output as the Adventure R, which makes it a bit more sprightly than the standard... not sure what output the 2008 has.

The 2012 throttle is lively, not snatchy, but certainly not an issue. The snatchy throttle can be sorted with a few farkles - there's a different set of cams that can be used on the throttle grip and an accelerator module will help tremendously.

Have fun and take them both for a test ride. :woohoo:

[TomBoyNI]

Just came across a R1150GS 2007, any ideas or problems on these yokes?