Build Quality - KTM vs BMW

[lightfighter]

also, fwiw, I love KTM's... all of them... and they 'feel' infinitly 'tougher' to me than the BMW, as in crashworthy, but they also somehow feel like they are eating thier own lunch, as in longevity.

just gut feelings based on my somewhat limited exposure, comparatively speaking.

[Deans BMW]

I bet that KTM is sorry about that Big Time.

[Guest24]

It appears that KTM missed a good marketing opportunity with the adventure cult.

Dean, I met up with RB, Judy, Mike, Carol, Canadian Dan and Anita last nite in Duck Key. April is on.

[lightfighter]

maybe a hijack, but did it strike anyone else as sort of obnoxious to presume they should GIVE them the bikes for this? I understand the marketing angle, but really? GIVE? I wouldnt have had a second thought on the idea of asking for free bikes, were it not for the rant about not getting them.

[Deans BMW]

Originally Posted by Nail24

It appears that KTM missed a good marketing opportunity with the adventure cult.

Dean, I met up with RB, Judy, Mike, Carol, Canadian Dan and Anita last nite in Duck Key. April is on.

fantastic Bubba, Pam and I plan to be there..

[signit98]

KTM has no regrets, they are doing very well without the clown show of bored-man and McGregor.

It is not their target audience to begin with and - quite frankly - probably never will be. I can count the number of KTM's I saw during my 3 months, 16500 mile adventure on one finger of one hand. May I use the middle finger?

BMW's and KLR's were the prominent bikes on the roads during my trip... throw in some HD's, DR's, Trumpets and the odd Cagiva or Africa Twin and sprinkle it with the likes of the DR-Z 400 or Yamahas different touring models and there you go.

Around here, I only see a KTM Adventure bike, when Roger comes over for a TC ride. Does not make them a bad bike (quite the contrary, actually... Roger usually smokes everyone on the goat trail) just not a very popular choice. The water pump fiasko and the exorbitant price tag for spares might have something to do with that... certainly not the engine or the chassis... both are WAY better suited for offroad abuse than the BMW's.

Overall, though... my GS stays right where it is - in my possession! Best bike I have ever owned!

[BumbleBeemer36]

Since I have an Austrian powered BMW don't I have the best of both worlds?

[MoDog]

Originally Posted by lightfighter

also, fwiw, I love KTM's... all of them... and they 'feel' infinitly 'tougher' to me than the BMW, as in crashworthy, but they also somehow feel like they are eating thier own lunch, as in longevity.

just gut feelings based on my somewhat limited exposure, comparatively speaking.

I'd have to agree with the crashworthiness. I've had my Adventure flat on it's side after spills on rocky single tracks, and all the bike had to show for it was scratches on the crash bars, case racks, and some scuffs on the plastic; a little black touch-up paint on the racks and all was well. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for my 54 year old body.

[Scottly]

Originally Posted by signit98

- my 3 months, 16500 mile adventure

Story and pics, please!

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by Scottly

Story and pics, please!

Alaska...

[sfarson]

I thought the "Long Way" series was excellent. I'm not gonna sit in the peanut gallery and take potshots. The Long Way Down's last DVD as they moved through southern Africa was one of the best 2-3 hours of video watching I've had in a long time. My daughter and I had a blast watching it together.

Anyway, Charlie and Ewan come across a KTM ADV rider on the road in South Africa. They chat for awhile and then the KTM rider takes off. Charlie looks lovingly at the bike, notes its dirt worthiness, hears its v-twin growl off into the distance, and one could easily see he really wanted the KTM ADV for the adventure.

[1100s nut]

The problem with KTM is, at least for right now....they can`t keep up with demand. I had to go out of town to get my 2011 and I have 3 dealers with in 30 miles of me. I tried to order a bilet gas cap and they are back ordered for 2 months. For the first time in my entire life I have a buddy that is wants to buy my bike for more than I paid. I only have 20 hours on it and I know the pipeline will get filled....but that is strong.

Lane

[ridemore]

I have a KTM 990 Adv (08 with 9400 miles) and a BMW R1200 GSA (08 with 38,000 miles) I can't speak to the KTMs longevity with only 9400 miles; however to this point it has has zero problems. The BMW has not had any failures but I have lost count of the exact number of recalls. Token ring, brake system, fuel system, fuel gauge (failure not recall), ect.
The KTM is more fun to ride - dirt or street, what you give up is chain maintenance and a much shorter fuel range. I bought the KTM to take Alaska and The NWT (Dempster Hwy) but I rode the BMW mainly because of the fuel range. While on the Dempster and the McCarthy Hwy I would have played more on the KTM but would have been forced to carry an extra gasoline can.
Maintenance cost is another issues and probably varies more at KTM dealers. My experience includes: A 24,000 mile service at BMW of Charlotte for just under $800, the service writer thought I should be grateful that he kept the charges below $800. I just had a similar KTM service for $370, including valve adjustment, coolant and hydraulic systems flushed plus a new rear tire at Fun Cycles in Valdese, NC. At 9,000 miles the intake valves were still in spec and the exhaust valves required .002 shims. Both are great bikes, the KTM is cheaper to buy and maintain. Ride more, Gary

[RC51DRAG]

Originally Posted by chewie

One of the many things that I have absolutely no friggin idea about

I was wondering what the build quality is like especially between the 990adv vs GSA and what are the important areas on these bikes concerning stress/fatigue and why what is better (that's a see? I told ya? I know nothing kinda rolleyes - not sarcastic, well maybe that is sarcastic I dunno)

Would love to know a bit of history too, how do the differing roles of people/machines at a plant communicate in an effective manner - what's an example of a poor process vs an excellent one?


PS
This place rocks! I gotta say, it's as funny as hell...excepting the pissweak replies I usually get - and no that's not an invitation to abstain btw

hit advrider.com, the sub-forums Gspot and Orange Crush will provide more info from the owner's perspective and a plethora of feedback you will ever need. I've owned a 12GS and HP2. Build quality is excellent. Many of my riding buds own the 950SE or ADV, again quality is excellent. Doesn't mean issues don't arise, but they are high quality items.

[chewie]

Thanks for the replies - excellent stuff! and it's great to know that KTM does it well, I like the idea of the fastening bolts and things, just makes sense dunnit?

Thanks Brad for taking the time to put together that reply - good reading indeed

If one was set on price alone or even price and comparable quality the 990adv (and in general ktm vs bmw/?) is hard to beat ay?

what typ of fuel range would you expect if you were loaded up and taking fire roads with the odd stop off and possible excursion (bike under some more load in the bush) to find somewhere nice to have a break and some food - we still talking 300kms?

cheers all

and don't forget it's Australia Day tomorrow!

[wswartzwel]

I noticed on my Calendar that Wed. was Australia day... Not sure how we are supposed to celebrate it though?

[BumbleBeemer36]

Run over Paul Hogan with my Landcruiser?

EDIT: oh, I guess he can't come back to the US 'til he pays those taxes. You guys will have to take care of him over there.

EDIT EDIT: oh wait, I think he's back. Charges didn't stick.


Seriously though, what does the average Australian think of the stereotype ol' Croc Dundee has made famous for their country? I for one can't hear an Aussie over here without whispering under my breath "Now that's a knife!" or "Fosters, Australian for Beer".

[jduke]

Rob a rich Brit?

[Guest24]

This was an interesting read on the KTM 990r. 2011 KTM 990 Adventure R Review - KTM Street Bike Motorcycle Review - Motorcycle USA

He talks about how the beemer has evolved more toward touring [than off road]. Can someone comment on the 36" seating height. I'd need some of those elevator shoes used by KISS to reach the ground. Does Sidi make an off road equivalent?

I was also amused to find that the void between the two layers is designed to hold water and can be dispensed by mounting a fuel petcock on the provided mounts near the bottom of the bag. Each bag will hold nearly a gallon of liquid. Overall, they work well but the dual layers of material take up valuable storage space. As a result the bags do not have the storage volume of other similar sized panniers.

This sounds like and interesting way for Ken to transport his Vodka. He could possibly install a camelback sipper hose and do en route refueling.

The zip off tank bag top sounds like an egg bag make-over.

What would you think about converting the R12RT and the F650GS into a KYM990r?

[sfarson]

Originally Posted by Nail24

This was an interesting read on the KTM 990r. 2011 KTM 990 Adventure R Review - KTM Street Bike Motorcycle Review - Motorcycle USA

He talks about how the beemer has evolved more toward touring [than off road]. Can someone comment on the 36" seating height. I'd need some of those elevator shoes used by KISS to reach the ground. Does Sidi make an off road equivalent?
...

After exploring Chile on a KTM 990ADV back in '07, it wasn't long after returning that I picked one up. I was sold. Poured Rocky Mountain off road miles on the thing for two years. Sold it in a moment of weakness, then missed it, then was stabbed in the heart with the 990ADV R. The higher suspended R is great for my 36" lower limbs. The refinements throughout, including the FI, are noticeable versus the '07. Smitten with the thing, and I'm back to exploring those faint dirt/rock roads I've never been down! But FWIW, the GS is supreme on the road, and I love the low end torque from that delicious flat twin