PACWIT Motorcycle Gear Reviews, Motorcycle Ride Reports

Written by Joe and Flora Lloyd

Sunday, 30 November 2008 22:58

KTM 990 ADVENTURE

He Said

Joe's initial impressions of the KTM 990 Adventure

More and more we have been introducing larger stints of gravel and hard packed dirt into our rides and ride reports. Coming into the summer season in NZ, we knew we wanted a motorcycle to do the distance and allow us the option of exploring any road or direction we wanted.

For our sedate gravel riding, and a roughly 70/30 split at that, the BMW GS on paper seemed the better choice. The only main deterent is that I was smitten with the KTM 990 ADV the moment I laid eyes on it. It's a utilitarian beauty that is simply stunning.

On my first test ride it took me just over one block to realise, this is the bike I am going to cover some distance on. It felt perfect. The GS never gave me that same smile. Nothing against the marque or the motorcycle itself. Motorcycle selection is as personal as shoe selection, and I just found the Doc Martens of the dual sport world!

A weekend of riding the 990 ADV has gone by, and the smile has just gotten larger. The bonus of riding with another is a I get to see the front of a 990 in my rear view while we are going along. A breath taking sight.

The windscreen isn't the best I will admit, but its a small price to pay for comfort, power, style, and overall motorcycle nirvana.

Orange Crush anyone?

She Said

Flora's initial impressions of the KTM 990 Adventure

Shock, pure shock. Wow, I can't believe I can fit on a KTM 990.

Picked up the low seat from AMPS on Saturday morning. It was crap, it wasn't low, it was harder than the DR seat. My butt cheeks were numb after 45 min.

I love this bike

It's like a well balanced piece of art. Like one of them carving knives stuck in the chopping block with only a ¼" of steel in the board. Why did I wait so long to ride one?

The weight is like it isn't there. But I'm going to have to put back the regular seat. I can't back it up or park it though; I have barely a toe on the ground. This no matter, I will do the one legged manoeuvre at stoplights and I have no shame in knowing that I can't park.

Parking and putting your feet down is 1%.

I love this bike

Did i mention how it has improved my riding skills? Oh yes, IMPROVED. First thing i noticed, after the shock of being able to sit on it, was the fact that I could only look forward. No more looking down, forward only. I think my average speed when up 10 km/h.

The riding position is crazy; I'm taller than most delivery trucks. I tower above hatchbacks and utes. I don't need loud exhausts, lights or bright colours so people can see me. The shadow looms over their crotchety old pile of rust as I pass them. They couldn't miss me even if they wanted to.

I love this bike

Comments

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Richard - Great bikes for two

|207.102.78.xxx |2008-12-01 18:53:11

That's great for you guys. My wife, Ingrid and I both have '05 950's. She does
not ride her VFR anymore. I use it once in a while for commutting to and from
work. She loves hers (black one) and I love mine (orange). We have gone on a
couple rides so far on the local gravel logging roads.
Good to see another
couple riding KTM's. Make sure to post a couple ride reports on
Advrider.

Cheers
Ingrid and Richard from Victoria, B.C. Canada

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Joe - Thanks

|210.86.0.xxx |2008-12-03 13:19:47

Thanks guys. Getting into summer here, we are really looking forward to giving
the bikes a bit of a workout.

Will post some ride reports soon!

Cheers
Joe

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Craig S.

|173.48.60.xxx |2008-12-03 15:41:44

Hey Guys,

Congrats on the new bikes!! I honestly tried to like the new
bikes. I kept an open mind and stared are the various pics you've posted but I
simply cannot find anything appealing other than the rear view of the bike.

As Joe said though, a bike is as personal as buying shoes. As long as you
love them then that's all that matters. Happy Riding!

Craig

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