2005 950 vs 2012 990
 

I'm jonesing to get my first KTM 990 before the 1190's come out and have been looking at 2012 990's which are around $14000 out the door. I've found a used 2005 950 with less than 7000 miles and (for what it is worth Jesse luggage and heated gips) for about $8500. I know the 9xx series has been upgraded every year so I'm leaning towards the new bikes but I've perused the various threads about this and people do seem to like the '05 950's. What does the team think/recommend? As usual money is an object but I could afford a new bike if I sell one of my other rides. Thanks:ear

Where are you? That seems a little high for a 05 950, there is a 05.5 950S with 38k miles for $5200 in SoCal. I have seen several 950's in the past year or two in the $5000 to $6000 range.

That does seem high but if it only has 7k on it and if all typical "issues" have been addressed already...

An '05 would be a good choice if your main objective is to go off road and get dirty and fall over. If you will be on the road a lot, get the '12.

Yes I am wanting to eat up on road miles. I find the 800GS less than satisfactory for this compared to my 1100GS so I'm hoping to split the difference. And I want to be able to do long stretches off road as well. My 1100GS was great on the tarmac but not so great off road though I took it across the entire state of Idaho on fire roads and jeep trails one Summer.
I tend to cruise on the highway at 75-85. Plus I want to have FUN! Thanks for all the replies so far:freaky

990, I was where you are about 6 months ago. My consensus was that people wanted way too much for their used bike that I went and got a new one. Get an R!!!! I didn't and luckily I found a guy who wants to swap suspension. There's my 2 cents

05 or 05.5 ?

There are significant differences.

I am looking at the same purchase in the next few months as well. What are the typical issues that have to be addressed with the 950?

typical issues
 

4 main issues:

1. Water pump leak - can be upgraded with $100 water pump kit
2. Clutch slave leak - can be upgraded with bolt on aftermarket replacement.
3. Fuel pump fail due to points burning away - easy fix with aftermarket Dr. Bean kit
4. Side stand relocator - aftermarket plate to move side stand mount from being attached directly to crankcase - a must, but easy bolt on fix.

Most of these are fairly easy fixes and don't cost huge amounts of money.

Check here for more details:

http://ktm950.info/

Other things but not really issues:

1.Extra fuel tank - might want to add external rear fuel tank for more range - remove one muffler and replace with 2 into 1 pipe and fuel tank (ADVtank) - go from 150miles to about 200+ mile range. Or get Safari tank
2. Better seat - Renazzco, Airhawk pad, XTC, Touratech gel seat, Corbin,Seat Concepts - lots of options
3. better wind screen - I use KTM touring screen, but there are other options

MZ

Get the 950 adventures much cheaper.

You must have a secret for sale paper any of the 950's under 6000 have oil leaks or are beat to hell comestically!
I would say 7000 to 8000 is the value on the bikes and yes people are high on these used 950's
because the truth is they do not want to sell them! Buy a 06 950 and ride ride ride!!!!
:freaky