KTM 950 Adv./R1200 GS BMW

[LBourque]

Thinking about trading my 06 R1200 GS for an 06 KTM Adventure. I know about the differences but wanted a more nimble bike. The BMW has been great and I bought it new. The KTM is owned by a local and I checked it out today. Seems like a nice bike. I have only had BMW's and still have a R80 G/S in the shop and that runs great. Just thought I would check in and see what others had to say. Thanks!

[Wolfgang55]

Just the down time on the KTM would keep me on the GS.
Hope you are not over paying for the KTM.

[LBourque]

Originally Posted by Wolfgang55

Just the down time on the KTM would keep me on the GS.
Hope you are not over paying for the KTM.

No I am getting $$ and the KTM but what about that down time you're talkin' bout?

[Lc8grrr]

downtime??

[Slvrtundevl]

Originally Posted by Wolfgang55

Just the down time on the KTM would keep me on the GS.
Hope you are not over paying for the KTM.

Down Time? My buddy has a 2005 GS and its had more downtime than both of my KTM's combined...tell us more please!

[Qwik]

Only downtime mine has had was from My error. This thing is a beast.

[DavidD]

Originally Posted by Wolfgang55

Just the down time on the KTM would keep me on the GS.
.

Downtime on a 990? Only when you crash?

I had a 2006 990S - I did 36,000 hard miles in 3 years and the only 'downtime' was when it got its regular service. Apart from tyres and one set of sprockets and a chain there was no 'downtime'.

I traded the 06 for a new 990R in 2009 and have had no 'downtime' with this one either. The GS has not been a paragon of virtue in that time for sure.

Go with what bike excites you.

[Bgunn]

Originally Posted by LBourque

Thinking about trading my 06 R1200 GS for an 06 KTM. Just thought I would check in and see what others had to say. Thanks!

Hey Lou...

Did you get a chance to take the 950 for a spin?

At just under 22K miles, the only problem I've had so far has been the fuel pump. I did the Dr Bean repair for around $50

Expensive diagnostic equipment is not needed, and most of the common issues are relatively inexpensive to repair.

You'll miss the valve adjustments on the BMW....

From previous emails you seem like a handy guy and servicing shouldn't be a problem.

Some recommended reading

http://www.ktm950.info/

Good luck on your decision.

[1coolbanana]

I have both, GSA and 950, neither have had any downtime to speak of other than routine and the odd preventative fuel pump and clutch slave on the 950.
All about how you look after them i reckon.
KTM is way more satisfying when things are a little harder and the GSA just eats the miles better if your doing more tar.
GSA is easy and cheap to service, KTM sucks, but I like working on them so no matter to me.
If your tired and its been a long 600k day and youve got another 300k's to get home, the GS is the pick, autopilot kicks in!
More tar, go GS, more dirt, go the 950.

To each his own, both great things, just different.

If I was to sell either, it would probably be the GS and thats because the KTM is much more confidence inspiring, to me anyways and can still do everything.

The only thing that really pisses me off about the 950 is tubed tyres

Just another 2 cents

[walstibsf]

Not to knock the '06 950, but you may be happier with a more refined version of the ADV. Lot of issues had been worked out by 2008-09-10......never thought I'd be saying this (they dragged me kicking and screaming into the 21st century) and the addition of fuel injection. Unless carbs are your thing.

[geometrician]

He's in Arizona guys. The 2006 LC8 in the U.S. was a carb'd 950, not a 990...

Whenever I have to get off my 950 to ride my friends 1200GS's out of something, I can't believe how wooden & remote the front end feels. Coupled with a gearbox that has crap offroad ratios (most common "fix" is a sidecar-ratio final drive, think $$$) and you're gonna suffer. Plus those darn cylinders are sticking out in the way of your feet & obstacles, something I could never get into. Make no mistake BMW has been making motorcycles for a long time and they have a strong following but the GS's aren't even close to the Adventures in ability- plus you gotta upgrade the shocks on the BMW's, whereas we start with awesome WP Suspension

The 1200GS is more like a Goldwing- pavement miles (esp interstates) are so easy on them

as for "needing to get home with many miles before bedtime" I can turn my 950 towards home and enjoy all the confidence the superb chassis & suspension provides- and can haul ass if I need to.

When you're tired, it's late or raining, I enjoy all the reserves the Adventure has built in to it

[Hobbes950]

Downtime? It all works out equally.

[max2]

I say do it...I've owned both and the KTM will keep you grinning from ear to ear. For me, the KTM is a thrill to ride, I thought the BMW was kind of boring...smooth and comfortable....but boring. The '06 is a great year, last year with carbs and all the updates.