2013 990 Baja

[el queso]

Originally Posted by flux_capacitor

Ah yes, time to start making "limited editions" to clear out remaining 990 inventory so there aren't tons of them sitting on dealer floors when the new "Adventure" comes out.

Although, the orange frame and crashbar combo is cool looking. White plastic wouldn't look good past the first day for me.

Bingo!

I dig the all white and it kinda reminds me of the 6 Days Mexico graphics (which i also dig).

And for the record, only my 606's whine...

[VTwins4me]

Originally Posted by Johnf3

Funny that the 908 is the predominate tire choice for the Dakar rally,

Really? That will surprise Michelin.

[DuctTape]

I think most of you miss the point of the limited edition bikes. They aren't suppose to appeal to men but rather to women who purchase them for their men.

That's how I got my Dakar, it was a surprise gift from the Queen and she thought I would look good on it.

After it's in the garage and you let a little time go by you can then send the suspension to superplush for the real deal, add the 10 gallon tank, 2-1 exhaust, etc, etc and everyone is happy.


I wonder if the Queen would think I'd look good on a white bike,

[gozirra]

Ok so I got to see/sit on at the LB motorcycle show (lets not discuss that pile) but some points.
I really hope that thing was just strapped down and/or suspension compressed, it was low, really low.
white was, well, white and the minimal stickers was ok, but it just feels like it needs more "style" than a hard to read rear sticker group.
Bags are bags. etc
But yeah what bothered me was how low the bike was and how little information the "ktm vendors" knew. couple easy questions about the bike *crickets* ask if they have a hard parts catalog at the show *more crickets* can we go hang out on the top of the trailer in the seats and eat some of our fries *um, no, no one goes up there*.

no real info, well that was the whole show

[CA Stu]

Originally Posted by Nailhead

I think a truly accurate Baja 1000 "tribute" would have included an S suspension and more fuel capacity.

Yeah, because it's always a good idea to have a more top-heavy, taller bike.
Especially when you are going to ride goat trails to Cabo solo...

Originally Posted by SierraJeep

Are those auxillary lights tucked up under the front?

Yes.

Originally Posted by gozirra

Ok so I got to see/sit on at the LB motorcycle show (lets not discuss that pile) but some points.
I really hope that thing was just strapped down and/or suspension compressed, it was low, really low.
white was, well, white and the minimal stickers was ok, but it just feels like it needs more "style" than a hard to read rear sticker group.
Bags are bags. etc
But yeah what bothered me was how low the bike was and how little information the "ktm vendors" knew. couple easy questions about the bike *crickets* ask if they have a hard parts catalog at the show *more crickets* can we go hang out on the top of the trailer in the seats and eat some of our fries *um, no, no one goes up there*.

no real info, well that was the whole show

I saw the bike there too. I asked the sales guy what made it special, he didn't know. IIRC it was a manufacturer's booth, staffed by sales staff from Bert's?

It had a 908 front tire, for the guy that asked earlier in the thread.

I thought the bike looked awesome, the white bodywork is cool.
The dry bag felt thinner than my Wolfman dry bag, too.

It is to Baja like the F650GS was to Dakar. Just sayin'.

PS There were people on top of the trailer when I was there.

[Doug Matson]

I was there on Friday, they had two guys from KTM and then the rest were just salesmen from Bert's. I liked the color but then I like my silver 950 also. Cool trailer they used for the display, nice view from the top.

[Afry]

Originally Posted by CA Stu

Yeah, because it's always a good idea to have a more top-heavy, taller bike.
Especially when you are going to ride goat trails to Cabo solo...

Yeah but not on the Compadre Trail I rode this weekend to Mikes Sky Ranch, I needed all the travel my lowered SE has and bottomed out more than I wanted. It's going back to full travel as soon as I can manage it.

908's work well in the sand as long as you are on the throttle, especially above 60 lol. I think they are used because of durability not traction.

[Nailhead]

Originally Posted by CA Stu

Yeah, because it's always a good idea to have a more top-heavy, taller bike.

You must ride where gas stations abound, and the road is always smooth.

I don't.

I have an extra fuel tank, and I have never noticed a detrimental effect on bike handling from having it-- even in mud or sand. I have noticed it's saved my ass a time or two.

I have also noticed my bike could benefit from the added travel of an S-spec suspension, if only just for the half-assed cattle guards & railroad crossings we have around here.

[gozirra]

Originally Posted by CA Stu

PS There were people on top of the trailer when I was there.

AUUUUGGGGGGHhhhhhhhhhh

So new here and now so much hate!

[Nowwhat]

Great to see KTM make clever marketing moves.

This affords them the profits needed to move forward and be able to invest in development.

1) Take a bike that is still in inventory
2) Add updated BNG = little cost
3) Save the rider a couple hundred by spooning on correct rubber (You are not going to find a more correct DOT tire)
4) Throw in a few farkles....
5) Use the suspension that appeals to the LARGEST demographic

Done.....

Good Job KTM...

[Scott Baja]

Originally Posted by Sporting Wood

Obviously the D908 . How else would I know it sux?

Bridgestone ED78 is great but doesn't last long. Honestly for durability the D908 is tops, but it doth suck in sand. I was thinking about taking a Maxxis Desert IT next time maybe. I have an SE 2.5" rear wheel...which this Baja 990 ought to have come with imho.

Obvious, if doth only have used one tire, and it sucked, as far as you know, all might suck

[Sporting Wood]

Originally Posted by Scott Baja

Obvious, if doth only have used one tire, and it sucked, as far as you know, all might suck

mt21, several tkc's 140 on the se rim and 150s on the stock wide one, karoo, 606, and the ed78 I mentioned above...plus several scorps for road trips in addition to 3 d908s, one in baja. If you like to wag your tail constantly in the sand, hook up like a greasy string pulling out of a hogs ass in mud, and don't mind paying double what they were selling them for a few years ago then 908s your tire. I find it annoying as hell. Its tough and lasts...hell, it likely won't bust a bead with no air, which is its saving grace. I'm gonna try the new Pirelli rally next, looks promising.

Edit* forgot but I've also tried the Mefo SE in a 150 and the Heidenau variant k61 in both the 140(liked it) on the narrow rim and the 150 (better than the Mefo) on the wide rim.

[vabuckaroo68]

My wife wants me to trade the Beastie on one. She doesn't understand that I'm not done with farkles yet. Also my fondness for carb vs EFI and no need for ABS.
I do like the white/orange scheme. The suede seat is a great touch. Of course had KTM USA asked me I could have told them how to perfect it.
1st one of CJD's clear clutch covers. A single Akra or FMF can. Kriega bags. Rekluse clutch. BDCW skid plate. High front fender. 16/48 gearing. Safari tank. TT GPS mount. Shorai battery. CJD footpeg extensions. Dakar windscreen from Rally Raid. (Are you KTM factory guys getting this, ) May be they could make that the Malcolm Smith Edition

[JTucker]

I like it, of course I liked the White 12 model that sat next to my desk for a few months.

The only reason this bike is coming is because they're so slow at homologation, I'm sure this will be a US only model and the new Adv will be everywhere else.

[KamLeeR]

Originally Posted by vabuckaroo68

My wife wants me to trade the Beastie on one. She doesn't understand that I'm not done with farkles yet. Also my fondness for carb vs EFI and no need for ABS.
I do like the white/orange scheme. The suede seat is a great touch. Of course had KTM USA asked me I could have told them how to perfect it.
1st one of CJD's clear clutch covers. A single Akra or FMF can. Kriega bags. Rekluse clutch. BDCW skid plate. High front fender. 16/48 gearing. Safari tank. TT GPS mount. Shorai battery. CJD footpeg extensions. Dakar windscreen from Rally Raid. (Are you KTM factory guys getting this, ) May be they could make that the Malcolm Smith Edition

+2 Malcolm!