KTM or Beemer

[Stu_666]

I'm currently toying with the idea of exchanging the ZX6R for either a KTM or BMW GS tourer. As new their both about £8-9 grand so it'd have to be second hand.

For ease of maintenance the Beemer probably wins due to shaft drive. In terms of practicality I'm looking for both seem about equal. In terms of build quality also the Beemer would probably be slightly better from what I've heard and looking at previous posts on here.

Main reason for getting the bike is to have a bike which is more rounded with the possibility of off roading on it. Also hard luggage is a big plus on either bike.

Was looking at one on e-gay the other day and it was about a 2002 model with 75k on the clock but I guess long distance on these bikes isn't so much an issue.

Will also see if I can blag a test ride on new ones as that's also a good indication of whether I'll like the bike.

Thing is out of the two if you had a choice which one would you go for (second hand that is)?

[mark83]

I'd love a GS. And I've also got a sports 600.

Unfortunately the funds are not on my side!

Test ride them both! If still undecided, just follow the simple rule:

If you have grey hair, buy the beemer. If not, the future is bright, the future is orange!
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[Finglonga]

Neither go for the 1150GS.

Had a test ride on the KTM and loads of others and wasn't too impressed with the KTM's comfort for a mucho mile bike. The BM just did it for me, easy to work on no chain loads of storage space. Its also good on and off road for a bike its size. Traffic moves out of its way when the see it behind them and its invisible to the Police due to the BMW badge.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[G]

From what I’ve seen the KTM is more of a bike to go through mud at a decent pace, while the beemer is a bike to get from A to B that can take a muddy route in, if you so desire.
I think the KTM is more equivalent to the HP2 varieties of BMW.

Chain maintenance is hardly much of an issue – get a scottoiler if you’re bothered!

I always liked the idea of GS, but looking into these bikes, the reality doesn’t live up to my dreams!

[stinkwheel]

Make sure you have ridden a GS before you deicde to by one. They are a very capable bike but the riding style is not for everybody.

I had it in my head that I'd quite like one until I rode one earlier this year, I just didn't like the handling/suspension setup. Not that there was anything wrong with it per-se, I personaly just didn't like it.

Also consider the Honda Africa Twin if you can find a decent one that isn't silly money.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Stu_666]

Hadn't really considered the Africa Twin before. Looked on Biketrader and there's one on there for a 2002 at £3,999. Problem with the Beemers is that they do seem to hold their value well. Honda would also be good for their bullet proof reliability.

[G]

What exactly are you looking to use this bike for?

[Stu_666]

[Finglonga]

Worth having a look on ADVRider, loads of usefull info on there.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[Skudd]

It is amazing how many KTM and GS riders end up on a Varadero. Those Varadero riders who go onto KTM & GS soon go back to the Honda.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[G]

From what I know the KTM was never really designed for comfort.
I'd be looking more at the superduke than the adventure style ones if you're looking for something to cover distance on as far as KTM goes.
Yes, people do go distance on the KTM, but they usually buy it with at least the thought of taking in some decent dirt.

As mentioned, something like a Varadero (or similar; V Strom, Capranod, etc) might make just as much sense and cost a fair bit less.

[feef]

the 990 adventure is very comfortable, and very capable on the road. I know a few people who have them, as well as having had a shot myself. There's certainly NO problem with comfort on the road, and that's from someone who rides an FJR

a
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Mudskipper wrote: feef, that is such a beautiful post that it gave me a lady tingle
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[sagalout]

Consider a Tiger 955i - you'll get a much newer bike for your money, and one thats just as capeable (in fact a better road bike than the GS)

Obviously I'm totally unbiased lol, but you might as well take one for a test ride if you're looking at the others. A lot of the 2nd hand ones come with hard luggage too, as it was offerred as standard on certain years.

[Stu_666]

Right, finally got my arse in gear and went to have a look at BMW and KTM this afternoon (plus to have a break from staring into the computer doing my assignment for uni )

Went to BMW at Dorchester and had a look around. The GS1200 Adventure was there as well as the previous 1150 version. Looked ok and well built but found that they were very expensive (even second hand) and the bikes themselves with panniers seemed to look a bit cumbersome.
Also found that it was difficult to see who was actually working there and no one came up to say hi and if needed any assistance so on the customer service front they didn't seem up to much. Probably as the bikes are so popular they sell themselves I suppose.

Went along to KTM a wee bit down the road and they were much better. Chap even managed to arrange a test drive for me even though I had one part of my licence by phoning up DVLA for me.

Had a test drive on a brand new (only 7 miles on the clock ) KTM 990 Adventure. Also didn't realise that they did two versions of the 990 being the Supermoto and Adventure.

First impressions when sitting on the bike/approaching it is that the build quality is very good on them. Seat is also comfy for such a narrow seat.

When riding at first its a bit weird to get used to from the ZX6R but have to say I can't really fault it. Feels composed in corners and you get good feedback. Uphill has lots of grunt and brief overtake I did it handled no probs. Low speed manouvres like U turns are also easy.

Even inspired me with enought confidence that I wanted to try it off road but promised the dealer blokey that I would'nt seeing as it was brand new. In a rough surface gravel car park though it felt absolutely fine.

Only negatives I would say is that the screen could have been a wee bit taller as at 60mph the wind did buffet the helmet a bit and the vibration was quite bad unless you tucked behind the screen. Also would'nt have minded trying one which was run in more as I was being careful with it.

Also didn't realise that they have V-twin engines in them and this sounded fucking amazing. Kinda like a spitfire Bike also got plently of looks for the sound and also is pretty different to most other stuff out there.

Only problem now is planning what to do next. When I got back on the ZX6R afterwards I was thinking that I do still like that. Is of course a completely different riding experience on it but after two years I still love it to bits. Second hand value I would get for it is also shite compared with what I paid for it new

Anyway, took some pics of the bike I tried (hope they show up ok as never posted pics on here b4 )

[david916]

I've ridden and had experience with both BMWs and KTMs and personally prefer KTM as a brand.
The KTM 950SM is absolutely fantastic. It has a lovely naturally aspirated engine with loads of torque that just keeps pulling and pulling. Top speed is limited by the high Supermoto front mudguard that acts as a bit of a 'sail', but it handles great around the twisties!
The KTM 990 Adventure is a different beast with a fuel injection set up that makes the throttle very very sensitive (on or off with nothing in between) so it's a lot harder to keep smooth, particularly when going over the bumps.
The KTM 990S Adventure is the same as the 990 Adventure other than a Dakar colour scheme and a much higher seat height, so if your short this won't be for you.
The old BMW 1150GS had character and they have held their value well which makes them still quite pricey for a used bike. The 'Long Way Round' thing helped.
However, the new BMW 1200GS hasn't really lived up to the reputation of its predecessor and build quality appears to have suffered with the new version (tendency for things to come undone, bits to drop off and things to go bang).
At the end of the day the choice is ultimately yours and this will come down to many things, not least of which will be what you feel inside about the bike! Don't forget to try before you buy...

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Currently own/regularly ride :
Suzuki SV1000S K4

[Stu_666]

Popped along to the BMW dealers today and tried out the 1200 GS Adventure.

For the first half of the trip I wasn't really warming to the bike. Didn't feel like it gave me that much confidence going into corners and also felt kinda unsettled on the road.

In town it really did come into its own as the ride was smooth and controllable. Going back to the dealers for the second half of the trip the bike felt a lot better.

Comfort was good as was to be expected for this type of bike, although prob prefered the KTM here. Boxer engine was ok but occassionally made a few odd noises here and there. Again, although the KTM was a bit vibey preferred the engine in that. With the BMW there seemed to be a lot of gear changes to get it in a smooth running gear.

Main negative for me though is the rice that dealers ask for these new and second hand. Most, even a year old, are about £10,000. Compared to the KTM which is a good £1000 less new and even more second hand it seems a lot better value to go for the KTM. Anyway, took a few pics again.

[sagalout]

Now go and try a Triumph Tiger 1050

All the plus points of the KTM and GS but more powerful and when the mood takes you can thrash it like your ZX6!

[mooky]

[mark83]

I read in MCN this week (cue the rotten tomato throwing) that the GS have had LOADS of warranty claims.

From paint flaking to mechanical probs.

But then again, any media story can find "evidence" for its theory.....
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[Finglonga]

Still say try the 1150, on the 1200 you need a good book to read as the time from when you turn the ignition on wait for the diagnostic run to finish and tell you that it will let you start the engin seems to last forever.

Try the Tiger but not the new one it looks like pig vomit! But beware of the dive on the front forks when you brake heavy. After steping off a BMW with its suspension set up the dive seems to do on forever.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[zimi...]

i got nothing useful to add.

you may want to ask these lads first, though.



https://i24.tinypic.com/a0l2qp.jpg


useful: take a look at the v-strom.