KTM 990 vs 1190 - video from Touratech USA

[Christophe Noel]

I thought a few of you guys might be interested in this video. It's very well done and a good insight into the newest big bike on the market.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/com.../2467-ktm-990-baja-vs-ktm-1190-adventure.html

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Professional filming and editing but it really just seemed like a commercial for the 1190 to me. Of course Touratech has a whole line up of new parts ready for every one to buy for the 1190. Makes sense for them to market the new bike. They didn't really do a good job of comparing the bikes. The Baja is not the R version. Should have compared R to R. Still looks like the 990 is the bike to have for aggressive off road travel. Now if KTM would only make an 800 V-twin......

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

biggest thing I'm surprised by is how capable the 1190 is in my opinion. Really pretty impressive if you ask me...

 

[RememberTheFallen]

biggest thing I'm surprised by is how capable the 1190 is in my opinion. Really pretty impressive if you ask me...

Capable at what? Seems like they just turned it into another big BMW. Might be a good all around bike but it is definitely not more capable offroad than the 990/950. Gotta love the good ol American adage, "bigger is better!". Is this case, I think not.

Over on ADVrider they have a thread titled "offroad super bike". That is what it is. But not really off road, more like gravel and some very mild dirt. With all of that money and engineering I wish they would have developed something new and lighter and not chase after bikes that were already out there.

 

[Christophe Noel]

But not really off road, more like gravel and some very mild dirt. With all of that money and engineering I wish they would have developed something new and lighter and not chase after bikes that were already out there.

I am a complete big-bike newb. My one and only day on a huge '13 GS opened my eyes to what these monsters can do. We tackled terrain that was WAY over my abilities on any bike, and it did fine largely because of the sophistication of the electronic rider aids. Where a 990 would probably bite me in the neck for being a newb, the GS saved my butt. I imagine the same is true for the electronic aids on the 1190. Just guessing.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

I am a complete big-bike newb. My one and only day on a huge '13 GS opened my eyes to what these monsters can do. We tackled terrain that was WAY over my abilities on any bike, and it did fine largely because of the sophistication of the electronic rider aids. Where a 990 would probably bite me in the neck for being a newb, the GS saved my butt. I imagine the same is true for the electronic aids on the 1190. Just guessing.

True. I bet they would help me too. Just wish they would offer a smaller, more off road friendly version too.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I don't think anyone is debating that the 990 is a better off road bike, myself included. Given the choice I'd still take the 990 personally. I don't think they will discontinue the 990 either (??). They are distantly different. But I am impressed with how technically advanced for off road the 1190 appears to be. I like the 1200 GS and I have quite a bit of time on them, but I found them way to big, heavy, and slow for the type of off road I was looking to do personally. It appears the 1190 has a leg up, possibly, on some of the harder charging off road ability similar to the 990s. The 950s and 990s seem like a big *** dirtbike to me. I actually have friends who call them BADBs for that reason. But it is nice to see KTM competing in this arena, and not giving up too much off road ability as far as I can tell and have heard...

 

[Cabrito]

When I watch that video in the first post it looks like both bikes are plenty capable and fun on rough roads.

I'd love to own either one for sure.

I'm secretly hoping that the 990's come down enough in price that I could afford one. First thing though I think I'm going to rent one for a day and take a long ride to see how much I really want one.

 

[fifthcircle]

I've got an 1190R. It flat kicks *****!! Feels like a big dirt bike, with the power of a sport bike.

I swapped bikes with my buddy (1200 GSA). They ate not for the same people. BMW feels bigger in every way, and would have better all day comfort. KTM will run away from it off road, and on.

As for the 990 vs 1190...
If you think the 990 is better off road, and you haven't ridden the 1190...better go try one.


Chris Birch gives KTM1190 Wings!: http://youtu.be/JWIZfYQhgMc


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