Test; KTM 990R Adventure

There is something about a KTM; it’s not that it intimidates, but you just feel that, if you don’t know exactly what you are doing, it will turn around and bite your arse; this is a serious bike, made by serious Austrians and sold by serious dealers for serious riders.

I’m not sure why KTM should have this reputation and, of course, it is entirely unfounded. Yes, the bikes are supremely competent but there is no reason why a novice shouldn’t climb on one; after all, he is the one who is in control of where the bike goes and how much throttle is used in getting there!

The first thing that strikes you about KTM’s 990R Adventure is just how tall it is! I’m a six-footer and, standing next to it, it rather overawes. The feeling is not dissipated in any way once on the bike; normally I have no problem getting my feet on the ground, but on this bike I was on tip-toe. This isn’t necessarily a problem on the road, but I can see a situation arising off-road – at which this bike is definitely aimed – if the ground by your feet was at all lower than the wheels. For the record, the 990R is 55mm taller than the sister 990S.

With no time (or skill enough) to go off-road, on-road performance is what we are talking about and the big KTM does not disappoint. The engine – a 75 degree v-twin developing 85Kw – spins incredibly easily with very little flywheel action. The gearbox is fantastic and clutchless changes are beautifully smooth although the gear lever position on the test bike was set up more for a standing riding position which meant lifting the whole foot to change when sitting. The performance is exciting, to say the least. A friend - who normally rides the BMW 1200GS - took it for a spin and came back with a grin from ear to ear and declared it a bike to have proper fun on, whereas the BMW was more staid in its approach. It might not have the solid, unburstable feel of the big GS (or even the sales figures), but the KTM is more exciting, by a long way.

The bike’s height does make negotiating traffic a doddle but at no point could I rid myself of the feeling of being a bit top-heavy, so high up do you feel. The seat is very flat and I suspect would leave you feeling a little numb after 250kms. But there were no issues with the riding position and the mirrors were really good. Brakes, Brembo front and back, are excellent although ABS is not available on the 990R as it is on the 990S, which is a surprising omission. The back brake, in particular, is very easy to lock. I would have thought that a switchable ABS would have been the logical route to take, but then, what do I know?

It is a superb looking bike, if a little slab-sided, which only adds to the impression of size. Fit and finish is excellent and there is an air of quality about the engineering. The engine can sound a little highly-strung and fussy and the standard exhaust note is a bit uninspiring, but it isn’t unpleasant or too quiet. I suppose the main problem is that it doesn’t sound like a V-twin as we expect it; it’s far more sophisticated than that.

Overall, a KTM always gives the impression that it is a bike for the expert rider, especially if you want to do justice to its abilities. It is rather like a thoroughbred horse; beautiful to look at, but not for the beginner. My feeling is that off-road you would have to be very experienced to manage the size, weight and power without issue. On-road, it still demands much to get the best, not least of which is a tall rider!

But there can be no doubting that the 990R is a serious rival to the BMW GS, if completely different in nature. The other contenders in this category - the Yamaha Super Tenere, Ducati Multistrada and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 - lack the absolute focus that differentiates the KTM. The BMW might have more real-world/average-skill rider/everyday practicality, but it can’t touch the KTM for personality; even though that personality is completely mental at times!