Test rode a 2008 KTM Adv 990 and Duc MS-impressions

[dave1068]

Been thinking about selling my 2009 Stelvio and getting something lighter, etc.

Dealer had a used 2008 KTM Adv 990, Took it out for about 1hr, really liked it, had the throttle tube so it wasnt itchy, seat was very plush-more so than the Stelvio, lighter and fun to ride. The bad news: the owner of the bike shop took it for me, unknown to both of us, one of his salesmen sold it but didnt put on a SOLD tag. Was a great ride.

Took out the Ducati 2008 Multistrada, great looking bike, light but hated it. It has a wet clutch but was hard to pull, bike vibrated constantly and the fairing caused so much buffetting, I stopped the test ride early. Also, its very hard and a tight shifter and thats with steel-toed boots. Perhaps if I was 20 yrs younger, the Duc would appeal to me.

If I could find a 2008 or newer KTM Adv, I think I would swtich, The KTM seat on the Stelvio would be an added plus....

[Guzzidad]

  Surprised at your review of the Multistrada. Just yesterday I rode with a friend of mine, he on his 07 Multi. I've ridden his bike and thought it was a really nice bike. Comfortable, strong engine, and Ohlins suspension. And much better looking than the newer Multi's. I'm pretty happy with my 09 Buell Ulysses. I like the way the engine puts power to the rear wheel, I love the tall, Guzzi-like transmission, and the handling is true to their catch-phrase: Own the road.

[dave1068]

I wanted to like the Duc too as it has great componentry, well made and good looking. But when I considered the buffetting, vibration and clutch pull, I just couldnt get into it.

I suppose many Duc riders cant get into Guzzis with their shaft drive, heavy weights and "grumble"...

[WitchCityGuzzi]

I took the new Multi Enduro for a test ride the other day. I didn't love it. It felt much more top heavy than my Stelvio. The suspension is fantastic on it (although to be honest, the Capo Rally active suspension is more advanced). I didn't think the motor was as good as the Stelvio's for tractoring through muck either. It has a lot of gadgetry, which I really couldn't care less about either.

It went like hell from 4k rpm up, but for an ADV bike, I don't find that that useful.

Bottom line, is that all farkled up with similar gear as the Stelvio with bags, crash bars, aux. lights, skid plate etc it's roughly 10,000 more than the Stelvio. It doesn't come anywhere near the Stelvio with regards to value, ease of maintenance etc.

I wanted to like it, but came away with more of e "meh" reaction.

I would like to take a KTM 1190 Adventure for a spin. I think maintenance is similar to the Duc though, and chain drive is a kind of a deal breaker for me. Other than the BMW, there really isn't much out there in the same class as the Stelvio. I hope Guzzi redesigns the Stelvio so it meets emissions etc, because it really is a wonderful bike that stands up well to its competition.

[blackcat]

"Mar 26, 2015 - The cost of maintenance – $1,858.98 for the BMW and $1,641.95 for the KTM – highlights the immutable fact that ownership cost of these machines does not come cheap."

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/ownership-cost-of-bmw-and-ktm/



http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/cost-of-ownership-ktm-1190-vs-multistrada-1200.871165/

[canuguzzi]

What would dealer service costs for a Stelvio be for say 18600 miles? Not discount prices but typical? Doing all scheduled services.

[dave1068]

Witchcity-we are in agreement, I wanted to like it too but too many issues left me meh as well.

NorgePilot-I think the maintainence costs are around 300-400, ballparking it.

[tiger_one]

I have done all my service but the valves, not much to it.
Mine is for sale by the way, looking to get a discounted SDR.
Mine is 507 lbs, the SDR is about 462.

[Bill929]

"Mar 26, 2015 - The cost of maintenance � $1,858.98 for the BMW and $1,641.95 for the KTM � highlights the immutable fact that ownership cost of these machines does not come cheap."

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/ownership-cost-of-bmw-and-ktm/



http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/cost-of-ownership-ktm-1190-vs-multistrada-1200.871165/

$1,800 for 11k miles?  That's not realistic.  I had the 600 mile and 6k services done on my GS and they were less than $250 each.  The next service is at 12k and will be about $500.  That comes to right at a grand for 12k miles (serviced by the dealer).  Not cheap but far from $1800.  And the bike has a three year/36k mile warranty, so unless you crash, all repairs (I've had none so far) would be free.   

[blackcat]

"The cost of maintenance – $1,858.98 for the BMW and $1,641.95 for the KTM – highlights the immutable fact that ownership cost of these machines does not come cheap. But, as the aficionados of the R1200GS and KTM 1190 Adventure R point out, most price concerns are dwarfed by the versatility, comfort and capability of these technological marvels."

Pfffttt...$1,200 or $1800.00 what's the big deal when..

[Mooney78865]

Been thinking about selling my 2009 Stelvio and getting something lighter, etc.

Dealer had a used 2008 KTM Adv 990, Took it out for about 1hr, really liked it, had the throttle tube so it wasnt itchy, seat was very plush-more so than the Stelvio, lighter and fun to ride. The bad news: the owner of the bike shop took it for me, unknown to both of us, one of his salesmen sold it but didnt put on a SOLD tag. Was a great ride.

About 2 months ago I switched from a 2012 990 Adventure to a 2016 Stelvio.  I had bought the bike new and had over 50,000 miles on it when I let it go. The KTM only gave me one instance to cus it, and it was probably my fault.  The fuel pump decided to quit after a break in the days ride and left me stranded.  After much trouble shooting it turned out to be a bad connection on the disconnect to the wiring harness. I had apparently pushed one of the pins out enough to where it was making minimal connection.
I did ALL of my service work from break in right up to the last service before it went away.  The bike saw 7 sets of tires, 4 sets of sprockets, 5 chains, more oil changes than I care to remember and 7 valve checks. (only needed to replace one shim the whole time) Oil change, screens, filter, 2.5 hours.  Valve check, 6 hours. Valve adjustment, 8 hours counting the drive to the local HD dealer for a shim.
I consider myself a true 60/40 road/dirt rider.  I've done 4 of the BDR routes, (one on the stelvio). I can attest that the KTM is a better bike in the dirt, better suspension, better agility.  There I said it.  It is NOT a better adventure bike.  Loaded the KTM was a tough beast compared to the Stevilo.  The torque is higher up in the rev range(and less of it) so I would be "dancing" on the clutch in more technical conditions, at low speed the 990 would be running the fan constantly, which means it's blowing hot air into your crotch all day.
Known issues, water pump shaft, oil jet for the clutch, fuel pump/filter MUST be serviced as they say or you are risking being stranded. (I carried rebuild kits for both) Carry tubes, aired down you risk pinch flats. Been there done that.  As for the weight?  Having just completed the AZBDR on the Stelvio and having done three others on the KTM, don't believe everything you hear about weight.  The Stelvio is MUCH easier to manage despite the weight difference.  I read an unbiased report on the weight of the Stelvio compared to a similarly equipped BMW GS 1200 and the Stelvio was actually 2lbs lighter with the same fuel load. Not all manufactures are truthful on their claims. Is the KTM lighter? Yes. As for the street?  Not even close, hands down the Moto Guzzi.  If my adventure ride started 10 miles from the house I probably would not have the Stelvio and would be sporting the KTM still.  But, they don't.  It is a 2 day ride to the start of any of the BDR's for me.  That's a lot of slab.  Local riding, unloaded, the KTM would be my first choice. Period.  But, I am an Adventure rider, to me that means I don't haul my stuff to the beginning of a ride. It means I ride to the beginning of the ride.  That means I am willing to accept shorter tire life for an aggressive tire, long days in the saddle staring at the back of somebody's Prius, while I'm duck walking my bike in a construction zone on the freeway, eating crap food at the gas station because I REALLY want to hit the dirt and don't want to stop for a "sit down" meal.
I've had the Guzzi for almost 2 months, could not be happier.  It does what the KTM didn't on the street. In the dirt, again, I'm an adventure rider.  The bike has 60-65 lbs of gear, I can literally be 100 miles from civilization and God knows how far from a hospital or dealership.  I'm not out jumping berms, ripping down NFS roads at 60 mph hell bent for leather.  I ride conservatively, I really don't want to find out if my SPOT insurance will pay for that helicopter flight....
So in summary, or reality, the Stelvio totally fills the bill in spades. Did I mention how easy the maintenance is to do on the Guzzi?

I know of what I speak, I did drink the Kool Aid......and let the flaming begin!!

[kingoffleece]

That ought to be required reading for every Americam moto scribe.

[dave1068]

Great report. Ive only had the Stelvio for the last 5yrs so nothing to compare it to. Like I said, I really like it but was looking for something similar but lighter. The Duc is out as it was a horrible ride, the KTM felt right. I agree, once the bugs are resolved, the Stelvios are good bikes. Thanks again-

[Mooney78865]

Great report. Ive only had the Stelvio for the last 5yrs so nothing to compare it to. Like I said, I really like it but was looking for something similar but lighter. The Duc is out as it was a horrible ride, the KTM felt right. I agree, once the bugs are resolved, the Stelvios are good bikes. Thanks again-

Like I said above, don't let the "weight" be the deciding factor.  The Stelvio is a heavy girl, but light on her feet.  I truly believe that loaded it is a much easier bike to handle.  I've had the opportunity to drop both bikes (sand) and unless your riding a KTM 300 XCW (e), they are all bloody heavy picking them up.