KTM 1090 buying advice & it hasn't moved for 2yrs
Discussion
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Fantastic bikes. I ran an 1190 in East Africa for a few years without a single issue. Not sure if it was still an issue but the one weakness was a potential airbox sealing issue but I think KTM resolved this post 2015.
Just give it a good service,, change all fluids and enjoy
Is this the Adventure model? If so, be aware of the seat height... it's a long way down.
Other than that, I had one for just under 4 years, bought in 2018. I always let something be in production for at least 1 year to allow the manufacturer to sort out minor issues before they get my cash. With that logic and mine being almost faultless, I'd say a 2019 should be good. The only warranty claim was the fuel sender sticking and that was a quick swap. It only really occurred when using E10, so probably the ethanol swelling the float. No breakdowns.
The 1090 had basic electronics, hand-me-downs from earlier models, so all very proven. The engine wasn't huge at 1090 and 125bhp, so nothing overstressed there and the more modest output gave the rest of it an easier time than the nutter 1290 will. I used mine at about 6k miles per year before COVID and did a few tours happily enough on it. Again, no issues at all.
Positives
- Power, it was perfect for me - enough to be useful / exciting if you rev it out, but not scary if you keep it below the 6k+ powerband.
- WP suspension was absolute quality - just take time so set it up right.
- The view from up on high was great and made progress on smaller roads and in traffic easy.
- With Michelin Adventure tyres, it seemed to deal with poor roads / weather just fine. Even if you did slip it kind of took it in its stride in a way that no sports-tourer ever did for me.
- Made me smile: just huge fun to ride.
Negatives
- High centre of gravity combined with seat height: I got used to it in the end, however I did require a drop in a off-camber car park to get my head around having to think about stopping and weight transfer / foot placement. Once done, I didn't repeat - I just adopted the mindset I have when stopping my mountain bike.
- Headlights are rubbish - to keep legal I used auxiliary lights to help dip out and a higher wattage, modified fog light bulb for main. All good after and good enough for winter commuting.
- Engine hunts and shunts at low revs. Not the best for tricking through town traffic, especially with that seat height.
I really liked mine and my current GS feels civilised, if a little steady afterwards, despite having more poke by comparison. As for the battery, it seem most modern bikes have small batteries, so I'd budget for a new one and if you do leave it more than a week or so at a time, consider a trickle charger yourself. I always had one on my KTM and still do for my current bike.
Other than that, I had one for just under 4 years, bought in 2018. I always let something be in production for at least 1 year to allow the manufacturer to sort out minor issues before they get my cash. With that logic and mine being almost faultless, I'd say a 2019 should be good. The only warranty claim was the fuel sender sticking and that was a quick swap. It only really occurred when using E10, so probably the ethanol swelling the float. No breakdowns.
The 1090 had basic electronics, hand-me-downs from earlier models, so all very proven. The engine wasn't huge at 1090 and 125bhp, so nothing overstressed there and the more modest output gave the rest of it an easier time than the nutter 1290 will. I used mine at about 6k miles per year before COVID and did a few tours happily enough on it. Again, no issues at all.
Positives
- Power, it was perfect for me - enough to be useful / exciting if you rev it out, but not scary if you keep it below the 6k+ powerband.
- WP suspension was absolute quality - just take time so set it up right.
- The view from up on high was great and made progress on smaller roads and in traffic easy.
- With Michelin Adventure tyres, it seemed to deal with poor roads / weather just fine. Even if you did slip it kind of took it in its stride in a way that no sports-tourer ever did for me.
- Made me smile: just huge fun to ride.
Negatives
- High centre of gravity combined with seat height: I got used to it in the end, however I did require a drop in a off-camber car park to get my head around having to think about stopping and weight transfer / foot placement. Once done, I didn't repeat - I just adopted the mindset I have when stopping my mountain bike.
- Headlights are rubbish - to keep legal I used auxiliary lights to help dip out and a higher wattage, modified fog light bulb for main. All good after and good enough for winter commuting.
- Engine hunts and shunts at low revs. Not the best for tricking through town traffic, especially with that seat height.
I really liked mine and my current GS feels civilised, if a little steady afterwards, despite having more poke by comparison. As for the battery, it seem most modern bikes have small batteries, so I'd budget for a new one and if you do leave it more than a week or so at a time, consider a trickle charger yourself. I always had one on my KTM and still do for my current bike.
I should probably answer your question Should I...?
Personally, if the price was right and the height / C of G is okay, then YES I would.
The V-Strom is softer, more civilised and holds its weight lower, but it was kind of dull. Worthy but dull. It will doubtless be uber-reliable, but as you say, you're never going to give it a cheeky glance over the shoulder as you walk away.
EDIT: V-Strom opinion from a test ride when chopping in the KTM.
Personally, if the price was right and the height / C of G is okay, then YES I would.
The V-Strom is softer, more civilised and holds its weight lower, but it was kind of dull. Worthy but dull. It will doubtless be uber-reliable, but as you say, you're never going to give it a cheeky glance over the shoulder as you walk away.
EDIT: V-Strom opinion from a test ride when chopping in the KTM.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I don't know of any KTM independents, not near me anyway, but I took mine to Jim Aim in Braintree, fantastic service and they do really know what they're doing.I wouldn't be afraid of it. KTMs are not like any other brand, they feel different, eager and keen but with 125bhp it's not going to kill you at the first corner. Get it out onto fast A roads and get a feel for it, once you've ridden it a bit, like any bike, it'll feel manageable.
Good choice !
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