between ktm990 adventure and bmw gs1100 , which is better for cross country touring?

Question

been wondering which of this two big bikes gives more comfort, less problem n maintenance during touring?

Answer 1

I've done it. It'll depend a little on what you're hoping to accomplish. But generally, If it's cross-country touring you're asking about, I actually wouldn't do it on the KTM. I did it on a BMW GS, and the cross-country road trip was exactly why I got it.

First, if you're hoping to do alot of serious off-road riding, really, you don't want to be on either one of these beasts in the rough stuff. Folks point out that the KTM is almost a hundered pounds lighter than the BMW, but even then...either one of these will weigh well over 600 lbs when fully loaded for a X-Country trip, and that's quite a handful offroad. Sure, you could do it...but what's the fun in picking up a 600 lb beast over and over again?

The KTM shines best in relatively easy off-road terrain. It's fast and aggressive, has tall shocks, and a ton of power, so it's fun to blast around in the easy dirt. If you plan on getting alot of that stuff into your itinerary, you might want to consider it. But it sacrifices on-road manners. It's a buzzy ride, there's lousy wind protection, and the seat is downright painful for long hauls. You have to do mods to throw on the luggage too.

The BMW is less aggressive in the dirt, but just as capable of getting you across the rough stuff. It's kind of like the difference between a sandrail and a Jeep rock crawler. Both are designed for offroad fun, but one takes a totally different approach. The difference is that the R1100GS is sweeeet on the roads. It's very stable, and won't vibrate your arms numb after 300 miles. It's still plenty agile in the twisties as well. You'll have a blast going through canyon passes on either of them. But you'll really appreciate the BMW as it makes quick work of the hundreds of miles of slab between camp sites. I love my heated grips when you're heading out on a cold morning. And if you're riding two-up, then forget about it. The GS is way more comfortable as a two-up tourer than the 990 would ever be.

As far as reliability, I hear of more GS riders putting on 50, 60kmi on their bikes than any other make. I myself have logged over 100kmi on GS's (first on the R100GS, then an R1150). Personally, I prefer the driveshafted config myself as well (in my experience, a well-cared for driveshaft will last me 100kmi, where a chain craps out every 15kmi or so). And there's not a lot of cheap plastic to break on a GS.

Another point I always make is about field servicability. That's another area where the GS shines. When planning a 3000 mile cross-country bike trip, if you're not considering the contingency plans, you might want to rethink whether such a trip is for you. Even on a reliable bike, things can happen in 3000 miles. When it comes to field maintenance, and field repairs, I've found the bike to be easy to trouble-shoot and easy to repair. The boxer is the only engine I can think of where you can get at every major component from starter motor to valves without much fuss. Ask anyone who's done an oilchange on a KTM whether they enjoyed it.

From my own experience, I'll say the GS was a blast to take through the Sierra Nevada. It took everything I asked it to in stride, including stream crossings and mountain switchbacks so steep you slide backwards if you try to stop. It made quick work of the big open slabs. I'd do it again anyday.

Answer 2

If that bike suits you, then have exciting. yet when the bike doesn't, in high quality condition you. it is going to likely be a depressing, vacation. lengthy distance driving, isn't like each day round city driving. 4 or miles, will beat the crap out of you, on the incorrect bike. convenience is king, problematical to delight in a path vacation. once you won't be able to stroll, once you get there. do not situation about the make or kind, of a bike. purely, locate one which works you very actual. save round, if that BMW suits you. large purchase it, if no longer. purchase something else. I vacation from Wisconsin, to Washington DC, once a 12 months. I also vacation to Tulsa ok, some circumstances a 12 months. I personal a Harley highway King, for a reason. i will vacation all of it day lengthy and nevertheless walk, on the right of the day. i have also personal, some Honda's and a Yamaha. i will't, say a similar with them. The Yamaha became the worst, my decrease back became killing me. at the starting up I loved the Goldwing. yet after the first few hundred miles. i might want to no longer, stretch out my legs like i wanted to. I had a similar situation, with a pal's Harley highway elect the flow. i have by no ability ridden a BMW, for better than some miles. The bike felt, to small for me. Plus, the element became gruesome. i have owned my highway King for 13 years now. As i have gotten older, i have had to modify. The seat and manage bars on it. My decrease back and shoulders, are literally not what they once were. the fee of those alterations, became about $600.00. custom artwork, isn't low priced. yet more less costly, than a sparkling bike.

Answer 3

the ktm is the most solid bike money can buy

Answer 4

ktm for sure... its more bang for your buck and you dont have to pay as much for replacement parts if you dump it or something breaks