Missing two

[Jeriatric]

First let me unequivocally say I love my Spyder. Honestly, it's one of if not the best open air riding experiences I've ever had. That said......I'm missing - still have the urge - to ride on two.

That brings me to the reason for this post. I'm very close to purchasing a KTM 990 SMT (dealer and I have agreed on OTD price).

My question. Have done a lot of research but when you're reading an owners forum there's lots of room and reason($$$)for bias. That said, I have a lot of faith in our Spyder community and wonder if anyone here has owned or currently owns one and would be willing to share their likes - dislikes.

Thanks....jer

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

I also deam of being back on two wheels but due to physical problems that won't happen. now on to the fun stuff. I have owned a few KTM's in the past and they are wonderful rugged bikes with one caveat. How's your dealer? Do they have parts and a decent tech otherwise it can be a nightmare to keep things on the road. Similar to Ducati and Moto Guzzi, great bikes, no support!

 

[Bob Denman]

KTM always offers great bikes! :thumbup:
I've not ridden that particular model though... pps:

 

[Jeriatric]

Service and parts

Will be using the same dealer that services(the techy stuff) on my Spyder. Not sure if my Spyder tech is KTM trained. If not, I don't think it will be a concern because another tech there will be. As to parts, KTM headquarters is just up the slab from the dealer (less than 50 miles).

Don't think I've ever debated a bike purchase as much as this one. Perhaps there's good reason.:dontknow:

Thanks for your response :thumbup:

 

[jerpinoy]

Late last year I met a nice person riding a KTM. He had 50k miles on it after a south America trip, that tells me this bike was a dependable one. :yes:

 

[ARtraveler]

No KTM experience here either. Owning a :spyder2: plus having two wheels is great. I did that for years until last summer when I had to say farewell to two wheels. There is something wonderful about the two wheel experience.

 

[Bob Denman]

 

[ARtraveler]

Slight Hi-jack-----

Thanks for the clip Bob. One of my three favorite "biker" movies.

A few months back I rented and watched

Wild Ones, Easy Rider, and Wild Hogs in a two day period. Lots of cliches, but great entertainment.

Sorry: Now back to the thread.

 

[Bob Denman]

:2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[Jeriatric]

Easy Rider

Classic Bob. Just in case someone wants a replica.



$13,950.00 obo - @ a shop near me.

Ride on :doorag:

 

[asp125]

KTM 990 SMT? Same size motor as the Spyder in half the weight? Mmmm, yes please! Good luck keeping the front wheel on the ground.

 

[Jeriatric]

KTM 990 SMT? Same size motor as the Spyder in half the weight? Mmmm, yes please! Good luck keeping the front wheel on the ground.

The days of such antics for this old coot are long gone nojoke I hope!! :2thumbs:

 

[IWN2RYD]

Warning... My response is biased...

I have a soft spot for Buell (Before HD), Ducati and KTM... And my wife no longer allows me in any dealership without her present that carries one of those brands...:bowdown::banghead:

Now... I personally would not flinch even a tiny bit getting a KTM. Their R&D is rather extensive and my perception of them is close to perfectionist. No manufacturer is immune to blemishes or factory challenges. However I find the KTM brand to be a comfortable choice. I know I can trust the bike in any situation we find together.

That all said, I made a promise to my wife and God that I would not get back on two wheels (Major accident back in 92' and I should not be alive to talk about it) without their consent. However if I was given it, in today's market KTM and BMW would be the first two showrooms I would go to, with a stop over at a Motus dealer in Cali... Well I cannot leave the Spyder at home now can I? :yes::doorag:

 

[Jeriatric]

Austrians Premium Blend

Hope this makes everyone feel better about the price of oil for their spyder. KTM's private label oil is $18.50 a quart.....before tax. And, the word I'm getting is it really needs to be run for the first 20K or so. nojoke Yippee! :joke:

Oh yea. It comes in a really cool container with it's own built in flexible pouring spout. If anyone would care to have one......... the container is nicely sculpted and has a built in pouring spout. I'm considering using one(container) for onboard replenishing oil for the spyder.

 

[Bob Denman]

Well if you have any EMPTY containers that you'd like to get rid of...

 

[Bob Denman]

$18.50 a quart??

 

[Jeriatric]

Well if you have any EMPTY containers that you'd like to get rid of...

As soon as I know how viable the idea is if you really want one I'd be more than happy to put it in the mail. nojoke

 

[Jeriatric]

THAT SINKING FEELING

$18.50 a quart??

And they say WHAT about boats?

 

[Jeriatric]

Update - Happy Happy Happy!

After several trips up the hill. Palms to Pines Highway - 300+ miles to date. All I can say is.

Finding the right canyon carving, super slab capable, light weight, nimble machine isn't easy....until you discover the KTM 990 SM T. And astonishingly it was a good fit for me right out of the box nojoke (6'-4" 225lbs)

That said, there's a Corbin on order. Lovem or hatem it's a saddle that works for me.

 

[Desert Spyder]

After several trips up the hill. Palms to Pines Highway - 300+ miles to date. All I can say is.

Finding the right canyon carving, super slab capable, light weight, nimble machine isn't easy....until you discover the KTM 990 SM T. And astonishingly it was a good fit for me right out of the box nojoke (6'-4" 225lbs)

That said, there's a Corbin on order. Lovem or hatem it's a saddle that works for me.

So you bought the bike after all Jer? You kept the Spyder, right?