Hi Matt,

i agree with alot of what's been said already, but here's two cents worth. I currrently own a KTM 990 and have to say it's an absolute blast! Very reliable, very quick and stands out cos there aren't many of them on the road. I can safely say that I have a massive grin on my face EVERY time I take it out!!

I would mention a few things first though, there's not much of a dealer network should you ever need it (not KTM's fault but can be a factor), servicing isn't that cheap and is hard to do yourself unless you've got the skills! I'd also reccommend getting a used bike and saving yourself alot of money (and of course the depreciation!), particularly given the levels of accessories available for this kind of bike. Get a decent used bike safe in the knowledge that the previous owner may well have spent alot on extras. Mine was a 1 year old 06 bike that came with autocom, akros, H&B panniers, scottoiler and alarm and was £2.5k cheaper than a new stock bike.

Now the other side of the coin. I'm riding from the UK to Oz next year and will be selling the KTM and getting an XT660 (R or Z) cos they're cheaper, lighter, more economical, easier to work on, and parts are universally available. I also don't doubt that i'll be dropping my bike fairly frequently and don't want to break such an expensive bike, and let's not forget the cost of your carnet for your trip home!

My advice, get a used KTM for your time in Oz, a cheaper Jap bike for the trip home, and save up for a KTM for when you're back in Europe.

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I,ve got the 2005.5 and not a single problem in 15,000 in South America.
Luckily South America seems to be a natural home for the 950-990 and there are competent dealers it would appear in every country.
Long distances and shitty roads make the 950 perfect for the situation down here!
So I guess from what I hear that the 2005.5 is the bike to go for,the old problems are sorted and you miss out on the new problems with the fuel injection.
Al theturtleshead

Great advise there guys - thanks for that... the ride back home in a few years will be fun and I do want something I can work in now and get set up properly... to that end I did go for the XT660r.... (edit: I do of course mean the XT660X not R)

Here's my new baby!

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Honestly, on every level you made the right choice.

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Hey there :-) Good to hear from you again.

To be frank the only reason I didn't go with the KTM is because the dealer was really unhelpful. He just wouldn't shift on price - at all - and wouldn't talk to me about further services, or extras or anything - he was just so arrogant - and just felt that I should be so much in awe of the machine that I should just pay pay pay... I hate that attitude.

In total contrast the Yamaha dealer couldn't be more helpful - wouldn't shift on price again (I couldn't find anyone who would here) but did do me a really good deal on the extras, plus a good discount on my next 12 months of servicing and parts - he offered me a whilst I was discussing the bike, he made me comfortable and chatted for ages about his trips and mine.

So, XT660 it is - and I couldn't be happier... just put in a massive order with Touratech which will arrive whilst I'm in San Francisco in March.....

Patrick - you in SF? We should do coffee.

m

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Let me know when you're coming in ....

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

So you've got for the XT660X ???? As per picture ?? 17" street wheels ???

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I was in the same boat. Sat on a 990, rode one, wanted one, had to borrow if I was to be able to afford one. Then I saw the XT,660 cheap as chips, reliable, not a bad looker, cheap to insure, cheap to run, perky performance for a single.

I saw that bike prices were slowing, as they usually do in the autumn, but I also noticed that people were trying to sell and they weren't moving. 08 KTMs for 07 money, 07s for 06 money.. down they came and I just didn't want to lose a load of money on one either.

What did I do? I got the XT660R. It's not all perfect but overall it suits my situation perfectly. Vibes (it's no multi), wind protection (the aftermarket stuff either works for you or it doesn't) and finish (monkeymetal - they rot, I'm afraid). Easy fuel economy, entertaining, cheap bits.

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www.brighton2expeditions.co.uk

Patrick - I'm bringing my riding gear with me to SF and have every intention of hiring a dirty great big hog for at least one weekend - so the $2 tour would be very much appreciated....!

Ted - yeap the XT660X rather than the R - the picture is of my actual bike - how cool!? 17'' Street Wheels as that's where most of my riding happens - but hopefully will increase the gravel road riding as I swap out the tyres for something a little lumpier.

Pleased as punch with it.

Extras ordered:

• 41l Pannier set (plus locks) - touratech (ZEGA)
• Luggage rack - touratech
• 12v mounting bracket - touratech
• Handlebar guards - yamaha
• Sump guard - yamaha
• crash bars - touratech
• Touring screen - yamaha dealer (3rd party company)
• Tank bag - touratech
• Handlebar bag - touratech

I might have got carried away with the touratech catalogue.

m

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OK Matt,
Sounds good! The Tour is ON!!

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

nah! It's not California unless I'm riding a hog - always fancied a go on one anyway!

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So I'm finding Australia fun in terms of getting stuff I want... in particular I've had the touring screen for the XT on back-order for over 3 months and still no joy - anyone got a suggestion on where-else I may be able to get my hands on one?


m

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Hi Matt.
- i guess the new job's paying well, eh . But i would have expected you to have selected more kit from the smaller manufacturers (there seems to be a few in Oz...) so you could critique them in your own inimitable style - but the TT catalogue, the Force is strong in that one, aye . But the bike looks mean, especially in those colours, nice choice!!

Yes I was wondering if I was going to be able to hold my head up in here again! ;-)

The problem was the fact I was on the road (well in a metal tube 38,000ft up) for two months and I wanted the kit all sorted for when I came back. Trying to get several suppliers to deliver several parts to an address in Footscray was a bit scary, but TT were spot on, so.... it's all TT. Also, I worked out I saved myself over 350gbp on UK prices by buying in Oz - most odd.

Anyway... I now have the new TT catalogue and I may lose the ability to not order stupidly expensive halogen lights.

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