2013 990 Baja

Obvious, if doth only have used one tire, and it sucked, as far as you know, all might suck

mt21, several tkc's 140 on the se rim and 150s on the stock wide one, karoo, 606, and the ed78 I mentioned above...plus several scorps for road trips in addition to 3 d908s, one in baja. If you like to wag your tail constantly in the sand, hook up like a greasy string pulling out of a hogs ass in mud, and don't mind paying double what they were selling them for a few years ago then 908s your tire. I find it annoying as hell. Its tough and lasts...hell, it likely won't bust a bead with no air, which is its saving grace. I'm gonna try the new Pirelli rally next, looks promising.

Edit* forgot but I've also tried the Mefo SE in a 150 and the Heidenau variant k61 in both the 140(liked it) on the narrow rim and the 150 (better than the Mefo) on the wide rim.

My wife wants me to trade the Beastie on one. She doesn't understand that I'm not done with farkles yet. Also my fondness for carb vs EFI and no need for ABS.
I do like the white/orange scheme. The suede seat is a great touch. Of course had KTM USA asked me I could have told them how to perfect it.
1st one of CJD's clear clutch covers. A single Akra or FMF can. Kriega bags. Rekluse clutch. BDCW skid plate. High front fender. 16/48 gearing. Safari tank. TT GPS mount. Shorai battery. CJD footpeg extensions. Dakar windscreen from Rally Raid. (Are you KTM factory guys getting this, ) May be they could make that the Malcolm Smith Edition

I like it, of course I liked the White 12 model that sat next to my desk for a few months.

The only reason this bike is coming is because they're so slow at homologation, I'm sure this will be a US only model and the new Adv will be everywhere else.

+2 Malcolm!

+1. I asked Ned a few months after he got back into town from Dakar what to run on my new to me 950 SE and he said 908 rear and 606 front. Works great in all conditions except wet tarmac for me.

And no ABS, a good starting point

I still miss that sweet, clean brushed aluminum UNcolored swingarm on the newer bikes.
But I don't miss it on my '05.5 Adv-S, becuz it's still there.
What am I saying? It's been a long time since my swingarm has resembled anything like "clean"...

Well, call me lame - I put down my deposit and ordered one. This will be my first KTM. I ordered it not so much because it is a "limited edition", but because it is a new 990, which I want. With that said I happen to like some the functional stuff it comes with (better offroad tires, bags, larger rear rack, radiator screen, auxiliary lights, etc.).

Congrats,.... You'll love it.
(Rear tire will be gone in 2500 mile or less!)

Fixed...

There is NOTHING lame about buying a 990! You're gonna love the bike. I sold my 950 last fall with Alaska winter coming and a move to Reno planned and after looking at all the options I am coming back to another Adventure. It's the funnest bike I've ever owned.

Congrats!

Lame? I think not.

I was at the local Dealership yesterday and was told that KTM is bringing 700 units to N America and this will be the last year of the 950/990 platform. KTM isn't offering the 990 in Europe this year. So, get 'em while you can! The new 1190 looks more street oriented-like a Multistrada I think.

Yup. They are targeting the GS1200, mostly Starbucks, type of ADV riders.

So mutch hate on the starbucks, errr, i mean GS riders.

Mileage aside, how are these tires in the dirt? Some of the reviews sound like it is pretty good - looking forward to trying it.

Looks like some of you recommend using a 606 front with the 908RR rear - that combo better than 908 front and rear?

How does this bike compare to the 990 Adventure R ??

Well, as this bike is white, it will go much faster, handle far better, and get better mileage. It's likely to be more responsive, stop better, and not have a snatchy throttle.

It's very similar; a little less suspension height (and travel), different tires, different color plastics, and stickers.

I ran two sets of 908 rear & 606 front,
mainly because the 606 is cheaper and well recommended here.
But, after many front pinch flats, I switched to the 908 front.
Noticably stiffer sidewalls.
I like it, but it has a different turn-in feel on the dirt.
Seems to require slightly more turn-in effort.
No biggie, just different.
Works fine on the highway, just keep it below about 95....