I just sold my 08' BMW Adventure and will be buying a new 990 adventure in the next month. So here is my dilemma. I'm 5'10", 220, like long rides on a rock laden beach?? lol. In all seriousness, I know these bikes are tall. I wear Forma Adventure boots which are not only awesome but they add about 2 inches to my inseam. I am used to tall bikes, I also have a ktm 450, Yamaha WR450 and I've rode competitively up to a few years ago when my wife said it was time to quit the Hare Scrambles, so I'm confident off-road. I'm leaning towards the Adventure R but I would like to sit back and listen to anybody who is willing to chime in either for or against. Thank you for your time to respond and I look forward to joining the big bore KTM boys.
I find the 21 inch front wheel to be a bit slippery in heavy rains, it has scorpion tire's on it, it is the first big bore bike I ever owned, so I am not sure if it is me, the bike or wheel/tire. I would get the R if I bought a knew one though, don't know why, but I know I would regret it later if i didn't.
You can handle the height, since you already know the boot height trick. You'll enjoy the ride as you'll know how to put it to use.
Or have someone like Super plush lower bike..... give up some travel for less hassle at stop signs ect... More important abs or not more lever travel with abs. For me its been an on going issue, Im thinking of losing abs and replumbing. ugh!
Go with the r or s even, doubt you can find one, I am the same size as you I seem to handle mine just fine desert surfer can vouch for that one, just do your self one favor take the stock scorpions and throw them in the garbage :huh
I had an S, I've just bough a new R, buy the R if you can still find a new unregistered one, the new 1190 is getting away from th epurity of the original design, look after it and in years to come, the R model 990 will be collectable (imho)......... if your still undecided, go to the local TV super store and look at the 50'' LCD 3D TV's, then go and look at the 60''.........see which one looks / performs the best!
I have an S and I mostly ride on roads, I'm 5'10 as well and I think if the bike was any higher I would have trouble with it. And I do have to say that the ABS is really nice sometimes and has saved my a$$ at least twice... I also got a hell of a deal on a new 2010 last year because everyone wanted the R and it sat for over a year on the floor. You should try both but coming from dirt you might be better on the R
im with you on the ABS. i hated it on the beamer while off road. I could never really turn it completely off. it was nice on road but im used to not having it
Hi, I am also 5 ft 10, with an enduro background but now retired. I had a std 990 and then moved up to one of the higher R`s (a 2010) 2 years ago. I ride on and off road and also 2 up with the missus, all with no problem. You need to think about coming to a stop and read the terrain, thats about it. Once on the go all is good. Very good.
Touching the ground is over-rated. Signed, a 2010 990R owning, 5'-8" tall, 30" inseam, orange fanatic!
I just bought a leftover 2011 R. Had a choice between the R and the standard and I went with the "R". The only time I find the height a problem is situations like backing out of parking spots or really low speed maneuvers. I will look into lowering it a tad but not much. I think my confidence will increase once I get some protection on the bike.
Same body specs. Had GS Adv too. Now have '12 990 r. Rode cross country, dirt, and commute. No regrets.
I'm 6 2 and I bought a standard... Shouldn't have done that, luckily I found a guy who wanted to trade his S suspension for standard suspension. Here is where I got lucky... his bike is an 08 and I believe that in 09 or 10 Ktm changed for 265mm to 245mm. For me I wanted more suspension for trail riding. You will be happy with the R and I think it looks better in black. I also didn't notice any change in handling on the street when I raised the bike and I ride pretty hard on the street.