KTM 990 Adventure (2009-current)

The build is largely the same as the old model, so it shouldn’t provide too many issues. New black-coated chassis parts look resilient. A handful of owners report engine issues, but by and large they last well. Like most European bikes, more regular checks should keep it happy. Learn how to check oil level in the dry sump correctly.

At £9695 the KTM 990 Adventure isn’t a cheap bike, but for your hefty outlay you get a versatile bike that will tour, long-distance commute and hammer along back roads at an indecent pace. It’ll even deal with gentle off-roading in novice hands, and a set of full knobbly tyres add enough traction to keep more experienced mud-pluggers happy. Consider the rest of the adventure trailie opposition too – BMW’s R1200GS, Triumph’s Tiger and Ducati’s Multistrada offer serious options.

Insurance group: 13

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2003-2006: KTM 950 Adventure – 942cc carburetted v-twin, tubular steel chassis. New model.
2006-2008: KTM 990 Adventure – Larger 999cc v-twin with new fuel-injection system, new seat and graphics, detail improvements.

KTM 990 Adventure R (2009-current) – Fitted with 116bhp Superduke-spec engine and 55mm taller suspension front and rear. ABS removed. Extra power over standard bike makes for a lot of fun, but is also more flexible and requires less gear changes. The suspension is firmer as well as taller, so is more composed without loss of ride comfort. Seat is less comfortable – £105 gel seat solves this as well as bringing seat height down to more manageable level.