By contrast, running alone on even decent dirt roads, sliding the bike entering corners or powering out puts you closer to the limit, and all under your control. And, the biggest kicker: you are going more slowly and can low side the bike more easily if you get in over your head, a lot better than diving into a deep ditch at 100kph.


Last Sunday, the 990 was easy to ride, quick, comfortable, thrilling on corner entry and exit, and all at half the speed needed for the same thrills on a pavement-only machine. And, the ride home, all on pavement, was also quick and comfortable.

Hey, the real off road guys have known this all along - it's about time I caught on!

* "The Pace" is a riding technique developed by racer-teacher-writer Nick Ienash to keep the peace between sport riders, locals and the law. Stay tuned for details.

2009 KTM 990 Adventure Long-Term 2



Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert