Of course, it’s not all sun and roses. The KTM 990 Adventure stands close but does not reach perfection. I may be nit-picking, but I feel the need to point out a few things. For instance, the height of the windshield is impossible to adjust easily. Also, there is no fuel gauge; the indicator light of the reserve and its mileage countdown just don’t cut it. Moreover, the heat coming out of the tailpipes made me feel pretty uncomfortable, especially since I rode under warm temperatures.

The indicator light of the reserve and its mileage countdown just don’t cut it.

It’s not the most elegant machine, either, with a white-colored fuel tank and the brand’s weirdly-shaped fairing. One thing’s for sure: the 990 has everyone talking, even though styling doesn’t get unanimous approval. A little chat with a group of enthusiasts and connoisseurs made me realize just how popular it is, which explains its price in relation to direct rivals, such as the BMW R1200GS, and above the Honda Varadero.

At the end of the day, the KTM 990 Adventure proves to be a very enjoyable two-wheeler -- simple, capable and easy to live with.

2009 KTM 990 Adventure Long-Term 1




Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert