| Author |
Message |
    
Smcnamara
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 - 03:38 pm: | 
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I finally finished reading the whole comparison... NICE WORK PAOCHOW! The KTM was on my short list when I was hunting for my last bike, but the Uly won out, in large part due to some of the exact points you noted.
That said, I wouldn't mind adding the Adventure to the stable *in addition* to they Uly, but looks like one of the smaller KTMs or Husqvarnas (or maybe a Suzuki DR) is going to be the ticket...
Thanks for putting that together. |
Rubberdown
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 - 08:33 pm: |
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I don't know what owning a BMW was like years ago but these days it's great. Every time I even mention the slightest concern or question anything about my bikes they are on it. Big time! No expense spared, never a question about warranty not covering something, and they make sure to handle things at my convenience. I guess I've just been lucky. Buell was good to me as well.
(Message edited by rubberdown on December 04, 2007) |
Karlsbad
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007 - 12:25 am: |
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Ha, poppycock, nice comparison but most of the wins to KTM were very subjective at best.
I have ridden with a KTM owner for the last 4 years, Reliability, as well as high maint. costs go hand in hand with the KTM
The new units are better but the Adventure is a nightmare to service in the field.
The Super Enduro seems to be a much better choice if you want a good dirt capable bike.
P.S.
I have ridden both back to back many times, there is no way the KTM gets the nod on brakes over the ULY, NO WAY |
Buellerandy
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007 - 02:01 pm: |
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Thats awesome to hear rubberdown. For any motorcycle dealership to accomplish said tasks is always a PLUS! |
Paochow
| | Posted on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 09:39 am: |
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The Super Enduro seems to be a much better choice if you want a good dirt capable bike.
P.S.
I have ridden both back to back many times, there is no way the KTM gets the nod on brakes over the ULY, NO WAY
Naughty Karl, The SE would be a hoot as a dirt bike, but not as good as a 990ADV or Uly as an ADV bike, due to no wind protection, no hard luggage, and smaller fuel capacity.
As for the brakes, the front Uly brakes are better on dry pavement, but for less than ideal conditions, I'd take the ABS equipped 990 any day of the week. I'd always thought ABS was a novelty until I had to panic stop to avoid slamming into herd of cattle on a gravel road. The Uly would have been on the ground likely. Granted Buell could easily take back the Brake crown with standard Lindall Pads, a stronger rear brake, and available ABS.} |
Vagabond
| | Posted on Sunday, December 09, 2007 - 09:12 pm: |
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KTM: Austrian for mechanical nightmare.
I used to work on and around BMW, KTM, Ducati , and Triumph motorcycles, I can honestly say this. KTM's biggest problem is themselves. The bikes are repair prone, and parts availability sucks from KTM USA. Unlike Buell with the relatively poor dealer support, KTM dealers are pretty good, but it seems that KTM USA doesn't give a rats ass about their own product. BMW cost of ownership is staggering. The maintenance schedule alone will the GDP of Costa Rica over the life of the bike. BMW bikes are good, but they are not infallable. Check any BMW forum, and you'll read about final drive failures on a regular basis. Ever seen what it takes to replace the clutch on an oil-head? Ah the list goes on... Ducati: sexy, expensive, questionable build quality, marginally realible, Ferrari-esque parts prices, must be Italian iron. Triumph is a bit different. Teh styling is rather industrial (save 675 daytona) and uninspired. But the reliability is japanese good. And to deal with the US office is a dream. Good people there in Smyrna, Ga representing John Bloor's company.
I own Buell because they're fun, reliable, and the cost of ownership is low. Did I mention fun?  |
Arcticktm
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 01:02 pm: |
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Vagabond
Sounds to me like you have an old KTM experience.
They really turned it around in the mid to late 90's.
I have had 5 KTM's from 1995-2004 models, and have been extremely happy with them and the dealers, especially on the pure off-road bikes.
I have no experience with the new v-twins, however, as I currently have a 2001 640 LC4.
I have generally found their engine durability to be nearly twice that of Japanese, especially in 2-strokes.
I have also had no real problems getting parts in the past 10 years, especially if you become familiar with KTMTalk.com
I also have the feeling that KTM USA is much more involved with their owners than any other brand I have dealt with, though Buell is trying pretty hard.
I still get update mailings and catalogs from KTM, even though I have moved 3 times in the past few years, and not bought a bike since 2004 from them.
I have also owned a Ducati, and currently own a BMW in addition to the Buell.
KTM and BMW are both way ahead of Buell in dealer support, but that is not much of a target to beat. Generally, I find KTM dealers (older ones, especially) tend to be hard-core enthusiasts that really understand the product and the sport. Cannot say the same for my experience with Japanese mega dealers.
BMW varies widely with the specific shop (as do most).
Buell is just too much an afterthought at some H-D dealers.
I still like my Buell, and even my BMW (sometimes), but KTM is the company that has impressed me the most over the past decade. |
Vagabond
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 07:54 pm: |
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Last KTM was a 2002 640 Adventure. I worked on them until '03. The shop I worked at primarily focused on BMWs since demographically, BMW owners make more money than KTM owners. Just have a sour taste in my mouth from past dealings with KTM. Maybe they are better now.............
Would I own another KTM, probably not.
Would I own another BMW, Definitely. F800GS |
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