I just purchased a 2011 990 Dakar for my trip to South America next year. Choices on my list were similar to your choices for South America. Can you explain the reasoning for now choosing the Adventure over BMW for Mongolia?

Hey Joe,

You're going to like the 900. Why the KTM over the BMW? Bottom line, I like the off-rode and on-rode performance of the KTM better.

In February of 2011 I took a 2 week trip to New Zealand with my wife. We rode two-up on a 1200GS and I was impressed by how much lighter the 1200GS was then my 1150GS. The weight of the bike, even fully loaded for two-up, did make a difference. After that trip, I started thinking about a lighter adventure bike. I also knew that Mongolia contains a much higher percentage off off-road riding, so I wanted to increase the off-road capability when compared to a GS.

My other requirements pretty much remained the same. I learned in South America that KTM dealers could be found in every major city - simalar to the BMW. Also, I recognized that during that trip, I didn't spend 12 hour a day in the saddle like I do in the US. So, the requirement for "street" comfort wasn't as high. The requirement for two-up, while needed, isn't as high a priority as I typically ride solo. And finally, I wanted a better motor. For 80% of my riding the BMW motor is fine. But, I missed the top end performance of my Ducati and wanted a motor that could come closer to that style of engine.

The KTM 990 fills these newly adjusted requirements nicely. I've had the 990 less than 6 months but I've already ridden it places I would never take a GS. On road it's fantastic and now that I've played with the FI mapping, the engine works to my liking. It still needs a custom seat but I've done that for all my bikes.

I'll be posting about the modifications I've done to my 990 in preparation for Mongolia soon.

Jeff;

Thanks so much for your Great site!!! I will be leaving in June 2012 for Prudhoe, Alaska then south to Ushuaia by the end of the year 2012. I will be referring back to your commentary on travel and bike modifications as well as routing and trip information.

Again, thanks for your response.

No worries Joe, Your'e going to enjoy the trip. If you find yourself near Spokane WA during your ride stop by. And thanks for reading

Thanks for youre information on bikes....stumbled accross youre web site from advrider on the proposed 2012 Mt ride by Timmer....live in spokane as well so youre travels were interesting....Mongolia is on my list but probably a few years away....have been considering same bikes you discussed so youre info was VERY helpful...currently own 2005 Dakar F650 GS....new to riding...4 years so this bike is a good start for me...sometime would like to discuss where youre favorite rides are in the spokane area....I am still exploring! My cell is 953-9573 or just use my email....thanks again.

Hey Clark,
Sorry for the delay. Sure, lets talk. With the weather getting better I need to get my bike ready for this years season. BTW, I'm giving a GPS talk the Saturday http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=778563

Jeff,

Rand here in Spokaloo. Hope all's well. Did I see your ST4 for sale?

Yes it is.