Great video. Lovely scenery and trails perfect for the 990. I've had a 990 S for 12 yrs now through thick & thin. Despite many other nice bikes to choose from in this sector, currently, there's no replacement for mine. Plan to ride it for as long as it lasts.
Good to read your thoughts, @seanfrench1029.. I just got a 2013 990 Adventure R with 30,000kms on the clock and I reckon I'm done shopping for an ADV. :) Ride Swift, Ride Safe, brother!
@@bigberthaontour I've had a 2009 ABS white since new which I converted to an R with the R suspension and the R map. I kept it until it had 110K kms. and sold it because there was something wrong with the engine. The guy who bought it rebuilt it and sold it for a lot more than he got it from me (it did have a partially melted rear piston probably because of a wideband failure as a set with the PCV that was on the bike) . I'm now on the market for another one. I was looking for the alternatives but unless I see a higher powered Tenere 700 or I'll wait for a cheaper 2024 (the updated model) used AT, I am going to be staying with the 990. She is still very relevant, ticking all the boxes, 21 years after the first 950 back in 2003! P.S. Lower tire pressures off road. That was the biggest reason you couldn't find traction at the slippery part where you dropped her. That and slipping the clutch. Having said that, she doesn't like the slow stuff on account of her rally heritage and a quite lightweight flywheel. She'll try to stall on you in the slow tricky stuff.
Thank you for this review. The 950/990 has been a dream bike for a long time. It’s wonderful to hear someone talk about its character and how that translates into riding enjoyment.
Glad you enjoyed it. A month or so later I can still vouch for the bike! It’s a big lump and not the most refined but worth all the effort for the smiles!
As the video clearly shows, the bike is rather unduitable for that kind of riding. Although his mouth keep saying it’s alright, when it clearly isn’t. Throttle on these is horribly jerky. If anything get the 950. At least it’s carburated. But before you go out and buy one, test ride the 790…
I hadn't scoured RUclips for 9x0 videos in the few years it's been since doing the research that led me to buy my 2010 990R until tonight, when I discovered this. How you only have 2k subscribers is beyond me. Excellent cinematography! I'd love to show you around Colorado if you ever make it across the pond.
@@ZJBuilder Thanks. It was over a year ago I made this and still loving the 990. Totally unique machine with lots of character and quirks! Even did a 5000 mile trip from Wales to Turkeye on it.
great video! I've ridden my KTM 990 around Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & heading back to Cambodia for a 2nd visit soon... The two "quirks" to be aware of which you mentioned - they are thirsty - so must be cautious in remote places and slow speed / slow RPM it can be snatchy and get you off guard. so low technical speeds I slip the clutch and rev more to avoid that, as it's quite embarrassing.... As for off road / technical - they are quite capable but must practice every couple of weeks to stay proficient.
Cheers mate, looking forward to watching your 1150 review…no question that is the bike that got me into motorbikes when Ewan and Charlie took them round the world!
@@bigberthaontour thanks mate snap :) yep once I've got a few more miles on her I'll deffo have to do a review on her :) just so relieved to be riding an have her fixed now 👍
Epic vid! I ride a 2011 Dakar version, I completely agree with your sentiments here. At first it was intimidating and twitchy, but holy smokes it’s fun on fire roads. It also feels bad ass riding a dirtbike on the highway going as fast as you want. Love my 990.
Awesome, I’m on a trip to Turkey from Wales at the moment. It’s just been the right bike for every scenario…twisty mountain roads, motorway, TET trails, does them all!
Nicely shot and edited. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. You've probably sussed it now you've had it a while and someone else mentioned it, but 16:45 gearing will put the revs in a much nicer range in the slow speed and smooth the throttle out. You rarely need to go over 100mph anyway, right!? ✊🏻😁
@@ACP.49 yes I did do that in the end and it helped massively. Also a throttle cam, decent exhaust, remap and o2 sensor delete all contributed to a nice running bike!
AWESOME STUF! really nice and good video. You make great content. But I do recommend that you get a better mic for in your helmet. It was for me almost impossible to understand what you where saying on the highway. Other then that. Absolutely awesome, keep doing what you're doing.
Thanks watching for the feedback, yeah the audios not great on that section, must remember to slow down a bit if I’m going to do talking. The Cardo’s are used a lot by filmers and others seem to get great results so perhaps i need to play with the settings
If you haven’t already take it to BSD tuning for a remap, it will make it a lot sweeter to ride a slow speed by eliminating the snatchy on off throttle with the fuel injection, just better performance and a little better fuel economy 🤞 but that’s always the trade off with the grin each time you twist that throttle . Also if you get the suspension set up to you and your riding it will make a big difference, I used Lee at RG3 again big difference in performance. Yes they have issues, but doesn’t every bike. But few can have the character of these and share the same history. Hope you’ll enjoy her as much as I’ve enjoyed mine ❤👊😎
@@bigberthaontour I have the normie version of the 990 so travel is a little less so its not to bad one foot down lol. Lowering mods … different seat , drop two inches of the forks and thats about it I think.
2008 KTM 990 Adv owner here. For me this is the ultimate 50/50 bike. I know a lot of riders talk about unicorns, but this is I bike I would feel confident taking anywhere in the world (just update the regulator/rectifier!).
Great video. I also have the 990 adventure. Have ridden it for a year. Did allot of trails and greenlanes. Enjoyed riding it..but its way to big for me. I think a 690 enduro will make my life a bit easier.
Good to know I am not the only one thinking that classically styled motorcycles fit so much better in nature than the angular, alien insect shapes of many modern-ish bikes. Probably because of the more organic shapes of classic bikes.
Excellent video Owen. Really admire the absence of ego, showing the falls (both). I love the look and sound o that bike, but at 5' 7" i'd need a set o steps to climb aboard! Weirdly enough my 1250 te is very manageable to a short arse and when i drop it (often, off rd) it never goes flat due to the pots. Rusty nuts'll be sad, if you've shifted the Beemer.....surely not!? Would you be open to showing me some o those Welsh trails some time? They look almost doable! 😆🙄
When he’s finished growing up he’ll regret flogging the beemer. I expect the KTM phase will last slightly longer than the V85TT love affair which won’t be too difficult! Sand raiders next year Owen?
@@bigberthaontour only things I have left affiliated with motorbikes are 3 AGV helmets and 3 pairs of FIVE race gloves😂😂. Some additional necessities are required 😟
I have 07 990 for a long time now, snatchy fuel injection is the only real negative and comes into play if your an average rider who wants to take it slower on the rough stuff - would be interested in trying an 06 for the carb
Great video, really good production quality👍😊 Considering an Adventure 990R myself. Like you I’m 6’3” ish. How do you find the seat/foot peg distance, do your knees feel cramped or ok and do the handlebars feel wide enough? Thanks, Ian
@@ianatkins3438 hi Ian, it’s all fine from stock but I’ve improved it with 28mm bar risers, Rade garage lower footpegs and seat comforts tall seat. That seems to be a the sweet spot for me
1) this is one of the motorcycles where the only limiting factor is the rider! And to soft suspension if you are good rider. 2) real consumption is from 7+ liters per 100km, reserve turns on at 210-230km, on reserve you can take 40-60km 3) the sprockets ratio is very important for this motorcycle, at least 16:42 or 17:45, if a lot of offroad, then 16:45 4) jerky throttle is only if you are a slow driver and drive too slowly, this bike is designed for speed 5) I wouldn't say that the motorcycle is too big, it is very well balanced, the weight disappears as if it were moving. Of course, this motorcycle is not for short people 😀
I have seen someone your height ride my bike, but he was Serbian Hard Enduro champion! The non S or R versions aren’t as tall so might be a better option
I traded my 2007 990 adventure S in for the new 2023 890 Adventure R and while I love the 890... there was just something about that 990 that will always draw me to them.
not an easy bike. I have it since two years and she wants respect. She does not forgive...but she is mechanical monster that makes you feel the road...the worse the weather the more you want to ride with her ....
Definitely, won't outperform today's best, but it's very entertaining when it's doing its thing. I travelled offroad on mine this year and the only real downside was the weight when I got stuck!
@@Vjekoslav-vf3hr it’s the Merlin Solitude jacket, it’s a brilliant jacket, wear it every ride. Comes in many nice colours but the blue was a one off they made when they were deciding which colours to make it in and they never made anymore!
Glad you like it. Jacket is the Merlin Solitude, my one is a one-off preproduction model so can’t get it in those colours but the other colour ways are nice too
It is quite literally a "Dirt Bike" on Steroids; trying to pretend that its well mannered on asphalt. That sounds it up! Power and fun in the dirt, and so light in weight.
The 950/990s are still very present at amateur rallys, for good reason. KTM of that age were made for racing and little else. Riding with boxes was probably beyond the engineers' spec sheets. While I admire the 950/990, for non-racers the 890 R is probably the better choice.
@@pjakszentis 890R is defo the better choice, but 990 is the most entertaining one! Hard luggage isn’t ideal but when I’m carrying camera gear I prefer to use them. The 990 carries them well, id say user error is more to blame in this video!
I don't think I've had mine long enough to answer that question fully...but the general consensus from forums is that they are very reliable with an owner who knows that to look out for and maintain.
I've watched this a couple times now - as I currently ponder a replacement for my Tiger 1200...but I have just twigged you said "old bike" when referring to Big Bertha! Does that mean she has been sold?! :D
I have -08 950 Superenduro R , most fun of 20-bikes that i ever owned ! I is like a puppy that just want to jump all the time…whispers to you all the time : wheelie a litlle , spin tyre on roundabout, grawel make mess hunred meter :) , go to this path,, yes go on , its illegal ,yeah go on :) I use coarse gravel and motocross tyres and 1500 km max rear tyre is shot , tank of fuel 150 km so you need to know where nearest station is 9l/100 km is norm…
I’ve heard they’re very good, unfortunately a long way from Pembrokeshire! In the meantime I’ve turned off the oxygen sensor and it’s buttery smooth now, big improvement
Limiting Hp big time with that chinese 'carbon' exhaust. I had one on a 1090 and it really choked it up. I put a 1290 super duke gr exhaust and while loud, it freed it up.
Yeah it was such a piece of crap. Eventually the end cap started to fall off. I have a HP Corse one with link pipes on there now and I'm much happier. Very good for the price too
@@nepicness I went 2 in 1 for the weight saving. She’s a bit noisy but not horrible. Once you’re flying along it’s a really nice level of noise…just can’t sneak through the greenlanes unnoticed!
Great video mate but this isn’t a moto for Wales. Take it to Morocco! My ‘11 990 is a total beast in the US Southwest deserts and Baja (Baja Rally 2017). It eats up rock and sand and is the most fun moto I’ve ever owned. But chose a Tiger 900 for my trip to S America.
@@XLAdvRider Rode it to Istanbul this year via lots of TET routes…what an incredible machine for proper adventure riding! Think it does Wales pretty too now I’m used to it!
Great vid, you are a brave man in those conditions, more suitable tyes would transform your experience. I have a 2012 normal suspension 990 after several 950 s versions, its a lot easier.
Always a tricky one with tyres. I use it a lot on the road too so I end up with something that’s a bit crap at both 🤣 to be fair the TKC80 have been fine with most off-roading I’ve done on the bike, just winter mud they struggle with
@@bigberthaontourif available in the UK try Motoz Tractionator, I had them on my 1290SA and they have excellent grip plus I got almost 10k km on the rear. Motoz has some more aggressive tyres, but they’re generally designed for hard pack and desert, not so much wet. For highway and off-road the Tractionator is hard to beat
@@bigberthaontour What? You said about 40 mpg I believe. . . x 6 gallons. . . . I am always able to run to 225, with a bit to spare. Never ran dry, but am confient I could hit 250 if I were riding moderately. They typically run 40 mpg with mixed riding.
I know where I can get a 2013 Baja edition with 17k miles on it for $7,000 USD. I’m tempted to trade my BMW R 1200 9T Scrambler for it. I’m limited to places I can go on it. 🏍️💨🏁
I had the 990 SMT. Jerkiest throttle I ever experienced on a bike. Totally unsuitable for off road. Also it was the thirstiest bike I ever owned. Mine had trouble consuming less than 0.7l per every 10th km. Also way too heavy for this kind of thing. And he’s sporting hard cases. Not ideal for the kind of riding he did in the clip
Hard cases full of heavy camera gear...tough day on the trails! With time I've learnt the bike is incredible capable off road, just needs time to master (not that I have mastered it, but definitely better than before!). Throttle jerkiness comes as standard with many of these, mapping and O2 sensor delete has helped mine massively
you cannot really imagine what a machine it is untill you actually ride one. After many many years of wanting one of those i sold my 2017 1200 gs adventure and bought a 2007 990 adv, i can tell you that was the best decision ever! It is angry, capable beyond imagination on and off road and it is for sure that dumbass friend that always tries to get both of you killed but gives you at the same time the best time of your life! A MOTORBIKE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!
Nothing complicated about the machine it's basic nuts and bolts buy a manual read over it . I aswell own a 2010R as well other bikes but if I'm having a bad day it's the first machine I go to it never disappoints in doing its job, it will always have a home in my garage .
@bigberthaontour I will give a recommendation the Rottweiler glove box or the others quick release bracket helps to shave time off of disassemble and get rid of factory air box 📦 I run the triple clamp moto unit its a solid design those 2 alone make make maintenance a breeze . Last thing tune ecu software is your friend the old software "cd" is best but new version is good for Diag purposes. Looking forward for more videos from you! James from Ohio
You fickle lover! Poor Big Bertha, have you sold her? Is she pensioned off to rot in the shed? Is she destined to be ridden endlessly from Starbucks to Starbucks by some pretend off-road adventurer? KTM does look like heaps of fun though. Les
Great video. Lovely scenery and trails perfect for the 990. I've had a 990 S for 12 yrs now through thick & thin. Despite many other nice bikes to choose from in this sector, currently, there's no replacement for mine. Plan to ride it for as long as it lasts.
Seems most people thing they're keepers...I've got the feeling mine will be!
Good to read your thoughts, @seanfrench1029.. I just got a 2013 990 Adventure R with 30,000kms on the clock and I reckon I'm done shopping for an ADV. :)
Ride Swift, Ride Safe, brother!
@@bigberthaontour I've had a 2009 ABS white since new which I converted to an R with the R suspension and the R map. I kept it until it had 110K kms. and sold it because there was something wrong with the engine. The guy who bought it rebuilt it and sold it for a lot more than he got it from me (it did have a partially melted rear piston probably because of a wideband failure as a set with the PCV that was on the bike) .
I'm now on the market for another one. I was looking for the alternatives but unless I see a higher powered Tenere 700 or I'll wait for a cheaper 2024 (the updated model) used AT, I am going to be staying with the 990. She is still very relevant, ticking all the boxes, 21 years after the first 950 back in 2003!
P.S. Lower tire pressures off road. That was the biggest reason you couldn't find traction at the slippery part where you dropped her. That and slipping the clutch. Having said that, she doesn't like the slow stuff on account of her rally heritage and a quite lightweight flywheel. She'll try to stall on you in the slow tricky stuff.
Agree. I bought one of the last in 2013 and love it.
Thank you for this review. The 950/990 has been a dream bike for a long time. It’s wonderful to hear someone talk about its character and how that translates into riding enjoyment.
Glad you enjoyed it. A month or so later I can still vouch for the bike! It’s a big lump and not the most refined but worth all the effort for the smiles!
As the video clearly shows, the bike is rather unduitable for that kind of riding. Although his mouth keep saying it’s alright, when it clearly isn’t. Throttle on these is horribly jerky. If anything get the 950. At least it’s carburated. But before you go out and buy one, test ride the 790…
This is the shortest 10 minute video on youtube so far, love your review Owen! It didn't convince me to sell my airhead though :D
Cheers Laurens, looking forward to guiding you guys around the trails in January!
Great review mate. They are big they are angry but they put the biggest smile on your face 👌
Cheers Sam, thanks for your advice buying it!
I drive a 990 Adventure Blue with 116 HP and LOVE it :)
I hadn't scoured RUclips for 9x0 videos in the few years it's been since doing the research that led me to buy my 2010 990R until tonight, when I discovered this. How you only have 2k subscribers is beyond me. Excellent cinematography! I'd love to show you around Colorado if you ever make it across the pond.
@@ZJBuilder Thanks. It was over a year ago I made this and still loving the 990. Totally unique machine with lots of character and quirks! Even did a 5000 mile trip from Wales to Turkeye on it.
great video! I've ridden my KTM 990 around Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & heading back to Cambodia for a 2nd visit soon... The two "quirks" to be aware of which you mentioned - they are thirsty - so must be cautious in remote places and slow speed / slow RPM it can be snatchy and get you off guard. so low technical speeds I slip the clutch and rev more to avoid that, as it's quite embarrassing.... As for off road / technical - they are quite capable but must practice every couple of weeks to stay proficient.
Brilliant video always wondered what the 990 was like thanks for sharing 👍
Cheers mate, looking forward to watching your 1150 review…no question that is the bike that got me into motorbikes when Ewan and Charlie took them round the world!
@@bigberthaontour thanks mate snap :) yep once I've got a few more miles on her I'll deffo have to do a review on her :) just so relieved to be riding an have her fixed now 👍
Epic vid! I ride a 2011 Dakar version, I completely agree with your sentiments here. At first it was intimidating and twitchy, but holy smokes it’s fun on fire roads. It also feels bad ass riding a dirtbike on the highway going as fast as you want. Love my 990.
Awesome, I’m on a trip to Turkey from Wales at the moment. It’s just been the right bike for every scenario…twisty mountain roads, motorway, TET trails, does them all!
that's awesome! I'm looking at getting a 2011 990 Dakar. Did you ever feel like you needed the suspension of the R or was the Dakar's 8.3 inch plenty?
@@siddarthvader it’s plenty for me at my skill level. Not a Pol Tarres type rider…yet!
Nicely shot and edited. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
You've probably sussed it now you've had it a while and someone else mentioned it, but 16:45 gearing will put the revs in a much nicer range in the slow speed and smooth the throttle out. You rarely need to go over 100mph anyway, right!? ✊🏻😁
@@ACP.49 yes I did do that in the end and it helped massively. Also a throttle cam, decent exhaust, remap and o2 sensor delete all contributed to a nice running bike!
I rode around the world on this bike (2010-2012) - awesome bike.
AWESOME STUF! really nice and good video. You make great content. But I do recommend that you get a better mic for in your helmet. It was for me almost impossible to understand what you where saying on the highway. Other then that. Absolutely awesome, keep doing what you're doing.
Thanks watching for the feedback, yeah the audios not great on that section, must remember to slow down a bit if I’m going to do talking. The Cardo’s are used a lot by filmers and others seem to get great results so perhaps i need to play with the settings
If you haven’t already take it to BSD tuning for a remap, it will make it a lot sweeter to ride a slow speed by eliminating the snatchy on off throttle with the fuel injection, just better performance and a little better fuel economy 🤞 but that’s always the trade off with the grin each time you twist that throttle .
Also if you get the suspension set up to you and your riding it will make a big difference, I used Lee at RG3 again big difference in performance. Yes they have issues, but doesn’t every bike. But few can have the character of these and share the same history. Hope you’ll enjoy her as much as I’ve enjoyed mine ❤👊😎
Cheers for the info! Yep no bike is perfect for a rider out of the box (unless you were the test rider!)
Great vid. Loved the edits. I have not yet taken mine off road abit nervous as im 5,7 lol. Great content keep it coming 👊👊
I was nervous at 6’3”! Tallest bike I’ve ever ridden. Are there any good mods to get the seat height down!
@@bigberthaontour I have the normie version of the 990 so travel is a little less so its not to bad one foot down lol. Lowering mods … different seat , drop two inches of the forks and thats about it I think.
i'm 5.5 ... height isn't a limiting factor for offroad trails. Improvise, adapt, overcome! ;-D
still one of the best looking adv bikes to date
No doubt, I love how it looks…just a photographers nightmare when it comes to travel snaps 🤣
Excellent production. Subscribed.
2008 KTM 990 Adv owner here. For me this is the ultimate 50/50 bike. I know a lot of riders talk about unicorns, but this is I bike I would feel confident taking anywhere in the world (just update the regulator/rectifier!).
Great video! love that bike :)
I love my 990 Adventure!
Great video. I also have the 990 adventure. Have ridden it for a year. Did allot of trails and greenlanes. Enjoyed riding it..but its way to big for me. I think a 690 enduro will make my life a bit easier.
Good to know I am not the only one thinking that classically styled motorcycles fit so much better in nature than the angular, alien insect shapes of many modern-ish bikes. Probably because of the more organic shapes of classic bikes.
I don't even know what I'd do with a 790, those things don't look nice from any angle!
@@bigberthaontour swap for Husky 901 expedition
@@ukaszusielski3606 great looking bike, can’t afford it! 🤣
Excellent video Owen. Really admire the absence of ego, showing the falls (both). I love the look and sound o that bike, but at 5' 7" i'd need a set o steps to climb aboard! Weirdly enough my 1250 te is very manageable to a short arse and when i drop it (often, off rd) it never goes flat due to the pots. Rusty nuts'll be sad, if you've shifted the Beemer.....surely not!? Would you be open to showing me some o those Welsh trails some time? They look almost doable! 😆🙄
Rusty nuts isn’t sad at all, he’s happy to take the piss out of my ridiculous ktm any opportunity he gets
Btw yep always open for spin as long as it’s midweek!
When he’s finished growing up he’ll regret flogging the beemer. I expect the KTM phase will last slightly longer than the V85TT love affair which won’t be too difficult! Sand raiders next year Owen?
I would regret selling it if someone was actually buying it. Maybe having a bunch of videos of me battering it on RUclips isn’t helping!
Thanks, I'll be in touch if it ever gets above freezing and stops raining for a couple o days!@@bigberthaontour
Excellent video Owen, still prefer you scratching your knee on Pembrey with me but I dig the new look 😎
We need to get some r6’s, I’m still keen!
@@bigberthaontour only things I have left affiliated with motorbikes are 3 AGV helmets and 3 pairs of FIVE race gloves😂😂. Some additional necessities are required 😟
early fuel injection is indeed ass. there are tunes that remove the off throttle fuel cut so it cracks open smother, or get the carbs from the old 950
I do love a carb bike…I just didn’t want to buy anything too old! Getting used to it with time anyway!
I have 07 990 for a long time now, snatchy fuel injection is the only real negative and comes into play if your an average rider who wants to take it slower on the rough stuff - would be interested in trying an 06 for the carb
I found the G2 Cam throttle tube helped massively for slow speed riding, plus a ECU remap by a garage did wonders.
Great video, really good production quality👍😊
Considering an Adventure 990R myself. Like you I’m 6’3” ish.
How do you find the seat/foot peg distance, do your knees feel cramped or ok and do the handlebars feel wide enough?
Thanks, Ian
@@ianatkins3438 hi Ian, it’s all fine from stock but I’ve improved it with 28mm bar risers, Rade garage lower footpegs and seat comforts tall seat. That seems to be a the sweet spot for me
@ that’s really helpful to know, thank you.
Looks a great bike btw, love the R version!
Stering into corners onroad get alot better if the frontsprings replaced by a nodge stiffer springs. That is the only mod I did.
1) this is one of the motorcycles where the only limiting factor is the rider! And to soft suspension if you are good rider.
2) real consumption is from 7+ liters per 100km, reserve turns on at 210-230km, on reserve you can take 40-60km
3) the sprockets ratio is very important for this motorcycle, at least 16:42 or 17:45, if a lot of offroad, then 16:45
4) jerky throttle is only if you are a slow driver and drive too slowly, this bike is designed for speed
5) I wouldn't say that the motorcycle is too big, it is very well balanced, the weight disappears as if it were moving. Of course, this motorcycle is not for short people 😀
3) Thanks for the sprocket info, I’ll give some of those combos a go!
4-5) I will enjoy learning to ride it properly!
@@bigberthaontour the more you ride that motorcycle and the faster you get, the more you will understand why riders like it so much 🤟
I run 16:47 but there are a lot of super technical rocky trails around me that a 500lb bike has no business being on and yet...
Also, wheelies.
I wonder if my 5'-8" self can fit on this bike, it's on my bucket list and I'm thinking of looking for one soon.
I have seen someone your height ride my bike, but he was Serbian Hard Enduro champion! The non S or R versions aren’t as tall so might be a better option
Great video 👍👍
I feel your pain picking them up. Nicely shot as usual and well put together content. Are you racing it at valleys lite this year?
Yep, no more novelty retro bike, I’m out of excuses! You?
@@bigberthaontour ah great stuff yeah I’m going back to have a go I’m still on the 950 so fingers crossed 🤞🏻
@@TubbyTrialTeam tidy, I think you were the first people to bring 950/990s to my attention…been intrigued ever since!
@@bigberthaontour ah fantastic glad I could help haha!
I traded my 2007 990 adventure S in for the new 2023 890 Adventure R and while I love the 890... there was just something about that 990 that will always draw me to them.
890s are definitely the ultimate off-road weapon now, you’ll have fun with that :-)
not an easy bike. I have it since two years and she wants respect. She does not forgive...but she is mechanical monster that makes you feel the road...the worse the weather the more you want to ride with her ....
Beautiful video
@@Mejfkl thanks, glad you enjoyed
I'm looking at getting a 990. Do you think they are still relevant in this day and age? I'm more offroad oriented adv traveller. Thanks for the input!
Definitely, won't outperform today's best, but it's very entertaining when it's doing its thing. I travelled offroad on mine this year and the only real downside was the weight when I got stuck!
What is that petrol blue jacket model?
@@Vjekoslav-vf3hr it’s the Merlin Solitude jacket, it’s a brilliant jacket, wear it every ride. Comes in many nice colours but the blue was a one off they made when they were deciding which colours to make it in and they never made anymore!
@@bigberthaontour tnx
Great video!!!I have exactly the same bike.can you tell me what jacket you wear ?
Glad you like it. Jacket is the Merlin Solitude, my one is a one-off preproduction model so can’t get it in those colours but the other colour ways are nice too
@@bigberthaontour thanks a lot!
I owned on in 2011! It was a blast!!!!
It is quite literally a "Dirt Bike" on Steroids; trying to pretend that its well mannered on asphalt. That sounds it up! Power and fun in the dirt, and so light in weight.
The 950/990s are still very present at amateur rallys, for good reason.
KTM of that age were made for racing and little else. Riding with boxes was probably beyond the engineers' spec sheets.
While I admire the 950/990, for non-racers the 890 R is probably the better choice.
@@pjakszentis 890R is defo the better choice, but 990 is the most entertaining one!
Hard luggage isn’t ideal but when I’m carrying camera gear I prefer to use them. The 990 carries them well, id say user error is more to blame in this video!
Could you confirm your location for your video I couldn't make it out?? Great content I really enjoyed it all.
maps.app.goo.gl/URSHtJQaD1m53jEG7
How reliable were the 990's?
I don't think I've had mine long enough to answer that question fully...but the general consensus from forums is that they are very reliable with an owner who knows that to look out for and maintain.
Very - just look after fuel pump and filters - and if you need to do big distances - look after chain
@@MaxUtley that’s amazing that you went round the world on it.
Setting off for Turkey from Wales in spring. What can I do to look after the fuel pump?
I've watched this a couple times now - as I currently ponder a replacement for my Tiger 1200...but I have just twigged you said "old bike" when referring to Big Bertha! Does that mean she has been sold?! :D
Bertha long gone, orange everywhere now
@@bigberthaontour ROAR! :D
I have -08 950 Superenduro R , most fun of 20-bikes that i ever owned ! I is like a puppy that just want to jump all the time…whispers to you all the time : wheelie a litlle , spin tyre on roundabout, grawel make mess hunred meter :) , go to this path,, yes go on , its illegal ,yeah go on :) I use coarse gravel and motocross tyres and 1500 km max rear tyre is shot , tank of fuel 150 km so you need to know where nearest station is 9l/100 km is norm…
Cool, sounds expensive on fuel and tyres but entirely worth it! I’d love to try the Superenduro version one day, bet it’s an absolute hooligan!
You need a trip to BSD Performance they will sort out the fuelling!!
I’ve heard they’re very good, unfortunately a long way from Pembrokeshire!
In the meantime I’ve turned off the oxygen sensor and it’s buttery smooth now, big improvement
Limiting Hp big time with that chinese 'carbon' exhaust. I had one on a 1090 and it really choked it up. I put a 1290 super duke gr exhaust and while loud, it freed it up.
Yeah it was such a piece of crap. Eventually the end cap started to fall off. I have a HP Corse one with link pipes on there now and I'm much happier. Very good for the price too
@@bigberthaontour 2 into 1 or dual? I'm still rocking dual on my 950
@@nepicness I went 2 in 1 for the weight saving. She’s a bit noisy but not horrible. Once you’re flying along it’s a really nice level of noise…just can’t sneak through the greenlanes unnoticed!
Great video mate but this isn’t a moto for Wales. Take it to Morocco! My ‘11 990 is a total beast in the US Southwest deserts and Baja (Baja Rally 2017). It eats up rock and sand and is the most fun moto I’ve ever owned. But chose a Tiger 900 for my trip to S America.
@@XLAdvRider Rode it to Istanbul this year via lots of TET routes…what an incredible machine for proper adventure riding! Think it does Wales pretty too now I’m used to it!
Usually after the 3rd drop I start thinking 'are we having fun yet?' 🙂
Haha, the third drop was off camera!
Great vid, you are a brave man in those conditions, more suitable tyes would transform your experience. I have a 2012 normal suspension 990 after several 950 s versions, its a lot easier.
Always a tricky one with tyres. I use it a lot on the road too so I end up with something that’s a bit crap at both 🤣 to be fair the TKC80 have been fine with most off-roading I’ve done on the bike, just winter mud they struggle with
@@bigberthaontourif available in the UK try Motoz Tractionator, I had them on my 1290SA and they have excellent grip plus I got almost 10k km on the rear. Motoz has some more aggressive tyres, but they’re generally designed for hard pack and desert, not so much wet. For highway and off-road the Tractionator is hard to beat
@ronanrogers4127 your second person to recommend those…must be good! If your getting 10,000km then they will be useful for my tour later this year
Fantastic
yery well done !!!!!!
The R80 G/S is a magnificent bike.
Best not think about the KTM.
i have an adventure r i m 1m70 60 kg it 's like a big bike but i put a white spring on it s better my friend
Which white spring did you put on, my rear shock is looking pretty corroded so it’d be nice to replace it at some point
how about leaving the luggage home!?
Genius idea, although filming could be difficult without any equipment 🤷
Nice
Bigger Bertha On Tour?
Haha, funnily enough I actually had a finisher of "meet Bigger Bertha" at the end but decided against it!
@@bigberthaontour Got to be I think 😁
990s are amazing... But not super fun for the average rider when you go to the muddy greasy Wales TET
It’s been a steep learning curve…but it’s worth the effort!
42.5 MPG? is that for real?
I think I might have overestimated it, it’s probably less 🤣
250 miles is a pretty good go between fill-ups. . . on a bike like that. Still comparable to the current bikes.
@@campland2880where did you get 250 from? Does 150, maybe 170 if your feeling risky!
@@bigberthaontour What? You said about 40 mpg I believe. . . x 6 gallons. . . . I am always able to run to 225, with a bit to spare. Never ran dry, but am confient I could hit 250 if I were riding moderately. They typically run 40 mpg with mixed riding.
@@campland2880 you must have a safari tank. Stock tanks are 4,3 gallons or 19 litres
Awww say it ain't so 😢😢 you haven't got rid of BIG BERTHA?
It's off to Portugal for a new life in the sun!
Ese perro 😍
I know where I can get a 2013 Baja edition with 17k miles on it for $7,000 USD. I’m tempted to trade my BMW R 1200 9T Scrambler for it. I’m limited to places I can go on it. 🏍️💨🏁
I had the 990 SMT. Jerkiest throttle I ever experienced on a bike. Totally unsuitable for off road. Also it was the thirstiest bike I ever owned. Mine had trouble consuming less than 0.7l per every 10th km. Also way too heavy for this kind of thing. And he’s sporting hard cases. Not ideal for the kind of riding he did in the clip
Hard cases full of heavy camera gear...tough day on the trails!
With time I've learnt the bike is incredible capable off road, just needs time to master (not that I have mastered it, but definitely better than before!).
Throttle jerkiness comes as standard with many of these, mapping and O2 sensor delete has helped mine massively
Tanks should hold 22 litres which should get 400-500kms.
Oh, my fuel light comes on at 130 miles...maybe I've got a hole in it!
@@bigberthaontour same same for me 250Km...she drinks a lot
I dont find the 990 big or tall, its the smallest ADV size bike I will ride.....
@@grandmasteraduddell4634 ok Goliath
you cannot really imagine what a machine it is untill you actually ride one.
After many many years of wanting one of those i sold my 2017 1200 gs adventure and bought a 2007 990 adv, i can tell you that was the best decision ever!
It is angry, capable beyond imagination on and off road and it is for sure that dumbass friend that always tries to get both of you killed but gives you at the same time the best time of your life! A MOTORBIKE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!
That’s an excellent description!
Nothing complicated about the machine it's basic nuts and bolts buy a manual read over it . I aswell own a 2010R as well other bikes but if I'm having a bad day it's the first machine I go to it never disappoints in doing its job, it will always have a home in my garage .
I’m sure I’ll be fine, I’m just used to an 80s BMW where the valves can be checked and adjusted in 15 minutes!
@bigberthaontour I will give a recommendation the Rottweiler glove box or the others quick release bracket helps to shave time off of disassemble and get rid of factory air box 📦 I run the triple clamp moto unit its a solid design those 2 alone make make maintenance a breeze . Last thing tune ecu software is your friend the old software "cd"
is best but new version is good for Diag purposes. Looking forward for more videos from you! James from Ohio
The 990 can do mutch more than that just throw away that 2 clozets 😂😂
@@rikacoetzer8135 what’s a clozet?
filling 2 tanks is more of an occasion (950adv)! and btw nothing more lame than two filler caps , with one being fake ;-) (road king)
@@vplph I like your outlook:- enjoy the ceremony of feeding the hydrocarbon hungry monster!
it comes with a lot of problems...
You fickle lover! Poor Big Bertha, have you sold her? Is she pensioned off to rot in the shed? Is she destined to be ridden endlessly from Starbucks to Starbucks by some pretend off-road adventurer? KTM does look like heaps of fun though. Les
Up for sale! No ones bought it yet tho so maybe I’m stuck with it!
Ah, shame Bertha's gone, only reason to watch the channel. Yours, Unsubscribing, I'm afraid, good luck for the future.
I should’ve probably passed the channel over to the new owner!