Niall's Spin: KTM 950 Adventure (2003-04)
Niall spins his review on the KTM 950 Adventure, an exotic dirt bike that makes an excellent touring machine
Click to read: KTM 950 Adventure owners reviews, KTM 950 Adventure specs and to see the KTM 950 Adventure image gallery.
Made by the house of Austrian madmen otherwise known as KTM and using top-spec components, the 950 Adventure is incredibly capable of covering vast distances.
With a fuel tank that holds a genuine 24 litres, a deeply comfortable ride position, effective fairing and killer handling, it makes a first class road bike capable of demolishing anything in its path. The brakes are a bit feeble, but allied with the wide bars and commanding riding position the 950 murders twisty roads.
Get the optional (late model) gel seat and it's a very able continent basher, too. The V-twin engine is compact and makes class-leading power, but neglect valve services at your peril. Much better than BMW's R1200GS.
Variant: 'S' model features longer suspension and special paint
Walk away: If the head-gasket hasn't been replaced as the original ones leaked
Also consider: 2001 BMW R1150GS, 2005 Ducati Multistrada
KTM Adventure 950 Specifications
Engine 942cc, liquid cooled v-twin
Power 97bhp @ 8,000rpm
Torque 40ft/lbs @ 5,500rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Bore x stroke 100 x 60mm
Front suspension 48mm WP USD forks
Rear suspension WP shock with hydraulic spring preload
Front brakes 2x 300mm discs
Rear brake 240mm disc
Dry weight 198kg
Seat height 860mm
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Colours Orange, Silver
