Bagstr 287 Posted June 22, 2017 So,,,Is there such an animal? Talkin' about 750s and larger displacement. I have heard stories the the 950 KTM being offroad worthy, but the evolution to 990 and 1290 has finished off another off-road platform. Not meaning the ability to stand up on a graded road. Question is on the subject of a moto you could ride Nevada gravel two track or the joys of a wide open deep sand wash. Who has seen the Mythical poly cylinder wonder machine. Bags Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertaccio 406 Posted June 22, 2017 just look at the older generation rally machines before the 450 rule came into effect. or for the now the KTM, Yamaha and Honda machines that are big but extreme terrain machines, of course some personal mod stuff is in order, like Michelin rally tires for example and probably some suspension work as well. Read- Peterhansel, Depres, LaPorte, Meoni, Trolli, Sainct for the 80-90s , but look to the last gen before the 450cc rule (which is a great rule on many levels) Hahahaaa Stephane Peterhansel Yamaha R1 in the Morrocan desert.....its all about the tires......and the speed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertaccio 406 Posted June 22, 2017 Then "Peter" slowed down.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted June 22, 2017 My 950 works great. My friend Mad Dog Mike used to ride his 1200GS all over... when people asked him...how'd you do thru the sand, he'd say "what sand"....? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oracle 195 Posted June 23, 2017 Yes, the KTM 950 / 990 platform is sand worthy. But they are not for everyone, that is for sure. You really have to stay committed on the bigger bike and be willing to push it a lot harder, because power to the ground is one main key to success. Body position on the bike is also very important. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted June 23, 2017 Yes, It is possible to have a good deal of fun on the Big KTM. I learned to ride the Anza Borrego on my 990. Had a three drop limit before calling it a day. Can hardly contemplate Heart Attack or up Diablo Drop today! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dress4Less 162 Posted June 23, 2017 LB makes riding a 900+cc bike look like he's riding a four-fiddy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted June 23, 2017 The 950 and 990 are nearly identical when talking about this stuff- same chassis, same weight. I can, and have, done many things on mine- love the bike. But there's "being able" and "having fun". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TexasDualler 32 Posted June 23, 2017 I'll echo the 950/990 sentiment. Love my 950. Never had any issues blasting through sand, even with full camping gear. When in doubt throttle out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 162 Posted June 23, 2017 950 SE is a pretty good off road bike. It always takes me a few miles to get used to it off road but when I get comfortable I can throw it around pretty good, but it's still a 100+ lbs heavier than my 500 and you need to respect that and the power. I really don't think any other bike over 700cc's is in the same league. CiD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted June 24, 2017 http://amcn.com.au/editorial/12016/ http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2017/february/ktm-790-scalpel/ Then there is soon to be the KTM 790. Could be enough displacement to handle the highway, with Orange off-road geometry. That web-cast swing arm needs to be covered with something! Hoping this thing is not made in India. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites