Battle Royale! Post up yer epic head to head bike comparisons here!

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offworlder

Moderator
To kick off this thread, I've been struggling to make something of a recently acquired KTM 790 R. Sadly, while I hoped this was the logical progression of the 990 - it isnt. The bike has MASSIVE issues out of the box, but after a long (and expensive) road, I've finally got it sorted to the point that its where it needs to be to suit my style of riding.
So, I (will slowly) give you - the 990 vs 790 cage match!

990vs790.jpg
 
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offworlder

Moderator
690 is long gone. I had hoped the 790 would have the same pedigree as the 990 (race bred, designed by pro riders to race on), but I was faced with the sad and the harsh reality that the 790 is a product of plaid shirts, designer beer, CAD programs, and worst of all bean counters.
 
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offworlder

Moderator
For folks who've never ridden something as incredible well designed as a 950/990, they wouldnt know. Sure, the 790 is a huge step up from say a KLR or DRZ (have nothing against these bikes, they're solid mid level choices), but what it should have been, considering its built by the same company the gave us the 950/990 - is not what it is. I've foolishly put a sh*t tonne of time and money into the 790, and even now, it pales in comparison to the 990. Suffice it to say, the 990 isnt going anywhere, the 790 on the other hand just might be....
 
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offworlder

Moderator
All 3 test riders agreed - the 990 smoked the 790 in all tests, save for suspension, as I just had the suspension completely redesigned/rebuilt on the 790. Now, the 990 could easily have as good/better suspension, as the WP XPLOR suspension (KTM owns WP) is known crap, and the 990 has the proper bits.
 
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leebob

Member
offworlder said:
All 3 test riders agreed - the 990 smoked the 790 in all tests, save for suspension, as I just had the suspension completely redesigned/rebuilt on the 790. Now, the 990 could easily have as good/better suspension, as the WP XPLOR suspension (KTM owns WP) is known crap, and the 990 has the proper bits.
Click to expand...

Where did you get your suspension work done, locally?
 
LordEndo

LordEndo

Member
Staff member
I guess Radek and Vasille's glowing reviews of the 790 must have been under the duress of KTM after that event that they were invited to.
 
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leebob

Member
No I haven’t. The bike far exceeds my abilities right now but I keep my ear to the ground, and anyone that has had work done by George seems to be reaalllly happy with his work
 
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Grinder

Member
I am curious what exactly did you do to your 790 to bring it up to your expectations? I had a 2012 990 and sold it and bought the 790R so far I have only put 1100 kms on it but in some respects real happy with it
 
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offworlder

Moderator
There's a long list of other "fixes", but here's the most impactful:
- suspension; TOTAL REBUILD (see Kreft video re how bad the XPLOR crap is:
)
- wheels: tubeless = useless. tubed DID wheels: 1.85" front, 2.5" rear
- Magura Hymec clutch (https://www.magura.com/en/components/powersports/hydraulicclutchsystems/productdetailpage/?p=1853)
- decat with Arrow midpipe: https://www.arrow.it/en/assembled/1662/KTM-790-Adventure-2019
- 15 tooth front sprocket
- Magura SX bars; much less sweep than stock.
- G2 throttle tube, with proper offroad grips (Renthal pillow).
- Black Dog skid plate to replace stock tinfoil.
- Replaced rear brake pads/line, as stock had no feel, and would overheat/fade.
- disabled sidestand switch which repeatedly tried to kill me; if sidestand moves while riding, it kills the engine, which can kill you.
- KTM PP Rally seat. The stock seat is wrong in all the right places. Can now move about the bike without restriction.

Sadly, there are some things that cant be fixed, like the engine, which is essentially a street bike engine . Those that have ridden an LC8 (950/990) will never get the same grunt from the 790's parallel twin.
 
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Grinder

Member
Thanks for your list I have done a few changes.I went to the Camel one finger clutch did the decat, MotoVenture skid plate, The stock bar are a problem the sweep does seem to much and I agree with the seat need something else and wanted to wait for a few more klics before I redo suspension
 
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leebob

Member
What parts did you use for the rear brake fix? Mine went in for the rear brake recall. I hoped that would change things, but it didn't. Like you, I have very little feel or feedback from the rear brake. Pretty much have to stand on it on pavement to get any sort of response I can really feel
 
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offworlder

Moderator
Proper pads, the updated brake line, and Motul RBF600 high temp fluid.
The stock pads are of such kwality that the manufacturer themselves states: ""Recommended for riders using the rear brake occasionally or only slightly entering the turns"
:hack
" https://www.sbs.dk/products-1/brake-pads/671ls
 
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leebob

Member
Thanks, by the updated brake line you’re referring to the OEM recall upgrade or a superior aftermarket replacement?

I’ve had the recall done but I’m still disappointed in the rear brake performance.
 
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offworlder

Moderator
Replace the pads (with real pads, ie: Toshiba/EBC, etc...), and the fluid - it'll make a big diff. Be sure and bleed your lines fully (whether you replace the fluid or not).
 
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