ktm 1050

[anthony29040]

hi all anyone on here own a ktm 1050,what are your views ,I would need to lower it if I got one,are they reliable,what they like on fuel.i ride a bmw gs800 lowered by one inch and a low seat so 50mm lower in total and I am on tip toes on that.so what do you think ??

cheers tony.

[royle100]

Hi Tony

I was having a similar think earlier in the year - swap from 800gs to 1050r. I do a daily 3hr commute (700miles a week) during the summer so need something suitable for a fair amount of motorway work. The general impression I got was that fuel economy, comfort and filtering ability would not be inferior to the gs, however it would probably be more capable off-road. Didn't get round to test ride as dealer did not have a demo, however I've decided to wait and see what the soon to be released 900gs offers.

ITO height I assume you can fit a lowering link to KTM, however this will negatively impact the off-road ability. Guess it depends what your requirements are.

[Ming]

I'm pretty sure the 1050 shares the frame with the 1190 and if so, the rear shock bolts directly to the swingarm with no linkage to be able to change.

You can get a different sized collar which you can put on the top of the shock which lowers it but I'm not sure by how much. You'd then need to lower the front and shorten the sidestand as it stands up quite vertically as standard so any lowering will have it toppling over.

I think something like a Tiger 800 might be a better option if you need to change.

[Hoggyf]

as a certified Shortarse I can confirm the Tiger 800 is suitable for those challenged in Limb length

29" inside leg (on a good day) and previously had a GS800 which was 2" lower than std (and I think had a low seat on it) and never felt 100% confident on it whereas the Tiger 800 on std suspension and std seat set in the low position I can get both feet on the floor (not flat).

Engine on the Tiger is streets ahead of the GS, its soooo flexible, 25mph in 6th gear and it will pull away smoothly, but its not as good on fuel as the GS, mid fifties on A roads etc and if you keep below 80 on the Motorway, if you head up above 80 it will be down around 46 - 48mpg. Also don't think the suspension on the Roadie is as good as the GS, but choppy really.

[anthony29040]

i have had a tiger 800xc which i liked,but i fancy something a bit bigger.i use to have a gs 1200 factory low which i loved and have been looking at the newer version gs1200 lc factory low,but there is nothing around in my budget of around £7.000 to £7,500 but i can get a 2015 ktm 1050 for £6500.i am going to try and throw my leg over one tomorrow and see what it feels like.i have also made my mind up tarmac only for me.please keep the comments coming good or bad.cheers tony

[bowber]

I have the KTM 1050, the rear damper does bolt directly to the swinging arm so you'd need some work on the damper to shorten it's stroke, I don't think you'd get much out of the seat either as it's not thick foam to start with.

The bike it self is good, mine is the A2 licence one but it still has plenty of power as far as I'm concerned.
Mpg the lowest I've seen is low 40's and that's stuck in city traffic etc, the best was a few weeks ago on the run into Amsterdam on the section of motorway that is 62mph and the trip computer was showing 69.7mpg! Most of the time it averages out at mid 50s.
Mines been reliable so far (only 8k) reasonably comfortable, more comfortable than the 950 Adventure.
Handling is good but you might want to look into a better rear damper and fork springs, I think the fork springs are a tad soft and have too much preload so it's harsh initially but reaches full travel too easily.
Brakes are amazing, I can get the front ABS operating with one finger if I try but they have plenty of feel.

The exhaust heat can get a bit much when you're stuck in traffic, I was in Newcastle earlier this year and I was seriously considering getting off the bike at one point, my right leg felt like it was on fire. This heat does effect the rear damper on a long riding day so I'm looking into wrapping the rear exhaust to help with the heat on both my legs and the damper.
I've also had a problem with juddering front brakes, seems to be a common problem, but if they are used heavily a few times this goes away so it's not warped discs, I think it may be the buttons sticking with dust.
I've had the bolts that hold the front part onto the headstock come loose and one has fallen out before I noticed.
I think they are about the only negatives so far.

Steve

P.S. I'm 6'3" (or used to be)

[anthony29040]

been to see one today,i could just about manage as it is but 50mm lower would be better.its a 65 plate with 8.500 miles on clock,on start up it was very noisy mainly coming from the right side of the engine.is this how they sound from cold and warmed up £6000 is that a good price.i also seen a triumph explorer and i can get my feet down better than my gs800.its like being a kid in a sweet shop.

[Squeaky]

PM sent, Neil

[Olliedog]

I have one. I'm 5'6" 28 inside leg and 'can' ride the full height, but to be a little more comfortable I have fitted a hyperpro -30mm rear spring and dropped the forks in the yokes.

I also picked up an 1190 seat off ebay and had it re-upholstered, but that was more for a gel pad and probably doesn't loose much height.

The side stand will need shortened (I waited months for one to come up on ebay, then managed to buy 2! So one is available if you needed it at cost)

Now one foot flat is easy but it is still a tall bike for a shortarse! I think the GS800 is a taller bike to start with.

[dave h]

i also have one and also lowered it [only as it was mainly used onroad],that said i rode it coast to coast over the pyrenees trails and left it low, it was fine,
raised the forks and used one of these in rear shock
http://www.metisse.de/ride-hight-reduct ... nture.html#

dave.