Hi all, I had a test ride on the 899 today. It was slightly damp so I was a 'bit' careful. What a bike. I was sold on it as soon as the dealer started it up. I was NOT expecting it to be that loud!! I had only heard it on YouTube and it made me almost jump back in shock! I have a ride on an RC8R tomorrow but it looks like I will buying the 899 next week for the new 15 plate. I have a couple of questions if you dont mind helping. Somebody mentioned that the brakes need attention every 500 miles due to a well known issue. Is this correct? Is this something i can sort out as and when or is there a long term solution that can be employed. I will get a seat cowl and tail tidy as thats just my bag but is there anything else that I should contemplate getting for the bike before I actually pick it up? is there anything else I need to be aware of? I am an impuslive bar steward at the best of times and if there is any other issues or things I should know then it would help me in the long run. Many thanks in advance!
I would consider getting fotpegs as the OE ones are slippy when wet, although haven't changed mine yet. As for the brakes ive had mine re-bled etc once by the dealer as they seemed to lose pressure but if if you squeeze the lever then let it go and quickly squeeze it again the pressure was as it should be but I haven't been on mine since end of October and have only done about 1700mls so maybe others can chime in if they have had theirs done more. Oh yeah and get Termi exhaust (if your not getting that already for free in deal).
"Oh yeah and get Termi exhaust (if your not getting that already for free in deal)." Agh, must have missed that deal! I asked the dealer about Termis and he said why bother... I thought he had a point as it was freaking loud and sounded bloody good to me. I am not sure if it would be worth the outlay. Its not like a Blade which sounds pants at idle and low revs.
Buy it ...... Had mine 6 months & enjoyed every second! Great to ride & awesome to look at when your not Done 2000+ miles no issue with brakes so far
Yeah, its only a ride on an RC8R tomorrow that can knock it off top spot. It has already relegated the Blade, Viffer, Giffer750 and Tracer. The only bike that has made me think was the Daytona 675 which sounded good but seemed a more brutal riding position.
1. Not that I know of. I've done 3500 miles on mine in 4 months and had no issues. 2. the bike is pretty much perfect 3. Just buy the friggin' thing
Buy it ...... Had mine 6 months & enjoyed every second! Great to ride & awesome to look at when your not Be interesting to know the out come tomorrow & how they compare after both ridden. I recon you will go with the panni - it's got the edge style wise, IMHO !
The 899 is prettier and has all the electrickery. I reckon the KTM has the Duke beaten on visual impact but has bugger all, not even ABS but thats not a dealbreasker either. I will report back. I liked the Duke the first time I saw it and have spent the last few months pondering one and ALWAYS wanted a white version.. by far. However, today, after the ride and spending time in the showroom I am starting to lean towards the red. Its a tough decision for me as looks are important and I dont want to regret the decision. Bloody nightmare actually. Thing is I like to stand out, I am not a shy person.. Probably why I like the KTM RC8R, Aprilias, MVs and the 899 in white with red wheels. I had a look at some pics on this forum and other forums and i really like the red and white livery, which is obviously custom, and also the tricolour one. I would then have no regrets on the colour choice.
The RC8R is a special bike. Much more exciting than il4's but not as exciting as an 1199 I would say. In comparison the power delivery between the two is enormous. After coming off the RC8 the 1199 doesn't feel like a v twin at all. The RC8 pulls right from 2k to the rather abrupt limiter. Despite not having any noteworthy electronic gizmos at all, its road manners are impeccable. I had two RC8R's. The first continually broke in a major way until it had major work done on it (including motor rebuild, new crankcases, bearings etc) at my expense (whilst still in warranty). Despite this and the woeful, downright obstructive & argumentative actions of KTM and the retailer, I still bought a second one. Eventually I couldn't get my treatment at the hands of the dealership & manufacturer out of my thoughts and so had to settle for the 1199 after 600 miles on the second bike. But I loved it. A very special bike with loads and loads of room for all day riding. More comfortable than most, if not all, tourers I've tried (honest). Suspension and brakes are spot on. The suspension F&R on the last gen. R's was spot on. Nearly everywhere it went someone would stop to admire it. KTM levers and KTM tail tidy are each huge improvements over stock in their own ways. If I had a decent dealership near me I'd quite possibly buy another before they go for good. Tough choice Sir.
1) I've done 3,500 miles and the brakes are fine 2) A tinted double bubble offers more protection and looks great. I also bought some venture shield protection and a lower radiator guard. 3) If you've got money to burn get the termi's but in all honesty they don't make a huge difference.
Perhaps if you like red wheels on a white bike you should negotiate this from the off with the dealer. It might not cost him much, but you would save some sponds. And while the weather is pants, you could have them done before delivery. Just a thought. Extras are always good to negotiate with as margins on them are high. You save a lot, dealer doesn't lose much if anything. It's a win-win.
The standard white bikes comes with red wheels. I have contacted Dream Machine to see if they can slightly modify the red or white bikes to make it stand out a bit. Perhaps add a bit of the green in as well.
Damn, thats put me off a bit to say the least! The one I am looking at is not new and has only a few mnths on warranty left I believe with low mileage though. I do have a KTM dealer within 10 miles though but I dont fancy the bike being off the road or having to pay out expensive repair bills.
Just buy the 899! IMO its the most complete package on the market at the moment at a realistic price. I don't know what this problem with the brakes is supposed to be, mines been faultless and Bike magazine recorded their shortest stopping distance ever on an 899 so they can't be that bad?? As already said, ...Tail tidy, seat cowl, Evotech rad guards and ventureshield protection on nose of bike, and your good to go. I spent 10 mins with a triangular file on my footpegs to cut some extra teeth on them and they are spot on now, no need to spend an extra £70 on something you already have??? Fantastic bike, makes me grin every time I go in the garage! Don't give the RC8 KTM another thought ( and I'm an ex KTM owner ) nice enough bike, with a bigger, gruntier engine, but they are getting on a bit now, and they are dire to move second hand, you've got more chance of getting rid of Herpes!!:Nailbiting:
Good tip. Will save some money. If I get the 899 I will get the tail tidy for and book the cowl in for a week later so I can scare my kids on the back
