The Bike

After doing quite a bit of research, I decided that the KTM 990 Adventure would be the ideal bike for a trip around the world.  Its main competitor, the BMW R1200 GS Adventure, is an excellent long-distance touring bike, but is very heavy and reputed to be a handful in the off-road. The KTM 990 Adventure, according to many, is the best dual-sport motorcycle in the world, especially off the tarmac. Being an inexperienced rider, a bike’s ability off road was an important factor. The 990′s fuel efficiency and tank range can be seen as shortcomings, but can be remedied by carrying additional fuel canisters.

In June of 2009, I took a motorcycle training course and obtained my motorcycle licence. Shortly after, I began the search for my dream bike – the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure. I searched locally and online, and eventually found a new one available at Mid-America Powersports, in Wichita, Kansas. Being a new rider, more experienced 990 riders tried to dissuade me by telling me I was going to kill myself. Being a reasonable person and not one who responds to alarmism, I gathered my confidence and took the plunge, flew down to Kansas and purchased my bike. I didn”t want the 2,200km ride back to Canada to end, but I knew there would soon be more miles of road to come.

• KTM Alarm System
• Hepco & Becker crash bars
• Touratech Zega Pro panniers (45L)
• Touratech engine skid plate
• KTM tank bag
• Kaoko throttle lock/cruise control
• Rugged Roads extra-large rear luggage rack
• A990 crash bar bags
• Motion Pro fork bleeder valves
• Scottoiler automatic chain oil system (eSystem)
• Block Dog Cycle side stand relocation
• Evoluzione clutch slave cylinder

• valve clearance check
• oil change
• cooling system flush and water pump rebuild
• break fluid change
• clutch oil change