Changed My Mind! The BEAST and I Will Continue South Together

How could I have spent eleven years as an officer of Marines? Or twenty one years as a pilot/special agent for US Customs chasing drug smugglers with a Citation or Blackhawk? I can't make a decision to save my soul. BRP or BEAST, BEAST or BRP, BRP or BEAST etc. A simple coin toss would make as good a decision as I seem to be making.

The problem is both bikes, the 2008 BMW GSA1200 and the 2016 KTM 690 Enduro, are great motorcycles. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Without going into lots of detail, I have changed my mind on the bikes and will be taking the BEAST!  The whole idea for this trip is to relax and see the sights while riding to Patagonia.  I am hoping that 200 miles will be considered a long day and 100 miles is more the norm. So maybe the pain in the ass is history.  Hope so.

Of course, it will be almost a month before I leave St Louis for the border so let's start a secret pool on how many more times I can change my mind.  Have not ridden my Harley in eleven months.  I will be on it tomorrow returning some parts I purchased for the BMW.  

Gallery

Comments

Hsve you looked at an aftermarket seat? Can make a MASSIVE difference!
https://seatconcepts.com/pages/product-result?rq=yr_2016~mk_ktm~md_690-enduro-r

 

Submitted by rdnewton on Mon, 18/09/2023 - 07:24

Grant Johnson, the owner of Horizons Unlimited, suggested an aftermarket seat from Seat Concepts to lessen the pain.  Well, the BEAST came with an aftermarket seat from Seat Concepts. I believe it is the widest one they make for the 690 enduro.

Time for a custom seat then! :) There's lots of options. I'd recommend a groove down the middle, like this one, did wonders for me on my BMW.

This one is for a 950, talk to them about yours.
https://saddlemen.com/motorcycle-seats/ktm/adventure/adventure-tour-track-seats/adventure-track-seat-lo-pro-1-pc-2up-1?limit=60

Submitted by rdnewton on Mon, 18/09/2023 - 15:24

Do not know why some of the photos are sideways.  The jpegs on the computer show the correction orientation.  I have even rotated them on my phone and resubmitted them to the computer but they still come out sideways.  Never had this problem when I use film!

Submitted by rdnewton on Mon, 18/09/2023 - 15:27

There are now photos of three of my motorcycles-KTM690 Enduro, BMW GSA1200, and Harley Road King.  I also have a Kawasaki 650 Versys which would also make an excellent bike to ride to TDF.  It is smaller than the GSA but way more comfortable than the 690Enduro.  I may post some photos but I tend to reserve it for my partners use.

The rotation thing drives me nuts too!

Problem is if you take a photo in anything but portrait mode on your phone, it IS rotated - at least as far as the software is concerned - usually. But not always. Mac/iPhone vs Android versions differences, etc confuse the issue.

My solution is: in Windows 10, right click and Open, it opens in the basic photo editing app, rotate, close, you're done, it's auto saved in the orientation you set it to.

Be sure to open all photos in the app before you upload to save grief.
Hope that helps!

 

Have you tried using a bead seat? I can't say with certainty it will make your KTM seat more comfortable for long days in the saddle. A bead seat improved riding on a BMW K75 and F800GS (both were modified with "long-distance seats".) Some riders use sheep skins, but I think the wool get too hot. Both shed water, and I believe a bead seat does the best job of draining water and the air flowing under you butt keep you cool. 
Cheers!