Riding the roads of Austria - KTM 790

[kboehringer]

XS11 Friends,

I'm in Austria for a couple of weeks and rented a KTM for the weekend (only choice). I'm having great fun. Will post more later.

Kurt

https://youtu.be/2BFQ0xop9q8

https://youtu.be/2zt6fil1aNk

















KURT

[kboehringer]

Kurt

[kboehringer]

What a day for a bike ride..... Wish I had one of my XS11's for this.

[Socer4m]

Looks like a blast to ride out there,,,,nice bike, like a modern xs that can handle,,,Great Pics........Mike in Sun Diego

[Radioguylogs]

That scenery is incredible.

Thanks for posting the pictures.

[kboehringer]

,nice bike, like a modern xs that can handle,,,

Actually, not so much. The bike has a snappy response and a sort of "Thumper" feel that vibrates like wholly hell up to about 3k.. The seating position is not so great as I couldn't figure out what the designer was trying to accomplish. The seating position is very upright much like a motocross bike, trying to grab the bike with your legs to get a bit aggressive resulted in my legs hitting protrusions from the plastic panels that was uncomfortable. Seating is hard as a rock and I'll never bitch about my FJR's seat again! The short wheelbase makes for good around town driving but it feels a little TOO short in the curves. I'm a relatively short guy at 5'11", I don't know how a 6'+ guy would ever drive this.

I certainly won't ever buy one of these.

[Socer4m]

Great pics Kurt,,,,too bad about the KTM,,,,wonder how they sell them with the drawbacks, makes us appreciate how good the xs11 was for being over 40 years old and pretty comfy......looks like great weather, Ride On,,,Mike in S.Diego

[kboehringer]

That scenery is incredible.

It got better still.......

https://youtu.be/TiJ5sS7Oz4E

(movie of about 7 minutes)





SNOW ON THE TOP




I don't want to give the impression the KTM was a POS. It was a decent bike and I had a hell of a great time on it. I've ridden much worse machines (i.e the HD 883!!)!! The KTM is just not a bike I would ever buy and it has a somewhat confusing style and feel.

There are a heck of a lot of these 790's and the 690's and now the 1290's running around. Some of that may be a result of the home office for KTM is Austria. SOME of their bikes (not sure which) are made here. I understand some may EVENTUALLY be made in China. Since this is an Austrian brand, some purchases are certainly similar to the HD guys "buy American statements". However, that wouldn't seem to explain all the bikes they sell. I'm probably the dummy here that doesn't much care for the bike.

KURT

[DaveT]

Back in the 70s I worked for BMW in Munich. My job was to test ride bikes with various kinds of equipment, windshields, fairings, bags, etc to test the effects on the handling and stability. I had to put on quite a few miles in a relatively short time so I bombed all over Bavaria and Italy in all conditions. I really loved the rides, good roads, good drivers good lunches, company paid.

i never took any pics, I was too busy. Thanks for bring back the scenery.

[cajun31]

Beautiful pictures Kurt. I have to ask because no one else has but why are you there? Vacation? Training?

[kboehringer]

Beautiful pictures Kurt. I have to ask because no one else has but why are you there? Vacation? Training?

I'm a Manager for NGR (Next Generation Recycling Machines). Austria is our home office.
https://www.ngr-world.com/



I've been sent primarily to meet-n-greet with the Austrian team and get a little training on the various machines. While I'm here on weekends, I'll rent a bike and enjoy myself a little!!!!

I'll be headed back tomorrow morning (10 hour flight).

But, I have to return again at the beginning of September for another 2-week stretch. For that trip, I'll be returning and then immediately headed to the Vintage Yamaha Rally (previously XSSE).

[Radioguylogs]

Really enjoying the pictures.

I like this sign:

[cajun31]

You sir have landed an awesome job. I am assuming the job is new as in previous posts you stated you had been laid off.

[2WheelFun]

Looks like things worked out for the best, congratulations on the new job. Looks like a wonderful place to tour around!

[DiverRay]

Enjoy!!! I know when I was in France for work, I REALLY wanted to have my XS for going through all the small villages and back roads. The EU has great motorcycle laws, and even better motorcycle roads, IMHO.