Another thing left out is fuel consumption. 790 will go at least 100kms further on a tank given the same speed. It’s also a lot less labour intensive to service. The battery and air filter are very easily accessible. I could go on...
I get the 990 clearance and travel but I don’t know many people who would be able to use the 790 suspension to the full extent anyway
It's more about suspension internals than outright travel often.
Some of the 80's MX bikes had as much travel as todays bikes, but nowhere near the quality of suspension.
I will choose 300mm xplor forks over 240mm, everytime.
I'm no expert but I think it's easier to upgrade internals than to add stroke?
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I think you're describing a dirt bike.....which this is not.
I haven't riddena 790 yet but I spent quite a bit of time on a 990R in jeep track and single track conditions and I can't say I was a huge fan. The description in the article of the heavy front end of the 990 concurs with my experience.
Realistically, people rave about this bike both offroad and onroad in the twisties. Personally, I think a well suspended 240mm is ample for a big adventure bike. 300mm just makes it taller (you need space under the belly to take up that travel) and more unweildy on the road with brake dive to contend with. The longer travel means the entire bike then carries it's weight higher up making for a heavier ride overall and when the going gets tough, the nimbleness offered by the low centre of gravity means a whole lot more than the added suspension travel. All this not to mention to poor bastards with stubby pins (short inseam), another issue when riding gets tough on tall bikes.
As for the engine note on a parallel twin 270 degree, the bike sounds just as sweet as a V-Twin. As I understand it the 990 was a bit of a bugger to service. I service my own bikes when out of warrantly and this does matter, I'd prefer to be riding than swinging spanners.
Sounds to me like KTM have hit a home run.