Hi

I am thinking about buying a KTM 950 Adventure (04) at the weekend, what are the main things I should be looking out for? It has done about 35k miles and 2 owners, what sort of things should I be looking out for/trying on the test ride?

Cheers Andy

Having owned a 950 from new (03 model) and used it over a good period of time and clocked up a decent mileage (now sold)it was basicly a reliable well made bike the 04 models had a few changes and it seemed to me a few more problems -check out Orange crush on adv riders however I would be checking all the usual things service history etc, But being more specific at 35000kms I would keep in mind the following - ensure it has a full history you can check, very regular oil changes and all recall work carried out (ktm dealers will check this off the reg/vin no for you, I would also check to see if the front and rear suspension has been o/hauled as dealers should - but do not change the oil in forks every year it should be done mine ended up needing a full overhaul and a few internals replaced as the dealer had not done the forks as per the service schedule, check carefully the condition of the rear shock and also the brakes -very prone to corrosion. Fuel pump could be getting old and give up soon as could the clutch (last about 30000 miles max) as could the slave cylinder on the clutch -has it been upgraded /repaired /replaced. Have all the valve services been done and not just oil changes services) chain and sprockets should have been recently replaced make sure they are decent ones fitted, scottoiler is a worthwhile benefit. Check the chain tension if its to tight (often badly adjusted by some owners this will wear the front sprocket seal and bearing and the chain adjuster blocks on the rear axle are prone to cracking and need replaced if they have hiarline cracks in.Obviously head and wheel bearings and any off roading damage should be looked out for) Brake discs are prone to wear and are expensive. The water pump seal on 04 models was also a problem has it been repaired replaced etc. the list goes on but your pretty vague about wha your looking at at the moment -if its a private deal just check and double check everything, if its a dealer get a warranty till you have ran the bike long enough to be sure its a good one. But got to say fantastic bike and if its been looked after they are wonderful if its been neglected walk away they really are expensive to put right.

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If it is good to have one foot in England, it is still better or at least as good, to have the other out of it. jake

Hej,

the bike should have a service history. Beside the service book you should check that also all updates had been done. This can all be checked in the KTM-dealer.net, all you need is the VIN and a friendly KTM-dealer (or send me a PM)

Important is the water pump - if cooling fluid mixes with engine oil, the paper oil filter is damaged in the way that not enough oil can be pumped through, risk of engine damage. Update on pump axle and seals is essential.

Clutch slave cylinder is a weak point too, check function and look for leaks.
There are no updates, the safe side is to carry a repair kit (seals) and a small 100cc bottle of "Magura blood" (mineral hydraulic fluid) underneath the seat or to use an aftermarket cylinder.

Have an extra look on head gaskets an function of rear brake.

Overall is the Adventure a great bike, did a 5 week and 10.000KM-trip this fall - without any trouble.

Enjoy the test ride!

Thanks for the responses, you have been very helpful. Although the bike I am going to look at it is from a KTM dealer, it’s just nice to know what things I should be asking/looking out for as I have heard/read that some people have had problems with theirs.

Once again thanks for your advice Andy