During this time of pandemic with many of us confined and working from home, I wish to refresh this blog originally posted in 2011-2012 and bring you some adventure motorcycling stories & pictures of our trips. Some of these stories cover an encounter with a Tibetan wolf, a ‘Bear Grylls style’ river crossing, Tibetan child-monks riding KTM Adventures and motorcycling through a hotel lobby in typical Chinese fashion.

THE BACKGROUND

In October 2011 & May 2012, David D. and I embarked on two monumental off-road motorcycling adventures. First, to the east of the Tibetan Plateau across Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, 2 of China’s most scenic areas. Second, we covered the Northern part of the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai and Gansu provinces. They were tough riding trips, mostly off-road for over 3000 kilometres each. We experienced the challenges of high altitude motorcycling in infinite landscapes; we connected with locals fascinated by 2 foreigners crossing the Plateau on big motorcycles; we tasted local foods & teas in yurts; rode into herds of yaks & sheep and indulged in the hospitality of passionate local Chinese motorcycle riders.

THE KTM 990 ADVENTURE – 2011 Dakar Edition

The description below is not in the brochure. I am not such a big fan of technical specifications, so I will focus on what this bike is all about: emotions, thrill, fun, excitement, style, speed and nimbleness. The engine is a big and powerful 999cc – makes you smile inside your helmet when you open the throttle. The engine (Twin cylinder LC8) is shared with the RC8 KTM Sportbike and basically all the 900cc+ of the KTM range (Superduke, SMT, SM, RC8). The limited Dakar edition engine is actually the same engine as the KTM 990 Adventure R. So basically we get the best of both worlds: the safety of the KTM 990 Adventure, with ABS, lower seating and the 115hp of the KTM 990 Adventure R. In addition it is flanked with crash bars and a nubuck saddle and a nice blue and orange ‘color of the year’. The type is sport / adventure travel / off-road.

SPORTY

The engine and torque make it feel like a sportsbike. I have always ridden and been a fan of sportsbikes, so I am well placed to comment on the matter. It will not, in any way, have to blush at a red light next to sportsbikes. The twin-cylinder will launch you forward with impressive torque and leave you in a state of pure bliss.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Add a little bit of equipment and you can transform this bike into a workhorse. Our bikes have not been modified in any way, we have just added travel equipment. – Luggage rack + hepco & decker Gobi cases. Small water taps have been added to the cases for this trip. The inside of each case can hold up to 3.5L of water. Perfect for camping and safety when traveling off-road and at altitude – tank bag: the ‘must’ on any trip, with map pocket and clear vision of the confusing China roads – rear rack, also hepco & decker. I have decided not to use the top case to save weight, even-though its more convenient as it can lock. Instead I am using a KTM waterproof bag filled with camping gear: tent, mattress, gas burner, sleeping bag, cookware etc.

OFFROAD

Pretty good considering it is a 200kg+ bike. And in the category of adventure bikes, I have to say that it does a great job. Have a read at ‘Arctic Challenge: KTM 990 vs 1200 GS vs 800 GS’ and you will see what this bike can do. Its pretty nimble, comfortable in the ‘difficult terrain standing-up position’ and the tall and thin front wheel makes it easier for obstacles. Suspensions are amazing (WP suspension). Throw at it a pair of Continental TKC80 off-road tires and… I will tell you more during and after the trip, but with the look of the tires and the huge knobblies – compared to the original Pirelli A/T, it makes me want to hit some mud now.