Adventure Motorcycles

2005KTM 950 Adventure S

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The 2005 KTM 950 Adventure S is a heavyweight adventure tourer designed for experienced riders seeking long-distance capability and genuine off-road performance. Its potent 942cc V-twin engine delivers 96.5 horsepower with strong low-end torque, making it equally comfortable on highways and challenging terrain. Known for its rugged construction and proven reliability, it established KTM's reputation as a serious contender in the adventure bike category.

Capacity: 942.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Seat height: 860 mm
Power: 96.6 HP (71.0 kW) @ 8000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2005 KTM 950 Adventure S

vs the 2004

Spec	2004	2005
Power	98.0 HP (72.1 kW)	96.6 HP (71.0 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Seat height	920 mm (36.2 inches)	860 mm (33.9 inches)
Fuel capacity	25.00 litres (6.60 US gallons)	22.00 litres (5.81 US gallons)
Front suspension	WP-USD 48 Multi Adjuster	WP-USD 48 mm (1.89 inches)
Rear suspension	WP - PDS with hydraulic spring preload	WP-PDS suspension strut with hydr. spring preload

Other years 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail88%

Cornering72%

City riding55%

Daily riding65%

Touring85%

Two-up60%

Track40%

Best for: Built as a long-range adventure tourer with genuine off-road capability, excelling on mixed terrain, gravel roads, and multi-day exploring rather than pure speed or track work.
Built for: A rugged, V-twin-powered adventure machine that rewards riders who want strong midrange torque, long suspension travel, and genuine dirt credibility in a package that can still cover highway miles.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for shorter or novice riders, strict city commuters wanting light weight and low seats, or anyone chasing sport-bike cornering speed and track performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 860mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2005 KTM 950 Adventure S, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 942.0 ccm
Power: 96.6 HP (71.0 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Torque: 95.0 Nm (9.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.4879 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Denso battery ignition
Lubrication system: Pressure lubrication

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1570 mm
Overall width: 950 mm
Overall height: 950 mm
Seat height: 860 mm
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.00 litres
Ground clearance: 261 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular chromoly space frame, power-coated
Front suspension: WP-USD 48 mm (1.89 inches)
Rear suspension: WP-PDS suspension strut with hydr. spring preload
Rear wheel travel: 335 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.6°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 150/70-18

Other

Color options: Blue/orange

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2003	2004	2005	2006
Capacity	942 cc	942 cc	942 cc	942 cc
Dry weight	198 kg	198 kg	198 kg	198 kg
Seat height	920 mm	920 mm	860 mm	860 mm
Fuel capacity	25 L	25 L	22 L	22 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERFeb 2007 · 07V065000

ON CERTAIN 950 MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR BRAKE MAY FEEL SPONGY OR SOFT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE. THIS COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER REAR BRAKING.

Risk: IMPROPER REAR BRAKING COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: KTM DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KTM AT 1-440-985-3553.

These recalls cover some 2005 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all KTM recalls →