SuperMoto bikes...opinions sought

[markfly]

Staring at the dead of winter, its nice to think about spring and the possibility of buying a bike to sit along side the R1150R...one that would be fun to ride, not cost north of $10,000, and one that would compliment the BMW rather than overlap its strong points.

To wit, I keep thinking that a Husky SM 610 or maybe the KTM 625 SMC would be the ticket. I like the looks of the Aprilias but I seem to recall the street legal version is not making it here until 2007...too long to wait for something that may never materialize. And Aprilia dealers are too far away.

And I don't want a "roll your on project". I have to think that after you find a suitable platform, the cost of adding supermoto parts could be too costly (for my budget)...but it would be fun.

I doubt I'd ride one more than 1,000 miles a year. It would just be something to blast around some country backroads once in while...and not get too far from the gas pump.

I welcome your suggestions, feedback, etc.

[collyers]

Go find a used KTM Duke II (2000-2003 in the US) or an 640/660SMC or an LC4 Supermoto version. Most fun you will have on a street going MC. Suzuki has the DRZ-400, but it is heavy, slow, and expensive (esp. for a 400). You won't get more than 70-80miles to a tank. The Duke is MUCH more a street-civilized bike, whereas the 625/660 SMC is a racing bike with lights & turn signals - higher performance w/ higher maintenance.
Punch in "supermoto"or "LC4" or "Duke" into cycletrader.com. The Aprilias will be $$$ and NOT street legal (w/o work & $) when they arrive in July/August.





I love my R1150R, but the Duke gets a lot more attention when the ride is short or in the city. If you rode in the dirt as a kid, one of these bikes will make your day.

[markfly]

Good point about the old Duke II...I was very tempted to buy one when they still "new"...green was my favorite one. I suspect good used ones are a rare find. Your Duke looks great. What brand of exhaust pipe is that?

The Suzuki isn't on my radar...it might be if they come with a 450cc engine. Husky probably isn't either...I'm a little concerned about their past on again/off again position in the US market.

KTM seems very stable and most certainly committed to the US market.

I keep a look out but financially it makes sense for me to wait till spring.

[DJ Downunder]

I thought that new Suzuki 400 looked ok..and for about $6,000 new...that's gotta be heaps cheaper than a KTM...

I guess it depends on just how much performance you want.

DJ

[collyers]

thanks - it's dead stock except for a little jetting & suspension adjustments.
The exhaust is the original KTM.

DJ - The DR-Z is very nice, a little heavy (for a 400 - my Duke weighs 325lbs fully gassed up - same as the Suzuki), and a used Duke II goes for $4500-5500 USD. The Suzuki is a bit underpowered for the weight, but a very civilized choice as opposed to trying to legalize a CR450F or YZF450 and put 17s & lights & ...... you get the idea. My Duke has probably 50HP at the rear wheel - the Suzuki claims 45 at the crank, so it's probably more like 35 at the wheel. Either one's a total blast, interestingly enough, the Duke II is dead even in a drag race w/my R1150R, up to about 70, and then the BMW starts to walk away. And the BMW weighs 200lbs MORE. If you get the chance to goof around on a Duke II or DR-Z (or Yamaha XT660X in Oz), you will have trouble wiping the grin off. If Ducati makes that Hypermoto & BMW makes the HP1 (650 single SM-style), we'll all need more room in our garages.
I'm still QUITE interested in the almost-here Supermoto 950, because the US won't be getting a SuperDuke anytime soon.
click the pic

[markfly]

Just wondering, have I overlooked the BMW 650s?

They never appealed to me very much...but I haven't riden one so I don't have a basis to say up or down.

Comments from those who have the F-Series would be welcome.

Thanks.

Winter time report: It was 65 degrees here yesterday...and the wind had to blowing 25+ mph...down right scary sometimes riding! But when the wind was in your favor it made for the most pleasant riding condtitions I've had over the past two years.

[gelbe Kulter]

I owned a KLX650 - I put street tires on it, but not a 17" front wheel. It handled great and even though it was short on top speed, I rode it faster on curvy roads than I did the bike I'd been riding for years. It was not a 300 mile day type of bike, the throbbing engine vibes were tiring after a while.

I rented an F650GS for a week and found that it was great in the mountains, but had a poor top speed and little power to fight the headwinds of the plains. I really enjoyed riding it, but I got left behind on the long straight roads.

[sweatmark]

A bit off the supermoto path... I've got a Buell XB9 as 2nd "fun" bike:

=grunty tractor motor
=fun H-D noises, especially with "race" or aftermarket exhaust
=lightweight (vs. our Roadsters)
=great handling for short rides in the twisties and grocery-getting
=standard 17" sport tire sizes
=conversation starter due to its rarity
=almost maintenance-free (hydraulic lifters, belt drive, fuel injection)

You can find excellent used examples for under $6k with warranty.
There's even a halfway decent user group online (http://www.badweatherbikers.com).

Mark
Oregon