Tell me about the SM610 and KTM 640/690SMC

[RydTher]

Hey all, been kicking around the idea for a motard for some time, and am getting closer to making a decision.

On the short list is the Husky SM610 and the KTM 640SMC.

Hear lots of positives on the SM610 but not much on the KTM

What do you know about either and what else should I be thinking about.

and NO the DRZ isnt up for consideration, 1) too too too common, and 2) I wont buy a Suckzuki 3) at 6'5" 275 I likely need a 600+ :twofinger

a plated XR650R is also on the list, but looking for a newer bike and plated models are a few years old.

What models am I over looking?

Thanks

[StreetRacr 67]

husky 510.......:thumbup

check out supermotojunkie.com in the husky section. theres some good reviews of the 610 in there and i guess speedzilla has a 610 bible on their page as well....

[hapamoto]

husky 510.......:thumbup

check out supermotojunkie.com in the husky section. theres some good reviews of the 610 in there and i guess speedzilla has a 610 bible on their page as well....

cmon street racer you just wish you had the xtra 100 cc's!!!!

Just kidding:rofl

I cant say enough about the 610 but with only a few miles on it I have to say I need some more time to be a great source of info. wheelies are great, handles great, jumps great, looks great, makes you look great, sounds great. Its F....in great. road MX for 20 years and love it on the street.

Bottom line Great. Just a bitch to find parts for!! But buy one anyway:laughing

[antarius]

What's the difference between the SM510 and SM610, other than the 100cc's? Does one require more maintenence than the other? I was thinking one was a race-bike for some reason....

[FrigginChi]

If you call Dan @ www.motoxotica.com he can get you Husky parts pronto!

[hapamoto]

If you call Dan @ www.motoxotica.com he can get you Husky parts pronto!

Thanks FrigginChi. Maybe meet ya at the SM tech garage? I will check them out for the hard to find parts.

[hapamoto]

What's the difference between the SM510 and SM610, other than the 100cc's? Does one require more maintenence than the other? I was thinking one was a race-bike for some reason....
they all require maint. the sm 610 " if im not off my much" was to be the a more friendly street version of the SM of course the SMR's are more race ready.. you can race the 610 with some minor mods though.

KT

[Onebadscot]

I have a KTM so I am going off what I have read on this forum. Is not the 510smr a shim type valve adjustment, & 610 is not? That alone would push me in the 610 direction. Don't worry, someone will post the correct answer.

[FrigginChi]

correct
I have a KTM so I am going off what I have read on this forum. Is not the 510smr a shim type valve adjustment, & 610 is not? That alone would push me in the 610 direction. Don't worry, someone will post the correct answer.

[V4]

Bill,

I would stick with a factory prepped SM rather than one converted (XR650R)...too much work to do before and after and the kickstart can be a royal PITA in certain situations...there's always something that was needed to do..

the Husqy 610 has been around long enough to have had any bugs worked out....mixed reviews about the KTM...co-worker had the 690 only 3 months and got rid of it ....regrets it...too many fueling problems to enjoy the motor....

the 640 looks the business though...

although expensive, I do like the BMW Xmoto for daily rides...low maintenance, 3 year warranty, good factory networking, and nowadays a good amount of accessories...

but if it has ABS, you're looking at around $10K but BMW has/had a 4.9% promotion going on that ends 10/31...

the downside about the Xmoto: too hard of a seat...if people are bitchin about their seat, the Xmoto's seat IS a peice of wood..there's no cushion....there are a few recalls although BMW takes care of it before it's sold and released...cheap battery...most toss the BMW ones and get a Yuasa (but put the factory battery back in case of warranty :shhh)...

otherwise, a good daily supermoto, fun, lightweight, dependable...I like it better than my XR's and DRZs ...power of the XR650R with low maintenance and dependable but you can get 2 bikes for the price of the Xmoto....:wtf

don't buy from Motoexotica....I hate that peice of shit owner....

there's a place in Santa Cruz that's better to buy a bike...motoexotica can get parts fast though...

[Papi-C]

I got to ride Stan's 610 at morts house and it was plenty of fun and more than enough power IMO.

[Rorschach]

I just picked up an 06' SM610 a few weeks ago. It's been a great bike so far. It's not as hardcore as the SM410/510, as it's really designed more as a street bike, rather than for racing. It kicks ass in the real world though. The breaks are phenomenal, and it easily power wheelies in 1st & 2nd. It does have some vibration, and the seat is AWFUL. The maintenance schedule is reasonable, and Motoxotica up in Vacaville is great for parts.

Check out these links:

http://www.supermotojunkie.com/forumdisplay.php?f=36

http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/general-supermoto-chat/9436-06-sm610s-first-impression.html

[StreetRacr 67]

What's the difference between the SM510 and SM610, other than the 100cc's? Does one require more maintenence than the other? I was thinking one was a race-bike for some reason....

The 610 is actually a 576. Its more commuter and freeway friendly. The 510 is pretty much a race bike with a plate. The stock headlight is terrible for night riding and the seat is as hard as a brick. It requires more maint. but its not really as bad as people make it out to be. I can change the oil/filter, clean the 2 screens and do the valves in about 30-40 minutes.....

[stan23]

Yes, the 610 is a more street oriented bike. Believe it or not, the 610 and the 510 make the same amount of power, but obviously the 510 will be a bit faster due to the weight. Also, the 510 revs a lot smoother even though both use the same fcr 41 carb.

The headlight on the 610 is very good, and I can ride with no worries at night..

To really make a decision, you need to ride both back to back. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably pickup a 510, since I don't put too many miles on the SM, and I enjoy the throttle response of the 510 more.

[sasquatch]

If you want to try an LC4, you are welcome to borrow mine.
Just need a few minutes to convert it to SM.

[RydTher]

thanks Stephen, I'll let you know

If you want to try an LC4, you are welcome to borrow mine.
Just need a few minutes to convert it to SM.

thanks everyone else as well... the contemplation continues. :thumbup

[PYRO]

It requires more maint. but its not really as bad as people make it out to be. I can change the oil/filter, clean the 2 screens and do the valves in about 30-40 minutes.....

Will you be going to Stan's S/M tech day? I was thinking of bring the TE.........

[SVforMe]

All I know are some limited specs and that it looks teh seksy...

http://idisk.mac.com/ecsongradi-Public/Images/690smc.jpg

I really wonder if it will be any different than the current 690 supermoto though.

KTM 690smc Specs (http://www.ktm.com/690-SMC.100198.20.html?&detailview=2&cHash=da62385a81)

[scottiedawg66]

I love my 625 smc...reliable / tons of power / just over 310 lbs..and there arent a whole lot of them around. I have been on many motard rides and have only seen one other. Prob. 2 dozen husky 610s and DRZ I have been out with.

And at a whopping 155lbs i still am very glad to have the extra 240cc..so you being a big boy are already headed in the right direction. The husky is a sweet bike as well!

[Jakemate]

Due to CA emissions, my LC4 KTM took some tuning.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174541

Other than that, it's been loads of fun.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169414


Very comfortable on the shoulders and lower back. The ass? Not so much.

[jboat]

Just noticed a certain someone has an SM610 for sale...:)

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224202

[PYRO]

Just noticed a certain someone has an SM610 for sale...:)

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224202

And I'll bet you could talk him in to letting you test ride it! For that matter, you can test ride mine, if you don't mind the smoke from the oil leak.

Stan!!:shocker What's next? Oh, wait, I guess the answers right here.


If I had to do it all over again, I would probably pickup a 510, since I don't put too many miles on the SM, and I enjoy the throttle response of the 510 more.

[StreetRacr 67]

is he really gonna buy a 510.......:thumbup:thumbup:thumbup welcome to the darkside

[stan23]

Actually, i'm getting into a different italian brand. SXV!

[Papi-C]

The SXV's are cali legal???? :shocker

[scottiedawg66]

Im sure you are aware of the issues associated with owning an SXV. They are legal if they are running.

[stan23]

As long as they are legal where I ride, then i'm fine with it. (thill, buttonwillow, fernley, etc) :)