best motard bike platform?

[jonb]

so i found this site, http://www.moto-connection.com/

has some cool bikes, honda/suzuki/yamaha they've done wheels, brakes, light kits and a few other tweeks and shown how cool these bikes are as motards. i'm not interested in retaining any dirt functionality, just pure street.

i'm still drawn to that vertemati, hand made, out of the box ready. but also all the wrenching on a japanese bike seems fun as well :nerd i guess if i went japanese it would be honda :cool

i like the 450 more than the 650 but i guess its just that i'm drawn to the smaller bikes. which one is a better platform? i also think getting a ktm and supporting scuderia wouldnt be half bad. or is one of the yammy bikes going to be better? power and handling are any considerably better than the rest? tell me tell me! that cr450 looks badass :love so does that vertemati. what about vor or husky?

well i have a while to decide before my insurance claim comes in :teeth

[muddy]

From my little experience with motards in Europe, my favorite one was the Husky 610. But I don't think it's very good here due to the problem to get parts (and the cost of them I suppose).
The most terrific I have seen was the one prepared by the Wagner brothers in the east of France... Was awesome looking, with incredible power.

Pascal

[illsender]

That guy from moto-crap-nection is a crook. He sent me wheels for a 650 r when is stressed i had an L. then he wouldn't refund $500 for parts returned. Hes a flake and Charges WAY too much.

McAllister Motorsports has Great prices and is a really great company to deal with. www.supermotousa.com (http://www.supermotousa.com) He also puts on the races in NorCal

[jonb]

all information appreciated :p

[Peter]

The XR650 makes a good super moto platform. Easy to work on and there are a lot of aftermarket parts available. For the street, go with a big engine...no replacement for displacement. Also, the CRF/YZ are not easily registered for the street.

As far as the euro bikes go, they are great but require frequent oil/filter changes and valve clearance check/adjustment. Seats are generally hard and narrow as well. I really like the Vert too and I'll get one when I win the lotto.

I have a KTM Duke 2 and I just got a VOR 530 SME. Both are great, but some parts can be hard to find. The VOR is surprisingly quick, especially after adding a Keihin FCR 41 carb. The Duke is kind of heavy at around 330-340. The VOR is considerably lighter at around 270. The VOR requires oil changes every 5 hours or so. It only holds 1 litre of oil. I enjoy working on my bikes but these things are not for everyone.

Peter

[jonb]

whats the licensing process for say a cr or yz?
where did you buy the vor?

how hard is the oil change on the vor? every 5 hours? damn! not bad though if its easy to get at in terms of filter :nerd

[Peter]

Technically, you cannot register a CRF/YZ/WR for the street in California. With that said, some people have been successful. I don't know what their secret is but to me its a gamble I'm not willing to take.

You should know that CRF's are highly tuned and have pistons with basically no skirt. This means that you'll need to check your top end often if you do a lot of miles. The YZ 450 has only a 4 speed, while the WR450 has a 5 speed box and E start. Also, both the CRF and YZ have no lighting coil or provisions for street equipment. You can get an aftermarket dual sport kit for an additional $500-$700. These 450s are race bikes and are relatively high maintenance.

I got my VOR from Jim and Jim's Motoxotica in Sonoma. It was a left over 2002 model. Oil/filter changes are easy, in fact I just did my first one on this bike. Oil filters are about $15 each and are available as far as I know only from VOR dealers.

Peter

[westie]

Yeah, I bought the DukeII. Motard ready right outta the box. Gutted the exhaust and put a 41mm carb(?) on it. I'm becoming a local legend on Redwood Rd.!

[thump]

I'm on a 2001 ktm supermoto

Like Westie's only longer springs.

KTM support is reasonably OK in the bay area.

[jonb]

xr650 then would have to be the "L" not the "R" correct so that it may be registered and licensed for the street correcT? and they make good 17" rims for the L and other hop-ups? ssuspension exhaust etc? :D

[Peter]

Add a dual sport kit and you can register the XR650R for street use. The R has an aluminum frame and a liquid cooled engine. Take a look at Rich's XR. There are some pics of it floating around on BARF somewhere.

Peter

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Peter
Add a dual sport kit and you can register the XR650R for street use. The R has an aluminum frame and a liquid cooled engine. Take a look at Rich's XR. There are some pics of it floating around on BARF somewhere.

Peter


here's a pic

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/429420-108-0835_img.jpg

[jonb]

got it i was wondering what the diff was :p but with a light kit the "r" basically can become an "l" on paper? cool!

[jonb]

nice bike too! :cool

[Peter]

I really like my Duke II and Vor but Honda reliability is hard to beat.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Peter
I really like my Duke II and Vor but Honda reliability is hard to beat.


i like your VOR too.:cool :teeth

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
nice bike too! :cool


when your leg gets better, i will let you ride it:cool

[jonb]

:thumbup

[jonb]

hmmm i like the KTM 640 SM LC4 as well. that or an xR? hmm! ;)

[JoeBar]

KaTooM :teeth ;)

Pierre

[hooliganrider]

stillart

you should go test ride a few motards and buy the one
that you like. not what everyone else likes.

[DRZ]

I may be biased but I have to vote for the DRz400 ;)

[jonb]

im just gonna get the vert :love

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/430596-m.jpg

[DRZ]

Ok thats it, after foresthill im turning the DRz back into street legal. I already put the plate back on and mounted flushmount turn signals onto the front #plate. After Foresthill im going to get a set AVON super venom 21/18 tires.....Lookout Hooligan, here I come:thumbup
Oh ya, I have a 15t front sprocket sitting on my bench waiting to be put on too;)

[Deeter]

Hey, while we're talking about motards, what are your service intervals like on the XR650 and the DRZ400? Specifically things like oil and valve clearance checks and the like.

I'd like to someday add a bike to the stable that I can do a quick dirt-to-street and back conversion on, but would most likely use it more for street.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Deeter
Hey, while we're talking about motards, what are your service intervals like on the XR650 and the DRZ400? Specifically things like oil and valve clearance checks and the like.

I'd like to someday add a bike to the stable that I can do a quick dirt-to-street and back conversion on, but would most likely use it more for street.


Deeter XR650
valves every 600 miles
oil and filter every 600 miles:laughing

[Beauregard]

i motarded a 1999 XR650l, in retrospect (20X20) that was a big undertaking. after removing/adding just about everything to improve the weight i realized i would have been much better off with a XR650R or CRF450. i prefer the bullitproof hondas.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Beauregard
i motarded a 1999 XR650l, in retrospect (20X20) that was a big undertaking. after removing/adding just about everything to improve the weight i realized i would have been much better off with a XR650R or CRF450. i prefer the bullitproof hondas.


bullitproof Hondas, very, very true.:teeth :cool

[donoman]

Hey RB929RR...

600 miles? Is that normal?
That sucks!

[DRZ]

I have about 1200 miles on my DRz and I yet to have checked the valves ..prolly should though. I change my oil every 300 miles, I like to be safe.

[thump]

Originally posted by donoman
Hey RB929RR...

600 miles? Is that normal?
That sucks!


It is for an offroad bike.

In comparison the LC4 engines from KTM go 3000 miles between valve check and oil change.

Heavier motor, bigger oil volume, two filters in the oil circuit, but a motor that was built for desert racing and designed to run hard for days on end.

Building fom a motocrosser means you get MX service intervals, i.e. as if after every race. But you get a lighter bike with more performance.

Really depends whether you want to use it as a street bike or a track bike.

Your call!! :laughing

[donoman]

Is the XR series quite as bad (or worse) in terms of maintenance?

[jonb]

good question.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by donoman
Is the XR series quite as bad (or worse) in terms of maintenance?

Thump is right. that is dirt riding maintenance, every 600 miles.
i change my oil about 1200 miles and check valves every 2000
miles.
it takes about 30 minutes to check valves on my XR650.
pull tank about 5 minutes and left side cover 5 minutes.
:cool

[jonb]

everyone says the xr650 doesnt make a good motard tooo heavy etc? what are your thoughts? was it hard to get the xr650r street legal? are there a million mods out there in regards to brakes and suspension and possible hopups from hrc or other tuners?

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
everyone says the xr650 doesnt make a good motard tooo heavy etc? what are your thoughts? was it hard to get the xr650r street legal? are there a million mods out there in regards to brakes and suspension and possible hopups from hrc or other tuners?

stillart
the XR650R makes a great street motard not a racing motard.
yes there are millions of mod for it. if you want to get real
crazy? HRC makes a 710cc kit for it.

if you want to race buy a Vert, VOR, or CRF450 etc.

[jonb]

yeah i think that vert is so badass but i need to commute to thats just not possible if i have to change my oil and do full services at the end of every week :nerd

so you got the "r" and then just switched up the lighting and got it streetable huh? cool. i know i keep asking the same damn questions, excuse me. my only other real world choice riight now is the ktm lc4 sm. that seems badass and legal out of the box as well. :p

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
yeah i think that vert is so badass but i need to commute to thats just not possible if i have to change my oil and do full services at the end of every week :nerd

so you got the "r" and then just switched up the lighting and got it streetable huh? cool. i know i keep asking the same damn questions, excuse me. my only other real world choice riight now is the ktm lc4 sm. that seems badass and legal out of the box as well. :p


if you are looking for a XR650R that is streetlegal PM
erionrider. his friend is selling a 2001 with only 36
miles on it.

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by hooliganrider
if you are looking for a XR650R that is streetlegal PM
erionrider. his friend is selling a 2001 with only 36
miles on it. a 2001 with 36 miles? :wow On the engine or the whole bike? :confused

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by JoeBar
a 2001 with 36 miles? :wow On the engine or the whole bike? :confused

i was told 36 miles only. that's it.:cool

[illsender]

I have a '02 650L and i love it. It is heavy. I raced it a couple of time and got a cr500 cause it a lot of work. Stock the L is guttless. i put the keihin (sp?) 41 mm flat slide. It helped all the way up to W.F.O. and it craps out then. I was told cam and piston kit help a lot. I'd like to look into that 710 kit. After 17k all it wants is a new clutch but that can wait. 17's and a brake is plenty for the street.


On another note. I know a guy that bought an rm250 and wentto register it and the DMV lady saw that it was an offroad bike and asked if he wanted a green sticker or dual sport. I'm gonna try with my 500. Just play dumb.
"what do you mean a smoke belching two-stroke isn't allowed on the street?"

[Erionrider]

Originally posted by hooliganrider
if you are looking for a XR650R that is streetlegal PM
erionrider. his friend is selling a 2001 with only 36
miles on it.

You heard right, only 36 miles on the bike. He's only ridden it twice, I believe he bought it at Redwood City Honda. PM me or post here if you're interested and I'll forward his info.

[DRZ]

Originally posted by DrZ
I have about 1200 miles on my DRz and I yet to have checked the valves ..prolly should though. I change my oil every 300 miles, I like to be safe.

I should have said that I change my oil every 300 DIRT miles. When I was riding the DRz on the street I went twice that.

[Peter]

The MZ Black Panther/Supermoto would make a good commuter type bike. Its kind of heavy but the engine is a Yamaha liquid cooled 5 valve single. I have the same engine in my MZ Sport Cup and I go about 2k miles between oil changes.

Stock, the engine is kind of weak but has a lot of tuning potential. This engine is commonly used in supermono road racing in Europe. Tuners there supposedly get up to 70-80hp out of this engine with extensive mods. With a little carb tuning and exhaust you'll get about 48-50hp.

Peter

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by Erionrider
You heard right, only 36 miles on the bike. He's only ridden it twice, I believe he bought it at Redwood City Honda. PM me or post here if you're interested and I'll forward his info. You should actually send his contact info to Cafe Racer. He's the one looking...

Pierre

[morthrane]

Originally posted by Peter
The MZ Black Panther/Supermoto would make a good commuter type bike. Its kind of heavy but the engine is a Yamaha liquid cooled 5 valve single. I have the same engine in my MZ Sport Cup and I go about 2k miles between oil changes.

Stock, the engine is kind of weak but has a lot of tuning potential. This engine is commonly used in supermono road racing in Europe. Tuners there supposedly get up to 70-80hp out of this engine with extensive mods. With a little carb tuning and exhaust you'll get about 48-50hp.


Heh... I've heard about those engines. What's cool is there are some bitchin' piston kits for those engines. But surely you should get more than 50hp out of it... hrm... maybe not. My aircooled SRX600 supposedly is making 44rwhp with carbs and a slip-on supertrapp. Figured the 660 watercooled single could do better...

70-80hp is, if I understood the couple of ex AFM singles racers right, a grenade with the pin pulled :(

[morthrane]

On a different note... you guys are mentioning newer bikes. Are there any older dirtbikes that make for good motard conversions? Not that much older... just... not top dollar today bikes :twofinger

[astrocreep]

Jon
The xr650 R is a very good street motard bike. It is capable on the track with mods. I have a friend Bob who has a 650 R motard who races. In fact he got 4 th place at the last race in the rookie class against some true rookies and sandbaggers. Bob and I run at a very simular pace. Both of us find it hard to pass eachother but can follow with no prob so we are very close with lap times. What he has done to his bike is 17's and big front brake,pipe and cam with proper jetting of the carb. Woke it up as he says.
I still only have done big brake pipe and jet I don't have my 17's on yet they are still in the garage. I'm having too much fun passing bikes with 17's and I still have my 21 and 18. I suggest if you want a street bike which can race get a 650r. They are available used with street reg all the time. After that I would look at the ktooms and then the DRZ. I'm happy with mine as a fun kick ass street bike as a race bike it's heavy and way down on power. It really sucks when a faster bike passes you on the straight and holds you up in the twisties.
I invite you to come out this Sunday for the motard races in Stockton. I'll be there so will Bob and maybe some people from Barf too. You can ask racers about there bikes and watch what fun we are having on track.

[SuperMotard]

Originally posted by illsender
That guy from moto-crap-nection is a crook. He sent me wheels for a 650 r when is stressed i had an L. then he wouldn't refund $500 for parts returned. Hes a flake and Charges WAY too much.

McAllister Motorsports has Great prices and is a really great company to deal with. www.supermotousa.com (http://www.supermotousa.com) He also puts on the races in NorCal

Check out this. They got some good deals on 17"

http://www.eastcoastwheels.com/?source=overture

[hooliganrider]

if any of you guys are really thinking of buying a XR650R, to
build a motard. PM me and i will let you ride my bike. that will
help make up your mines.

[motostrano]

woo-hoo! a vert lover! give me a ping on or offline. Motostrano became the Bay Area's only Vertemati dealer just a few weeks ago. I so far have one '03 501 motard enduro in the shop, street legal. this thing rocks. This one can be had with either street or dirt wheels or both.

we also have 2 screemin' deals on some XR650s in the shop. both are 2000 models with very few miles. one is set up with a complete baja kit, the other is bone stock.

since becoming a Vertemati dealer, Motostrano is moving heavily into the motard scene. if you don't get a chance to come by our shop in Redwood City we'll be at Laguna for WSBK with a booth with one or two Verts on display as well.

In my opinion the XR 6's are just too damn heavy, though they do make good commuter bikes and even long distance travelers, but for short jaunts in the hills nothing beats a 500 or lower bike and the Vertematis are kicking butt in supermoto races here and in Europe right now.


Joe
www.motostrano.com

[Cafe Racer]

Originally posted by astrocreep
J I invite you to come out this Sunday for the motard races in Stockton. I'll be there so will Bob and maybe some people from Barf too. You can ask racers about there bikes and watch what fun we are having on track.

Hello,

Please, more details about the Motard Race this Sunday in Stockton. I will want to be there to check it out as well as get some ideas for my next bike! Yeah baby!:teeth

Miguel

[motostrano]

their site seems to be down at the moment but here's info at this site when it comes back up:

www.supermotousa.com

[astrocreep]

Some info I can give you is how to get there
Take the Charter way exit from hwy 5 in Stockton
make a right at the light then proceed about a mile through
the Ghetto you'll come to airport way and if you look to the far right corner you can see the track. Proceed straight past the track about 100 yards is the entrance to the fairgrounds.

Gates open at 6:30
heats start around 9:30
mains start around 1:00
cost 5 bucks to get in
I'll be #13 on the black DRZ

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by motostrano
woo-hoo! a vert lover! give me a ping on or offline. Motostrano became the Bay Area's only Vertemati dealer just a few weeks ago. I so far have one '03 501 motard enduro in the shop, street legal. this thing rocks. This one can be had with either street or dirt wheels or both.

we also have 2 screemin' deals on some XR650s in the shop. both are 2000 models with very few miles. one is set up with a complete baja kit, the other is bone stock.

since becoming a Vertemati dealer, Motostrano is moving heavily into the motard scene. if you don't get a chance to come by our shop in Redwood City we'll be at Laguna for WSBK with a booth with one or two Verts on display as well.

In my opinion the XR 6's are just too damn heavy, though they do make good commuter bikes and even long distance travelers, but for short jaunts in the hills nothing beats a 500 or lower bike and the Vertematis are kicking butt in supermoto races here and in Europe right now.


Joe
www.motostrano.com


Joe

i will be buying a Vert from you in 2 or 3 months:cool

[jonb]

cool to see motostrano in the forum too :Port

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Cafe Racer
Hello,

Please, more details about the Motard Race this Sunday in Stockton. I will want to be there to check it out as well as get some ideas for my next bike! Yeah baby!:teeth

Miguel

hey Miguel
i'm going to try and make it to Stockton Sunday:cool :teeth

[donoman]

I rode BadDad's (DrZ's old) Kawi 250 2-stroke today and that thang was crazy... You guys are saying that these 400 or 650+ displacement bikes are ideal supermotard platforms given that the people who are asking you are normal trackriders... uh... my question is... is my ass going to get killed on a huge bike like an XR400 or XR650R? The Kawi 250 was pretty peppy for me... felt like a damn R1 on the dirt. :p

[JoeBar]

The 250 2-stroke are very powerful and a lot of work because of the powerband. No low end, no torque but as soon as you hit the powerband, yeeeehaaaaa!!!!!!
The 400/650 4-stroke are totally different. Lots of torque and all smoothness. They are a lot easier to ride than the KX. the XR400 is underpowered for its weight IMO.

[LNSPLTRS]

Man all of this talk about motards is killing me. See, I can't get one until I've sold my 929.

BTW: I saw a Honda (650?) on the Bay Bridge this morning with I think #49 on the number plate that looked sweet.

[jonb]

everyone will be motarding soon.

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by stillart
everyone will be motarding soon. It's about time, I have been working on it for MONTHS!!!... :laughing

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
everyone will be motarding soon.


You saw it here first!! :laughing


Ahhh, the smug satisfaction that comes with being a pioneer!!

By the way- allegedly about 20% of new bikes sold in 2002 in Europe were Motards....

It's coming west, slowly but it's happening.

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
It's about time, I have been working on it for MONTHS!!!... :laughing

:rolleyes

So where's your bike then?

:laughing

[jonb]

where is my bike too? :cry

[JoeBar]

Group buy? :laughing

[donoman]

damn, I'd be down for an XR400 group buy... at least that way I could finance a bike. My girlfriend is gonna kick me out. Sweeeet.

[yv1]

group buy would be cool but i think we all want different things :nerd

cant wait for settlement from case! supermoto here i come!! :bday


-stillart

[thump]

Originally posted by yv1
group buy would be cool but i think we all want different things :nerd


That's the whole point :teeth
Make the bike whatever you want it to be.

[Cafe Racer]

Okay..... I sold the RC51 and I am on my way to the Motard lifestyle.:p

Just as I was saying... as soon as I bought my TransAlp I never rode the Big RC. Whats up with that? Well... what can I say. I saw the light. Now I want a Japanese Motard. I may be on my way in less then a week or so. Yeah baby!:Port

I was thinking about a Honda 400 or maybe a Yamaha 400. THe Suzuki is also something to consider. But I need to go used for now. What do you folks think about the Yamy WR? How about the Suzi DR350. You already gave me an idea about the XR400 and I thank you for that.

Any recommended Motard shops to go to in the Bay Area for conversion work?

Miguel:nerd

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Cafe Racer
Okay..... I sold the RC51 and I am on my way to the Motard lifestyle.:p

Just as I was saying... as soon as I bought my TransAlp I never rode the Big RC. Whats up with that? Well... what can I say. I saw the light. Now I want a Japanese Motard. I may be on my way in less then a week or so. Yeah baby!:Port

I was thinking about a Honda 400 or maybe a Yamaha 400. THe Suzuki is also something to consider. But I need to go used for now. What do you folks think about the Yamy WR? How about the Suzi DR350. You already gave me an idea about the XR400 and I thank you for that.

Any recommended Motard shops to go to in the Bay Area for conversion work?

Miguel:nerd

Miguel

i just put the 400 back to street legal lastnight.
it is still geared really low for track. i need to
change the rear sprocket. but if you want to
ride it? PM me.
:cool

[JoeBar]

Motard is a European thing. Japanese are behind for once... Why do you want Japanese? :confused
Go talk to Joe at Motostrano... :thumbup

[Cafe Racer]

Originally posted by JoeBar
Motard is a European thing. Japanese are behind for once... Why do you want Japanese? :confused
Go talk to Joe at Motostrano... :thumbup

Well... I would like to get an exotic Euro Motard but for now $$$ is a major factor. So to get my foot into the door I will have to go with something less pricy.

Maybe a KTM? I dont know. How ore those bikes? I will be making a buy on Monday. What do I get...?;)

Miguel

[Max Smiley]

KTM:

Keeps Taking Money

Kick Ten Minutes
then
Kick Ten More

:p


why rush yourself? I held off on a duke because the thing is just too high for me.

[Cafe Racer]

Originally posted by Max Smiley
[B]KTM:

Keeps Taking Money

Kick Ten Minutes
then
Kick Ten More

:p]

Hello,

Is this true...? Do many of you feel that way about the KTM? Is it really that much trouble to own something like that?

Miguel:nerd

[Peter]

And then there is the familiar

Kosts
Too
Much

Seriously, KTMs and most euro bikes do require a bit more maintenance than your average Honda. Shop around, do some test rides, and then decide.

Peter

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by Peter
Seriously, KTMs and most euro bikes do require a bit more maintenance than your average Honda. Shop around, do some test rides, and then decide. :confused What are you referring to? Can you give an example?
I don't know if KTM is the way to go as far as Motard is concerned (I don't have one) but Japanese bikes are not designed to be Supermotard. Usually they are MX or Enduro bikes that are "motardized". Several European brands offer bikes that, from the early design, are built to be Supermotard. I am thinking about the LC4 for example... You should do a little bit more research before making a decision. Getting opinions from BARFers is certainly very helpful but that's all what they are, opinions. We are not going to ride your bike, you are! Go out there, test ride some bikes and make your own mind ;) :thumbup

Pierre

[jonb]

what about the husQ line? are their supermotos street legal? only the sm610s or the entire line?

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
what about the husQ line? are their supermotos street legal? only the sm610s or the entire line?

they're in the shop more than out. parts are hard to find.:laughing

[jonb]

yeah screw that! :p asked that question before i read a lot rider/owner posts :nerd :laughing

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
yeah screw that! :p asked that question before i read a lot rider/owner posts :nerd :laughing

Stillart
i saw your other post, i hate to say it. but your knee
looks like shit.

[jonb]

amen to that. lot of time for me to window shop for the next bike :rolleyes

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
amen to that. lot of time for me to window shop for the next bike :rolleyes

good point
if your knee wasn't messed up you could of got a taste of
motarding today.
i would have let you ride the 400:cool

[jonb]

i"ll take a rain check for about 6-8 weeks from now :thumbup

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
i"ll take a rain check for about 6-8 weeks from now :thumbup


you got it:cool :laughing

[thump]

Originally posted by Max Smiley
KTM:

Keeps Taking Money

Kick Ten Minutes
then
Kick Ten More

:p


why rush yourself? I held off on a duke because the thing is just too high for me.

As far as I know, the only person who kicks his motard is Rich!! Oh- and Mateo maybe, if he's gone to street tires.

Okay- so there are three KTM Motard riders on this board and we can all tell you what it REALLY costs to run a KTM motard.

And the cost isn't in KTM parts- it's in trick brakes, Akrapoviv exhaust systems, keihin carburettors and TIRES, lots and lots and lots of TIRES. And in some cases- speeding tickets!!

But you'll go through those on any motard.

The problem with KTM USA is that they imported a few supermotos and a ton of dukes. The dukes didn't sell all that well, despite being an excellent bike and the Supermotos all sold out last year.

As far as we can tell there are no new ones coming in 2004- but the LC4e motor is used in the Adventure, which IS coming in so spares are assured. And if they're not I'll start up an import service and have 'em shipped over.

The KTM is a very credible street motard, if a little too tubby for podium positions. The VOR that Motostrano are selling is a track bike with lights- which is why Rich wants one!! :teeth.

Service interval on an LC4 is 5000km or 3000miles. The filters, oil, washers, spark plug and stuff cost about $60. So that's NOT where the money goes.

A rear tire lasts 2,500 miles unless you pussy it a front 5,000. Chain and sprockets last 10k and you don't have to buy them from KTM.

So unless you dump it and end up having to buy a bunch of replacement parts, the KTM doesn't look so bad.

And look at what you get- a motard that's already set up with the wheels, brakes and suspension you need. And the suspension is superb- waaaay better than anything fitted on a jap bike. Properly rated and fully adjustable.

Before you choose, meet us at Alices and take a look at what we're all running, take a spin and see what you like.

I weighed up the decison last year playing off the costs of motarding a new xl650, drz650 or buying a KTM ready to go.

No contest. Cheaper, superior bike, lots less hassle.

Thump

[jonb]

but all the ktm 03 lc4 sm's are sold out and 04s wont be brought in?? :confused what the heck is that?

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
but all the ktm 03 lc4 sm's are sold out and 04s wont be brought in?? :confused what the heck is that?

Yup, seems nuts to me also. Just when the whole Motard thing is taking off here in the US too.

Seems KTM USA just wanna do dirt bikes.

They do show up used on craigslist and the motard boards from time to time.

[jonb]

weird, good info to know :) whenever i'm at scuderia all i see are dirtbikes and maybe a dukeII.

[Ducky_Fresh]

Well, KTM makes a solid product. My 1986 MX250 kicks over on the first start. Although if it falls over, the float bowl gets full and it takes about 3-5 mins before it will kick..

The XR650 and XR400 are 4 strokes Donovan. They will probably have a longer engine life than a CR or YZ or KX or RM. Not to mention they aren't two bangers.. The XR series is probably a perfect "beginner" bike for someone to motard?

Today(may 26th, THill) there was a guy out there with an LC4 and a WR250R (sweeeeeet lil bike!)..

Is there a 250 motard series? Or only bigger bikes?

- Everett

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
weird, good info to know :) whenever i'm at scuderia all i see are dirtbikes and maybe a dukeII.


If you're there soon asak them if KTM USA are planning on bringing in any more SMs. I'm curious what they'll say.

:thumbup Thump

[thump]

Originally posted by Ducky_Fresh
Is there a 250 motard series? Or only bigger bikes?

- Everett

here you go (http://www.supermotousa.com/SMUSA/ASPX/generalinfo.aspx#Class)

[pelikan]

Originally posted by Cafe Racer

I was thinking about a Honda 400 or maybe a Yamaha 400. THe Suzuki is also something to consider. But I need to go used for now. What do you folks think about the Yamy WR? How about the Suzi DR350. You already gave me an idea about the XR400 and I thank you for that.


I give the dr350se a thumbs down for motard, just not a big enough engine. Plus, there aren't that many people that have gone that route, so you'd be low on support/ideas. The dr350 is a trail/commute bike.

Plus, it seems you can get dr400 & xr400 for good prices these days.

ktm's are damned sexy, but the extra cost is a limiting factor for me.

[thump]

anyone interested in this (http://www.motomorphic.com/forSale/index.html#super)

says it has 19" wheels rather than 17" which seems weird to me, but if anyone insists on a 400 cc motor.

[Ducky_Fresh]

That WR looks like it'd be more for flat tracking, or the mile..

- Everett

[hooliganrider]

the 2004 Gas Gas SM 450 got very high marks. it's a twin cam
thumper:cool

[thump]

Originally posted by Ducky_Fresh
That WR looks like it'd be more for flat tracking, or the mile..

- Everett

Yeah, I though dirt oval when I saw it too.

[ryanb]

Hi all, just caught this thread, I will be in dirtybarf more often now that I know SM peeps are here.

Stillart, you are heading down a dark and twisty path, towards stupid fun hooliganism ;)

In my opinion, the honda XR650R and KTM LC4 are the two premier, day-to-day, commuting, reliable, relatively low-maintenece, street-biased supermotos out there. I have done a ~470 mile day on my KTM (and with the STOCK SEAT. Couldnt walk for two days afterwards)

As everyone has mentioned, the MX/Competition based singles are *very* high strung, and need careful maintenence intervals.

I've got 10k miles on my ktm, and it's been excellent so far < knock on wood 'cause I'm superstitious like that>

Alot of the truly trick KTM bits are hard to come by, but you live in SF, and Scuderia are way cool to work with. Some of the stuff on my bike is from UK/Germany, fortunately many of the good dealers over there are getting good at dealing with US customers.

As Stillart complained, KTMUSA has seen it in their infinite wisdom to not import any supermoto/duke's this year. However, they *are* importing the 625SXC, which is the enduro-based LC4. There are some reports of this bike still having the street wiring connectors for lights/switches still installed. The 625SXC would make an awesome street supermoto.

Stillart, if youre into KTM's I'd say to go down to Scuderia and talk to them about buying a 625SXC off the showroom floor as a supermoto. Or at least, with the dual-sport kit, and street reg'd. KTM sells 17's in their aftermarket "hard parts" catalog, and they are very reasonably priced for a set (~800.00). If I was to get a new, street-based supermoto today, I'd get the 625SXC.

Ryan

PS: Did I mention supermotos crash VERY well? Like, stupid good. Dont ask me how I know :(

[pelikan]

So the crf450 is only good motard racing? Not commuting?

I ask because it supposed to be a very capable dirtbike (well, more MX than trail), and with the crf250x coming out sometime this centruy, a crf450 that I could more or less change wheels and motard is looking pretty damned good.

How come only KTM has good light green stickered 4strokes?

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by pelikan
So the crf450 is only good motard racing? Not commuting? Cooling, amount of engine oil, transmission, size of gas tank... MX bikes are not designed for commuting...

Originally posted by pelikan
How come only KTM has good light green stickered 4strokes? Good question. Because Japanese manufacturers do not care about the CA green sticker law and/or CA market? I can understand a MX/SX bike not being a green sticker bike (performances bikes for use on closed track only) but enduro bikes such as the WR450 should definitely be a green sticker bike! :wtf :wow

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by ryanb
Hi all, just caught this thread, I will be in dirtybarf more often now that I know SM peeps are here.

Stillart, you are heading down a dark and twisty path, towards stupid fun hooliganism ;)

In my opinion, the honda XR650R and KTM LC4 are the two premier, day-to-day, commuting, reliable, relatively low-maintenece, street-biased supermotos out there. I have done a ~470 mile day on my KTM (and with the STOCK SEAT. Couldnt walk for two days afterwards)

As everyone has mentioned, the MX/Competition based singles are *very* high strung, and need careful maintenence intervals.

I've got 10k miles on my ktm, and it's been excellent so far < knock on wood 'cause I'm superstitious like that>

Alot of the truly trick KTM bits are hard to come by, but you live in SF, and Scuderia are way cool to work with. Some of the stuff on my bike is from UK/Germany, fortunately many of the good dealers over there are getting good at dealing with US customers.

As Stillart complained, KTMUSA has seen it in their infinite wisdom to not import any supermoto/duke's this year. However, they *are* importing the 625SXC, which is the enduro-based LC4. There are some reports of this bike still having the street wiring connectors for lights/switches still installed. The 625SXC would make an awesome street supermoto.

Stillart, if youre into KTM's I'd say to go down to Scuderia and talk to them about buying a 625SXC off the showroom floor as a supermoto. Or at least, with the dual-sport kit, and street reg'd. KTM sells 17's in their aftermarket "hard parts" catalog, and they are very reasonably priced for a set (~800.00). If I was to get a new, street-based supermoto today, I'd get the 625SXC.

Ryan

PS: Did I mention supermotos crash VERY well? Like, stupid good. Dont ask me how I know :(

Ryan i know why you say they crash very well.:laughing

[morthrane]

Originally posted by ryanb
However, they *are* importing the 625SXC, which is the enduro-based LC4. There are some reports of this bike still having the street wiring connectors for lights/switches still installed. The 625SXC would make an awesome street supermoto.


Is that 625SXC more maintanence intensive than the run of the mill LC4 supermoto? Or the XR650R for that matter.

[thump]

It's a 625cc LC4e, same as in the Duke, Supermoto, Adventure, Dual Sport, 6-Days and Rallye.

The 2003 LC4 has a magura hymec clutch actuator / lever as stock (this is good) and a keihin 41mm flatslide carb (this is good too).

Service interval is 3,000 miles (or after every race) and the parts you need to do it cost $60 plus your choice of oil. You can knock $10 off that by using K&N oil filters in place of KTM.

Brake pads are up to you to choose between OEM or aftermarket- same as any other bike as are air filters- KTMs come with Twin-Air 'blueoilyfoamies' as standard.

We've got to kill off this myth that running a KTM costs an arm and a leg. It really doesn't cost any different to any other motard and probably much less than a converted MXer.

You'll spend the most money on...... (all say it together now)

Tires!! :burnout

I can't speak for the xr650r or the DRZ650, can anyone here provide comparable figures? Rich, Cafe Racer? Ro?

[jonb]

thats interesting stuff about the ktm! wish i could just goto scuderia and buy the lc4 sm though :(

vertemati is so sexy but there is something appealing about buying the xr650 and spending all that time and money to turn it into a hardcore supermoto :nerd just need to loose the honda seat cover/red fairings :cool

[thump]

They come up on craigslist from time to time, like this one (http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/11719781.html)

Although this wasn't originally a supermoto. It's an LC4 Dual sport with 18 & 21 wheels. The SM has 17" rims, bigger front brake, higher gearing and stiffer springs.

Still a great bike though.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
thats interesting stuff about the ktm! wish i could just goto scuderia and buy the lc4 sm though :(

vertemati is so sexy but there is something appealing about buying the xr650 and spending all that time and money to turn it into a hardcore supermoto :nerd just need to loose the honda seat cover/red fairings :cool

stillart


so what are you going to get?:laughing

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
there is something appealing about buying the xr650 and spending all that time and money to turn it into a hardcore supermoto :nerd just need to loose the honda seat cover/red fairings :cool

before you do this, talk to beauregard.

he did that xr650 conversion, and now has an LC4 motard.


edit!!

Hey, didn't I say somewhere else that one of the cool things about motards is the whole 'build it however you like it and ride it however works for you' thing?

So why the heck am I banging the KTM drum so hard?

:rolleyes sometimes it's kinda hard to hear what I'm saying over all the noise in my head.

[jonb]

Originally posted by hooliganrider
stillart


so what are you going to get?:laughing

:laughing beats me :rolleyes i cant decide. i have to wait until august at the best end of july. i have the money for the vert but i appreciate getting a ktm or honda and building it, and taking advantage of that loophole at the dmv while i may.

in the end it beats me! rich i wanna ride one of yours when i can ride and i'll go from there. i'm still constructing my list of what i "want" it to do.

i want it to:
rip through the city,
handle a 3 day ride in the mountains,
be somewhat competetive on the track,
carry my 6'2 190lb self from sf to berkeley everyday,
be easy to maintain, even if that means regularly, just be easy period,
and finally be good looking !

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by stillart
i want it to:
rip through the city,
handle a 3 day ride in the mountains,
be somewhat competetive on the track,
carry my 6'2 190lb self from sf to berkeley everyday,
be easy to maintain, even if that means regularly, just be easy period,
and finally be good looking ! Definitely a job for a LC4. IMO the XR is too much off-road oriented to be used as a daily commuter and forget the vertemati, it's a race bike! Anyway. that's a lot for one bike, have you considered having 2 bikes?

If you remove the track from your list, you can also consider the 950 Adventure. I am seriously considering it... ;)

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/446909-ktm950adventure-02.jpg

[JoeBar]

Finally a streetbike that is not afraid of the dirt!!! :teeth I like this picture...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/446914-ktm950adventure-01.jpg

[jonb]

naw!! thas way too much bike :)

i like the motard idea because i like the pairing of the dirt bike with the hi-tech street wheels/tires/brakes/suspension and maybe a nice exhaust to boot :) its minmal but at the same time kind of total techno lust. thats why i liked the rc51 so much of everything on that bike and everything aftermarket of any quality was so absolutely trick. but now i dont want the weight and other added cons after my injury/accident :nerd

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by stillart
naw!! thas way too much bike :) C'mon, 6'2 190lb, you can handle it!!! :p ;)

[donoman]

I think I'm leaning towards an XR400 or something like that... but I'm just concerned (same as stillart) about power around the City. Main use will be streetbike, ya know.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by donoman
I think I'm leaning towards an XR400 or something like that... but I'm just concerned (same as stillart) about power around the City. Main use will be streetbike, ya know.

one day me and my son Rich Jr. (PTM) went for a ride through
S.F. he was on the 400 and i was on the 650. he was doing
stoppies at every red light and wheelies at every green light.
the XR400 in motard form is (i think) the perfect city bike.
remember to change the gearing. stock front 14 tooth
and rear 42 tooth sprockets. and ours weighs about 240
lbs wet.:laughing :cool :teeth :laughing

plenty of power for city riding:laughing :laughing

[jonb]

hmm really? the 400 is a badass bike :p hmmm! those pics of your son's bike are killer. i bet i'd save even more $ on insurance with the 4hundo!! :laughing

whats the best pipe for a bike like the xr series?

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/446909-ktm950adventure-02.jpg


I'm waiting to see the streetfighter / Duke version of this baby. Underneath those plastics is a Duc style trellis frame. Those flanks are fuel tanks by the way, the 'tank' is mostly airbox.

IMO too big for dirt even though it's not 'that' heavy.

I heard that they're delayed because KTM USA messed up the homologation process. A few have already been delivered in organised countries like, um, France and the UK :laughing

Is it still called the LC8? I know it was nicknamed that for a while (as in 2x LC4).

It ran well in this year's Dakar, with minimal mechanicals, so should be an OK bike.

[jonb]

too much plastic!!

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
too much plastic!!

yeah, fugly innit!!

those 'thick' side plastics are gas tanks!!

There was a duke version at a bike show last year that looked fabulous- all naked with mechanical things showing :)

[jonb]

yeah i've seen those duke photos, pretty damn slick in comparison. for sure that bike did great through dakar, but its too much for my tastes on the street :p

[JoeBar]

The "big plastics" are the gas tanks (one on each side) to lower the center of gravity. I read some tests in Europe and they say that it is the best non-thumper dual sports on the dirt and it still kicks ass on the street with close to 100 HP. It is very close to the bikes that did the Dakar. And yes, they call it LC8 too.

By the way I just received Cycle World July 03 (Vol. 42 No. 7) and they publish the Awards for the 10 Best Bikes of 2003. The best Dual-Purpose bike is the KTM 950 Adventure! HAHAHA!!! :thumbup

Are are the Awards:
Best Superbike: Suzuki GSX-R1000
Best Open-Class Streetbike: Aprilia Tuono
Best Standard: Suzuki SV650
Best Touring Bike: Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing
Best Middleweight Streetbike: Yamaha YZF-R6
Best Sport-Tourer: BMW K1200GT
Best Cruiser: Vistory Vegas
Best Dual-Purpose Bike: KTM 950 Adventure :thumbup
Best Enduro Bike: KTM 450 EXC :thumbup
Best Motocrosser: Honda CRF450R

Go Team Orange!!! :teeth :thumbup

[JoeBar]

Andrew, you waiting for this one?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/447154-ktmduke950-front.jpg

[jonb]

thats much better!

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
Andrew, you waiting for this one?

:eek :love

omigodyessssss!!!!! But not in freakin' ORANGE :laughing

Or a monster, perhaps!! :confused

Anyway- I'm dreaming!!! they're gonna be about $14k!!

Maybe that's why they called it the LC8- costs the same as 2 LC4s!!! :laughing

[JoeBar]

That's the kind of dualsports I want!!!


http://www.motomag.com/essais/ktm/pho/adv09a01g.jpg

http://www.motomag.com/essais/ktm/pho/adv09a02g.jpg

http://www.1000ps.at/magazin/ktm.jpg

[jonb]

hey lets keep this supermoto :p

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/447166-db_p32900531.jpg

[jonb]

i wanna do this next summer! go knee rehab!!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/447168-410ward3.jpg

[JoeBar]

You can't commute on a supermotard... SM are good twisties/hooligan/track bikes. Not daily commuters... ;)

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
You can't commute on a supermotard... SM are good twisties/hooligan/track bikes. Not daily commuters... ;)


why not? I do!! :chuci

I ride mine to the office everyday. Best lanesplitter I've ever owned.

And then I sneak out at lunchtime and blast around the hills :)

[jonb]

yeah but my commute is literally down hyde street, across the bridge up 880 to the gilman exit and bam! i'm at work. it can be more than 12 miles :p foggy in the morning and congested and lane splitting in the afternoon :p thats not a commute its like running an errand.

[JoeBar]

I was referring to the dirtbike-modified kind of SM, not the LC4 ;)

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by stillart
yeah but my commute is literally down hyde street, across the bridge up 880 to the gilman exit and bam! i'm at work. it can be more than 12 miles :p foggy in the morning and congested and lane splitting in the afternoon :p thats not a commute its like runnign an errand. That's not a commute, that's the fun ride of the morning to wake up! Commuting is like 40 miles of freeway every morning. That's commuting! :teeth

[jonb]

exactly! :) thats why my commute is completely supermoto enabled :p

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
That's not a commute, that's the fun ride of the morning to wake up! Commuting is like 40 miles of freeway every morning. That's commuting! :teeth

Yeah, my commute is 6 miles. So if it's a nice morning rather than going straight to work, I ride up stevens canyon, onto 9 at Mountain Winery, up to 4 corners/hotdog stand/ vista point/9&35/whatever we call that junction this week, then onto 35 and back down Pagemill and over 101 to the office.

Exactly 40 miles.

So Pierre- this meets your definition of commuting? Yes? :laughing

Shit, sometimes I do the reverse route home in the afternoon- just for grins!!

And I only own one vehicle with an engine. I borrow Maggie's car sometimes but my only 4-wheeler is a skateboard!!

So yup- it's a GREAT commuter whether splitting down Shoreline or taking the long way. And they are superb in traffic. Motards are totally suited to urban traffic warfare.

[donoman]

Yep, me and Stillart do essentially the same commute. In the morning, hop onto 280 and fight the traffic when I get onto 101 all the way on 101N up to 80E... bumper to bumper traffic up until the bay bridge... about 1/4 thru the bay bridge, it clears out and I reach 55mph... on the oakland side of the bridge it opens up and I can do 80 (but don't have to!!!) for 3 miles, exit University Ave in Berkeley, bumper to bumper traffic with potholes, hippies, and protestors running across the street at opportune times and locations. 5 Miles urban warfare up to campus. A SuperMoto would kick so much ass, I think.

I almost bought a KLR650 before I got my VFR, actually, but it didn't have enough juice or performance for my tastes.

[jonb]

dono what time are you coming across everyday?

[morthrane]

Originally posted by JoeBar
Andrew, you waiting for this one?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/447154-ktmduke950-front.jpg

I'm definitely wanting to see how those turn out when they do show up... but I'll be damned if I'll ever call a KTM "pretty"

[JoeBar]

One more pic... ;)

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/447625-ktmduke950-1.jpg

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
One more pic... ;)


yeah, baby!!

[pelikan]

Originally posted by donoman
I think I'm leaning towards an XR400 or something like that... but I'm just concerned (same as stillart) about power around the City. Main use will be streetbike, ya know.

I wouldn't worry about that. On the freeway it won't have the same power as your 600cc or liter bike, but it has enough to ride sane. For the street, my dr350 can still outrun any car, and yeah wheelies pretty much every where I go.

[pelikan]

Originally posted by JoeBar
One more pic... ;)

Does that thing transform into a robot or something?

[jonb]

yeah, motard will save my license as well, by cruising in the right lane at 70 :nerd

keep the spare wheels and i can hit the dirt with you guys too.

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
yeah, motard will save my license as well, by cruising in the right lane at 70 :nerd


I wouldn't count on it.

I pulled into the commute lane this morning right alongside an R6 and being an R6 rider he had to take it up. Traffic was real light for some reason.

And I stayed with him.

We pulled off on the same exit ramp and at the light he looked at my bike and said 'you were doing 100 on a f****ng dirt bike!!??' and shook his head.

A 350/400 might not do it, but the 600s are still 600s even if the aerodynamics suck and there's only one cylinder.

[jonb]

600 it is then! :p i'll be bunny hopping the concrete medians come august :laughing

[pelikan]

Dude, my dr350 is 1990 technology and I can cruise at 70-75 (but I suspect with non-knobbies I'd be faster). I'm sure a xr400 can do better.

Once on 280 a kawa 650's flew by me like a green rocket. It is the fastest I've ever seen a kawasaki go! ;)

[thump]

Originally posted by pelikan
Does that thing transform into a robot or something?

Okay, now do this...

Imagine what it'll look like with all that orange shit taken off and re-painted flat black....

get it?

Alllegedly (and this is indeed a legend) this bike started out when some guys at KTM were trying to figure out how to change KTM's reputation from a pure dirt company to dirt and street.

Someone jokingly said 'why don't we build a bike to kick Ducati in the balls' and the result was a litre v-twin 'duke'. The LC8 Adventure is (again allegedly) targetted at Beemer GS owners.

[JoeBar]

Originally posted by Thump
Okay, now do this...

Imagine what it'll look like with all that orange shit taken off and re-painted flat black....

get it?

Alllegedly (and this is indeed a legend) this bike started out when some guys at KTM were trying to figure out how to change KTM's reputation from a pure dirt company to dirt and street.

Someone jokingly said 'why don't we build a bike to kick Ducati in the balls' and the result was a litre v-twin 'duke'. The LC8 Adventure is (again allegedly) targetted at Beemer GS owners. You must be joking, right? I choose the Monster over the plastic 950 Duke thing anyday. I mean the 950 looks ok but c'mon, you can't compare that to a Monster! :rolleyes As for the LC8 I am seriously considering it but would never ever get a GS for the life of me. The LC8 is an awesome off-road bike that kicks ass on the asphalt, the GS... NOT!!!

[jonb]

i like the ktm better than a ducati but i still like the gs more than the adventure. go figure :nerd

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
You must be joking, right? I choose the Monster over the plastic 950 Duke thing anyday. I mean the 950 looks ok but c'mon, you can't compare that to a Monster! :rolleyes As for the LC8 I am seriously considering it but would never ever get a GS for the life of me. The LC8 is an awesome off-road bike that kicks ass on the asphalt, the GS... NOT!!!


Well, by the time I can afford the litre twin streetfighter I'm dreaming of there should be some Duke 950s kicking around and I'll be able to compare.

Sure, it doesn't have the aura of the Monster or Ducati's name behind it, but it's a litre class, v-twin, upright stance streetfighter and therefore begs to be put head to head with the 900/1000 Monsters.

[JoeBar]

How can you even think about comparing this piece of plastic full of angles with the sexy curves of a Monster. Stop this non sense right now!!! :x :laughing :laughing :laughing

[jonb]

if the electrical system on the ktm is better than it was on my monster i'd be game :p

[thump]

Originally posted by JoeBar
How can you even think about comparing this piece of plastic full of angles with the sexy curves of a Monster. Stop this non sense right now!!! :x :laughing :laughing :laughing


Yeah, yeah. I know what you're saying and kinda agree.

Much as I admire beauty in a bike, I'll happily ride an ugly one that lights me up with the way it rides.

OK. I'm done.

[donoman]

Originally posted by stillart
dono what time are you coming across everyday?

You know, early in the mornin' like 10-11am...7:45am on good days
I seen you going across at about 7:30am heh heh

[jonb]

heheh yeah boy 7am/715 is my window of departure :p

[donoman]

By the way, how good are the alternators on these suckers, XR400 or XR650R... Will I be able to run a REAL headlight that will make me be seen?

[jonb]

one of the shops is suggesting supermoto'ing one ther ktm 525s and throwing a 6 spd tranny on it, 17s and and a light kit :p may be cool. dunno about the maintenance on the 525 though :nerd

[JoeBar]

Go with the 525 EXC, not the SX. It already has the coil, wiring, 6 speed, etc... Actually there is a 525 EXC Dual Sports that comes with turn signals, mirror,etc... all it needs is the 17's!!! ;) Only problems compared to a LC4 will be smaller gas tank and more frequent oil changes (engine contains little oil)... and smaller engine. Advantage: weight, total hooligan bike!

[pelikan]

JB, can your recommend some sites that have good info on the various KTMs? ktmusa.com sucks arse.

In particular I'm interested in a the KTM equivalents of the crf450 & the crf250x. My impatience is making the KTM looks really good.

[thump]

Originally posted by pelikan
JB, can your recommend some sites that have good info on the various KTMs? ktmusa.com sucks arse.

In particular I'm interested in a the KTM equivalents of the crf450 & the crf250x. My impatience is making the KTM looks really good.

http://www.ktmdirect.com/
http://www.ktm-sommer.de/ in German
http://www.ktmtalk.com/
http://www.ktmspares.co.uk/frame.htm

[thump]

and this one...

http://www.motobykz.co.uk/KTM/KTM.htm

[JoeBar]

Check this page (http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/machines/2003/ktm/) out. As a rule, SX=SuperCross, MXC=Motocross/Cross Country, EXC=Enduro. Also, RFS=4-stroke (Racing Four Stroke).

Example:
200 SX = Supercross 2-stroke 200cc
250 EXC RFS = Enduro 4-stroke 250cc

Pierre

[JoeBar]

The equivalent of the CFR450 would be the 450 SX/MXC/EXC depending on what you want to do with it. I have the 450 EXC.
The equivalent of the future CRF250X would be the future generation of the 250 EXC RFS. The current generation of the 250 EXC RFS is underpowered for many, although Jennifer loves hers and finds it powerful (I don't ;))

Both my 450 EXC and Jennifer's 250 EXC RFS will be at Foresthill this weekend. Bike swap? :teeth ;)

Pierre

[pelikan]

Ahh, thank you KTM-owners it is sooo clear now. Actually it's fairly simple, my only gripe with the 450 EXC is the weight. I thought it would be a lot lighter.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but this is what I've got so far:

450exc: 260lbs
450 MX: 250
450 SX: 229
250 ecx: 255
xr400:257
crf450F: 222
wr250F: 229
crf250F: 213

I'm looking for a light green sticker four stroke, and since the crf250X isn't coming out till (?), my impatience is making me look elsewhere.

Spec wise, the wr250F looks sweet, but then that whole red-sticker business gets rid off that one. The crf450 is nice cuz I could motard it, but then i'd probably kill myself in the dirt. At 260lbs the 450 weighs the same as my DR if i took off all the street legal crap (don't get me wrong, I have no false ideas that the bikes compare in any other way). I will definately scope out your bike @ Foresthill, but a bike swap would not be fair to you at all :) Who knows I may fall in love and jump on the KTM bandwagon after seeing it in person.

The new 250exc rfs looks awesome, but then so does the crf250x and I can't buy either of those this year.

[thump]

Originally posted by pelikan
I'm looking for a light green sticker four stroke,



I think the dark green sticker ones are much nicer than the light green ones :teeth






Um, yeah, like F4iChimp used to say 'Fook off Thump'

[JoeBar]

You will find out that the 450 EXC feels A LOT lighter than it says on paper. The center of gravity is very low and the tank is very narrow. It feels like a CR250 but pulls like a CRF450. Most of the weight difference is due to electric start (bigger flywheel/coil, battery, starter,...).
Mine has a high seat and handlebar risers so it could feel kind of too tall... :teeth

[jonb]

all the stuff you can buy from ktm direct, plastics, wheels, exhausts, is iinsane! that 525 exc has to be a contender.

[thump]

Originally posted by stillart
all the stuff you can buy from ktm direct, plastics, wheels, exhausts, is iinsane! that 525 exc has to be a contender.

If you want to work up a budget, try ktm-parts.com

If you open an account with them they give you -10%

And all the oem parts guides are on their site as well as the hard-parts catalogues and generic alternatives.

e.g. when you search for oil filters they offer you the K&N one as well as the KTM item.

[jonb]

cool, good link :)

oh i asked one of my insider buddies at IMX about the whole lc4 sm issue that had been discussed. he said something of the sort thatwhen they used to bring the lc4 sm's into the us, ktm often times couldnt give them away. he said now suddenly with suprmoto blowing up and the economy the way it is, everyone is asking for the lc4 sm. so he says ktm was just too ahead of the curve. now they're focused on the twin plant :p

they suggested i do the 525 :p

[jonb]

or how about a wr450?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/449073-wr426.jpg

[morthrane]

Originally posted by stillart
or how about a wr450?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/449073-wr426.jpg

That would be cool... if they weren't red sticker bikes that apparently are difficult if not impossible to get street registered :cry

[hooliganrider]

to the people here, that are thinking about buying a XR650R.
i heard that Motostrano has 1 or 2 of them for sale.:cool

[donoman]

I saw an XR650R supermotard today going up HWY9/Alba Rd... I got off my bike and ran after him (I was at a gas station) and almost cried when he went away. Those bikes are so sexy it hurts. BWAHAHAHA

SO yeah let's organize a SuperMoto meet this week? Can everyone make it to the Fam's Weds night meet? Maybe we can meet there and check out bikes!

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by donoman
I saw an XR650R supermotard today going up HWY9/Alba Rd... I got off my bike and ran after him (I was at a gas station) and almost cried when he went away. Those bikes are so sexy it hurts. BWAHAHAHA

SO yeah let's organize a SuperMoto meet this week? Can everyone make it to the Fam's Weds night meet? Maybe we can meet there and check out bikes!


i can be there. let me know if it is going to happen.:cool

[Cafe Racer]

Originally posted by donoman
...O yeah let's organize a SuperMoto meet this week? Can everyone make it to the Fam's Weds night meet? Maybe we can meet there and check out bikes!

Hello,

Okay... Wednesday night at Familys! I will be there. I havnt Motard'd the WR yet but it will be great to see the other set-ups for some ideas.

See you guys on Wednesday the 4th!

Miguel

:nerd

[jonb]

i'll make it out, i promise!! sounds like a good time.

[jonb]

question: if the 650r has a headlight and a brakelight, can i buy the bike then get the correct forms and immediately get the headlightlight taillight check and finally goto dmv and register it for street and get a plate or do i need to string signals and speedos and other crap on it?

question: if i grab the 650l it automatically comes with a plate for street use? but that thing is like 40 or 50 lbs heavier than the "r"... damn!

question: which yammy is the best candidate? :p

the motard needs to be light right? :p what the heck am i gonna buy? :p

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
question: if the 650r has a headlight and a brakelight, can i buy the bike then get the correct forms and immediately get the headlightlight taillight check and finally goto dmv and register it for street and get a plate or do i need to string signals and speedos and other crap on it?

question: if i grab the 650l it automatically comes with a plate for street use? but that thing is like 40 or 50 lbs heavier than the "r"... damn!

question: which yammy is the best candidate? :p

the motard needs to be light right? :p what the heck am i gonna buy? :p

the 650L is street legal when buy it. yeah it is 50 lbs more
then the "R"
the "R" you will have to buy a DOT light kit. if you buy a new "R"
from a dealer a they install the kit, they will take care of all
the paper work. before you pick it up.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Cafe Racer
Hello,

Okay... Wednesday night at Familys! I will be there. I havnt Motard'd the WR yet but it will be great to see the other set-ups for some ideas.

See you guys on Wednesday the 4th!

Miguel

:nerd

ok cool :cool JR might come up with me. if he does, he will
ride the 400:teeth

[jonb]

sw33t.

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
question: if the 650r has a headlight and a brakelight, can i buy the bike then get the correct forms and immediately get the headlightlight taillight check and finally goto dmv and register it for street and get a plate or do i need to string signals and speedos and other crap on it?

question: if i grab the 650l it automatically comes with a plate for street use? but that thing is like 40 or 50 lbs heavier than the "r"... damn!

question: which yammy is the best candidate? :p

the motard needs to be light right? :p what the heck am i gonna buy? :p

did you call Joe at Motostrano? someone said he had XR650R's
for sale.

[pelikan]

This is cool, some guy Supermotarded his dr350. Hmmmm........

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/452923-stoppie2.jpg

[thump]

Originally posted by hooliganrider
did you call Joe at Motostrano? someone said he had XR650R's
for sale.

I said it. They're on his web page at motostrano.com

[ryanb]

Originally posted by stillart
question: if the 650r has a headlight and a brakelight, can i buy the bike then get the correct forms and immediately get the headlightlight taillight check and finally goto dmv and register it for street and get a plate or do i need to string signals and speedos and other crap on it?

question: if i grab the 650l it automatically comes with a plate for street use? but that thing is like 40 or 50 lbs heavier than the "r"... damn!

question: which yammy is the best candidate? :p

the motard needs to be light right? :p what the heck am i gonna buy? :p

stillart: Not sure what condition your knees are in nowadays, but keep in mind that the XR650R is kick-start ONLY. Ask Rich about how fun it can be ;)

Ryan

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by ryanb
stillart: Not sure what condition your knees are in nowadays, but keep in mind that the XR650R is kick-start ONLY. Ask Rich about how fun it can be ;)

Ryan


most of the time it starts on the 1st or 2nd kick.
but if you flood it, it's alot of fun.:laughing :laughing :loco :twofinger :cry :( :loser

[hooliganrider]

hey stillart

i saw donoman at Mission M/C yesterday looking at XR's.:laughing :laughing :laughing :cool :teeth :wow

[jonb]

ahh he's a punk :rolleyes

its all good though! i guess with the knee i'll be last in line for a new bike but with a nice check from the lawyer i'll have motard spending spree no saving up paychecks for me!! :cool

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by stillart
ahh he's a punk :rolleyes

its all good though! i guess with the knee i'll be last in line for a new bike but with a nice check from the lawyer i'll have motard spending spree no saving up paychecks for me!! :cool

:thumbup

[donoman]

I was at Mission Honda discussion options to finance an XR heh heh :thumbup

[jonb]

:rolleyes

i'll see you one xr650r donoman and raise you a set of 17s :p

[DRZ]

AAARRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!! You guys are killing me, I want to set up the DRz for street again so bad and its all YOUR GUYS fault:twofinger:laughing What the hell will ride dirt with..I guess the fiddy:teeth

I would have to go the cheap route and get a set of Avon Roadrunners put on my stock rims.
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/tires/avon/roadrunner.gif

Or a set of Distanzias?
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/tires/avon/distanzia.gif

[JoeBar]

Ray, forget about all the Fiddy/SuperMotard nonsense stuff, take a deep breath, close your eyes and now run into your garage and fix Kelley's XR goddammit!!! :twofinger :p :D

[DRZ]

Originally posted by JoeBar
Ray, forget about all the Fiddy/SuperMotard nonsense stuff, take a deep breath, close your eyes and now run into your garage and fix Kelley's XR goddammit!!! :twofinger :p :D

:laughing :laughing Her XR is just fine Pierre:)


I hate to say it Pierre but after the new tires go on the F4i then the DRZ will be next:nerd
http://www.moto-connection.com/images/Bikes/DRZ400_SuperMoto_adBIG.jpg

[morthrane]

Originally posted by stillart
i'll see you one xr650r donoman and raise you a set of 17s :p

I'll see that, and raise you a 320mm rotor and caliper and master cylinder...

:twofinger




Ok, so I've heard lots of high recommendations for the XR650R's... and even though I hate Hondas :twofinger ya guys think it would do admirably well as A) trail bike B) street motard C) race motard?

Ok, ok, so I want the all in wonder bike :laughing It ain't like I can be competitive anyway (well, unless I lost a shitton of weight...)

[Peter]

Some good info on this site on bike selection and setup

http://www.supermotocanada.com/setup.shtml


Peter

[DRZ]

Oooooo, nice DRZ. Now thats what im talking about:thumbup
http://www.supermotocanada.com/images/setup.jpg

[Peter]

That's a promotional pic for the July Fast Dates bike show and SM races at the Queen Mary in Long Beach in mid July. I'll be down there with my camera! Should be a good time.

Peter

[DRZ]

PETER, get some shots of DRZ Motards:teeth

[Peter]

OK

Peter

[jonb]

i like that write up :thumbup

odd thing about the xr650 and maybe i'm just not looking in all the right places is that bikes like the cr's & yz's have untold amounts of aftermarket shit by TAG and all these companies doing sick MX products. get the xr650 and i guess for whatever reason all the trendy companies aren't supporting it like the out and out 2 stroke race bikes *shrug*

guess i gotta dig deeper :nerd

i think my favorite mod is the skate wheel crash bungies! thats sick!!

[Peter]

There's all kinds of stuff available for the XR650R from various exhaust systems like Akrapovic and Arrow, suspension components, graphics, etc. Check out XRs Only, Summers Racing Products, White Bros., Bergos Racing (Europe). The only limiting factor is the size of your bank account or your credit rating!

Peter

[jonb]

:)

[DRZ]

Jon, There is alot of stuff out for the CRF/YZF motocross bikes because Motard racing is very popular and the motocross fourstrokes are what are being raced for the most part.
If your looking for more of a road Motard rather than a racing machine then the 650 might be a better choice. A bike with a larger engine oil capacity is going to be more maitnance schedule friendly.

[jonb]

yeah i agree :p aftermarket or not i'm gonna do the 650r for sure :thumbup rich's bike is totally impressive. :cool

[Peter]

XR700R Big Bore Kit!

www.bergos.de

Peter

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/460214-ang_xr-700-r-kit.jpg

[Peter]

Akrapovic exhaust for XR650R...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/460221-akrapo_xr650_2.jpg

[Peter]

Mikuni TM40 Carb for the XR.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/460223-xr_mikuni.jpg

[DRZ]

Richs bike(650r) is more than impressive..its inspiring:thumbup

[jonb]

mmmm that akrapovic is sick!!

[jonb]

ahhh the bergos racing was the exact inspiration i had been looking for :thumbup

[donoman]

Ha ha this shite is soooooo kewl.
Yo Stillie are you going all-out motard first or are you gonna ride dirt too?

Donovan

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Peter
XR700R Big Bore Kit!

www.bergos.de

Peter

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/460214-ang_xr-700-r-kit.jpg


very unreliable for street use:laughing otherwise i would have
put it on my bike already.
Dean at xrsonly told me, after 1 desert race it's time to rebuild
top end.

the 680 kit works fine for street use.:teeth

[hooliganrider]

Originally posted by Peter
Mikuni TM40 Carb for the XR.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/460223-xr_mikuni.jpg


here's mine:cool :teeth

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/029/612/460546-108-0884_img.jpg

[jonb]

sick!!! 680r is cool on the street huh? no repetetive rebuilds every weekend? cool.

naw dono i dont mind missing out on the dirt, full on 'tard.

[drizz]

Originally posted by stillart
sick!!! 680r is cool on the street huh? no repetetive rebuilds every weekend? cool.

naw dono i dont mind missing out on the dirt, full on 'tard.

buy me a fiddy while you're at it with that insurance cash, cool?