Supermoto

Does anyone have the experience of owning a supermoto???
DRZ400 SM, KTM LC4, Husqvarna?

Just after a few opinions of how they ride handle and how comfy (or uncomfy) they are etc.

Really interested in getting one but want one with abit more poke than a 400.

Cheers

[yorkie_chris]

Ask the lone wolf, he's got a ktm and a drz

[the_lone_wolf]

you rang?

the three bikes you've listed there will be very different, the suzuki is very easy giong, the engine is in a very low state of tune and the bike is designed to be a road legal bit of fun

the LC4 is a compromise of road manners and performance engine, not as easy tolive with as the DRZ but much more poke (think x2 bhp with the same weight). sensible oil changes (4000miles)

the husky is more of a race bred machine, and you'll be having to carry out more maintenance to keep it in tip top condition and prevent things from going wrong (think 300 mile oil changes), although the Racing Four Stroke bikes (450/525/560 EXC/SMR etc) are designed to be raced, worked on quickly so they're a joy to work with - i wouldn't rely on a husky/husaberg or aprilia SXV as daily transport as i would the KTM LC4 range

as for the ride an handling, it flatters the rider, and even coming off my KTM to the SV it feels like a barge in comparison, but then it's a race bike converted and road registered, the better SMs have race inspired or even straight up race suspension so they excel on poor surfaces, the light weight and wide bars means they change direction instantly

of 1-10 on the "mental scale" the DRZ would rank about a 3, then you get your CRF conversions around 5, LC4s about 6, converted EXCs, husky about 7 and 8-10 is populated by the mad stuff, 2 stroke MX conversions, KTM SMRs, SXV550s and husabergs

talking about comfort, i find the riding position to be very comfy, i have long arms and legs so the SV is a bit cramped for my lower half but i can happily ride the KTM for 3hrs or so before i start to get **** ache from the seat, the LC4s are an older engine design and they vibrate, a LOT!!!, but you do get used to it

the downsides...

they universally have low fuel tank capacity, think 50-80 miles from a brimmed talk, you won't cross continents and the wind protection is non-existent, they're not subtle, mine sounds like a machine gun on the overrun and shoots 2ft blue flames, and makes a noise that no SV could muster. and they will make you ride like a hooligan, i don't know why, but they will.

which one to buy depends entirely on what you want

daily use, pillions, general riding = KTM LC4 or a DRZ etc

weekend toy = converted CRF, KTM 525EXC etc

mental weekend / track toy = KTM 560SMR, SXV550 or husky (although the KTM RFS engines are less likely to go bang)

any questions give me a shout, there's lots of SM info on www.ktmforum.co.uk and www.seventeeninches.co.uk

here's a gratuitous shot of my 560, mental beast:

[Supervox]

Hmmm, I think Mrs Vox might take issue with you regarding your assessment of the LC4 as suitable for pillion riding !!

I can only speak as I find & I have to say that I was mightily disappointed with the LC4 compared to the Husky 610 that a mate of mine had & more recently the FMX 650 (albeit a well 'sorted' one).

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Supervox

Hmmm, I think Mrs Vox might take issue with you regarding your assessment of the LC4 as suitable for pillion riding !!

I can only speak as I find & I have to say that I was mightily disappointed with the LC4 compared to the Husky 610 that a mate of mine had & more recently the FMX 650 (albeit a well 'sorted' one).

it's more suitable than a SMR, i'm amazed she didn't enjoy the vibes...

which LC4 did you ride? unless it was an SMC it has the neutered carb and doesn't go anywhere near as well as the 625/660 versions

even if it was the SMC it shouldn't be compared to the Husky 610, which is more like a 560/612 SMR in terms of maintenance and performance, just not as reliable

[G]

I fancy a go on one, I could probably only really justify a DRZ400 as a second bike and if like you say they arnt much fun then I probably wont bother

There is some mental people on KTM's around here, they go everywhere on the back wheel.

I am mainly after something that will get me to work and back with good mpg and for the back road hoot as well

[yorkie_chris]

How fars work?

16 miles there and back. not too far I'm over in Bradford

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by G

There is some mental people on KTM's around here, they go everywhere on the back wheel.

we don't go everywhere on the back wheel


when stopping at traffic lights we give the back wheel a break and allow it to cool down while exposed to an elevated breeze