Ducati Monster Forum

Or, how ML will probably lose his license [laugh]

Been wanting something I can take in the woods and then convert to supermoto to tear up the road.

I sold my 999 and bought a 2010 KTM 450exc Champions Edition (factory bling))

Today was the first time I got a chance to ride it. I have zero dirt/off road experience. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUFhNeU7uKk&feature=youtube_gdata_player (http://)

Nice. You are gonna love that make the beast with two backser.  8)

"you got like three feet of air that time, can i try it really quick"

Nice!   After 15 years of riding on the street, I bought a 525exc.  Past 2 years I have learned more, and had more fun on it, than the previous 15 on the street.

Enjoy!

I would love to get back into dirt bike riding. Screw MX and Cross Country... too old and slow and damaged. Said it on another thread but I really regret not being able to ride dirt bikes and MTN bikes. Enjoy the KTM... wish I could! [thumbsup] [Dolph] [beer]

 [thumbsup]
so when are you coming over?  ;D

I'm selling my S4Rs for th exact same reason, KTM EXC ... geez you look like a kid hehe !  Wait for meeeeeeee !

I sure as heck feel like one when I'm on that thing.

I don't think I've smiled and laughed so much while riding :)

you are having far too much fun with that thing.....

downright unwholesome to have that much fun alone  [thumbsup]

Off road is butt loads of fun.  You can act like a total hooligan and not have to worry about the men in blue (or grey or tan or whatever the cops wear in your area).

Now all you have to do is buy a tractor with a front end loader so you can build some real jumps.  [laugh]

See that Kubota in my sig; it's orange.

You should try one of these if you have a chance.

(http://www.gpr-motorcycle-exhausts.co.uk/ProductImages/fullsize/bmw_hp2_tank_bag.jpg)

I have also acquired the aero-forehead  as I have recently gone orange, though not quite a silly as a 525.

I miss my trail riding days.  Waiting on the right deal and I'll be back.  Enjoy the orange crush.

There's a little bit of devil in each one of these Austrian things. 

In his case..more like 3"!   [laugh]

Damn ML..I am REALLY missing my DR350 now!!

Congrats!!  [thumbsup]

Hill..love that BMW!!

Someone's judging height?

There's so much suspension travel on this bike- I thought the front was off the ground but I wasn't sure if the rear was.

Still getting used to having both wheels off the ground at once :D

my draw is to the power of orange, but of a different variety...hoping to fulfill my desire this January and deplete Triple J's supply of orange at the same time...we shall see!!!

Smt?

yup...want his badly...and as a part of the whole deal, I am going to have to figure out how or where I am going to part ways with the Gran Canyon because I can't have both...I currently just don't have the room...

Build a shed!

currently living in a townhome in a new style rowhouse style and the garage is on the backside of the house accessed by a shared alley...if I could, I totally would....and I'd be looking to have a CRF150F mini-motard and a DR350 beater dualsport as well...but it isn't to be... and in the garage with my CGC and the track bike, is my GF's M620 and my sister's M750 as well as a full bar and my tools and all kinds of other stuffs stowed away.

Storage locker for the extraneous stuff?  Tell your sister she's cramping your style and her bike has to go?

Work with me here, man!

well...if I had my druthers, I'd win the lottery and just buy a house with a big ass plot of land and have a big ass barn style 2 level garage...then it'd be all solved....and I'd cut in a lil dirt track for playtime on the mini as well...

Now we're talkin!

Sounds like you need more room or less stuff.

That SMT should kick ass.  I haven't been on one but from the reports i've read and pictures i've looked at it seems reeeeeeaaaally similar to my SMR but with more power and some comfort amenities.

I added a luggage rack and givi topcase to mine and can tour on it reasonably well.  More power and fuel injection would be cool though.

Dirt riding is huge fun  [thumbsup]

Where are you located? 

If you want some more air off that little bump try a seat-bounce.  Basically you go off it seated and hammer the throttle hard, then let off just as the rear wheel is leaving the ramp.  This loads up then unloads the suspension and tosses you higher.  Very helpful on MX/SX tracks where if you aren't quite fast enough to clear a jump from an inside line or something while standing.

NW PA

Cool, there's some good dirt riding up that way.

recommendations on gear?

SIXSIXONE Pressure suit & Leatt neck brace for starters

I'd say that MX boots are absolutely critical both for safety and being able to ride the bike properly.  Loads of options and as with street boots there's a big difference between low-end boots and high-end boots.  

A dirt helmet is, of course, also important and you need googles to go with it.  dirt helmets are just like street helmets as far as brands and what you get by spending more.  Googles don't vary a lot and more expensive ones tend to be stylish, but not much more functional.  Also, the lens will get scratched quickly so plan on replacing them (or at least the lens) pretty frequently.

A pressure suit or chest protector is good and adds a lot of protection.  No clear winner between the two in terms of protection.  For tight woods I prefer a chest protector, for high speed stuff I prefer a pressure suit. I have both. A lot of folks skip them for MX, especially if its a loamy track.  They add protection, but aren't totally critical.  I have an old 661 pressure suit, but there are better options now.

Knee pads are really important as its easy to bang your knee/shin and even split a kneecap.  Knee pads will be held in place primarily by your boots.

MX pants are nice to have, but probably not necessary.  They aren't all that expensive, especially if you get last year's colors on close-out somewhere.  Like with street gear there are solid ones for cool weather and vented/mesh ones for hot weather.

The MX jersey doesn't really add any protection, but they are cheap and look spiffy so why not?

MX gloves tend to be pretty light and flimsy.  They are fine for MX and woods.  For higher speed stuff I tend to use fairly light, textile street gloves as they offer a bit more protection.

If you want to go all-out you can get knee and neck braces.  Whether they do any good is debatable, but most folks tend to think they don't do any harm (other than in terms of comfort and expense).  Some neck braces are really hot, uncomfortable and restrict your ability to look side-to-side which could itself potentially cause a crash.

Dennis kirk, rocky mountain MC, competition accessories, cycle gear, Chapperell, etc all carry lots of dirt gear and are good places to shop for sales.  If you have a local dealer that stocks dirt gear it might be worth buying there for your first outfit so you can try it all on.  

Good info.

How about stuff that would do double duty for supermoto fun?

what is your budget?

The boots and helmet maybe, but mostly you need street gear for sumo. MX gear is really good for impact protection, but not great for abrasion so it wouldn't do for sliding down asphalt at speed.

$750ish


Makes sense.  I have 2pc leathers that would work well, but they're a little dedicated in their purpose.

I also just bought a Tourmaster coat and pant combo that's pretty decent but it's more for commuting/touring.  Probably not so much for shenanigans

I'd wear the leathers for sumo and maybe the textiles if you commute on the sumo.  [thumbsup]  Some folks wear street boots, some wear MX boots for sumo.  MX boots are a bit heavy and might tend to catch a bit if you take a high-speed tumble, but they also offer more impact protection so are what you want if you get a foot caught under a bike or between bikes.

it would be a blow to half your budget, but you can't go wrong with a pair of Sidi Crossfire SRS's...

By God they come in orange :D

yup....and the joy of customizing lil bits and whatnot can be done rather easily...

$525 is a lot for boots though, on second thought.

I thought my A* SMX+ boots were a lot at close to $300 (though I've had them for like 5 years)

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales coming....

Try boots on if you can, sidi's are sorta narrow and slim, they don't work well for me (but work great for my wife).  I prefer the fit of alpinestars, Garne and AXO (AXO and alplinestars' high end stuff are designed by the same guy).  I've worn Tech 10s and AXO Primes lately.  The Primes offer the most protection of anything I've used to date, but are a bit thick under the shifter and not good for walking.  The Tech 10s strike a nice balance (expensive though).

You are in luck, Primes are on-sale.  http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/productDetail.do?navType=closeout&webTypeId=27&navTitle=Boots-Footwear&webCatId=3&prodFamilyId=32249 (http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/productDetail.do?navType=closeout&webTypeId=27&navTitle=Boots-Footwear&webCatId=3&prodFamilyId=32249)

Totally bomb-proof, but be warned the toe box is thick so shifting is a bit strange at first. The fit is on the big/wide side.  You might want a half-size smaller than normal.  For long, hard rides on heavy four strokes there's nothing I'd rather wear regardless of cost.

Garne SG-10s are $390 and very good, also hinged like the Sidi.  The Alpinestars Tech 7s are well liked, though I haven't owned a pair.  They are a bit less bulky than Tech 10s and some folks prefer them to 10s for that reason.  Definitely a quality option as well.

I presume these would work well for casual trail riding as well.

I'd have bought the Primes right then and there, but nobody has them in anything other than white :(

Great info though.

I suspect the hinge would be a nice feature that would make walking around a little easier?

I take it that also means a sacrifice in protection?  I think that's an ok trade as I don't race MX for a living.  I just need something budget minded and sturdy.  All it has to do is work once and it's paid for itself.

Of course, I'm getting the idea that dirt riding = crashing 15 times a day [laugh]

Opinions of Fox gear...

it can...


the hinges are designed for better mobility yes, but they prevent a level of hyperextension by design in limitation of movement...

 
spraypaint?!?!?!?


depends on WHAT exact piece(s) you are looking at...

Safety gear, helmets and boots.

For the most part Fox makes good stuff, particularly their chest protectors.  They have more chest protector sizes than most which is helpful for getting a good fit.  For most items of gear they offer high and low end versions and both ends tend to be on-par with comparable stuff from other brands.

All major high-ish end boots I've seen (tech 10, primes, sidi flex, oxtar-whatever-they-are-called, etc) have something to prevent  hyperextension, you don't need a hinge for that, though a hinge is one way of doing it. 

White is cool, McGrath nearly always wore white!  I think they have black primes as well (mine are actually black, but white wasn't available at the time  [laugh])  [Dolph]

Kilm gear tends to be popular among snooty pumking pilots  [cheeky]

It's waiting for you.  [thumbsup]

...and I'm likely staying orange after it sells, just off-road...250 XCF-W is the one I'm looking at:
(http://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/250_XCF-W_90Grad_01.jpg)

when I get closer, like after the holidays, I'll have to get the VIN from you for going and talking to my bank...

I bought a pair of Sidi Discovery boots that I ride off road with.  Granted, they arn't nearly as tall as those Fox boots pictured above, but they have done their job 10 times over.  Nice, waterproof, and comfy right out of the box.

What is up with everyone heading offroad? We'll need to start a whole new board.  [thumbsup]

[laugh]

What's the opinion on Fly gear?

http://www.flyracing.com/ (http://www.flyracing.com/)

Its mostly a low-end/budget brand, but they have some ok stuff.

I'm probably not buying another dirt bike anytime soon, but if I did I'm pretty sure it would be the new KTM 150 with linkage.   [Dolph]  The 250 thumper is a nice bike, but the 150 makes as much if not a little more power for considerably less weight.  I also like the feel of the two stroke better, but then I grew up racing small bore two strokes.  I think I bleed premix  [Dolph]

~30lbs lighter than the thumper
(http://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/150_XC_90Grad.jpg)

^^

Ya, I have a buddy trying to convince me that a 300EXC is the way to go...but he's an old 2-stroke dirt guy too. Another friend, with similar overall riding experience to myself, recommended a 4-stroke. I don't know...I think I just want a 4-stroke since I'm comfortable with them. I've never owned a 2 stroke. 

I never had one either.  Had a 2 stroke sled, though, and it was a lot of trouble.

That pretty much cemented my love of four strokes.  I'll deal with the extra weight and enjoy the torque that comes with.

As bikes go it seems my 450exc is on the heavy side at 254 dry (more like 270 with fluids I guess)

Why does winter have to be coming [bang]

Its really a matter of preference, they'll both work just fine and with top riders laptimes will be about the same.  The 300 is overkill for me in the east.  In Colorado a 300 is perfect 'cause its more open, the hills are much bigger and altitude saps power.  A 300 is good for lazy riders in the east too 'cause you can ride around a couple of gears high and lug it and still cover ground at decent speed.  The main thing, whether you go 2-stroke or 4 is to avoid getting a bigger/heavier bike than you need.  Big bikes are good for fast and western riding, pros and really lazy riders who don't want to shift.  Most all non-pro riders will be faster in tight stuff on a 125-250cc bike than a 250cc+ bike.  A lot of folks come from the street and buy 450 or 500+cc dirt bikes and end up riding like a spaz  [laugh] Depending on venue I race anywhere from B class to pro class and I can't ride a 450 properly in tight/eastern conditions or on most MX tracks.  Desert (and dual sporting) is a whole different ball game of course  [Dolph]

2-t MX bikes require that you mix the gas and oil and are more picky about jetting (but its easier to get the jetting right and easier to physically swap jets), but other than that are extremely trouble free.  On balance I end up spending a lot more time keeping my four stroke race bikes (now sold mostly) running than the two strokes.  The 2t is just a much simpler engine with no valves/cams to mess with and one plug for tranny oil and no oil filters.  They require a different riding style, you don't torque off the bottom end on a small bore two stroke.  You have to keep the motor spinning all the time and use the clutch and gearbox to modulate power to the wheel.  The 300+ cc two strokes will generally tolerate rolling the throttle on from low rpms though, but won't snap as hard off the bottom as a 450.  two strokes also tend not to be very good for dual sporting (who wants to premix at the pump?) or long trips.  That's why I keep the XR650R around, it just eats up miles and miles of high speed desert and then I can swing into a pemex and pump in whatever grade fuel they happen to have and its good to go for another couple of hundred miles.

I need to mention-

I ended up with the 450 because I knew I would spend a lot of time in supermoto trim, but I wanted something that was easily convertible to get me into the woods.

Seems like even at trackdays I get smoked by kids on 125's [laugh]

2 stroke has it's place for sure

But probably not in my garage.

Or mine

This is why he was recommending the 300 (and a rekluse clutch)...it can be lugged, which is good for our tight riding. A lot of our riding looks like mountain bike single track with big trees waiting to rub you off the bike. We have to go to the eastern side of the state for open riding.

Like you, he likes the lower weight and simplified motor of 2 strokes. Probably the pre-mix exhaust smell as well!  [laugh]

Anything I should know about as far as "must do" upgrades for the bike itself?

I already found a different seat I think I'm going to get.  My butt bones still hurt from sunday if i sit on a bench or something without padding 8)

I also think a remote fuel screw would be a nice add to the fcr carb since the starter is directly in the way of accessing that thing with the carb on the bike.

Not that I know of, KTMs come nicely setup out of the box. Stand up more and when you are sitting you should still be supporting most of your weight with your legs most of the time.  You should have sore leg muscles and a peachy butt after a ride  [laugh]  And by "stand up" I don't mean bolt upright, usually your butt only needs to be a few inches off the seat, you'll have better control that way than standing straight up.

TJ, I do just fine  on 125s in super tight stuff (even raced a D7 series on a YZ125 years ago), but it is a different riding style.  I also haven't taken to auto clutches, but they are a definite help if you don't have a deft left hand.  I imagine i might go for an auto-clutch 300 when I'm old and lazy, for now I like small bores and manual clutches [cheeky].  Just my preference, certainly a lot of folks out there on auto clutch 300s having fun with them.  Riding a small bore two stroke is a lot like riding a 600cc I4 street bike while a big bore two stroke or a four stroke is more like riding a 1198.

I get that.  The problem is miles of road I have to ride on to get to where I can stand up and ride ;)

Until then...you can store the Gran Canyon here.

Now you have room. ;D

hahahahahahaa....and I bet you'll take GREAT care of it won't ya?   [laugh] ;) [beer] [drink]

I promise I won't let Knight ride it if that's where you're going with that. :P

actually, I was just making sure it wasn't going to find it's way into a bonfire at DIMBY or on some highlight reel of people doing dumb things on 2 wheels ( which Trav riding it can qualify to a degree-J/K...I keeed I keeed) ...but you get the sentiment...LOL

The bonfire is a definite no....

we only burn stuff that's finished anyway. Your bike isn't that bad..is it?

On line video of stupid antics is always a possibility. :P

Welcome to the club (I have a 2010 std 450 EXC)!!  Firstly, i would add you should change the gearing.  The stock gearing is terrible (at least for the north western NJ trails i ride).  I dropped 2 teeth up front and went up 3 in the back and am going to go up 2 more this winter.  I am pretty sure your model came with the fan on the rad.  i would still recommend you drain the stock coolant and replace it with Evans.  Also, proper jetting on these bikes is a MUST.  They come way too lean from the factory to pass emissions. Did you install a JD jet kit?  Also, set the sag for your weight and riding style.  These bikes are very sensitive to proper suspension settings.  The stock Metzlers will wear VERY quickly, so be prepared to need a new rear before you hit 10-12 hrs.

hey now. not everything i do on a bike is dumb. lol

Also, get on KTMtalk, TONS of usefull info.
Keep an eye on your spokes, KTM's often come from the factory w/ loose spokes. Put anit-seize on your chain adjuster bolts.
Be prepared for your rear tire to eat your licence plate for lunch unless you replace the stock tail piece with a wired unit from an XCW.

I'm sure i am forgetting something, but it will come to me.

@rockaduck

Dealer added the fan and desmogged it from the get go. I'm sure they tuned the carb some. I think it runs pretty good now.

The rear is original and the center is worn pretty bad from lots of road riding.  29hrs/760 miles on it.

PO changed to 52T rear and is the same weight as me. :)

Re: the JD jet kit, my dealer said they wouldn't jd jet a lawn mower.  [laugh]  Ill go with their recommendations on jetting. I trust them.

I have a racing/hanging idle that I suspect is a fuel screw needing adjustment. Pilot jet is confirmed to be clear.

I will respectfully disagree w/ your dealer's assesment of the JD kit. 
The hanging idle as you described it could very well be from a "munged-up" float.  These bikes don't do well if they are left w/ fuel sitting in the bowl.  Drain it and see if that doesn't help.  I always drain the float bowl after a ride.  It takes 15 seconds.

Good luck!!

Zooom, I also recommend throwing another party and inviting Massimo.  You'll be out of booze in no time and have room for another bike or two.   :D

We ran the whole carb through the ultrasonic tank for about 20 minutes. It should be good to go.

Good call on draining the float bowl. But, after every ride?

man up and stop crying about the seat  [cheeky]
mine is a wooden plank too and I did the 250 mile commute on it 2 weeks ago




and my tailbone hurt like hell for a few days after  [laugh]
It was fun to ride a mud covered bike through Harlem though  ;D

I have found that it doesn't like to have fuel sitting in there.  I was having an idle situation similar to yours and it was difficult to get the bike to idle while cold.  Read about draining the float on KTMtalk and started doing it...haven't had an issue since. [thumbsup]

Interesting. 

Ill give it a shot

what do you guys think?

it's not the 690 i wanted, but it would work

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743275 (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743275)

You can probably find a NOS somewhere for the same price, or maybe cheaper if you look around hard/long enough. Sure it won't have the farkles, but it would be all yours from the get go.

honestly Trav...I think you need to heal up 1st and bank the cash you collect for when you are ready to ride, and can buy then without hesitation and ride it right away rather than torture yourself looking at amachine you can't ride yet...

That's a very well setup machine!  I think you'll like the extra power over the 690. I rode DTM's 690 and while it was cool, I'd never give up my 950 for it. So much torque. The 990 would be even better than mine by a bit.

If you can get it, I'd get it.

You'll heal in time no matter what. The bike wont be around forever. Will there be other bikes later on? Yes.

However, I've learned that if its really the right deal you can't wait. You have to go for it asap or someone else will grab it.

My 02

If you can get it, get it. I'm a big fan of the adventure bikes.

The 990 is well setup.  I think the usefulness of one is limited as its awfully heavy to use off road and the skinny tires sorta suck on-road.  If you wanted to do comfortable, long-distance touring that involved a lot of dirt roads and mild off road its the best.  Personally I'd rather have something with sticky 17" tires for the street and a durable, relatively light thumper for off road stuff.  My XR650R for example is quite comfortable, totally bulletproof and a billion times easier to ride in the dirt than a 990.  Of course it won't carry nearly as much luggage and isn't capable of 2-up riding.  Still, it makes a good long-distance tourer if you travel light.  A couple summers ago I rode it to a 5th overall in Vegas to Reno, then toured around baja for a week, then toured around colorado for two weeks.  I can't think of another bike I'd have rather had for that sort of thing.  If I'd been two up with a wife, tent, etc., the 990 would have been way better for the touring bits, but solo the thumper works well and doesn't give up all that much on the road.

As far as big adv bikes go the 990 is by far the best off road imo.

i really do like the thumpers. while i (really)like going 150mph, i don't need to do it. i prefer light weight off road. esp if i have to pick it up a few times.  [thumbsup]
i'm thinking 690adv or gs800. something good offroad and that can hold some luggage and me on a decent trip. i have done 600+mile days on a xr650l and regretted it. i loved the bike, but long distance was awful. another isn't completely written off just yet, it's just not high on the list.


i'm not going to buy it for another month or so. i already decided i'm not buying until i can walk again.
besides, i have nowhere to store it.

If you get a thumper I promise to suffer a long distance trip on mine beside you.  8)
I'm satisfied that I found mine will do 111 the other day. That's good enough, it's do damn quick for a dirt bike anyway.  [laugh]

The smc is more street biased isn't it?

rims and tires alone don't make it a street bike
the spring rates might be slightly different too but it's pretty hardcore for long rides

You wouldn't wanna to serious off road on street tires, that's for sure!

Distance all sorta depends, off road you can cover more distance with less work on a thumper, on road its the other way around.  I've done a 600 mile day on my XR650R and that was all off road, with about half (literally) big trophy-truck-created whoops, probably a hundred miles of silt beds and the rest rocky fire roads.  I also got a shiny thing at the end of the ride. [evil]  With current gearing the 650R pulls about 107mph actual on the top end and it'll pull that in sand or silt, just rpm limited.  Its certainly dramatically inferior to a 990 for long distance road touring, but for covering long distances in say baja, I'd go further with less work on the XR (provided you take the fun roads, not the paved ones).  If I were riding roads from VA to CA I'd much rather have the 990, but I'd rather have a SMT over that.  There are certainly good uses for a 990 ADV, but I think a lot of folks buy them then end up using them for the road exclusively and would have been a lot better off with an SMT.  Just something to consider, all fun bikes  [Dolph]

As far as fairly hardcore thumpers go the 690 is quite smooth and civilized with low vibration and a nice 6spd gearbox. Same is true of the husqvarna 630.  Heck a certain DMF'er rode his 690 clear across the country!

As for the BMW 800, I'd rank the KTM 990 adventure as more capable off road I think (I haven't flogged an 800 off road, but my brief experience with one didn't really impress me - also I've the few I've seen that were flogged hard off road suffered bent shock mounts and other such stuff.   Except for soft rims, the big KTM is really built for real off road, it just takes a heck of a rider to pull it off with that much weight.  The 800 isn't built to the same standard imo.  The 800's advantage is in more relaxed on and off road touring where it uses far less fuel and takes a bit less rider skill to handle in slow speed stuff.  Don't forget about the super enduro either if its a huge off roader you are thinking about.

I'm running the Pirelli MT 60-Rs, they're very good on road and not bad off road except for mud, they are worthless in mud. I've hit some pretty hardcore powerline trails and it will do them, the 17 inch front tire does give some arm pump as the rocks bang it around. Probably will get a second set of rims and tires that I'll swap on for planned days of offroading

Triumph Tiger 800XC sounds reasonably up your alley and is getting rave reviews head to head against the F800GS

Looked at some Fly gear the other night. The rep was actually there and gave me the rundown on their stuff.

He basically said its mid level quality and priced stuff.

He showed me a mx helmet that was carbon/Kevlar and it was REALLY light weight. Seemed like good build quality. It was $259. I'm somewhat tempted. 

He also mentioned that their boots are more entry level and wouldn't hold up as well as a higher end brand.

I'm going back tomorrow to try some stuff on.

As far as offroad boots go, I LOVE my tech 8's.  I've had 'em for years and they are holding up quite nicely, provide unreal support and i can take the inner boots out to wash 'em when i get home.

Ill check em out, thanks [thumbsup]

Hey, I resemble that comment!  [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]


My only suggestion is to figure out what you want the bike for. Commuting and light off-road? Long range on/off road touring? Weekend shenanigans in the woods?

Is it any good?

every review i've seen of it says it's amazing.  pricey though.

yeah, Klim gear seems to be like the Rev-It of offroad....well made for exactly that demographic....I think the only better ADV stuff would be BMW branded ADV gear that they sell to their GS customers...but it is pricey as hell...

I still have a pair of Tech 8s too, really quality, well made boots.  I bought them in '00 and they are still in ok shape other than needing new soles.  My only knock against them is that the soles (even when they were new) aren't quite stiff enough for my taste (I like really stiff soles) and if I screw up big jumps badly enough I bruise the bottoms of my feet - screwing up the same jumps in my Axo primes doesn't hurt my feet (I'm quite expert at screwing up)  [Dolph].   Also the replaceable sole insert is too far back and I wear out the not-easily-replaceable bit just in front of the replaceable insert  [laugh]

The Kilm gear seems pretty good.  I haven't owned any.  The few pairs of pants I've seen seemed well built, but not obviously any better than any other high end is pants.  Also, I don't like off road gear with pockets (I'd never use them) or over-the-boot style (gets shredded on the first ride and is a liability for hanging up on stuff - tried that once) and it seems that most kilm pants I run across are built with both pockets and over-the-boot styling.

yes it is. good luck with finding anywhere that has stock in the tall versions.

I bought some goodies today :D

[evil]

Do tell. Don't be shy.

Well, all the stuff isn't in yet but should be by next week. The goal was to supermoto this bike and get as much gear as I could with the money left from the sale of the 999 which was $2k

I have (or have on order) a set of Warp9 sumo wheels (orange hoops, orange hubs, black spokes) these also come with a sprocket and rotors which is nice.

A set of Shinko tires that are equivalent in stick to pilot powers (according to the Rep I talked to about my application)

A Fly Trekker helmet in black with a silver shield. Good enough for street and trail.

A pair of goggles.

A KTM brand chest/back/upper arm protector

A pair of KTM brand gloves (they fit the best)

A set of KTM hard parts radiator guards

An Enduring Engineering tall seat

A pair of Sidi Crossfire boots. I didn't want to skimp on these.

Pants, jersey, knee and elbow protection will be in the spring when I can get into the woods.  I'm totally sold on the knee brace btw. Pricey though.

Not too bad for $2003.98

and I found another good "road" that will make a trip over worthwhile for you, Mush Paw Road is far more of a trail than anything
I'm trying to string together a loop of roads that would keep me off the pavement for as much of the day as possible and already have a good few hours covered

Lots of folks completely bit by the orange bug.

 [evil]

Knee braces are nice, I wore them in the 1990s-2000 when I was racing a lot.  I'll get another pair if/when I start riding MX or really hard off road again.  Now I mostly do dual sport and trials, just got bored of east coast dirt riding after a couple decades of going in circles in the woods.

When you get the Warp 9 wheels check the dish and run-out, they don't have a great track record of building wheels properly.  I think the hard parts are fine, they just don't always assembly them all that consistently.

You'll need to upgrade the front brake for sumo. At a minimum a 320mm rotor and if you plan on pushing it hard you'll want a sumo caliper and mc.

the overall poor condition the roads are falling apart into makes makes the one that doesn't mind pot holes make more sense
that and my area is probably 1/3 dirt roads that I had been avoiding on the Monster so there is lots of exploring to do, ML's area is probably similar  [thumbsup]

Awesome!

They come with a 320mm rotor and caliper relocation bracket. If that's not enough ill do a pad upgrade. Then caliper and mc after that.

From what I've read about Warp9 they had some issues early on and as of late have their act cleaned up. Seems there are a ton of these wheels sold and no real problems that I could find easily on the net.

I know im taking a chance. Well inspect them before tires get mounted.

Cool deal.  They do sell a ton of wheels, many seem fine and a ton of people wouldn't know if they were dished a half-inch off.  I've been building wheels for 15 years and am picky.  I've not heard of any hardware issues, just check to make sure its a good build and if not, re-dish and tension them.  New wheels usually need re-tensioned and trued up after a few rides anyway.  [thumbsup]

The oem pads tend to be quite good.  Main issue with the stock dirt caliper is heat, for riding on the road I think it'll be fine, if you hammer it hard on the track it might get a bit warm.  It'll be huge fun with the 'tard wheels.  [Dolph]

I know...I can't wait [Dolph]

what size caliper you going to do? Mine has the 4 piston Brembo and 320 mm rotor, it can stop the bike really quick and probably will work well on the track...we shall see  [evil]

Gonna run the stock 2 piston. I wonder if yours would fit. Could be a cheap upgrade.

might be, although the more I look at this thing, the more expensive looking stuff I see that is stock on it. Sounds like yours is the same.
The big front brake is borderline dangerous off road  [cheeky]

If your not always wondering if your bike is trying to kill you, what fun is it?

A few pics of the bike as it sat last night and some of the stuff I got this weekend.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-28-24_505.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-28-06_971.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-27-53_812.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-27-39_948.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-27-24_458.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-27-12_96.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-26-55_653.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-26-45_716.jpg)


(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-20-27_856.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-18-43_760.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-17-25_295.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-14-43_328.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-11-26_15-13-08_859.jpg)

Can't help but want to step on someones face with these boots on.  They seem pretty much indestructible.

Kevin.... I don't know any other way to say this...

My jealousy knows no bounds.  [drool]

[laugh]

On the upside I'm out of 999 money so at least it can't get much worse ;D

are those boots sumo worthy?
I'll be looking to get another set soon as my Vertigos just don't seem right with mud on them. That and the soles are a bit thin for foot out style.

They are. The soles are easily replaceable (actually the whole boot can be rebuilt pretty easily)

If I wanted I could get soles with sliders on them for foot out on asphalt.

Looks like good stuff!  [clap]

Yep, def get the "SRS" model Sidi, the soles come on and off with screws and a bit of glue IIRC.  My wife has the same boots.  Much better than having to go to a cobler and deal with stitching etc. Oxtar also made some sumo-specific boots with slider-soles, but I'm not sure they still do.

Thanks for all the advice btw

The boots are basically bomb proof compared to some lower end cheaper boots I looked at there.

I have badly sprained both ankles in the past which has noticeably weakened them. I really didn't want to have any issues so I ponied up for the nice boots.

Besides, they look awesome.

:D

nice ride  [thumbsup] Those boots will do you good, same ones i ride with. A little chain wax when they get squeeky.  [thumbsup]

And Dan has more than a couple of miles in them too I think  [evil] [clap] [Dolph]

Well as a segue from my post in the 690 thread I'm going to look at that 530 EXC with the farkles the 1st weekend of Feb. The seller was willing to bring it down thursday as he was going to be working roughly around me that day, but of course I'm not sure of my schedule and Feb is the 1st date he had open after that.

So ML, what SuMo stuff did you get? Recommendations for other farkles?

If this comes home with me it'll spend the majority of its time on pavement as I live in DC metro sprawl. But I hope for some light trail shenanigans too.

How are thos Sidis working out for you? Those are the boots I figure I'll get, though they are a bit dear to the wallet.

Awesome!  I'll cross my fingers for you.

The bikes are bad ass tough machines from the factory.  I haven't had mine on the road with sumo wheels yet, but I'm guessing it will like having the suspension stiffened up some.

I bought a set of warp9 wheels and shinko tires (like pilot powers as far as stick goes)  I was on a tight budget to convert the bike to sumo and purchase gear (of which I had none)

I did about 30 miles in the Sidis and they're awesome.  At first I didn't think I would go for the "clunky" feel of them, but after about 5 minutes I discovered I had completely forgotten about them.  They're tough, rebuildable and comfy.

Get them.

Other farkles. . .  I'm a firm believer in bark buster type hand guards with the aluminum rail frame.  Just the plastic alone isn't enough.  If you tip it, they'll save the levers (and maybe your hand).  I would also recommend the KTM rad guards and the fan kit (especially if you're going to be in stop and go traffic)

About the last must have thing on my mind at this point is an adjustable fuel screw so you can tune the mix without pulling the carb off.  If you ever get a clogged pilot jet, just replace it, they're $8.00

I also shut the tank off and drain the float bowl if the bike will sit more than 4 days or so.  Keeps the pilot from clogging.

My dealer also recommends a green accel pump spring.  Everyone around here that has had them install and time it says it feels like 5 hp more.

You might want to consider a nicer seat.  I bought an Enduro engineering tall seat (softer) but im not sure I'll like it.  I haven't ridden with it yet (snow here)

I don't know what gearing is on your bike, but it's generally known that the oem ratio is bad for anything slow speed.  Try it and see what you think.  I think my bike is a -1, +4.

Been scanning ebay for lightly used SRS ones... even used they fetch a premium. But That ability to swap out souls in real nice and I know Sidi stuff fits me :)

The bike I'm looking at has then hand adjust screw on the carb  [thumbsup]

Fan kit - good call. Summer here get hot and traffic sucks.

I'll have to research the pump spring. Been a while since I've played with carbs... oh dear.

Yeah, a seat is a consideration. I hear tell that the stock ones aren't much better than a plank. But some folks say that about stock mosters seats which I rather like.

If it's still stock, it's a 15:45 set of rings.

Any notion if wheels from a Duke would fit? The pop up on ebay from time to time and would suit for the 17" street tard use.

Not sure on that. 

First think (sort of unrelated, but not entirely) is that those would have a cush drive setup.

No need for a cush drive until you above 650cc or so.  Had a discussion with motostrano about it.

My front-
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-12-17_16-16-21_382.jpg)

And the pair (plus my SRS standing in for Christmas stocking duty)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2011-12-23_21-33-01_805.jpg)

Orange!

What'd you do on the brake front?

The wheels come with an aluminum caliper relocation bracket.

If that's not enough, I'll go to a more aggressive pad.

If that's not enough, I'll save up for the Orange Six Piston God of Stopping :D

Sounds like what I figured  [thumbsup]

All this talk has me fired up!

I want 50^o weather so I can rip it up!!

I think a six piston might be overkill, I had a car pull out onto a roadway as I crested a hill and that 4 piston caliper pulled me down from warp speed real quick.
And my bike is a porker compared to yours.

I like to go big ;D

bah, brakes just slow ya down

Who needs brakes? I just lowside to slow me down!

YOu guys ever see this:
It's for a 2010 530 EXC - the two brothers folks replace the carb jets and pick up 13 HP

" "Why are you installing a smaller jet and needle than the stock size?" Because even though the stock Main Jet is a 180, and we replace it with a 160, the stock needle is very large in diameter, causing the bike to run lean. The needle we installed is much smaller in diameter than stock and even with the smaller 160 Main Jet installed the fuel mixture is corrected and the bike runs perfectly with a free flowing aftermarket exhaust."

This seems backwards, bigger jet causing a lean condition. But the dyno would seem to back the work. Anyone who knows more about carbs care to explain?

KTM 530 EXC 2010 Pipe - Jetting - Dyno (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-1NRdqzxs#)

Seems from your quote, the bigger needle essentially "clogs" the 180 jet. So their kit is a smaller needle and smaller jet.

Eh? Please expound. I'm only versed in the basics of carbs. This seems to have gone past my basics

In this case the jet is a screw with a sized hole through which gasoline passes. The needle is attached to a slide that moves up & down and the needle passes through the hole in the jet. Needles are usually tapered so that as they move up and down with the throttle opening they allow more or less gas.

Even with the larger jet size ( larger hole ) because the needle is fatter it reduces the effective size of the hole in the jet. If the needle were just a tad thinner they they might have had good results with the 180 jet but it sounds like it was too rich. Running the 160 brought them into the good result. Think about this... they most likely also tried a 170 size jet before they settled on the 160.

Follow?

Ok makes sense that it's a relation between the jet and needle. I didn't really get that the two were sperate bits at the end of the day and changing the size relation was what was being worked out here.

So even with a smaller jet, the needle was sufficiently smaller in proportion to allow for more fuel and in better proportions that in they had used a smaller needle on the 180, in this case. - That it?

Oh it appears to have a fan kit already installed  [thumbsup]
- Someone also makes an oil cooler kit as well. Besides lower temps (possible NOT bonus) it does almost double the engine oil capacity.

Thats the cleanest dirtbike I've ever seen  [thumbsup]

Now it seems there's a horse race developing. There's an 09 690 SMC in the mix and an 07 525 EXC. The SMC is bone stock and a bit less than the others, but would need to be shipped.

The 525 is $5500 and here's the deets

'So the bike, it is a very low hour 2007 525 with the complete dirt setup and the supermoto setup, I have both fenders, the KTM briefcase and documentation, the KTM SM catchcan, all the fuel vapor setup (this has been removed), I have it all.

Starting at the front of the bike I put the Cycra Pro Bend handguards and shields on, I installed a Scotts setup on the bike to include a new top clamp and post. I have the stock tank and then a IMS tank (have to check on the exact size) that can be used for extended mileage. Only thing about this tank is there is a bolt frozen in the tank, it is one of the bolts used to secure the shroud, not a big deal but it pisses me off. I am not sure how to fix this. I installed a Works Performance skid plate and have the stock one in a box. I installed a Hammerhead shifter, also I bought a Enduro Engineering comfort seat and installed it, of course I have the original seat. I also have a reservation with Recazno (coming up quick) for them to build me one of their seats. I just put new Bridgestone Battlax BT-003 racing street tires on the SM setup, they have less then 150 miles on them, these are super sticky tires that I am loving. Running the 150 on the rear causes the chain to touch the side edge of the rear tire, this is not a big deal once the chain makes it path into the edge just something I wanted to mention. There is a FMF exhaust system on the bike that is wonderful, I also installed the heat shield that you can see in the picture to prevent damage to your gear."

Hrm... The 525 and 530 are same priceand have a lot of similar farkles, but the 525 hasn't seen as much use and has two sets of wheels. But theres's the SMC... gah.

My vote is for the 525/530 with the bias toward the 530.

SMC 690

That's it.

I vote for the 525/530.   The 690 would have better torque but all the goodies on the smaller bike sound too good.

I'd go for the SMC. As stated earlier, the lc4 motor has much friendlier service intervals.

Cool. That makes complete sense. I was just listening to the video while doing other work, that combined with my thought that needle and jet were just two words for the same item for some reason left me going 'What the huh?'

Two votes for the EXCs vs one for the SMC. The EXCs timing is a little more flexible, the SMC is on ebay. I'm thinking of bidding on the SMC for a wit ha conservative bid and if it gets beat there's always the EXCs... Though I am liking the notion of getting the 530 and giving Pepe a hard time on those dirt roads he's been exploring.

Bring it!


 [cheeky] [laugh]

It'll get broughted... :) i am a cornerspin grad you know... put me on a 100 or a 125 and I'll tear it up! Bweeee bweee But not a 50... nearly looped a 50 mini dirt pit bike. Turns out when you weigh 3 times what the bike does, sitting infront of the back axle is important.  ;)

Math fail.   [thumbsdown]

^^^ Make that 3 for the 690.

There's also BMW (GS 800 more comfort, especially 2-up), Husqvarna (I think the TE series comes street legal from the factory), and Husaberg (just do it!  [laugh])

It's the wrong choice anyway so it doesn't matter.

:)

Away with you!!!  Go forth and busy yourself making suppressors. 

Fight fight fight!

The GS800 is nice. But not going to be in the $5k realm.

;D

Another vote for the 690 as having it's slightly older sibling i can attest to the fun of torque.   [thumbsup]

We'll see whose better mister, you'll get an early lead on me due to the lighter weight but will have to stop midday to change your oil and I blow by you then.  [cheeky]

Nah, oil changes only take 5-10 minutes.

As my early lead will be more than that I'm not going to worry about loosing any ground to you ;D

I have a higher top speed, so I'll just keep it pinned over and through everything.  [evil]

You'll pretty much have to ;)

Bring it!
And he has to buy the bike related to the winner between us.  [cheeky]

Will it be the mighty, yet friendly LC4 or the high strung little pregnant dog <whatever your engine families name is>

[laugh]

Can i get in on this repping the 690  ;D

certainly
you might have just a wee bit of experience with one  [cheeky]

Just to muck things up a bit further, I really think he should a 950 Super Enduro.   [evil]

Second that  [thumbsup] Why did ktm discontinue that thing?

That's one gnarly dirt machine. 

100 hp and knobbies?

Yes :D

for to make the 990 Adventure R that they race in Baja1K and Dakar....

But the SE looks so much cooler  8)

Those adventures look like alpacas.

Know where to get one? That's a beast!

The 950se is the same as my 950smr

Just a different front head pipe, wheels and tires. Front brakes may differ as well.

I can't imagine that much torque on dirt.

The se and smr are few and far between.

Classifieds on advrider would be your best bet.

There was an 950 super moto for sale in DC just a couple weeks back. There's a SE in canadia...

And a couple 690s.... hmmm

Ooooh, on ADV

"Up for sale is a mint 2008 KTM 690 R Enduro with complete dual sport and supermoto set ups. The supermoto kit contains the Brembo monobloc front caliper, Brembo Supermoto rotor, steel braided lines, Brembo master cylinder, supermoto brake caliper adapter, and factory KTM supermoto fender. The dual sport kit includes the DirtStar wheel set, Galfer over-size wave rotor, Brembo front caliper, steel braided line, Magura master cylinder, and KTM dual sport front fender. Both sets of rims have either dual sport or supermoto sprockets with cush drive hubs, and wave rotors, in the rear. Comes with FMF Powerbomb header, FMF Q4 Titanium muffler, KTM rubber mounted bar risers, black wrap around hand guards, and a Corbin cabonfiber weaver seat. The Red Bull graphics are rare indeed and not sold to the public. Takes about an half hour to completely swap from supermoto to dual sport. Bike has approx. 1870 miles on it. The fuel injection makes this an easy push button starter, cold or hot. Needs absolutely nothing. "

D'oh, sale on hold for a possible trade for an SE. Bah!

Well, I may have to change my vote for that particular 690.

 Asking price?

and they easily haul all your shit like one too!

7.5K But might be moot.

the adventure is a fine bike indeed.

I vote he gets a 640 adv and then sells it to me for a greatly reduced price so he can get the 690.

Ok price I suppose.

I think the 530 would be faster and more nimble anyhow ;)

There's a 690 enduro
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740580&highlight=enduro (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740580&highlight=enduro)

And an SMC that's been stupidly over falked
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759888 (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759888)
"ou will not find a more custom supermoto bike. Everything that was painted silver was anodized black, brown, or orange. Other parts powdercoated and polished, including the rear susp linkage. KTM detachable tail bag. CRC adjustable levers. FMF Q4ti muffler. Otherwise engine is stock (plenty of power). Custom Corbin seat. Polished Fastway stainless steel pegs. This bike only has 2780 miles. Now has a brand new set of Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires (much better in the rain than stock) not shown in the photos. The stock tires shown are super sticky in the dry and come with the bike. Orange front fender and headlight mask has been replaced with black parts. KTM windscreen. I have all stock parts and it comes with black rear fender and side panels still in package if you want to make it all black. 70+ HP and 300lbs makes for an exciting ride. I have over $15,000 invested. $9800 OBO. " Invested in coating and polishing a Sumo...

Now how's that work for me?

Man, all that time and money and they leave the clamps alone?!?

They beg to be orange.

Eh anyone who views it as an investment is a bit of a nutter

Winchester Motorsports (http://www.winchestermotosports.com (http://www.winchestermotosports.com)) might have a 950 Adventure still in consignment... ;)

Not listed on their site.  And as bad ass as the 950 is, part of the original plan was to get something light to buzz about. Though the SE might go back to my plan of wanting a Multi that's not so breakable.

all that and not a spot of dirt on it?
poor thing, it can't be happy that clean

you get the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone out?  ;D

Hmm, I'll ponder it. But it might not hash out... I'd make up a plan B if I were you.

plan B...after i rob a bank...

aquire ktm 690 enduro

Buy this (http://www.rallymanagementservices.com/collections/ktm-690-enduro-r/products/africa-race-front-tanks-fairing-and-subframe)

or possibly this since it's cheaper (http://www.rallymanagementservices.com/collections/ktm-690-enduro-r/products/ktm-690-e-r-fiberglass-fairing)

leaning towards the first choice though since i like the headlight better.... :D

Like that stuff - check on this
http://www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/store/index.php?route=common/home (http://www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/store/index.php?route=common/home)

ooo, i like that kit a bit better. it's also a bit cheaper and comes with the lights i want.


i'm really going to need to find an armored car to gank a bag o'money from ala groundhogs day.

KTM 690 vs 500 on AVRider: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=760709 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=760709)

Thanks Pepe... the 690 is looking good.

But I did see this today
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/2825332519.html (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/2825332519.html)

I have for sale a KTM 2008 530cc EXC-R ""SuperMoto" With 3,738 miles
The 530 bike can also be used as a Dualsport with the off road rims,tires,hubs,sprocket,rotars ( all included ) with the sale of the bike !
Asking # 6,300 OBO.............No Trades

- Potential but the price still seem high by comparison to that other 530. Or is a "R" worth a few hundy more. I'm not sure what makes an R an R

So whats your main purpose for the bike, Weekend toy? 95% road 5% dirt? 50/50? Wanting to get into dirt riding, but the sumo setup is a nice option? And for the dirt, are you thinking of single track or just gravel over back roads?

If you plan on mostly street, get the 690. its a better street bike and pilot powers can hold well on dirt roads. Maybe not the most comfortable for a new to dirt rider, but with some dirt exp your fine.

Mostly dirt and occasional street to get there, get the 530/525. They are way better dirt bikes.

But thats just practical reasoning, if you want the kickass hotrod supermoto, go for the 530/525.

Good questions - I'm terribly conflicted is part of the problem. I do want to play on the dirt roads + a bit more. But it's doubtful that I'll be 'hard core off road'. Around where I live there's some travel time to get beyond tight subUrbia where one can find more dirty play areas. So there will be paved miles at the beginning and end of any trip currently.

But of course if I had something more dirt capable, I'm the sort to push, and I'd try harder dirt stuff as I gained skill.. Though folks take 1200 GSs thought some crazy shit so a 3X0 pound 690 should be able to hang.

But the hooligan in me wants the kickass hotrod SuMo. Can't say I'd be comfy taking the Monster to a track (too many hard to find due to age farkles) but something a little more resilient - hell yeah! Axel sliders, some sliders on the barkbusters... Braaap! The closest track, Summit Point, even has/had Friday afternoon SuMo time on the short course that's used by a GoKart operation in the evenings. Blowing off a friday and going to learn from those guys would be tons of fun

Maybe it is the 690 as the all around. A bit big/heavy for real dirt or real SuMo but a good naughty machine that will do it all well if none excellently. But the little hot rod does appeal.

Gah...

The exc bikes have a seal that keeps engine and trans oil separate.

It failed commonly and in the second half of 08 the bikes that rolled off the line with the updated seal got the R designation. In 09 the bikes didn't change but the R got dropped.

6300 for a 530 with sumo setup is a nice deal.

thats it the 5XX will make a better track bike and dirt bike. The suspension setup is completely different but nothing you cant ride around for a non-competitive track day.

I chose the 690 for a street supermoto/touring/dual sport.

The nice 690 Enduro on ADV with the SuMo kit is still on the block. The seller didn't like the SE... Fired off a PM to him

Please pick me!

I've taken my 625 on some actual hardcore rocky trails and it will do it, even with the 17" inch wheel up front it (don't go based off the couple videos I threw up on Youtube, that's mild dirt roads).
So you should be fine as with the enduro you're starting off with a better setup than I'm running at the moment for off road.

The "updated seal" (is actually 2 o rings for the oil pumps) didn't get replaced w/ good results until mid-year 2010.  The engines prior to then still had the o-rings fail even though KTM claimed to have fixed the problem.  The engines for model year 2011 are almost all free of this problem.

Good info.

Hmmm, I hope my 2010 is ok!

Keep an eye on it. I'm very suspicious of mine. I'm probably taking it in before I start riding again this spring.  I'm fairly certain I need the thicker o rings. I would do myself if I wasn't so intimidated at the thought of splitting the cases.   

^^^ this. Is why I think the 690 is the better option (unless you want to trailer the bike).

I went out yesterday and it was about 20+miles (30 mins) to the first fun road, then about 10 miles to the next dirt road, etc, etc... The only slab was at the beginning and the end, the rest was some pretty nice back roads, but I think I covered about 160+ miles. How many of these days can you do with the 690 before you need to service it? How many with the 530? And how many fillings will vibrate loose on the slab...  [laugh]

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2012-03-07_20-24-01_988.jpg)

 [evil]

Very cool!!  [thumbsup]
Now, how about getting rid of those fork reflectors?

I don't even notice them.

Maybe I should add more?

;D

Yoyodyne has a slipper for the 690.   ;)

how about you throw that thing in the truck and head east some weekend?  [evil]

East where?

sorry, i should've quoted his pic. That was aimed at ML.
He and I at the opposite ends of PA from one another

If I ever have a free weekend again I'm there

just ask the boss for a day off  ;D

I'm down in DC... hmm that makes a bit of a triangle...

Between a just about done rear tire and a tiny 2 gallon tank, long runs are out for me on the KTM for the moment. However, I'll be buying a bunch of stuff soon to alleviate those concerns.  :D

Do tell? Big tank?

my initial run of farkles and fussing is coming to an end. Just need to sort out a couple mis orders. One my fault for getting something that fit a 990 and one is theirs for saying it fit a 690 when it's really for the smaller dirt type bikes.

Speaking of - either of your gents interested in the KTM rear axle sliders - part #54803046200
Should fit 125-530cc 1998-2011
I haven't talked to the place I got it about a return as they aren't open yet.
Brand new- only opened the bag to get a good look and said "Well shit, no way that nut is big enough"

a guy is parting out a 640 adventure, he already got rid of the engine and few other little things. I told him I'd buy up everything else, so tank and seat are among that as well as more rims and tires etc. I can tailor the bike for whatever I want to do that day this way.

Neat! I'm trying to gather up bits for more adventuresome stuff. I want a 2nd tail plastic that I can drill for rack/grab rail... there was one on ebay that I got sniped on  >:( Brand new is near a ben for one - which sucks as I want one that's a bit beat up so I won't feel bad if I beat it more.

the Monster will remain the bike of choice for most longer rides as the KTM shakes me up until my limbs fall asleep  [laugh]

How about heading to West Virginia : http://www.trailsheaven.com/ (http://www.trailsheaven.com/)



 [evil]

need to improve my skills and get set up better for real offroading first.
Damn thing is a handful offroad as it currently is

That's not all that far from me :o

Finally got the orange out for some fun and fussing. The 690 has 3 (well technically 4) maps you can access via a switch under the seat that I gave a try. The normal is good. The 'soft' is almost worthless on the street. Might be handy on the dirt though. The 'advanced' is also almost useless on the street. Throttle response is so immediate that low-mid RPMs are so jerky it's annoying.

Seems like I'll need to do some work on the fueling. THough it's got an aftermarket header and exhaust (FMF) I suspect it's running the stock maps which people have noted can be touchy. They have also noted that with that combo one needs the end spark arrestor baffle in - and man are they right. Took it out the other day and the bike stalled left and right. Put it back in, no stalling.

I've always run mine on the Advanced setting, full power. The only time i have used the others is just to see what they do, the "soft" in the dirt. Running the akropovic pipe. I believe mine has been remapped with the akropovic mapping (done at the dealer) no stalling. If yours hasn't been done, i believe the same mapping will work with your pipe. No PCIII needed have the dealer flash it with that map. And until recently there hasn't been a PCII available for the 690. Mine does run lean with the spark arrester baffle out. I get a backfire and popping upon decel.  But no stalling.

No love for the 08 from powercommander.

Yeah I bet getting the Akro map would sort out some of the issues like that low RMP twitch on the Advanced map. I bet a new mapping and the possible addition of the throttle tube from the RC8 would make the advanced map fun and not just irritating. The RC8 throttle tube is a more progressive profile - a lot like the Throttle Tamers, but for only $35 including a set of flash grips.

There is a free tuning software ' TuneBoy' available that works on these bikes. Software's free, but you need about $50 in cables to hook up. So I potentially could DIY the maps, as the Akro map is available. But, there's a KTM dealer a decent ride away... can't hurt to call them and see how much an upload would run me. With slots 3-9 open I could potentially dump on all the new mappings in addition to the stock.

The A-bomb of options is the Vortex ECU. But it's made in Australia and the green back isn't trading as favorably against the AUD as it once was

doesn't say not available for the '08  ???

http://www.ktmtwins.com/ktm-690-parts/ktm-690-enduro-parts/engine/dynojet-ktm-690-power-commander-v (http://www.ktmtwins.com/ktm-690-parts/ktm-690-enduro-parts/engine/dynojet-ktm-690-power-commander-v)

yeah, but Powercommanders website lists it for 2009 and 2010, not 08. And it seems that folks aren't happy with the powercommander anyway on the 690. The availible tune software gets a lot more love for what I've seen.

Sent an email to a KTM dealer that's on the other side of some curvy roads from me. We'll see what they say about the cost for the Akro map.

Bazzaz

Who does not list a part number for the 690 Enduro/SMC - only the 2011 Duke. Maybe a unit for the 08-10 might work - I know they made some big computer changes to the '11 SMC/Enduro so that could be a deal breaker... but i guess I can ask and see if they have had anyone try it out.

I have one on my 09 Duke, same motor.

went out yesterday afternoon  ;D

UpperWoodsRoadSouth.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyTWiyBuUQI&feature=youtu.be#)

I like to start my day with an illegal pass also [thumbsup].Must be a KTM thing. :D

:D

no solid double yellow line that I saw  ;D

True, but different exhaust and mappings. Though the auto tune should handle the latter. I'll have to do some reserach. A quick scan last night said it was great above 3k, but dogged below and need fussing to not be a stall beast

The 690 duke's have a different* motor. the Enduro and SMC are only 654cc the duke is 690 cc

same motor different cc.

That explains that then.

A local'ish shop quoted me 2 hours labor to flash the ECU. Seems like a lot of time for that. Anyone have this done and care to comment on the hours?

i want to say from my net research it was a .5 hour project. No dyno tuning, just a reflash'n'go. And most dealers didnt charge for it.

But Ktm being a "premium" brand like ducati, may be more. What's included in the 2 hours?

Honesty, i can change my oil and check the valves in 2 hours.

I've put in that exact question to them.

This is an 08 bike that they didn't sell, so I don't begrudge them the money for the map shot. Free is nice, but I didn't get the bike there so they don't owe me any favors. But I am curious as to why two hours. I was under the impression it was just an upload, no tuning as part of it. Of course there's the 15 min idle that must be done...

Depending on what I hear, I may just get the cables needed to do it myself. $60 for pre-made cables and free for the freeware uploader/tweaker software.

No video yet - but here's a shot of her first day out after all the fussing

(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-6wzwSSk/0/O/i-6wzwSSk.jpg)

Here's another video from yesterday
I was poking along but you can see that it's a fun roller coaster of a road especially if you take into account that the GoPro flattens out hills and straightens corners
Now, Sad Panda, get to putting up a video here. Your bike is prettier than mine.  [cheeky]



RiverRoadSection1and2.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBQp46kdQOo&feature=youtu.be#)

Video requires a video cam! Which I do not possess :(

What flavor of tires do you run btw?

right now Pirelli MT-60Rs of which the rear is now pretty bald
I've got a pile o' parts coming soon which includes knobbies on another set of rims. So then the decision will be, replace the tires on my current rims with the same as they currently have or pure sport rubber?

The Duke is a 654 as well, except for this years model.

Sounds about right. I did it to my Duke and it didn't help much. Since I had it Dyno tuned with the Bazzaz it made a big difference. Still finicky as make the beast with two backs though.

Well, I dropped the cash on getting the cables needed for a DIY mapping.

There's a series of established base maps and a Freeware uploader/tuner. I'm expecting to see the factory map on the bike and can then upload the KTM created Akro map. It won't be 'perfect' but I expect it to run better with the slip-on. The program, TuneECU, also allows one to disable the O2 sensor which has been pegged for the erratic idle, surging and some twitch which I've got. It also allows one to shut down the SAS. I'm quite sure mine's up and running as I was getting some decel popping once I started getting frisky.

Like most tune progs it allows for detailed tweaking - though that's probably best avoided. Though one can adjust the base trim without editing the detailed table and folks report positive results by richening the mix over all just a touch.

Cable arrived!

Giggidy

*edit as there's really no need for a new post.
The 690 was running the stock maps - at least the files were label so, and different from the slip-on maps. Only had enough time yesterday to pull the current maps down for archiving. The FI table was pretty fast. the EP took the better part of 30 min to pull off the bike.

So next steps are to upload the Akro maps, then there's the TPS reset and the 15 min idle reset.

*Edit 2
Got the Akro maps uploaded. Boosted the base line by 2% for most of the table and 3% the bottom of the range and throttle under 30% to address teh stalling. Also tweaked the F-L switch per recommendation to address twitchy idle.

Did the 15 min idle reset run and TPS reset.

Too bad it'll be a couple days before I can give it a test.

I am the master of techmology!

Finally got a ride in. Though I think a bit more tweaking is in order things have definitely improved. The Akro map upload, adding a couple % to the F-Trim and shutting off the intrusive 02 sensor and stupid SAS have made a positive change. Feels liek to pulls a bit harder - nothing epic but a bit more peppy. The low end herk-jery that's been pegged to the 02 sensor seems to have vanished which makes the bike more pleasant to ride.

Of course it's all rain this weekend so I get no real play time.

Rain can be fun [evil]

Oh hey, I like me some rain. When I was playing rugby I quite enjoyed a light rain during a match - but I don't really have any good gear for wet stuff or really any adventurey kit - just street gear. So the problem is really getting cold - wet I don't mind much but wet to the skin = cold. Having ridden in leathers 70 miles in a downpour I learned there are few more miserable experiences than being soaked to the skin on a bike.

you're right about it being the cold and not the wet.  i've been soaked plenty of times while riding.  as long as it's warm i don't mind.  if the trip is long enough the wind will dry you off before you reach your destination. 

Brought home a bunch of parts yesterday

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/giacco/P4010396.jpg)

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/giacco/P4010399.jpg)

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/giacco/P4010400.jpg)

Yee haw!

tank looks to be a direct swap but needs to use the other seat.
I have to modify the other seat slightly as it looks like the Adventure must have had the battery in a different spot and there is a hump under the seat that hits my battery.
The front brake caliper that goes with those other forks looks so little compared to the one on my bike  [cheeky]
It'll be nice to have the option of running the 21" front too.

So if any one has an Adventure, I have a bunch of parts that I'll probably not need and will just be hanging onto otherwise.

Your parts came from an adventure?

My project is moving along.

Warp9 sent the correct brake caliper carrier on the third try but now my spedo doesn't work. The pickup seems half covered by a diameter on the rotor. 

Or maybe the spacing isn't close enough. Ill have to investigate.

I thought they did but looking at pics, I'm thinking not. I believe the bike was a frankenstein having been rebuilt once before the latest wreck. The kid does have an R title for it that he's going to give me once he finds it.
doesn't matter, it's still a bunch of worthwhile parts

I love parts [drool]

Hell yeah!  [thumbsup]
I has lots!

I love lamp

CRAP [bang]

I just messed up a perfectly good sidestand.  It's repairable but still.  :(

I found a used stand from a 525, bought it and machined it to fit the bits from my 450 exc stand.  The 525 has some angle to it (and I cut an inch out of it) so when I have my sumo wheels on it should put the bike at a decent angle.

The foot is pressed in.  I got it out and as it was allllllmmost back into place after the sectioning it snapped off.

I drilled it out and now have to come up with something to be a new foot for the side stand.  I'll see if the dealer sells them on their own or if I have to make one out of aluminum I'll do that.

This is one of those projects I thought would go well.  And in the middle of it, I thought "it's going well.  Shit, don't think that, we're not done with it yet. . ."

I hear you've got a pretty good tool set. That so?

Not an option for you, but I just tossed some cash at that issue for my bike - the side stand for the SMC is around 1" shorter than the Enduro and was an early purchase as with the 17's and E stand the bike was almost upright.

So I've been getting down with some tune work - got the cables and such for uploading maps and such. Though it's no cusyom Dyno tune the tweaked slip-on map I uploaded is way better feeling than the stock.

Good tool set?  lol, yes.

My dealer said to just get the stand from the 450smc as it was shorter but I didn't want to spend 100 on it.

I engineered a workaround for my problem.  Should be fixed shortly.

If you want their number, my dealer has done extensive work on the 690 engine for mapping.  One of the service guys has a 690e and has it running like you poured espresso into a Jack Russel.  They would probably share the map.  I know they were asked by KTM to share it with them. . .

Question is what's he got going on besides the map. It's not uncommon for folks to have some flavor of the 'EVO' kit. The EVO 1 has a different intake set up, the 2 hops up to a (gigantic) pod, and new cam.

Can't hurt to talk to them though - drop a PM on me?

This is what's on my Duke 690 (654) Dyno tuned with a Bazzaz.


(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/2e7ba5f4.jpg)

So I just got back from my first ride on the 450sm

I only need four words to describe it.

It.

Is.

The.

DEBIL!!!

It has no guts above 75 the way its geared.

0-60 range its pretty well untouchable.

One I get more in tune with it that is [evil]

Working it up to be a StupidMoto too?

Hmmm, just had a thought... wonder if a rear brake link like this
https://tpoparts.com/cat093/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=brake&category_id=0&product_id=152
would work on the KTM. Hmmm

I've got the lever positioned about as low as it'll go and it's still near level with the pegs. Makes hitting the brake w/o lifting my foot off problematic. And to get it there I had to replace the stock stop bolt with something longer from my spares bin..

;)

Stoopid indeed - I was just about to say you should come down here for the SuperMoto track day at summit point. But it appears management has changed and the new boss doesn't wish to do a SuMo day at the kart track. bah

That sucks :(

yeah. I'll have to see what else is out there. Seems to be a few a year at VIR... which is doable it just means a half+ days drive to get there, not an hour  :(

Beaver Run

Yeah, Beav.

My home track.  Never been on the kart track though.

I know a track that will be doing sumo on the kart tracks.
But the place doesn't exactly exist yet  :P
can't come too soon

Our kart track just got shot down for sumo activities because it apparently was against its permitted use.  [thumbsdown] Bummer. Glad I didn't pick up the sumo I was looking at though.

If your ever in AL.

www.tgprace.com (http://)

boioioioioinnnnnnnnnng

mm make me want to come home, get a job and start modding. Really want the evo kit with the bigger cam. And now that the pci is out  [evil]

Well, I was feeling a bit under whelmed by the SMC front brake - but some knob twiddling is making life better. The PO had everything set to the 'Sport' settings for forks and shock - which reading and adjustment have shown me are just too harsh. Sport is 10 clicks back from all-in and the front brake was felling pretty sad and the ride was harsh - one could feel too much of the little bumps for having all that suspension travel.

Backed it off to 15 clicks, the 'Standard' setting for the forks and 13 for both com and reb. and 13 for the shock. Nicer ride and to front brake does a much better job now... ahh.

Now... I need a new rear tire and tube as I got something big and nasty though mine  >:(

http://tubliss.com/ (http://tubliss.com/)

I think that gizzy is only for offroad applications - these were my 17"  road burners

ahhh...perhaps they may have but not show a 17'' application...I inquired with them a while back for the Cagiva  since it is tubed and mentioned the Ducati SC Market as a potential suitor to vend at and they said they were in a process already looking into development at the time...

Well got the 690 out for a decent 2nd romp. Last go I was using the manual recommended 'sport' settings... What rubbish they are. Bike felt harsh and I was wondering if something was wrong with the front brake on my previous sporting ride. Sport is 10 clicks (backed out from all in) on Reb and Comp for the forks and shock on the Enduro.

As said way too harsh - this last weekend I set it to the 'standard' 16 click setting in front and 14 in the rear. Oh so much better, took a much of the harshness away and the front brake is so much better now. Might ad a click or two back to the rebound to ensure it doesn't po-go back too quickly  - but I'm on the right track.

Installed the EVO1 airbox lid (open) and remapped. Couldn't really tell too much difference between that and my previous mapping effort. Well aside from the significant increase in the noise from the intake.

Other fiddling - new fan temp swtich came in. Lower set point than the stocker which lets it run up to 8 or 10 bars before kicking the fan on.
Wrapping the exhaust. In it's short time in my stable the header on the 690 has singed my kevlar jeans and left a couple light melty spots on my leathers  >:( No wonder folks make an additional heat shield for the damn thing.

And the story continues

The cam chain tensioner on a lot of these bikes - including yours boys I think - is know to be lacking. I installed a manual one last night. Gotta set the engine to TDC as part of the process - pulled th valve cover to do so and found the bearing on the valve rocker was showing the easrly signs of being one from the 'bad batch' that a lot of the 690 bikes got. So a new set is on order... bah.

Better to find it now than when you're 300 miles from help with no cell signal ;)

Well it's not (generally) an grenade type fail item - that is if you're following any sort of reasonable maintenance. Though I'm at 2200 miles and shouldn't need to be in valve covers for a few grand more - so it could have been a real problem at that point.

At least they aren't too costly. $62 a pop. Thought about just replacing the one, but said f-it and got the set. Replacing the one would just mean that the other would crap out and be a pain later.

Now I'll know they are both 'good'.

Good move.

finally uploaded the full length videos of that road I went on the other day.
Bit tough on sumo rims and tires but it was doable

The hard (for my lame ass anyway) northernmost section of River Road
It starts off nice and easy, lulling you into thinking everything will be ok. It gradually gets worse and worse.
RiverRoadSection5Part1.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwZ30Rbe5WU&context=C4395b83ADvjVQa1PpcFOGkx0dfu3P2ImXKZ4YuXhJ1vVupOgp1pQ=#)

RiverRoadSection5Part2.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXAWpgOV3dc&context=C4370633ADvjVQa1PpcFOGkx0dfu3P2JLuLR3CFl8UswSl2T1M_ig=#)


This is the easy section 4 to the south of that Section, that is nice with a little fun thrown in.

RiverRoadSection4.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn4CUqESR70&context=C47feee1ADvjVQa1PpcFOGkx0dfu3P2DdRoneR9xSxT1mDHlZ2T-I=#)

Good quality vids, but where was the hard part?  That was all double wide track w/o any obstacles (streams, logs, boulders, steep hillclimbs, etc.)

first two vids, look easier than they were and the drop off to the side was a bit concerning throughout most.
The third video is easy, I mistakenly drove a car on that one once years back and the only danger was my wife's anger about the fact that I always forge forward.
No way a car could do the other section

Failed to report this the other week - managed to well and good back it into a 90 degree right after a pit stop. According to my neighbor behind me it was some place past 45 degrees

Now... Must confess it was not planned nor attempted on purpose. Earlier in the day the bike tipped and the front brake was inoperable. So I near overcooked the right when I forgot there was no fron brake to be had - stomped the rear lost traction *then* spun up the rear and slid it to correct my direction

At least it was able to get it done properly and not panic
Now to learn how to do it properly and when I want to  [evil]

Thats the most awesome post I may have ever read on this forum

:D

Eh... like I said it was totally an accident due to my forgetting that I had no operable front brake. It was way more an "Oh shit!" moment than hey lemme try this moment. It was either go for the gusto or bail on the turn and just go straight on the road I was about to turn off.

just wish he'd had a camera

Still awesome.

Sure anyone at the stop light for the exit side of the ramp got a good view of a sideways bike...

And it's odd. I'm used to some attention on the Farkled up 900 and didn't expect any on the KTM... not so much. A dude at the gas station I'd left before the slide was near apoplectic about how cool the StupidMoto was. If he caught my shenanigans he's probably on the hunt for one now. 

I get lots of looks and positive comments too.
Mine is a little loud (not obnoxious though) and all little kids heads always snap around to look when they hear it.  [thumbsup]

how many gears did you shift down in the process?

None - was still in first. Quite literally turned left out of the gas station which was on the NW corner of the 4-way intersection that I was turning right


Highway on/off ramp w/ light
          x
____|      |____

-----        ---------------
____        _   ___   ____
      |       |  Gas Station

You need to change your name to Sideways Panda.

only if you come up with a picture of a panda flattracking or sumo backing it in...

Sumo Panda  [cheeky]

insert obligatory image of Kung Fu Panda...LOL

Sumo is japanese - Kung Fu is chinese. Bulgogi is Korean and yummy

YES, but KungFuPanda is fat like Sumo wrestler

(http://www.allbestwallpapers.com/wallpaper/movie/image/kung_fu_panda,_2008,_po_(jack_black)_2.jpg)

but since you insist....here you go...SumoPanda

(http://stockazoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/100110_Panda_450.jpg)

but if you want to be Sliding Panda...then perhaps this is the answer...

(http://www.forkparty.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/panda-playtime-slide.jpg)

but try not to end up likes dis...

(http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/sliding-giant-panda.jpg)

I think the last one might be the most appropriate 

Edited with a better photo

(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-gM2ww5S/0/O/i-gM2ww5S.jpg)

Right is the exhaust and you can see how much more wear it's showing than it's buddy. if you look at the full resolution version you can seem more of the chatter marks on the bearing.

Fixed that for you

That's what I get for trying to copy from inside my own post as opposed to jsut grabbing the image path again. Oh well.

But yes, - you can see, twice, that the exhaust is not happy. On a good note it's super simple to replace them. Hardest part was geting the air box out.
Once that's done, 4 bolts for the valve cover - which is huge and gives you easy access for top end work. Each rocker is on a big pin held in my two bolts. Take them out, use one to pull out the pin (it's threaded for it) and the rocker's out.

Super easy... just make sure you put the rocker pins back in the right way, they do have a top and bottom. Good thing is that the bolts pass through them so as long as you get the right side up you cannot misalign them. *almost* dummy proof.

Some one will come along and build a better dummy...I am usually the dummy that f*ck's up "dummy proof" designs.

Today...

Is supermoto day.

I registered it yesterday so I can actually ride legally now.

Vs how I rode it before [evil]

;D

That's why I have a tech manual. heads off a lot of potential dummy moments.
Though, as good as the KTM manuals are I've found some big issues... like there is *nothing* about how to remove/service/do anything regarding the rear swing arm. Zip zero nada... a bit shocked that it's totally left out. They have how you pull the shock and it stops there.

Just stopped home for a sammich.

This bike rocks.

ROCKS!!

I bet it would still stick with the peg dragging. 

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2012-04-29_15-36-57_779.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/900rider/450exc/2012-04-29_15-36-45_655.jpg)

Orangy wheels...

Gonna get some sliders?

 Sliders?

For what?

I have the ktm rad protectors on there.

I love this bike moar and moar with each passing mile.

I'm starting to see the light.  It handles like a scalpel.  Under powered IMO, but not drastically so. I would love to find another 10 hp somewhere (without major internal mods)

Also, I make the beast with two backsing live me some wheelies :D

And stoppies :D

I probably did 50 of each today [laugh]

Suspension setup needs some love but even still, I'm faster into corners and out of them.

This thing loves to carry corner speed (it pretty much has to)

This build was without a doubt the right decision.

[evil] [evil] [evil] [evil]

Axles and can. Some tracks require sliders.

I got another 10hp for yah.

they are fun huh? Still twiddling with mine a bit - tweaking suspension as well. The manual recommended settings are crap. "Sport" is far too stiff for anything. The comp and rebound are so stiff it made the front brake almost useless due to chatter.

Amongst other stuff I got it back together today and fired up. Near gassed myself with the fumes off the header from the wrap and paint job.  Also got my new manual cam chain tensioner set. Good fun.

[thumbsup]

did my test fit with the big tank and the thick seat that goes with it . Had to modify the seat for clearance underneath and still need to make it so it can latch.

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/giacco/P4290428.jpg)

Hows that seat?

feels like it will be comfy for the longer runs the 5 gallon tank would allow
Can't really try it out too well as it could fall off right now

I like this thread. It reminds me of when I used to ride this.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2849307351_24b4b13dbc.jpg)

And this.

(http://oem-cycle.com/images/CR125R%20HONDA%201984%20CR125%2084.jpg)

And this.

(http://www.vintagefactory.com/1983%20Honda%20CR480R.jpg)

Ive been thinking lately of getting one of these.

(http://www.radmfg.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/bmw-f800gs-2008.jpg)

or these..

(http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/hypermotard/ducati-hypermotard.jpg)

But probably the BMW Because of the luggage and probably better range. I want to be able to navigate Forest service roads and ride on the Highway with it.

My Motocross and Offroad days are over. I'm getting too old for injuries.

I test rode one and quite frankly walked away from it wanting to go ride a Triumph Tiger 800 XC, but haven't found a demo for one yet....

Triumph has demo sign ups on their site... might help. And I got a short spin on a 675 at Clinton Cycles. You might go over there.

I haven't rode the 800 but I rode an F650 a few years ago and loved it!

*Edit*  I should ask what didn't you like about it?

front end felt vague....the 1st 2 gears weren't grunty enough gears IMHO for if I were in some muck and the 6th gear on it was putting the motor into a buzzy spot at 75-80 highway cruising that was less than comfy...and quite frankly....for what they were asking for the bike....it didn't add up....I could get an equally(if not better) equipped couple year older R1200GS for the same money or less....

Well front end vague doesn't sound good. The grunty enough problem doesn't sound like an issue to me becauseI don't plan on seeking out muck. I hate Buzzy spots I guess it depends on how bad it is.
Speaking for me I don't want a 1200 for a couple of reasons
1. bigger and heavier
2. sucks more fuel
3. I hear about an insurance premium for over 1000cc bikes. (but probably not that big of a deal)

(Right and that's why I was looking at a Hypermotard) I keep looking at it and then I start thinking common sense or something. However there is the 800 Motard but I don't think you can put luggage on it, and I think the gas tank might be on the small side.

Get something closer to what you'd like for the shorter runs and make it work for long ones too.
My gas tank is little (2.3 gallons) but I resolved that by getting a 5 gallon one that is an easy swap for when I want it.
If I'm riding like a sane person, it will get 40-50 mpg. The other seat I got should resolve the "plank-o-wood" seat issue for the longer runs. Mine will clear 100 so it's perfectly happy cruising along at 70-80.

Here's 2 videos of what a pro rider can do on these bikes.
On the first the guy instructing us rides one of the guy's 990 Adventure.
His first time ever on a big adventure bike, couldn't tell by how he rode it though

FrenchieOnPauls990.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT8RcDhl56M&feature=youtu.be#)

On this one, he proves to me that my bike can be ridden through this soft stuff. This stuff was soft like beach sand in the Carribean.

FrenchieOnMySMC625.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiMUHp0yKyQ#)

I'll edit some more and upload them over the next few days.
It's mostly me falling down a lot

Nice that you could get some training.  Looks like fun!

Not sure if this is a Derby yet, but...

http://vimeo.com/40853735 (http://vimeo.com/40853735)

NICE! That's new to me.

And OFFA that dirt section is brutal.

Awesome vid!

I saw Slide Panda in there!

And lethe crashing!

;)

keep tuned to my youtube account, you'll see plenty of me crashing or rather just falling over.

Here's me giving up on myself.

Chicken.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hPNXc_zfWQ#)

some slow mo and riding footage at the end. think its only using the 30fps instead of the 60fps.

Westward (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqjIAFWhNG4&list=UU6vEJTwa3BxiUr0S9WYkH3Q&index=1&feature=plcp#)

Very slick video DTM!!!

Thanks! You'll have to excuse the dubstep music unless your a fan, but i do like the way it starts slow then picks up. Also i never run into copyright issues on youtube.

Cool indeed - more detail man!

Any problems sticking a 140/80 on the rear dirt rim of the 690? The owners manual has 130/90 as the size that it shipped with, but rears in that size seem to be as common as hens teeth. Currently there's a 150 stuck on there (TKC 80) and a Michelin Desert up front. Both overkill my my area and plans

Was gonna get a set of Pirelli MT 90s

I noticed that about everyone in that video backing it in was off the throttle totally.

Is that normal?  Down shift a couple gears and dump the clutch to overwhelm the rear?

How else is that done?

So in my limited, and non expert opinion - the times it's happened for me - the mentioned back-in on ramp and corner spin.

Common elements:
- Going in hard/ aggressively /or oh-shit-I-have-no-front-brake
- Sufficient rear brake to cause some loss of rear wheel traction - this can be arrived at a number of ways
- Dropping gears
- Giving it the beans

Body position is a factor too. Foot/ leg well into the outside peg and if you're a good boy, knee hard into the tank/frame helping push the bike down. Upper body up, arms shoveled (inside arm straight and down, outside up and bent)

Again, I'm faaar from the expert on this. But backing it it does take a good bit of commitment. At corner spin I only managed it, without going flop, on their oval where we were working on 'Diamonding' the oval

It's a ways away from you ML - but you'd probably really dig Corner Spin.

- any thoughts on my tires btw?

Sorry Panda.  I don't know a thing about dirt tires except that my rear one is worn pretty bad.

The guys at Five Star won't even look at anything other than the Michelin something or other.  Phil says they'll give the same traction at the end of their life as when they're new.

It's a popular tire, I saw a couple skids of them as tall as me there the other day.  As far as fitment goes, I'd call them.  They seem to have all the answers.

Question is just more the size/profile issue. Manual calls for 130/90 the ones I'm looking at at 140/80.

The MT90s are 70/30 road dirt - supposedly. Around here it's a good 30 min of pavement to find a dirt road that's not just something under construction. And in theory, we're headed up to way upstate NY and I wanted to be able to explore some - but expect a lot will be paved.

The current stuff is a bit tired looking and leans way more to the dirt side. The rear is like 40/60 and the front 20/80 road/dirt which won't get me far here

I'll just leave this right over hmear:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-KTM-RC-125-/190674994835?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2c651d8693 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-KTM-RC-125-/190674994835?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2c651d8693)

Id give that a whirl.

No problem what-so-ever. Same as say going from a 100/90-19 to a 110/80-19 on the front (just did that on the GS).

BTW, got my last set of tires here: http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/ (http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/) Good prices (in most cases the lowest I could find) and free shipping on all orders. [thumbsup]

You fellas, especially Lethe seen this

http://www.bestrestproducts.com/images/document/How%20To%20Ride%20A%20Motorcycle%20Off%20Road%20-%2004-26-12%201430.pdf (http://www.bestrestproducts.com/images/document/How%20To%20Ride%20A%20Motorcycle%20Off%20Road%20-%2004-26-12%201430.pdf)

?

- Not a jab Lethe, you just seem to be doing the most off road  ;D - I don't think I've have done that hill on your tires either.

my brain knows what to do, my body just isn't following the brains commands
it was the same when I started riding on the street even
I had to retrain my instincts, one day something just snapped into place and my pace and confidence picked up considerably. I expect the same thing will happen with this too. Tires have nothing to do with it. The guy teaching us was practically on street tires and he thought nothing of going UP that hill.

Fair nuf...

And yeah some folks can do that. When I went to corner spin Aaron, lead instructor, had a blown ACL that was due for surgery in a week or two. So he restricted himself a lot and only demo'd on the oval track. He snotted his bike around that little dirt oval, with a rain front and a slick rear. us mortals were not as fast nor able to keep from slide outs even with our more knobbed tires.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57103.msg1059903#msg1059903 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57103.msg1059903#msg1059903)

 [evil]


KTM 690 First Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X53kL2zxHY&sns=em#)

Well...its hard to catch up in this thread but I think I'm in the right place.

I am looking at a KTM 690 SMC this weekend. I spoke to the seller over the phone and he informed me of two problems.

1) the speedometer doesnt work. I did some reading on thumpertalk and this seems to be a common problem for the 690 smc and can be fixed.
problem is the odometer doesnt currently display and neither the seller nor myself know exactly how many miles are on the bike. He estimates 5000 mi.

2) The bike is throwing an FI light. This could mean anything. I asked him to count the flashes and get back to me so I can reference another forum and find out what is going on. He said "I have the part to KTM gave me to fix it but the dealer never put it on because Ducati KTM Triumph NYC stopped performing warranty service on KTMs"

Any help would be great

What year? Any mods?

1) yeah there was an issue with the speedos basically shaking to bits. It might be able to be fixed, might not. More info's needed.

2) What part? More info here too

other issues - the stock exhaust and FI are problematic on the 690. The main issue folks had is that on the US models (they have a different tail light and signal section) it'd melt the signal - ooops!

Depending on the year it was made, they came with a run of back bearing on the valve openers. Super easy to fix, but about $120 in parts to do so. Early 690s were the problem children here

The cam chain tensioner is lacking. It's hydraulic. There's a stop in it to keep the tension needed. Problem is that stop tends to fail allowing for low tension on the cam chain once the bike is hot. Again, easy fix but about $120 for the manual version

the recommended 'sport' settings in the manual are RUBBISH! WWWWAAAAY too stiff, to the point I thought my front brake sucked and wasn't working properly

- If not already done there's a 'green wire mod' that's free. They have a neural (green wire), 2nd and 3rd gear sensor. For noise reasons they are restricted to 80% throttle when in 2nd and 3rd. Easy way to defeat that is to disconnect the 2nd and 3rd gear sensor. Basically you wiggle them loose from the 3 pot connection and seal them off.

They are like oh so many bikes, lean from the factory. Good news is you can fix that for between $15 and $60 depending on where you source the cables.
Good info here
http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?113690-FREE-KTM-690-Tuning-Software (http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?113690-FREE-KTM-690-Tuning-Software)!&goto=newpost

Go sign up for supermotojunkie btw - I'm my old handle in there 'yuu'

hmmm, probably some other thoughts that are escaping me right now. LMK about the details on the above.

I can't believe this thread is at 24 pages.

I'm glad there are other orange fans here.

Watching all these vids, I'm getting stupid ideas...  [evil]

;D

I'm broke, no medical insurance, and I'm broke...

But still...   [evil] [evil] [evil]

Looks like stupid amounts of fun!  [Dolph]




  [bacon]

Dude you have no idea.

I like my 450sm more than the 999. Way more hooligan.  Cheap to crash too.

so when you headed east to crash here too?

ML's Crash Across America 2012

Like all good self indulgent threads

I was thinking about that the other day.

If you can put up with me for a three day weekend we could get in a lot of riding.  

The power of orange compelled me :D

sure, name the weekend so I can make sure nothing else gets planned
It would give me proper incentive to get a real guest bedroom setup rather than just the fold out cot on the living room floor

[thumbsup]

BMW represent! [laugh]

These are from Michaux State Forest in south-central PA.

(http://codeherrings.com/images/moto/rides/2012-05-05/michaux_02-med.jpeg)

Biesecker Gap Road - HQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R46gw5uw5ZU#)

That make you Blue?

My new tires for the big wheels arrive soon and I should be able to get the rims shod on sat! Woot.

Pondering some more enduro type pants for adventures. After my revelation on how much more engaged with the bike I feel with just the differend boots for road burning I'm coming to think that job specific pants might not be a bad idea either. Got some time to research as this would really be for the Trek to near Canada in a couple months.

Any thoughts there? Been looking at some of the offerings from Klim - a bit more than MX pants, but not full ADV kit either. EI no armor in the pants, but pockets and some other features like that. Also thinking in-the-boot so the gippy bits of my boots aren't covered.

By no means do I need, nor even really want KTM badged stuff to ride upon the KTM. But in my looking so far it seems to be a good price point and meeting up more with what I want than most other stuff I've found

So the Klim stuff also doesn't have jackets to mate with the Enduro pants. to get that the price goes WAY up real fast. There's the Jersey over armor route - but then I'd need to get the upper body armor. I currently have separate Knee and hip/thigh stuff. But nothing for the upper aside from back protectors that's not mounted to a jacket.

There's some KTM branded stuff too that looks good and is pretty reasonably priced - intel says its by Thor. KTM pants do have (nice) armour
http://ktmcyclehutt.com/ktm-parts/ktm-parts.php?sku=3PW111222SS&title=KTM-Vented-Pants&year=&ktm-model=&category=Adventure-Gear&fitment=Mens (http://ktmcyclehutt.com/ktm-parts/ktm-parts.php?sku=3PW111222SS&title=KTM-Vented-Pants&year=&ktm-model=&category=Adventure-Gear&fitment=Mens)

jacket
http://ktmcyclehutt.com/ktm-parts/ktm-parts.php?sku=3PW111123SS&title=KTM-Vented-Jacket&year=&ktm-model=&category=Adventure-Gear&fitment=Mens (http://ktmcyclehutt.com/ktm-parts/ktm-parts.php?sku=3PW111123SS&title=KTM-Vented-Jacket&year=&ktm-model=&category=Adventure-Gear&fitment=Mens)

Or there's the other plan of just press some of my street gear into light ADV use.... But that doesn't fit my right-tool-right-job mild OCD and gear whore tendencies...

I wouldnt spend too much money on the pants, back when i was doing more enduro/ trail ridining, they get scuffed easily when you go down. But the Kilm stuff looks nice. I always spent a lot of time in/on the dirt so didnt want to spend money on clothes i'd just put a hole in. But yes they have more freedom of movement and breath ability for when you dump your bike off a cliff and have to drag it back up by the bars. You tend to get a little sweaty.

I usually only worn keepads under the pants, always planned to get the T-Pro armor pants for hip and ass protection but never did. Would have liked to have a fancy enduro jacket, but i went with the full T-Pro vest Link (http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/extreme-harness-adventure/2347) for all around protection (chest and back), then i can layer up as needed or just a MX jersey over the top for hot days. Also one of my primary components for street riding. Yeah a little pricey but a piece of gear that will last forever.

I've just been using my street stuff so far with the only change being I got another helmet, lighter and better for the off road stuff but almost unbearable at over 70 mph.
I definitely want to get more off road duty stuff, my jacket for example ends up being pretty restrictive, heavy and hot for this lower speed off road stuff. I'm thinking just armor and a light jersey will be better. Also, something more akin to motorcross boots than my Vertigos.

Yeah the feet and legs take a beating against rocks and all other type stuff.

Also I find that Vertigos with worn down soles don't make for easy walking in mud  [laugh]

No regrets with the Cross fire boots I bought. They're bomb proof.

Take them to a cobbler, get resoled with some boot type sole's

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326950 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326950)

here is with some vibrams

(http://auslander.smugmug.com/photos/272966699_z93Dk-XL.jpg)

You'll be shocked at how much better things feel with MX style boots. I got some of the Crossfire SRSs as a bit of splurge at the time - but now I'm glad I did and I think the money was well spent. This last weekend I took the KTM to a demo day and used my road boots (Sidi STs) so I could manage the controls of the demo bikes/not kick them - and I just didn't feel as linked into the bike as on previous rides with the Crossfires.


Yeah, that's a concern too and good point - though at least initially I expect to be more light offroad/fire/farm etc. So (hopefully) I won't be flopping too much.


Yeah I might have to do some side by side price comparos for jacket/vs jersey and armour. Hmmm

certainly a nice option but I'm thinking I'd rather end up with a street set of gear and an off road set rather than trying to do it all with one set. Just means I need to probably do it slowly over time as the toy budget doesn't unfortunately get top priority  :P

Hey Dan - with the T-Pro you've got any irritation with the straps? Or do you wear a base layer under it?

They have come out with a new generation of their shirt type that includes back protection. Though it appears to not cover as much as the harness nor does have the kidney belt set up
Newness
http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/pro-shirt/2407 (http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/pro-shirt/2407)

I've got some textile stuff. Push comes to shove the Dianese 'shotgun' will be pressed into service as the adv jacket du jour. Light, stretchy, armoured with good air flow. Got pants of similar get up, but they are cut to be slim over boot... which is too slim to go over MX boots and a but awkward to get inside.

Long sleeve base layer, under armor or similar. I Am also able to adjust to fit over my heated liner, and man does it feel good to have the heated liner pressed against your body.

Nice thing is its modular, so if you want just the chest and back, you can take the arms off. In case you want yo use with your leathers.

Oh Crap...

You're killin' me Smallz!   [bang]



 [bacon]

;D

Did you think you were done buying bikes?  [laugh]

You need the correct tool for every job.

You're NOT helping!!!   [bang] [bang] [bang]


;D




  [bacon]

We ARE helping you, you just don't know yet.  ;D

Says you...   >:(


  :)







  [bacon]

Stop by... Take a ride... First one's free

Hush You!!!   

 [evil]






 [bacon]

Saw this vid over in the MOB local board...

KTM 690 SMC - MOMENTUM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFd4t0M_XmU#)


Like I said there...  If I wasn't so super broke and going to school, I'd prolly do something stoopit!

 [evil]



 [bacon]

Perhaps a grad present to yourself...  [evil]

That's a couple years away...  :-*




  [bacon]

Start saving now... That's economics!

In the mean time - you can just pine

Guess I won't be fitting my new tires, for free, this weekend. UPS delivered them to some school 30 miles from where I live... wtf. As a result they might not arrive until monday. Which is after when I'm visiting my buddy to help with his motorcycle shop website :( Bah!

Found this on ADVRider: KTM 690 Enduro - 2008 Model - 6869 Miles - $6000.00 OBO - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=791587 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=791587)

Sale pending already

690s go fast. I jumped all over mine with cash in hand as still wasn't sure I'd get it.

And my DS tires did arrive! woot.

Now, help me fund my DS gear - buy my crap... er stuff!
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57224.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57224.0)

Any of you fellers a 32 waist and interest in a good deal on some Klim Chinook pants? Picked up a pair that had been worn once - but was overly optimistic about my waist size...

I'm a 36. Damn.

How much?

Met up with someone from ADVrider yesterday and had a nice long day of mostly dirt riding.

Found the following gem.  [thumbsup]

Here's the videos of O&W Road. Unfortunately my GoPro ran out of juice before the end but I think it was pretty close to the end of that road

OandWRoadPartOne.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZpknv_ab1Y#)


OandWRoadPart2.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kulcXHscYZw#)


OandWRoadPart3.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWrySBKPVvg#)

[thumbsup]

Good stuff and those pants will be on the way north. Bummed I'm not svelt enough to fit... Oh well

But I did get an AGV ax8 DS. Too bad no  [Dolph] for me his weekend. All gettin it done vthis weekend.

Working on a plan b for my dirt rear. The PO managed to get a 150 on the rear that a no-mar couldn't dislodge.

I'm a 32.  You can PM me with the info.

Lethe already snapped them up. Sold American!

Do I have to make a movie production starring the pants now?

Make sure its stop motion ;D

a live action version of http://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Scared-Dr-Seuss/dp/0679885404 (http://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Scared-Dr-Seuss/dp/0679885404)

;D

oh...to keep with the proper theme of the thread as opposed to creepy children's stories

Last night I uploaded another one from last Saturday

MushPawRoadWarmDay.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCwuoy-zj-Y#)

doht!!!!...so what would the antithesis of a power ranger be?

A Honda rider ;D

any Honda rider?....because that YellowWolf guy that stalks the Dragon on that Goldwing seems like an exception to the rule....and people that seem to ride Honda dirtbikes...

The dirt guys.

I only say that because I think they have a crappy head design after extensive discussion over beers with the ktm service techs.

you talking the newer Unicam design or the older less efficient and less powerfull but deadnuts reliable XR heads?

Well, I'm no Honda expert. . .

I think they were talking about CR's and how the valve seats crush down to nothing leaving you to replace the head (or seats I guess)

I know a fellow that we are all familiar with that killed the bulletproof XR  [laugh]

It's what happens when you submerge a motorcycle that's running.

Rar - spooned off an on my first tire yesterday to the front of my dirty wheels.


but the back... oh dear. It's a rim for 130 tires that the PO managed to get a 150 TKC on to. I had a go at it with my two 'Stubby' iron spoons and could get a couple inches of bead over the lip, but no more... There's gonna be some swearing, and maybe some tears to get that changed.... Perhaps it's just say for a while...

Can you cut it off with a cut off wheel?

That's an option, but heading towards last resort if I do. I had/have delusions of the possibility of putting it back to service. It's far from dead - a little over square from being crammed on a thinner rim, but she ain't done.

Got the MT90 on the front and was going to put it's mate on the rear, but I'm pondering giving the TKC rear a bit of a go before I kill it... Give me more traction with which to chase Mad King Pepe around until dies. Though I'll have to check my tube. My flailing about might have pinched it for all I know.

Take the bike for a good ride and warm up the tires, they should be easier to spoon off when warm.

Whats the trick with pouring a little gas then light it?


Or is that for setting the bead...

that's for setting it but if you use enough I guess you could blow it off  [laugh]

dynamite, that'll do the trick!

That's for mounting tubeless - and spraying a little starter fluid in... and making sure you're clear of 'the hop' if it's sitting on the ground

Super short notice but I only learned of it yesterday. Track time at Beverrun this weekend. PA boys?

http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?129003-roll-call-for-pirc-(beaverun)-for-5-26-5-27-omrl-event (http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?129003-roll-call-for-pirc-(beaverun)-for-5-26-5-27-omrl-event)

I shan't be going. Family plans

No track day, but I did get out for some play time

(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-pWck8MC/0/XL/i-pWck8MC-XL.jpg)

(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-pQ5PKCG/0/XL/i-pQ5PKCG-XL.jpg)

Fit the dirt wheels and went exploring. Nothing so fun as Lethe just dirt roads and a couple "end state maintenance" ones as well. Had to cut my loop short and missed the creek crossing.

Found some deeper gravel and do not like that.

The bigger wheels make on a bit of a villain. Curb? Bah! Go over! Mud puddles? Splash 'em

[thumbsup]

 [thumbsup]

Hey DTM where did you and how did you mount that camera that captured your front wheel in 'westward'?

I'd like to get a similar angle and was pondering a mount on the skid plate (Flat lands) but I wonder if it'll be really buzzy

Same mount where the horn is, just reversed the horn to the inside and made another bracket from the horn mount to the motor brace/mount.

I need a recommendation for pants.

Riding the 450 around town and doing bad things I wear some ktm off road gloves a Joe rocket mesh jacket, a* boots and jeans.

I know I'm squidding it. The gloves would work once for a fall and would probably burn through at anything over 30. I suspect the coat is also a one time use item.

Its a comfy setup though and flows a ton of air. Most of my hooliganism takes place under 40.

I really need something better than jeans. Was thinking about those Kevlar jeans with some armor. Bad idea?  Good idea?

Good idea.

So those Kevlar pants actually work ok then?

Kevlar-reinforced jeans or cordura pants are to regular pants as cardboard is to a sheet of newspaper. So yeah stop being a cheap @$$ and get them!  [laugh]

However, the protection they offer is no where near leathers or a proper jacket and pants setup. Reinforcement is usually limited to knees and butt and there's only inserts for the knees.

Outside of full leathers, the only gear I feel safe in are my Scorpion XDR Commander jacket and pants. Leather and padding where it matters, and cordura and stretch panels where it makes sense. Problem is that they turn into a sauna in the summer.

I'll wear reinforced jeans or cordura pants on my commute to work in the summer, any other time I switch into proper gear.

Well, I have a set of 1pc leathers, 2pc leathers, and a set of cortech jacket pants for commuting (they're good for 3 seasons with a liner that comes out, vents that zip open etc.

I don't like the bulk for riding supermoto and as you mentioned, sauna.

That's why I like the mesh coat and am thinking of jeans for when I'm riding 6-7/10

When I'm closer to 10/10 (for me at least) I'm in the leathers with a back protector and I tear shit up :)

What about enduro type pants with strap on/ pull on impact protection for the knees? I picked up a set of the Klim Dakar pants for the more off road and mixed tours stuff. They have hip pads that you can upgrade to the D3o stuff as well as knees. Though the knee padding the ship with aim worth a damn. Mix of heavy and super D levels of cordura and two huge two-zip vents on the thighs. So they do need impact protection added but should hold up better than the kev-jeans. Bouns bonus if you get into the dirt, the mud wipes off really easily not so much with denim.

Link?

Lazy...

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-dakar-pants (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-dakar-pants)

I'm conserving calories.  I just got back from a supermoto / urban exploration ride in 90° weather.

Pics uploading now.

Thanks for the link. Those pants are meant to go over shorts or jeans or my undies?

They are not over pants like over jeans. I wear 'em over padded protection type stretch shorts.  Pretty much anything you might roll under your leathers

Gotcha. Sounds like a nicer alternative to the Kevlar jeans.

Mind shooting a photo of  what you did and going into a little more detail? Really like that angle and want to copy your notion

sure give me a day  [beer]

I have these mesh pants: http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_and_vests/mesh_jackets/tour_master/tracker_air_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_and_vests/mesh_jackets/tour_master/tracker_air_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html)

Only use them for hot summer rides and they vent pretty well. Better than jeans, but I don't know how much more...

450 supermoto content-

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57729.new#new (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57729.new#new)

So apparently KTMs have stealth properties. Was out with a couple buddies and buddy #1 (lead bike) got pegged by a sheriff for speed (though we really were behaving). During buddy 1s chat with the deputy he said that he tried to, but couldn't get a lock on either of the other bikes, which were me on the KTM, riding 2nd and buddy 2 on a new type monster in the rear.  Wonder if the plastic nature of the Enduro/SMC/SuMos make for a weak radar sig. Kinda wish I had a radar gun to give it a try... Though the radar speed 'signs' I've come across don't seem to have issue

hey Dan I figured out a mount - I've still got the evap canister and used that. I watched your vid again, and at 0:40 there's a side shot that shows the mount you made. The evap can is pretty damn close and I placed a flat stick mount on it.

It needs some tweaking, but going pretty well so far.

I also found that the handlebar mount wraps around the narrow portion of my slider/stand spools perfectly for a rear faced set up.

Yeah thats it!


Question, anyone else have a leaking gas cap on the 690? Ive been noticing shit milage and gas on the sides of the rear plastics. Thinking i just put too much fuel and it has a few drops falling down. But now realized the gasket on the cap is not sealing. Soo.. took the gasket from the oil filter cover (the old one) and put it under the gasket on the cap to give it some more pressure and seal. Seems to have worked. Other option was $100 for aftermarket billet filler and cap (reznaco and rally raid made).

Clutch slave also seems to be giving out, leaking fluid. I started using ATF (automatic transmission fluid) in place of the "Mineral oil" in the clutch. Working just fine, but still leaking. No rebuild kits looks like i need the after market from ktmtwins.com

/rant over

Mine will leak if I over fill as the breather hose connection broke off. Otherwise it seems fine

And in reading around the clutch slaves seem to be hit or mîss. Looks like you got a miss.

Oh boy! Getting the KTM ready for the track this weekend

Got my new fluids, camera mount, and sundries.

don't forget to prep your camera and mount set-up with some safety wiring...there have been a few track orgs who lay the hammer down on that stuff unless it is safety wired due to the debris from them when a machine crashes that is equipped with one...

Well thanks for jinxing me!

the Roger Lyle track days don't have any listed reqs for wiring. Though bike must pass tech - not sure if a camera mount would be on their hit list.

better safe than sorry...rig it now so as to beat the tech inspection guys from doinking you and slowing you down in the whole process...also...FWIW...check the date in your helmet you plan to wear at the track! [thumbsup] and most of all...HAVE FUN DAMNIT!

Maybe a trip to REI for some cord...

2011 Helmet. No worries there.

And ready for the track

(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-2XMZ2XB/0/X2/i-2XMZ2XB-X2.jpg)

And at the track! Early session where I hadn't figured things out and was being a bit over timid, especially in the last two lefts before the big straight where I loose my buddy on the 1100S - no passing in the turns during these sessions

So here's a taste until I loose Frank
Chasing Frank at Summit Point (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJ6RuxNfGc#)

Later in the day I was catching a little, little air coming into the banking seen at 1:28

I opened up the exhaust on the 450 and man does it run better now!

I've found that I can now throttle the front up in third. Used to only do it in second. A noticeable amount of extra torque is available. 

I really like this bike :D

Got the 690 ready for some light ADV tour shenanigans in way upstate NY next week. In doing so discovered one of the bearings in the cush drive was bad. Lucky for this guy I have two. So sprockets got swapped and it's all good. 

Got some of the wolfman day tripper saddle bags. Took a while to figure the best way to fit them.  But now that that's done they are sporting my tool kit, water, if the sky opens on me stuff, and other brick-a-brack. Kreiga US-10 sits on the wolfman bags well and the meshy bit is perfect for a couple 1L fuel bottles for just in case.

Fitted up a USB socket from Burns moto. Pretty cool as one can get it with the SAE connector at the other end and just stick it on a battery tender lead. Gps will ride in a bag as I've no way to mount it... But it's mostly with to help me when I hit 'wow where the f am I?" or "where's gas?" moments

Sounds like a great time.

Where and when?

Couple days next week. It's not 100% sure which as its part of a trip to visit the in laws. Looking like one day will be from the Plattsburgh area and another from the family camp on lake Ozonia

Been told that a cousin owns a filled in gravel pit and 'wood lot' ie an undeveloped chunk of land that I might explore. Problem is no one seems to know exactly where they are...

Wow, you really do mean WAY upstate. nevermind then  [laugh]

Yeah, I'm talking - Throw a rock and hit a Canadian upstate. No half measures here.

One of the planed day trips with the fam is to Chambly and Unibroue... aw yeah  [drink] Father in law has been scoping out roads and beer prices... I think he might have enjoyed a son of his own :)

And because it's not real w/o photos

Here she is all gussied up for the trip.
(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-MbkBcbR/0/X2/i-MbkBcbR-X2.jpg)

KTM450 Supermoto fun 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esLcu6DCNRc&feature=youtu.be#)

Glam shot just before the tool kit came out....
(http://yuu.smugmug.com/photos/i-PPjNr2v/0/XL/i-PPjNr2v-XL.jpg)

Went to lower the tire pressure a bit and the damn valve got jammed open. Managed to fish it out and bend the little metal cup back into correct enough form with the nail cleaner end of a leatherman Micra. Then got to pump the tire back up.

Despite the seemingly more strick regs in NY, I found plenty of marked ATV trails when we headed west. Some even had stop signs when you came back out to a crossing of a proper road.

Ok, so KTMs engineers need a punch in the head.

You make an 'adventure/enduro' bike that doesn't have water proof connections! Grrrr.

Went out with a buddy and a creek crossing was part of the ride. I ford the creek and find the deep spot, lucky me. Power through, out the other side- hooray. Wait a min for buddy to come across. Hooray all on the next side.

Start up the road and a couple hundred yards up the gauges go dead and the engine cuts out. There's still power as the horn works, lights are on, but the bike is dead.

Have a look of obvious problems - nothing in the wiring i can see. Check the fuse box - yep ones blow. Replace.

Gauges back up - engine fires!  And dies shortly there after.

Now we mean business - tools come out, side panels come off. And I start pulling connectors.

Much to my dismay, I find that all the black, triangular 3-wire connectors in the harness are filled with silty water. WTF KTM - one basic water crossing kills your big boy single. Tut tut.

So blowing those connections out, dabbing with a towel and some salty language got the bike running without issue again. But I'm not impressed. Ducati, not know for off road machines uses more water resistant connectors than these things. They will be getting a further cleaning, a fat dose of dielectric grease and a tape wrap in the short term. Over the winter I may replace with the Amp Superseals.

So fellas - if you've got any of those connectors in your harness, Dan you will, I suggest you grease them up and do what you can for water proofing. 

hmm, ive ridden through some hard full days of rain, and maybe only axle deep water... with no issues. I'll take a look.

This was 21" wheel deep

yup that would do it

Yeah so if you boys are thinking of getting 'adventure-y' save yourself some hassle and seal up those connections.

If you do some water and the bike craps out shortly there after - look for the triangle connectors and expect they are all wet.

Haha, I know that area pretty well.  I grew up not too far from Plattsburgh, NY.  A little lake in the mountains called Chazy Lake to be exact.

OF course... you're too late to the game. The inlaws are still in the same house where the wife grew up - It's actually West Chazy.

If you go back up that way with the bike - I found a number of marked ATV/Snow machine trails to the west in the area of Lake Ozonia.

Not really.  I live in San Diego now.  I'd be amazed if I ever visit that area of the country again during my lifetime.  It is beautiful country but none of my family lives there anymore so I really don't have any compelling reason to go back there.

I grew up in a little chalet style house right on the lake, near the base of Lyon Mountain (near where the ski lodge used to be).

see, now this is why I don't clean my bikes. The protective layer of dirt waterproofs everything.

You and zooom hold the same theory
- Cleaned out the plugs with contact cleaner and comp air, then stuffed them with enough grease so that it ooozed out of the seams. Some silicone tape will probably go over as well.

How about just cutting out the factory plugs and replace with a weather pac connector like what GM uses (rubber gaskets etc to keep out water)?

Yeah - I'm thinking about that as part of the winter projects.

That would be a more permanent solution

can't argue with what works!

 :P [laugh] ;D [thumbsup] [Dolph] [drink] [bacon]

Fear no rough entry to a banked turn on the SuMo!

On your left (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWcE2iOJ7oU&hd=1#)

Yeah, get some!

soooooo.......ummm, hi guys

Travis... Did you buy something orange?

Bout time.

technically, no. it's silver

And you're obtuse!

Spill it

And some more from the track

Shenny 8 19 Red Flag and CR Chase (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtUzSJvuH-Q#)

Blurs my vision, just like riding lethe's bike :D

you just need tougher eyes

oh, I think I forgot to mention that my shifter vibrated off a few miles from home.
It was still on there by a few threads but was backed off enough that it didn't work.
Tightened it up and continued the ride home.  [thumbsup]

gopro? try the r3 setting, less jello effect

yes, GoPro

R3 = 720p @ 60fps yes?

So - silver?

I'm guessing an adventure

my guess is an LC4E. I have some silver parts from one in the garage for when he starts breaking things.

i pick it up at the end of the month. that's when i have time and the flights were cheap enough.

waiting for the title to get here so i can register it.

and sooo it is a.....?




Yeah that setting will eliminate the rolling shutter (jello effect) when riding. And still produce a good video. Ill use the R5 when its hand held and more stable recording. R3 for motorized motion.

Would you fess up already! Big... no not big - just tall JERK!

i'd rather let it jump the shark.  ;D :-*

Get out of my thread!

*stomps off*

I think you're making stuff up. I don't think you really bought a ktm. I think your new found lust for pandas has you acting out.

There's no orange with pandas, man. They're just black and white.

So getting close to 30K miles on my SMC, is there anything i should replace? Ive had Zero issues and still running strong, but just might take a big trip south this winter, so thought i might check some things out.

All the normal stuff. Valve clearances, cam chain and your usual mechanicals and suspension bits. As far as I know there's nothing unique to these as they add the miles

Project 'Lighten up fatty' begins.

Got my miracle tape coming from Osaka so I can ditch the tubes. Outex is the manufacturer it's a couple layers of stuff to seal the spoke. Hopefully it works.. I trust it more than the tub sealer and duct tape method

Some labor, a set of Q2s and I should be able to drop over near two pounds from the front wheel and over two from the rear.

Less pounds = more powah! Not really, I know. But should make it nippier in the tight stuff.

As if that front tire needs to have an easier time fighting gravity [laugh]

lemmee know how it works, as I may have to do that to the stock rims ( which I think are Akront ) on my Gran Canyon...

and don't forget, there is always the method of using RTV on the inside of the rim on each nipple/spoke before you tape off everything...

Put my not so delicate frame on there, and it does...


Which is basically the tub sealer...

+1

the only other simple solution would be to get a set of wheels off a 690 duke.

Would love to go tubeless, easier to repair flats with a plug than to replace a tube <thinking long distance touring mode>

Which also saves a bit more weight beyond just ditching the tubes. But it costs a bunch more. Pound for pound this, if it works, has much lower $/pound ratio. I'd considered the Duke wheels, but by cost comparison this kit, if it works  ;), can't be beat in the short term.

I'll be taking photos and such for you guys and the supermotojunkie crew and maybe ADV as well as they make kits sized for 21/18 wheel sets.

Link to the kit?

OutEx - the game of motor  - Must LOVE engrish
http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~outex/tubelesskitenglishlist.htm (http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~outex/tubelesskitenglishlist.htm)

They vend through ebay - seller name is Outex
http://www.ebay.com/sch/outex/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/outex/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686)

Just pondered this a bit more:
- Check the rocker bearings
- Check the fuel line near the quick disconnect. It tends to rub on a bolt connecting the frame to the tank/subframe
- Check the radiator where the fan mounts. Some folks have reported rubbing of the fan on the rad to the point of leaks.
- new fuel filter, the gum up early
- clean injecter , because the fuel filter gums up early

Just did the valve (spot on), although the intakes are creeping towards the tight side.
new rear sproket (replaced the original after 28,000 miles)
Rocker bearings have some wear just like most of the pictures floating around the net. Going to call it perfectly normal.
Fuel line, Taped it and replaced it some time ago.

ill check the rad

Fuel filter and injector will probably be done at some point. Just waiting to confirm my winter plans before i put more money in it now or next spring. Also clutch slave is leaking, need to top it off every so often, hand grips have worn out, fork oils needs to be changed, exhaust can needs to be repacked, adjustable coller on rear shock has frozen up, needs to be cut and replaced, flush brake fluid, flush radiator, make rims tubeless and i think thats it

Also check the top of your valve cover, one of the air hoses is starting to rub a hole through mine. Added a couple of layers of duct tape reinforcement.

Went to my local KTM dealer and they didn't have anything specific for the 690 to check or replace at this milage. But they probably don't see a lot of 690's

Slave takes a #20 o-ring as I understand it. Have it off and pop out the piston, pop on a new ring.

Yeah, it's coming apart to a decent level over the winter... in theory I'm going to EVO 2 it. So that will mean bye-bye to those hoses

I'll just leave this here....

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/details-drop-2013-ktm-1190-adventure-r/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/details-drop-2013-ktm-1190-adventure-r/)

And I'll just leave this right here...

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Moto/photocopy2.jpg)

I very well may buy one of those when funds allow.

I never though all that much of them until I sat on one. I fit on it so well!

It lit up the impulse buy portion of my brain big time.

That one is a demo at the local dealership.  Took it out for about an hour or so today.

What did you think of it?

Mmmmorange. Which dealer did you say?

It was...  Comfy.  The ergos were nice, and it didn't exhibit much of the legacy KTM FI trait of being all herky jerky.  But with its smoothness came a sense of...  meh.  It had lots of power, but did nothing to really light the fire so to speak.

if I had to guess...MRP...


I think Dolci has talked me into going up to BobsBMW to go look at the used SMT they have today....

I was pleasantly surprised too.
That'd be my pic among that class of bike.


Dan, how the hell did you get a sprocket to last that long? Mine looked like redneck teeth (just sharp pegs) already before I recently got a new chain and sprockets

He doesn't bury it in earth from its home land to store it ;D

saying my shit is dirty? How dare you!  [cheeky]

;D

This thing chewed up, and spat out, an orange superbike that was ridden recently. 

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Moto/photocopy3.jpg)

Just saying...

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs143.ash2/40480_106646422725498_100001404223543_59767_6288025_n.jpg)

how about this? (found on another thread in this forum, but it should be displayed here) 

i'm fairly sure i would trade my monster for this paticular naked - but im with drkwng on that aprilia

That's a 125 and not available in the US.

mmm i want to do the cam, but that would also mean Power commander and dyno tuning yada yada yada ~1000$

You know, my take on these, yeah its nice to have more power , rawr..rawr...rawr..., but for a long distance touring rig, simplicity would be the key. If you break down in BFE it would be nice to be able to make some roadside repairs and back on the road, not have to find the nearest dealer who might just happen to have the 10,000$ machine to diagnose an electrical problem. Simple and reliable.

Also the weight of these monsters 507 LBS!?!? The bimmers are 450+, Multi 450+..now add you luggage and shit you dont need cause you always overpack talking a 600 lb machine. My 690 with full pack and gas, only 450lb.

And gas milage, more motor more gas. Traveling, you want your money to go as far as possible. 150 HP is really unnecessary. Well if your pushing 600lbs, maybe it is.

WANTED: a smooth twin around 800cc, 80HP and under 400lbs wet. Simple FI and electronics.

Steel sprockets?

Also out of the 29,000 miles, 22,000 are commuting/touring, so not a lot of abuse. This is assuming once your on the road steady speed,  doesn't wear it much at all. Still on original brake pads.

Mine gets beat up pretty well on everything from smooth roads to pothole ridden paved roads to rock strewn powerline trails  [cheeky]

Well the magic tape kit from Japan arrived yesterday. Pretty quick considering the distance. Looks like I've got some work cut out for me. No shocker, but the directions - the well written in english directions - recommend busting out the sanding gear and ensuring there's no rough or sharp sections that could compromise the seal. Then there's the stuff. There's dots that are the first layer, a dot per spoke nipple. Then two layers of tape stuff over that. One double sidled, first, then a thicker plasticy tape. There's also valve stems and a couple pre cut pieces for the valve stems and some extra for repairs in the event you bust a spoke.

Once I get things rolling I'll weight up the tubes, rim strips etc and the tape kit to get an accurate assessment of the weight savings.

Have you considered using goop to seal the nipples also?

I think i would double up, using some sort of sealant for the nipples then the tape over the top.

not cool. not cool at all.  i still want it  [bang]

+1

Yes please!!! 

Is anyone listening???

Under 400... er that might be tough. The new 700 GS from BWM is road ready, gassed up at 461 lbs (209 kg). Despite the 700 name it's an 800 twin - 798cc

Grump!

The PO used duct tape on the inside of the rims as opposed to rim strips to cover the spoke nipples. I not must clean that goop out too. BAH!

So that sucks [thumbsdown]

It does indeed. Already had a good bit of sanding work ahead of me to smooth off the nubbins and sharp edges on the nipples. This is insult to injury.

But it'll be right when you're done

Damn right!

get to work, we want to see results.  ;D

Reasons I DON'T want an '08 SuperDuke with <6000 miles on it.

And... GO!

If you're one of those that thinks front tires should get changed when rears do you throw away a lot of good front tires.

They tend to spend a lot of time not touching the ground :D

Bleh... The instructions call for planing down the nipples even with the rim. I spent a bunch of time cleaning off rough or uneven bits.  But that was really just taking off burrs and such

But no place near ground down as far as level with the rim... I'm tempted to have a go without.

But really I should run down some 100 and 200 wet/dry and get to it

I would kill for one of those! 

Woah, there. I'm no math scientist but when you say "almost 2 years" you mean 10 months. Right?

;D

Dremel tool what???

because your liscence will stay in tact/valid without it?

That's what I used to smooth off the rough bits already. It's a bit awkward to get in there, especially on the front wheel. And if I'm trying to level things off a block and corse grit paper might be as fast. Plus I get a workout.

Aaaaahahahaha.

Drunken DMF bites again.

My public apologies, BlackDogGS.

Because you'd rather buy mine.  /topic.

Wha?

Why would thin the herd like that?!?!

The broken bone in my wrist keeps me from getting the bike set up so that I'm comfortable on it for long(ish) rides.  As bass-ackwards as this might sound, clip-ons work much better for me, and the SD isn't terribly clip-on friendly.

Didn't know you had wrist damage.

Rc8r make a good replacement?

Years ago, when I was still in Germany. 


Probably.  And it was very comfy.  But it didn't really do all that much for me.  Thinking the Ape if anything.  Hell, the R1 felt more inspiring than the RC8 did.

R1?  Sad.

How about different bars or risers for the dukie?

It's got a great motor!


I'm on the third set right now. 

Something like those suburban machinery clip on style bars?

Thought about those, but it doesn't look like I'd be able to rotate them down far enough.  It would be SpeedyMoto Tallboys or nothing I'm afraid.

Any good fab shop could pie cut and weld those to move them where you needed them.

Did someone say pie?

Ride or trailer it up and we can make custom bars for it.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=59643.msg1100994#msg1100994 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=59643.msg1100994#msg1100994)

I was officially compelled!!!

Welcome to the dark orange side

:D

Welcome. Now, no wheelies.  ;D

KTM Riders are a responsible bunch, aren't they?

 [laugh] [laugh]

You funny!!!

We like to uphold and respect the law.

Or is that just me?

;D

I can honestly say that I haven't wheelied it once...













yet! :D

Something cool happened today.

Today was one of those days that being self employed is great. I left the house at 10 am on the 450 sumo headed for the shop.

70 degrees with the sun shining. Pretty much perfect.

The ride home at 530 was in the rain. I like riding in the rain. I left the shop hauling ass at about 70 down the back roads to 5 Star Cycle to pickup a halogen headlight bulb upgrade. My stocker is done for at 1500 miles.

I got there with jeans and street riding boots muddy from the knees down. Mud splatter all over my coat as well. They're on a dirt road which was mostly mud.

I left there and made my way into town towards home. I turn off North street into Grove. Its a short uphill section before my turn onto my street.

Perfect spot to rip a second gear power wheelie.  Normally I roll off the throttle a little, lean back and hammer it as the forks extend an that engages the anti gravity front wheel feature built into most ktms.

Something new happened since it was really wet out.

I go through the motions and instead of a rockin second gear floater I get the following :

The front comes up about 20" and a split second later the rear tire lights up and steps out about 8" to the right.  

I am laughing like Jack in The Shining.

I let off and the bike sorts itself out. I make my turn and this guy is standing on the corner with his jaw dropped [laugh]

I guess he saw the whole thing.

I <3 this bike

But did you get a new bottle of that chocolate milk on the way home? mmmmm....


Zooooommm

Nice upgrade! welcome to the orange side.

So is the SMT the 990 ADV but with 17" wheels?

Different frame

No chocolate milk :(

Yeah, more street oriented than just a wheel and plastic swap. Some bikes like the 690 SMC and Enduro or the 950 super enduro and SM-R share frames plastics and other bits. There's no real off road analogue to the SMT

Got all the filing and grinding of my front wheel done to smooth off the nipples of the front wheel. Gotta triple check my spoke tension before laying on seals.

Started on the rear wheel grinding and sand prep. Sticky rubber is on the way as they recommend you get a tire on and aired up shortly after the tape stuff.

ML- I know a guy who killed his DukeII LC4 doing wheelies like that all the time....they are incredible when you you see em for sure...

DTM- SM-T is more the SM-R with a slightly bigger tank and some fairing like headlight for to emphasise the "T" for touring ability along with factory small soft panniers ( which I didn't get from the P.O., but he did install those Givi monokey racks with the el cheapo bottom of the spectrum E21 cases) and I did get the softsided KTM briefcase with pen and owners manual which I haven't had a chance to crack open yet...

intial things I notice...some of which are in direct comparison to the Cagiva are as follows...

light and nimble
incredible braking/stopping power
great power
VERY quick acceleration
re:Leo Vince half system, a nice "POP" that seems to occur on decel at times between 4200-ish and 5400-ish RPM's...it leads me to beleive there is probably some fire coming out with it, but not entirely sure...

That popping might actually be from running the wrong mapping. I've got the cables and such to take a lookie... for a price  [Dolph]

Killed as in oil starvation?

I think he ran it too hard as the counter balancer was giving up the ghost and the motor went BANG as he said...it had just over 40K on it when it went kablooie....he then switched over to a DR-Z 400 that he has killed 3 motors so far on the same chassis riding it hard....I am not sure what if anything ever came of his Vertimati....


I was thinking it was a mapping issue as well, as I am guessing the P.O. probably didn't do anything other than throw the new pipes on when he did the LV pipes....but I don't know that for sure.

I don't ride wheelies for miles or anything.  I have to think these bikes are designed to be on their sides and at extreme angles and live.

Re the popping :  did the po pull the emissions stuff and add the block off plates?

If not you might want to. They'll richen things up by removing some air.

That was the case on my 690. There's free ware for the tapping into the ECU and the maps are available from KTM. They probably have a slip on map. Probably should do some looking for common map tweaks that people do. There's a number of ones for the 690 that made life better. One is the software disable of the SAS, which might be causing to popping by injecting air into the exhaust stream to heat up a cat... that you don't have.

And at least on the 690 you have two maps. One fuel table and the other throttle position mappings - so you can tweak your twisty tube!

Zooom, if yours still has the SAS on it, that is the likely source of the back-fires on decel.  It doesn't matter how you tune the bike, if that system remains operable your bike will continue to pop like that.  And yes, there is flame coming out, Just ask Jim about how my SD used to do the same.  As far as the software goes, I also have my lap top set up to read/re-map the LC8, and you're welcome to use it any time you want.  The KTM/Akrapovic  authored, aftermarket maps are nicer than the stock code, but are generally still on the rich side.  The software I have allows you to fine tune just about every aspect of the map, so all you need is a dyno and you can dial it in perfectly. 

Which one are your using? TuneECU?

The new big ADV bike in livery is starting to appear

(http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/KTM-1190-Adventure-Leak.jpg)
From Asphalt and Rubber
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-ktm-1190-adventure-leak/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-ktm-1190-adventure-leak/)
'The folks at KTM briefly let leak a brochure photo of the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure today, giving us our first good look at the completed machine. A prototype of the bike was recently reviewed by Motorrad, this new photo confirms many of the details that the Germans dropped in that article.

Based on the KTM RC8 R’s 1195cc LC8 v-twin motor, the KTM 1190 Adventure sees the superbike lump re-tuned for its adventure-touring duties, and in that capacity it makes 147hp. Meanwhile at 518 lbs with a full tank of gas, the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure is a touch heavier than its 990cc predecessor, though we don’t think you will mind.

We have to say, the styling seen here is a marked improvement over what we saw in Motorrad’s preview article. The seat has a stark resemblance to the Ducati Multistrada 1200, but the overall design seems very compact and streamlined. Said to be purpose-built with off-roading in mind, the KTM 1190 Adventure has all the extra goodies you would expected: ABS, traction control, and even a slipper clutch.

Expected to debut at INTERMOT in a few weeks’ time, the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure already has some stout competition, as Ducati has unveiled its revised Ducati Multistrada 1200 line, which includes semi-active suspension for the “S” models. Seen by many as a more on-road adventure bike, perhaps KTM hopes its off-road pedigree will be valuable differentiator (we think so)."

can anyone point me to a good online parts catalog so I can poke about and see what the SAS components look like/are located so I can see if the P.O. did this mod or not?

(http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.cheapcycleparts.com/images/manual/production/assembly_images/238885/large/086013130.gif?1337103189)

The top end #2/3 connects to the air box. #11 should be on the heads, right before the header... I thin Not looked at the LC8 in that detail yet.

thank you....went outside and looked and I most definitely do in fact have ALL of that business goin on with my bike still on there...looks relatively easy to access as the SAS valve itself is right behind the airbox in full view when you pop the seat off.

Read up on removal. I think there's some electromancy needed as well if you disconnect the valve system from the harness. It's the same stuff as on the 990 ADV, so the ADVRider gang has it all figured out.

I have to say...this bike is humbling and making me feel a lil like a newbie again...

I find myself cracking the throttle like a kid again and trying to gofaster than I usually would...

I find myself braking more because of said speed and having little to no issues with it other than being a lil too hot a couple times in general misjudging...

I find myself kind of afraid to loft the front wheel because the bike is soooooo much lighter than the Gran Canyon. The Cagiva would loft and when I had enough it was easy to put down and it would never really climb past a certain point ( at least not easily anyway). I am afair I might end up looping this bad boy...

Cover the rear brake ;)

these things do that [thumbsup]

I run wide in a lot of uphill corners......because the damn front tire refuses to stay grounded if you're on the throttle uphill  [laugh]

Got the front wheel tubelessified. 19+ oz saved. No leaks exposed on the soapy water test. We'll see how the pressure holds overnight. Going well so far.

Per the ADV rider gang a dose of gap filling CA glue was used to fill in the depressions and level stuff out more.

Hopefully I'll get the rear done tomorrow.

Rear done with the help of a buddy. Seems my little compressor is good up too seating a front tire. Not so much for a rear. Had to borrow a buddies to get enough volume at pressure to seat the tire. Mine could never pump out enough.

So now we wait and see if the rear holds too.

Thoughts on the kit.
- doubled side sealer tape is harder to lay on straight than one would think.
- flattening the nipples and rim interior is a pain. Getting everything leveled off took a good bit of time. And the prep is important so you're spending time
- for a $ per ounce way to loose weight it's a great value. But if you're short on time or the tools then you're looking at Duke wheels on my bike.

Ok, so I seriously do not recommend you guys convert to tubeless. The tickets and getting pulled over will not be worth it  [evil]

I still have to do the final math on the rear for the total weight loss between the tube and going to an all AL sprocket - but it feels like a picked up 100ccs and some bigger brakes. It's going to take some getting used to, it picks up noticeably quicker.

For the weight watchers. These numbers are from 17" wheels on a 690 (160 rear)

Totals so far are:
Front Wheel: -19.85 Oz.
Rear Wheel: -22.9 Oz.

Swapping from a 'Stealth' sprocket to an all AL one

Totals at that point are:
Front Wheel Assembly: -19.85 Oz.
Rear Wheel Assembly: -36.6 Oz.

With tires - Previous Pirelli Diablo 2, new Dunlop Q2 same sizes
Front wheel w/ tire: -11.25 Oz
Rear wheel w/tire: -46.5 Oz

Sounds good SP, but after my weekend trip to Death Valley, i might just keep my tubes. If it wasnt for the ability to air down to 15psi, not sure how easy it would have been to make it through.

The 950SE belongs to Jammen and thats my sumo on the left. We had another 800gs with us and they both had DOT knobbies on front and DS on the rear. I was running Pilot powere front and back, and have to tell you, i only had one tip over where these two guys had multiple falls  [laugh]. We expected the terrain to be washboard fire roads, but it was also sandy with many washouts and rocky which has been describes as "baby head" sized rocks. A little bit nuts and at one point we weren't 100% sure we were going to make it out of the Valley due to washed out roads and running out of water. Fun stuff, but would only return with proper knobbies and a true dirt bike.  All of these so called "adventure" bikes made it, but not as fun as it could have been.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cedlTsFbxZs/UGPfD0meSRI/AAAAAAAADds/FjtPWMXTEwQ/s720/IMG_9456-1.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Whb-WBI5dew/UGPfVs2BUPI/AAAAAAAADek/4Hs8bvFXEOg/s800/IMG_9482-1.jpg)

Hot springs down below in the oasis
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WyQ1TUfVgGA/UGPf-DnkeeI/AAAAAAAADfQ/pYS9vLFQhqI/s800/IMG_9501-1.jpg)

temp around 103
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qkndVKCLQHE/UGPhK8m3WuI/AAAAAAAADg4/jjkHhTapIyg/s800/IMG_9555-1.jpg)

salt flats
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9qF278ID9xo/UGPhTEM9CSI/AAAAAAAADhI/sHgHtCCeyyg/s800/IMG_9562-1_1.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B6cRXb-_Lws/UGPhLn6V5qI/AAAAAAAADhA/yPDiWU1YvZg/s640/IMG_9564-1.jpg)

Impassable? Nah! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIsbFhJnPCs&feature=youtu.be#)

Thats me getting tossed over my bike at 2:00
Starting to get sketchy.. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzvmo6xgdVE&feature=channel&list=UL#)

And some washed out roads.
A hole was dug for us. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JcLoIuRx6A&feature=autoplay&list=ULHzvmo6xgdVE&playnext=1#)

I get to cheat since I've got the E. 17" go tubeless and I've got the 21/18 wheel set which will stay tubes - best a both worlds! This is my secret weapon for the track

Definitely benefits to smaller bikes in bad terrain. Everything I've seen, folks love the 800 and Super Enduro, until it gets real messy. Then they want a lighter bike  ;D

BTW, your front rotor - it's this one yes?
Part #58409060200
http://www.ktm-parts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=38e7e2e589c649ad05e72f4d9f4e9579&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=K&Product_Code=58409060200 (http://www.ktm-parts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=38e7e2e589c649ad05e72f4d9f4e9579&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=K&Product_Code=58409060200)

yeah i need the forks and everything else to convert to 690E specs. There was still about 5" of the front forks unused.

it came with the bike, but that looks like the same one. 

Converting the SMC to the E will be a hassle. Top triples, a caliper relocation bracket, if you don't get the E brake set up and a couple other widgets. Totally do-able but it'll run you a few hours to do the swapping.

 :D

(http://www.moped-museum.de/ktm/pics/ktm-80-chopper.jpg)

I guess we can put that in the same catagory as the Ducati Indiana...

 [puke] [bang] [puke] [bang] [puke] [bang]

It's not orange... we deny it.

crap....someone will ready that and photchop it...watch!

not a real KTM, the seat looks way too comfortable

Yes and you can change the oil.

Any of you lot actually know what KTM stands for (sans google)?

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324738 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324738)

kraftfahrzeuge trunkenpolz mattighofen

kraft a trunk mat?!?!?!...LOL

Ja :D

I can change the oil
just takes a lil while

Kick 'Til Monday.

I got pretty good at kicking mine over when I didn't get around to replacing the battery for a couple weeks

A long distance highway bike, the 640 adv is not.

Why not?  Under powered?

its a paint shaker.... with wheels.

it separates the men from the boys  ;D

[laugh]

More like "it'll separate the boys from you, man."

My hands are numb, my ass hurts. The bits don't feel right, and trying to ride on an interstate for a long time is harrowing when 70 rattles bolts loose.

I do like the bike though. Once i get some of the gear off, it's a different bike. Still shakes like crazy over 5; rpm though

don't worry it takes at least 500 miles before important bolts like the shifter bolt rattle off
tighten early, tighten often  [thumbsup]

Kevs little 450 felt like it was an electric bike compared to mine  [laugh]

It is pretty smooth isn't it?

Might investigate the suspension a bit. Not sure about your gen, but the 690 manual recommended settings are RUBBISH. Backed out from all in/stiffest settings, 'sport' is 10 clicks from rebound on the forks and shock. It was like riding a plank. My tailbone hurt, a lot, the front brakes worked poorly and it shook on anything but the smoothest tarmac. To give you some reference here's my settings for the track - THE TRACK

Forks: Comp 18 clicks/ Reb 13
Shock: LS Comp 14, HS Comp 1.5 turns/ Reb 15

Around 15 clicks out was their 'Standard' setting and 20 is 'Comfort'. So on the 690 E, Waaay too much damping to follow their guides.

Some time spent on the suspension might smooth out some of your paint shaker.

not going to help
correct me if I'm wrong but the 690 has a counter balancer, our older LC4s do not
Travis just has to get tough and learn to enjoy the pain, look forward to the pain, embrace the pain

His bike is like yours?

His vision will blur when he rides it then ;D

adds to the sensation of speed  [thumbsup]