I Need a Tard...Maybe a KTM 690 SMC?

[desmoquattro]

I've been a bit obsessed with getting (or at least trying) a tard lately. Looking at a KTM 690 SMC, but there aren't many of those around to be had. I think this video may have pushed me over the edge:



Any thoughts or advice on whether this is the right bike? I'm not super interested in the mellower SM or SMR, nor do I want a maintenance pig like the 'Prillers...

And yes, this would replace the FZ1...and complement the 1198s.

[DanTheMan]

buy it., If your not in a hurry, i think maybe a new version is coming out next year, The current model has been out since '08. 21,000 miles on mine and running strong. Just got it our of storage for the last 6 months, put the battery in two cranks and started right up. Time before 1.5 years in storage two cranks Brrrrraaaappp! You may not be able to ride like the guy in the video, but you sure feel like you do. Freeway commuting you'll be fine, nice upright position and many options for storage. Buy me a whiskey at the next zeigeist and you can take mine for a romp. There is a reason there aren't many around, they get bought up fast. Perfect compliment to the 1198, but youll ride the KTM more.

[desmoquattro]

buy it., If your not in a hurry, i think maybe a new version is coming out next year, The current model has been out since '08. 21,000 miles on mine and running strong. Just got it our of storage for the last 6 months, put the battery in two cranks and started right up. Time before 1.5 years in storage two cranks Brrrrraaaappp! You may not be able to ride like the guy in the video, but you sure feel like you do. Freeway commuting you'll be fine, nice upright position and many options for storage. Buy me a whiskey at the next zeigeist and you can take mine for a romp. There is a reason there aren't many around, they get bought up fast. Perfect compliment to the 1198, but youll ride the KTM more.

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely take you up on that.

[MendoDave]

And you don't like this because?...

2011 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP

[desmoquattro]

And you don't like this because?...

2011 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP

It's 100lb heavier, thousands more expensive, and I already have a Ducati. Plus the idiocy factor is soooooooo much higher on the KTM.

[MendoDave]

OK that explains that. So now I will go mow the lawn.

[The Bacon Junkie]

I've been a bit obsessed with getting (or at least trying) a tard lately. Looking at a KTM 690 SMC, but there aren't many of those around to be had. I think this video may have pushed me over the edge:



Any thoughts or advice on whether this is the right bike? I'm not super interested in the mellower SM or SMR, nor do I want a maintenance pig like the 'Prillers...

And yes, this would replace the FZ1...and complement the 1198s.

Okay, between this video and the "Power of Orange" thread, I might be doomed!

Good thing I'm so super broke, or else I might do something stoopit!   




 

[desmoquattro]

Hmm...maybe the shine's coming off this idea:
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282181

You would have to fabricate some sort of a linkage for it to make it happen.

But when you think about it, its completely counter-intuitive for a "dirt" bike's purposes. Granted I've become used to using GP-shift on a streetbike not because of the ability to upshift easier while leaned over in a left-hander, but just because I like the way it feels overall.

Net-net, no GP shift...unless I spend a ton of money. I still want the damn thing...I just don't want to introduce another unnecessary risk factor.

[dtarsky]

On the Hyper vs. KTM question, I have to wonder about riding position. I parked next to a KTM 950 yesterday and seriously can't understand how you even throw a leg over the mofo they are so high! How do you sit at a traffic light, on one foot?

[DanTheMan]

On the Hyper vs. KTM question, I have to wonder about riding position. I parked next to a KTM 950 yesterday and seriously can't understand how you even throw a leg over the mofo they are so high! How do you sit at a traffic light, on one foot?

Yoga, i practice yoga 5x a week. Imagine with a tail bag on, no swinging your leg over anything, lift it straight up and step over the bike.

To be fair, with the amount of suspension sag when you sit on the bike, it comes down 3"-4". At the light you learn to just slid your ass off to one side.

[desmoquattro]

Tall bike = Long Suspension Travel = Jump Intersections

[Kaveh]

I know nothing about this bike, but I now want one!

How easy is it to set up 'tards for some minor dirt ridding, like fire roads and such?  Is it as simple as swapping wheels with different tires? 

I know that dirt tires and street tires are different diameters, but is there anything else involved?  Brakes, or anything of that nature?

[DanTheMan]

I know nothing about this bike, but I now want one!

How easy is it to set up 'tards for some minor dirt ridding, like fire roads and such?  Is it as simple as swapping wheels with different tires? 

I know that dirt tires and street tires are different diameters, but is there anything else involved?  Brakes, or anything of that nature?

You can ride the street tires off road, i ride fire roads and gravel with pilot powers no problem, Watch at 2:04 ill ride 40-60 on that with out too much fuss. And the last part 3:00 was at the mini tt track at metcalf all on pilot powers.

Westward

The rear will swap directly with the 19" of the 690 enduro, the front well you basically need the full enduro front end, forks, wheel, brakes. With the SMC having the big radial brembo, the angle of the spokes of a 21" front will make contact. And being that it is radial mounted you cannot put the smaller front brake. So its the brake thats the issue.

If you really desire both sets of wheels, get the 690 enduro and then get a set of sumo wheels for it. You can use the same front brake or if you want a bigger front, get an adapter and bigger brake.

[Kaveh]

Looks good Dan!  I'm guessing that you don't want to see any mud or wet dirt on those pilot powers? 

My current fantasy is to move back to Tahoe and get a 'tard.  Use it on the street a while bunch and then some occasional fire road use to get to some great fishing spots.  Currently this is a pipe dream, but I can still dream, right?

[DanTheMan]

Looks good Dan!  I'm guessing that you don't want to see any mud or wet dirt on those pilot powers? 

My current fantasy is to move back to Tahoe and get a 'tard.  Use it on the street a while bunch and then some occasional fire road use to get to some great fishing spots.  Currently this is a pipe dream, but I can still dream, right?

Ive crossed a few rivers and hit some mud, but not at speed. Add water and we can call it technical riding.

Sounds like a nice plan. Some back country riding and fishing would be cool.