VTR1000.ORG

Beamish · Post by **Beamish** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 6:11 pm

Took a ride to the KTM store at market Deeping today, I was hoping to blag a ride on a 690 SM or similar. They took my name and number and said they would ring me when one came available! There were at least 4 parked up outside and I just want to ride one to see if the style and performance would suit. They didnt have the new RC8 either (not that I have 10.5K to blow on one) No coffee, very little chat, all in all not very good sevice.

warby221 · Post by **warby221** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:46 pm

You need an honest face m8 before they'll let you have one

lee67 · Post by **lee67** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:56 pm

well they wouldnt let charlie and ewan borrow one, so dont be too upset!!

..now bmw, no probs 48 hour demo's at my local beemer dealer

Beamish · Post by **Beamish** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 9:54 pm

Fair one

Triumph just wheeled one out and said enjoy mate

Really fancied a blast on a supermoto I think it could be a lot of fun

they will certainly sell fewer bikes without easy test rides IMO

bob the builder · Post by **bob the builder** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:52 pm

S'funny you should say that........my local KTM dealer (Drysdales in Perth) are very similar. No free coffee, no "how are you today Bob", no test rides! and just generally all round very unfriendly.
I spent a lot of money in there over the years on my son's motox kit thinking it would help with a big bike purchase in the coming years. Transpired waste o bloody time....a couple of years back i had cash to spend on new bike, looking for something specific " Nah we ain't got one of them can't help"
Havin' said that my son had 2 motox bikes, both KTM's and when it came to selling them they sold themselves. Brand recognition is good, dealers maybe a bit "tom kite".

Supermofo · Post by **Supermofo** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:19 pm

Think it all depends on the individuals TBH, I had 2 KTM's an LC4 then a 625SMC. The dealer I bought from is no longer there, but most of the sales people were not particularly nice. However Jason the manager was fantastic, free coffee, always time for a chat, test rides and very very good deals. He's now set up on his own here. Not visited him at his new place and its a treck for you, but give him a call I'm sure he can sort you out. Tell him Graham sent you (he'll think I have a Z750 from Colin Collins at the mo RIP)
http://www.thektmcentre.co.uk/

As for Supermotos if you can handle the lack of distance work and ride the right roads you will not be disappointed. I used my Tards as only bikes inc a 60 mile round commute at one point and loved every minute of it. IMO KTMs are better built that a hell of a lot of other bikes and have a feel to them that no bike I've ridden before or since has given me, everything you do is directly linked to what the bike does there is no filler involved at all, its as if the bike is plugged directly into your brain

Beamish · Post by **Beamish** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:55 pm

Thanks Supermofo will defo think long and hard before buying my next steed but KTM will be in with a shout.

Supermofo · Post by **Supermofo** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:51 am

Beamish wrote:Thanks Supermofo will defo think long and hard before buying my next steed but KTM will be in with a shout.

Also check out the Husky 610 and 510. They are sort of the new hot poop in the tard world. They look like sex on wheels and have a good reputation unlike husky's of old. Two year warranty helps too

This place are supposed to be good and I know the bloke via Visordown Supermoto forum.
http://www.justbikes.org.uk/

If it was me I'd go for the 510 cos its a bit more agro, but if your after something a bit more road focused look at the 610.

As with all tards a pipe/system, airbox mods (cutting holes in airbox panels) and a dyno set up will make them feel like different bikes to standard and see decent gains at the wheel. With my 625 I went from 51 to 58 at the back wheel with gains right through the range and on a bike that light you notice it

As for which KTMs the SMC's will be slightly lighter, bit more powerful than a standard LC4 or 690 depending on age. The new 690SMC is still to arrive I think?? but is much better looking and likely to be a bit more fun than the 690SM.

If you are just looking for weekend fun then also look at things like the KTM 525. Not as much power as above, but far lighter and more focused. Downside is 250 mile oil changes and 500 mile filter changes with valve checks every 500-1000 miles (don't normally need adjusting though). This compares to 3000 miles services on the LC4, 625SMC and 690.

Bonuses are suspension and brake quality that few bikes match, esp when things get bumpy. Most Tards come with suspension quality that shames more mainstream bikes.

Link to a pic of my last one which I wish I never had to sell. Turned it into a bit of tarts handbag

but still loved it. Black rims and hubs, black plastics, sticker kit, airbox mods, re-jet, full Remus system
http://www.therevcounter.com/showthread ... post135813

goffy · Post by **goffy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:32 pm

Got my test ride of the RC8 booked for tomorrow (tuesday). No bother at all with the Exeter KTM dealer, Albion M/Cs.

While I was there booking, a guy from Wales bought the demo bike for collection in six weeks! Presumably this is when their new demo bike and
the pre ordered bikes come in.

All his mates were very impressed too and, so far, so am I, riding position very similar to the VTR and Falco and the weight seems very low down.

Won't be buying any time soon either way, I'm one of those people who wait for the hype to die down a lot before I make with the part exchange and cheque book!!

When the dealers have got a little line of the bikes ready to sell is the time to strike