I loved my 05 KTM 625 SMC. Only things I changed were putting Metzler M3’s front and back, cutting the pipes, air box, jetting it and removing the useless power robbing stuff particular to that LC4 motor, put a new Z ring chain, and the aluminum center steel tooth KTM stealth sprocket on the back, 1 tooth smaller OEM steel front. Throttle response was EFI like, tq down low was nuts, and plenty of upper power to run it up to around 110mph, prior to ass pucker due to aerodynamic instability. Around town the 1 tooth down was tits! could still run 80mph on the highway and not rev it to the moon, but the grunt gained down low was sooo much more fun. Only thing I would have added if it were still in my garage is a steering stabilizer, front end was LIGHT and the aero features or lack there of made it a bit twitchy at high speeds when the front tire was unloaded.
Since there isnt a need to do 160mph, I never see myself on a sport bike again. A good rider, on a larger supermoto bike will YANK a decent rider on a sport bike on a twisty ride, until the straights. The 625 I had took everything I had the nut to throw at it. ZERO chicken stripe on the back of the SAME TIRE most street bikes have stock. Bottom of the pegs were scraped, and the sides of my boats were too, that bike would get LOW. It only weighed like 320lbs or so, which made it easy to flick too IMO. Also there is no better feeling then backing it into a turn and having someone come up to you at a stop light and say MAN I THOUGH YOU WERE GOING DOWN BACK THERE! :rofl
Another big reason to think sumo, is insurance! Full coverage on a single cylinder “enduro” bike I paid like $200 a year or something to that effect on it with collision, I was quoted over $1400 for a R6 with collision!
While supermoto’s wont get pussy on the back of it going bar to bar… if thats what your into, buy stock in wife beaters, sneakers, stay off my insurance carier, and give me a call when that new GIXXXXXER goes down! Sumos are built to ride, and ride hard.
GL getting that on the street. Cert of origin = need to apply for VIN then title.
A DRZ400 is a sweet bike too. I felt the KTM was in a different ballgame though, felt more like a road bike than a toy. Better brakes, clutch, suspension, over all feel. BUT the DRZ is alot cheaper, and can be upgraded big time. Still plenty of power when needed, lighter to flick around. Cheaper parts to replace when it takes a slide. It all depends.
My next dream bike. Hypermotard. /thread
