No 950/990 Supermoto for 2008? :-(

[garry]

It appears that the 950 Supermoto has been dropped from KTM's 2008 lineup. Bummer. I was hoping it would be updated to use the 990 engine from the SuperDuke. A guy on KTMtalk.com that I think is a dealer said he just placed his 2008 street order and the SM was not available. I guess that's a pretty good source.  Can anyone here confirm/deny? That would be a shame because the bike was very versatile AND sporty. Even had a rack/topcase option for commuting and trips.

Maybe I'll have to start searching for dealers with leftover 2006s at blowout pricing...

[DNA]

Why would the keep both the S duke and the S Moto?
It seems they are may too close to support 2 bikes in 1 micro segment.
I'm not surprised.  Why not just buy a SDuke?

[garry]

Why would the keep both the S duke and the S Moto?
It seems they are may too close to support 2 bikes in 1 micro segment.
I'm not surprised.  Why not just buy a SDuke?

My issues with the SuperDuke (vs Supermoto) are:
tighter ergos
smaller gas tank
no option for a rear rack/topcase
less suspension travel (for railing on bumpy back roads)
less capable on dirt roads
sportbike-type pillion legroom

The Supermoto is a very versatile street bike, despite its name.

[Rincewind]

I don't know, garry.  You got me curious, and I looked at my local dealer's site, and they list the 950 SM as an 08 model.  
http://www.bblancasterpa.com/ktm/ktm5.html

Then I looked at another PA KTM dealer out near you, and they list the 950 SM as an 08 model as well.
http://www.bentleysmotorcycles.com/showcaseproductdetail.htm?ID=5430172&Brand=49&Type=1787

   It's not received a 990 upgrade, but the 950 SM looks to be still available.

[garry]

When a dealer says it's not available on the 2008 order form, I'm inclined to believe them. The model still shows up on the KTM USA website, but the word has been that no more 950 Supermotos are being imported into the USA. That's why I'm looking for confirmation from a dealer (or someone that has seen a 2008 order sheet) first hand to know if they are dropped or not.

[DogBoy]

Couid the lack of an '08 950SM have something to do with carbureted bikes not meeting new Euro emmissions standards?

[garry]

Couid the lack of an '08 950SM have something to do with carbureted bikes not meeting new Euro emmissions standards?

KTM still offers the 950 Super Enduro. Same engine, different chassis. I suspect they're just trying to unload leftover 950 engines. The SE doesn't compete with the SuperDuke, but the Supermoto does. So axe the SM to clean the lineup up.

[AV8OR]

I had heard that the give out 2009 model info during a February street launch. 990 fi sm is what i understand.

[SVrida]

Looks like they were a little slow gettin' it out. http://www.motorcycledaily.com/26november07_ktm990supermoto.htm

[garry]

Yeah, but they are not coming the USA for 2008. A poobah at KTM USA says it would compete too much with the SuperDuke. Note that there are no LC8 Supermotos listed on the KTM USA web site any more. The changes for the 990 SM were exactly what I wanted. Oh well.

[R.Markus]

I can see how they would be inclined to cut one of the bikes from the US line since they are very similar. The SM would be much more of a bike for my style of riding than the SuperDuke...but if I were to get a 950/990 it would be the SE.

[Hickey]

Isn't the SM and SE pretty much the same bike, aside from wheels, tires, springs, and maybe brakes?  I wonder if the SE is getting the 990 work-over like the 990 SM.

[garry]

Not for 2008. Not according to the KTM UK web site (www.ktm.co.uk) anyway. Their site appears to be up-to-date and lists the 950 SE and 950 SM-R as the two remaining 950 platforms. They also list an "R" version of the SuperDuke.

The KTM US web site only lists the 950 Super Enduro R.

All the "new bike" shows are over, so we pretty much know what's up from everyone at this point.

[AV8OR]

Im bummed as well. Hopefully they import it, because thats the bike Im getting!! In black please!!!

[Hickey]

I understand that those motors are thirsty, but with 5 gallons aboard it might have a 140+ mile range.  Hmm...  It is probably a good thing they aren't coming to America.  Ever since I got that little KLX dual sport and felt a long travel suspension for the first time, I've had this urge to have something like that 990 Supermoto.  

It's silly really.  My FJR's suspension soaks up pavement bumps just fine so long as I keep speeds to a reasonable level.  And it can haul far more stuff than any minimalist naked bike in far more variable weather conditions and do so in comfort.  

On the other hand, how much crap does one really need to take with them on a tour?  The KTM has more than enough alternator power to run heated gear and such.  And with that suspension and upright ergos, it probably doesn't give up much comfort to the FJR, aside from wind issues of course.  I actually have a KTM dealer within 1/2 an hour who seems pretty cool and knowledgable.  And the 990 Supermoto would be far more suitable to exploring some of those gravel roads I keep finding.

Nope.  Keep that thing in Europe.  It is tempation incarnate and I am weak.