SuperMoto 690 vs 990

[Thundergod]

Hey folks, I can't get the SuperMoto off my mind. I have been interested in this hybrid-class of motorcycles for quite sometime.

For speculation sake, (since I have not taken any test rides--yet.) What would the performance of the 690 be for a heavy, big fellow 6'1", 230lbs. 34" inseam.

Normally--due to my size I would look at the literbikes/900s to handle the extra mass.....anyone out there my size with a 690--feedback?

And by the by....when you take this on dirtroad how is the handling? Would it be possible to mount more dirt-oriented tread patterns on the bike. (yes I know this isn't an "offroad enduro") but would it handle a little rougher terrain than flat-packed dirt roads?

[garry]

The 690 is very, very light and flickable. It's a true supermoto. The tiniest of control inputs get the bike turning. Great fun on a super twisty road (ala Deals Gap, 15 MPH hairpins, etc). It's a more specialized/focused bike than the 950.

The 950 is a sporty standard naked bike with great suspension and brakes. Like a Tiger or Ulysses on steriods.

I test rode both. There was no contest for me. 950 Supermoto "R".

The biggest problems with going off-road is the 17" front wheel and lack of a skid plate for the 950. Well, the weight too. You can always throw money at the wheels and get new ones. A 19" front and a narrower 17" rear with TKC80s front and back would be pretty good, but you still have the skid plate problem.

Some people buy the 950 Super Enduro and an extra set of 17" wheels to be able to play off-road or tear up the twisties depending on their mood.

[kurtw]

Test both. I'd love to hear more comparisons.

I know I'd personally go for the light-weight thumper. For anything calling itself a supermoto, I'll take light-weight over power any day.

But I think garry summed it up well and his experience is about what I'd expect.

[Orson]

If I wanted a bike for strafing the twisties and lived right next to a buncha curvey roads where speeds rarely exceed 60 mph, the single cylinder thumper would be awful tempting.

For real world riding though, I'd have to think a v twin might be more compatible.

[cabexbx]

I'd agree with Orson.  While I don't have a 690 I do own a Husky SM610 and I just picked up a Super Duke last weekend.  I'm pretty sure the 990s seat will be more comfortable and unless you live close to tight, twisty stuff it can be painful riding the single cylinder supermoto to get to the good stuff.

Like someone else said though, you should test ride them both and buy the one you like best.

[XLR8]

990 makes a great ST bike. And you can do dirt roads and stuff.  

[curvesurfer]

I have a 950SM and my g/f has a 690 Duke....not quite a 690SM, but similar (with a shorter-travel suspension).

The 950SM is simply the most fun bike I've ever ridden (I've owned 12ish and ridden a half-dozen more). It's not the fastest bike out there, but has razor sharp handling, stupendous brakes, and compliant suspension made for real roads. The forks dive a lot under hard braking, but that's something you get used to. KTMs really show their racing heritage, everything about the bike just feels right. The 950 carb'd engine is one of my favorite street mills, with a nice bark, quick revs, and linear power. Upright seating and wide bars make it far easier to ride quickly on the street than race-reps IMO. I have an aftermarket seat that's comfy for at least 300miles/day.

The 690 is a great engine too. Smooth, light, and great power from a single cylinder. It has no problem keeping up in twisty roads, will cruise effortlessly at 80mph and has a top end of over 110. The bike itself is very light, it feels like a bicycle when you push it around. Immensely flickable. Radial calipers and m/c are the basis for strong brakes, but a single rotor up front provides less pure stopping power than the dual-disc setup on the 950. My g/f rode hers 1500 miles over 5 days and didn't complain about the seat. The shorter, firmer suspension provides more direct road feel and stability under braking, but is a bit more harsh on choppy pavement than the 950. I suspect the 690SM would have a ride more similar to the 950. A very fun bike, with amazing build quality, but the motor stops just short of being thrilling due to the smaller displacement vs. the 950.