MCN Video: KTM SMT longterm report

[CPB]

^^^From what I've seen on the KTM website and brochure, they do have hard, lockable bags for them.  Also 2 fairly large tail bags.  

[some_finn]

When are they gonna offer larger hard lockable panniers for it?

SW Motech has QD pannier racks for their Trax alu boxes or basically any hard luggage you want (adapters for all brands). The SW Motech racks and Trax alu boxes are also being sold as official "KTM" Powerparts. Givi also has a QD pannier rack but that one works only with Givi/Kappa Monokey luggage.

[Rincewind]

Was pleasantly surprised when the dealer called me today to say that I could pick up the bike late this afternoon.  Cool!

Bike was ready and looking good when I got there.  Had a great ride home, even though it was raining a bit.  Not yet too many miles of course, but what I have done has been a blast.  Should be quite the fun ride.  

SWEET bike!  Congrats.  

RIDER magazine has a good write-up on the SMT this month.  

[rauchman]

Was pleasantly surprised when the dealer called me today to say that I could pick up the bike late this afternoon.  Cool!

Bike was ready and looking good when I got there.  Had a great ride home, even though it was raining a bit.  Not yet too many miles of course, but what I have done has been a blast.  Should be quite the fun ride.  





Wow, congrats on what must be a great bike.  Just read the article about this bike in the latest issue of Rider magazine.  Sounds like it should be an outstanding ride.  Curious, what kind of mileage are you getting?

[Jmac_bandit]

I really hope these things sell decently in the states so I can pick one up used in a few years.  Love the looks,performance reviews, and really the whole package.  I wish I was in the position to pick one up new but alas I shall wait and save my pennies.

[dave1068]

Saw this bike at Razees. Looks great and has good leg room for those w/ 34" legs. If I sell my goose, this is on my short list. Good luck with it, let us know how you like it after a bit of riding

[CPB]

Picked up the 990 SM-T today after its initial service.  Had them lower the shift lever as it was set in a stupidly high position.  Great improvement and where it should have been all along.  As for the service, the bike seems much more smooth after the service.  First service includes a valve adjust and they must have been rather far out of adjustment prior to the service.  

Bike is running very well and just in time for a long weekend!  

[CPB]

After roughly 850 miles, I can comment a bit more on the bike.  

--Engine smoothing out nicely and is starting to pull hard.  So much that it's difficult to do anything but rip on the throttle

--Comfort is good.  Most recent high mileage has been on BMW GS's and the sitting postion is very similar.  Little fly screen and front fairings work very well at hwy speeds.  I did recently order a touring windscreen just to see how it works out.  

--Handling is terrific!  The bike is so light and turns in so easy.  Feels like a feather weight.  Steering lock is very generous.  Can turn a 180 within the space of a single lane.  

--Brakes are very good.  No ABS.  The rear brake is already squealing, just like the English guy on the Youtube video commented on.  

--Conti Attacks seem well suited for the job.

--Have ordered a few other odds and ends.....rear bags, locks and center stand.  

[xbud]

Just a few questions CPB:

 Any throttle transition issues?   Some say the Adventure and Superduke have throttle transition problems from closed throttle from the EFI.

 How is the seat comfort?  Long distance approved without major fidgiting or is there an upgrade needed?

 Any major vibrations?  I noticed on the Superduke above 6K there was a major vibration through the bars and seat. (Not bad, but noticeable)

 Thanks for the reply.

[CPB]

There is room for improvement on the throttle sensitivity, but it's mostly in slow speed, 1st or 2nd gear maneuvering.  But it's not a deal breaker for me.  It does require a smooth hand on the throttle during slow speed riding.

Seat is reasonably comfortable for a stocker.  I had Renazco redo the seat on my BMW X-challenge and might consider doing the same for this one.  Have not done any multi-hundred mile days on it yet, so I can't say for sure.

To be honest, I have not spent too much time above 6500 rpm so I'm not sure.  I'll have to check it out and report back.  

[CPB]

 Any major vibrations?  I noticed on the Superduke above 6K there was a major vibration through the bars and seat.

Took a few blasts up to 8000 rpm today.  Pretty smooth.  No major vibes throughout the rev range.  

When in 4-5-6 gear, you really want to keep at or above 4K rpm.  The gearing is such that anything below that will cause the engine to feel as it is nearly lugging.

[xbud]

 I appreciate the response, Thanks.

[CPB]

How is the seat comfort?

I did end up making a change to the seat.  It was comfortable, but sat me too close to the bars.  Needed some room to stretch out.  Sent the seat to XPC over the summer.  Was gone for a month, but was worth the wait.  Looks good on the bike and gives the the extra room I was looking for.


also added a taller windscreen and top case.

[mugwump58]

Heavy sigh....

[falcon4]

I've logged 2700 miles in the last couple of months and even made it to the N. Ga Mountains once.
I'm real happy with the bike so far. Even though the seat is pretty good, I have to wonder how much better a Renazco would be? I've heard such good things about them. I can't be without the bike for a  month though, lol.

Unbelievable handling in the mountain turns, with strong pull out of the corners. I don't know how I could be much happier with the bike, but I'm sure I'll find things to improve it. Gas cap is sort of strange for me.

[mugwump58]

Will any of the Adventure panniers fit on it?

[falcon4]

Just did another awesome run thru the N GA mountains.
Made for a great weekend! Up to 5500 miles on it now.
Still very happy with my choice even though I still lust
over many of the nice bikes out there. This one really
just fits me best all- around.