KTM 990 SMR vs Ducati Hypermotard Evo SP [motorcyclenews.com]

[1KPerDay]

[R Doug]

So, the Ducati losses to the KTM on the track and real world riding tests but wins the overall based on the fact it's the best poser bike?  

I like to think I pick bikes based on what it feels like to ride.  Besides, I can't see the bike while I'm riding it so I don't give two shakes what it looks like.  

Well, OK... I do somewhat care what it looks like.  But, there are just some ugly less attractive bikes out there which I would still ride and not be embarrassed to be seen on because the bike's unique look is somewhat noted as a badge of honor (Tuono, Dukes, Strom, Adventure, GS, etc...).

[Dan K]

So, the Ducati losses to the KTM on the track and real world riding tests but wins the overall based on the fact it's the best poser bike?  

I like to think I pick bikes based on what it feels like to ride.  Besides, I can't see the bike while I'm riding it so I don't give two shakes what it looks like.  

Well, OK... I do somewhat care what it looks like.  But, there are just some ugly less attractive bikes out there which I would still ride and not be embarrassed to be seen on because the bike's unique look is somewhat noted as a badge of honor (Tuono, Dukes, Strom, Adventure, GS, etc...).

Come on, Tuono ugly?  You're kidding, right?  Especially the '03 model...in magnet gray...thinking of selling, interested?










- Dan

[Mookie]

Well if they wanted a prettier KTM they could have just compared the Duc to a Superduke.  Same engine, suspension etc.  Only difference I can see is a front fender and the gas tank shape.

[R Doug]

I didn't call the Tuono ugly.  I called it "less attractive" and "unique."  

In fairness, I shouldn't have even used "less attractive" when discussing the bikes I noted.  What I'm trying to say is they are not attractive in a traditional sense (e.g. Ulma Thurman).  Some people don't find these bikes to be attractive like we do.  

And for goodness sakes, did you really have to post the images of your bike to make your point?  I see the bike in every post you make anyhow.    


Anyhow, back to the point... I find the honesty of MCN refreshing.  "Yea, it's not the best riding bike between the two but it's too sexy not to pick."  

[R Doug]

Well if they wanted a prettier KTM they could have just compared the Duc to a Superduke.  Same engine, suspension etc.  Only difference I can see is a front fender and the gas tank shape.

There's a material difference in the ride between the S Duke, Duke, and SM.  I don't believe they are that interchangeable.  

IMHO, I'd take a Super Duke over the SM for track days and the SM over the Super Duke for real world riding.  

[R Doug]

Come on, Tuono ugly?  You're kidding, right?  Especially the '03 model...in magnet gray...thinking of selling, interested?

PS... I including both of my bikes in that list too.  

And as much as I like your Tuono, I must wish you the best of luck on your sell.  I'm trying to sell my Super Duke so I can purchase a dirt bike.  

[mugwump58]

Adam, Adam, Adam, heavy sigh........ Did he say 200 mile tank on the KTM?

 Ahh 100 mile tank, I think

[KodiakRS]

I don't think that anyone wearing those leathers should have the right to judge which one of those bikes looks better.  

[garry]

There's a material difference in the ride between the S Duke, Duke, and SM.  I don't believe they are that interchangeable.  

IMHO, I'd take a Super Duke over the SM for track days and the SM over the Super Duke for real world riding.  

True, 'dat. R Doug and I have swapped rides (my 950 SMR, his Super Duke). Both are huge fun. I agree with his summary: the SD is the sportier of the two, the SMR is more versatile/practical.

[Mookie]

Having never ridden the SMR, what makes it more practical?  

[garry]

Having never ridden the SMR, what makes it more practical?  

46L factory top case, more upright seating position, longer travel suspension to soak up bad pavement (and helps look over cars), better two-up seating.

[staedtler]

I don't think that anyone wearing those leathers should have the right to judge which one of those bikes looks better.  

...    i thought adam was a gay mariachi performer?

[Dan K]

And for goodness sakes, did you really have to post the images of your bike to make your point?  I see the bike in every post you make anyhow.    


Anyhow, back to the point... I find the honesty of MCN refreshing.  "Yea, it's not the best riding bike between the two but it's too sexy not to pick."  

Hey, it looks way better there than in my miniscule sig pic...and going by MCN's logic, my Tuono should sell based on lokos alone!  Although I haven't decided to sell it yet...planning to take it to the track and depending on how I like it there, will either keep or sell and buy a cheap track bike.

HIJACK OVER - RESUME THREAD!

- Dan