Help Me Choose...Hypermotard - KTM SMR - KTM Superduke R - KTM RC8 - Ducati 999

[Shadowfax]

Ok, feeling the need for another set of wheels.  I Currently have my Trophy for comfort and distance and my Daytona for speed but I'm thinking about a Supermotard like the KTM 950 SMR or Ducati Hypermotard 1100S or the more road oriented Superduke R for local commuting and outright FUN since Michigan's roads aren't much to write home about sometimes I'd like to spice things up.  I'd most likely sell my XR650R dirt/sumo setup if I got one of these bikes (I haven't really ridden it much anyway and I don't see myself doing much dirt and the kick start can be a PITA at times).

I've also toyed with the idea of selling the Daytona and picking up either the 999 which can be had for a fair price these days or the KTM RC8.  I don't "need" a different sportbike, I'm not that fast, just looking for a change I guess and I like the twins and triples more than the inline 4 thing.

One last thing, I'm 6'2" with a 34-35" inseam and I need/want a taller bike (part of the reason I shy away from the Japanese bikes and lean towards the European's) and all of the above seem more geared for taller riders with some adjust-ability built in.

There are a couple of nice KTM's for sale but they are a ways away (NY, Philly).  No RC8's at the moment unless I want the limited edition 20k version and a number of Ducatis floating around (the maintenance issues don't put me off much).

Any of you with experience with any of these?  Your input appreciated...even yours Tom  

[Sport-Touring]

[garry]

The KTM 990 SMR should be high on your list. It's a much more sporty ride than my 950 SMR is. The extra power and sharper handling were immediately obvious at the KTM track day I did last summer. I think the Hyper is a sexier looking bike. I spent most of that track day riding the RC8R and it's a very fun bike for taller folk if you want to get another sport bike.  Very easy and forgiving to ride. Smooth linear power. I really liked it.

My local KTM dealer (Bentleys in Murrysville, PA) has a new/leftover 2008 Super Duke on the floor. Not sure what he wants for it. They also have several RC8s, including new/leftover 2010 RC8s (not Rs) that are discounted.

[Shadowfax]

Garry that's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for thanks.  I'm hoping to keep it under 10k and I'm happy buying a low mile used bike as opposed to new.  I haven't seen any 990 SMR's come on the used market but if I see one soon I'll give it serious consideration.  

Maybe I'll give your dealer a call and see what they have on the floor that they are motivated to move.

Thanks again for the heads up and feedback!

Scott

[garry]

I guess I should mention that I've traded rides with STN's own "R Doug" when he had a Super Duke. It's definitely a sportier ride than my SMR on a twisty road with good pavement, but I think the SMR is better suited to dealing with beat up back roads. I like the roomier ergos on the SMR over the SD too (6' 3", 165 lbs), but damn that SD sure is fun on a nice road.

[Shadowfax]

I guess I should mention that I've traded rides with STN's own "R Doug" when he had a Super Duke. It's definitely a sportier ride than my SMR on a twisty road with good pavement, but I think the SMR is better suited to dealing with beat up back roads. I like the roomier ergos on the SMR over the SD too (6' 3", 165 lbs), but damn that SD sure is fun on a nice road.

Decisions Decision!  Good to hear you're taller and I assume fit on the KTM's.  Tough to find any around here to sit on much less ride.

[Mookie]

The Super Duke is a great bike but the SMR is a lot comfier and comes with some good factory touring options.  Depends on what you're looking for.  I do think the SD is way sexier, just a bit less practical.

[Shadowfax]

The Super Duke is a great bike but the SMR is a lot comfier and comes with some good factory touring options.  Depends on what you're looking for.  I do think the SD is way sexier, just a bit less practical.

Thanks -- Duly Noted!

[sleazy rider]

I recognize that avatar!  

Good luck with the unenviable task of buying another bike.  You know I'd be glad to ride it back from wherever for ya.    And , for the record, I like the looks of the Superduke R.

And the Ducati 999.

Hey, Scott, you see this one over the big lake to the left?  http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2010-Ktm-Supermoto-T-101905394


OMG!    http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009-KTM-RC8R-102002843  

[falconati]

Get the RC8R and never look back  

[Fourstring]

Get the RC8R and never look back  

Can't look back, front is coming too fast.  

[mxvet57]

Can't look back, front wheel is coming up too fast.  

FIFU

[R Doug]

Can't look back, front is coming too fast.  

 


For the roads up north, I would pick the SM-R.  

[Shadowfax]

I recognize that avatar!  

Good luck with the unenviable task of buying another bike.  You know I'd be glad to ride it back from wherever for ya.    And , for the record, I like the looks of the Superduke R.

And the Ducati 999.

Hey, Scott, you see this one over the big lake to the left?  http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2010-Ktm-Supermoto-T-101905394


OMG!    http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009-KTM-RC8R-102002843  

All higher than my self imposed $10,000 limit  

[Mookie]

I think I confused the SMR with the SMT 990 when I mentioned the factory luggage options....

[Shadowfax]

I think I confused the SMR with the SMT 990 when I mentioned the factory luggage options....

I thought that might be the case but thanks for your input!

[garry]

I thought that might be the case but thanks for your input!

FWIW, one of the main reasons I chose the SMR was that you can put a 46L top case on it. While it looks like ass, when combined with a small tank bag, is perfect for weekend trips. Add soft saddlebags (which will rub on the pipes) and you're good for a full week. My only issue using the SMR for sport-touring/multi-day rides is the limited fuel range which requires you to plan fuel stops when laying out a route. I get 40 MPG, so the fuel light comes on at about 110 miles and it will be bone dry  by 150. I don't mind stopping every 2 - 2.5 hours for fuel, but you need to know where the gas stations are or be opportunistic when traveling in unknown territory.

Here is my SMR, loaded with camping gear (rare for me, I prefer motels) for a long weekend at the STN Campout at Seneca Rocks (WV):

[Shadowfax]

FWIW, one of the main reasons I chose the SMR was that you can put a 46L top case on it. While it looks like ass, when combined with a small tank bag, is perfect for weekend trips. Add soft saddlebags (which will rub on the pipes) and you're good for a full week. My only issue using the SMR for sport-touring/multi-day rides is the limited fuel range which requires you to plan fuel stops when laying out a route. I get 40 MPG, so the fuel light comes on at about 110 miles and it will be bone dry  by 150. I don't mind stopping every 2 - 2.5 hours for fuel, but you need to know where the gas stations are or be opportunistic when traveling in unknown territory.

Here is my SMR, loaded with camping gear (rare for me, I prefer motels) for a long weekend at the STN Campout at Seneca Rocks (WV):

Sweet setup Garry,

I almost see room for you on your bike  

I'm like you though, I prefer to motel it when I travel although my Trophy gives me the luxury of hard bags.  Still don't know what I'm getting but I did the "Wife Check" today and got the firm   (although she did ask if I was selling something if I got another one   )  You said the 990 SMR was a nicer ride than the 950, I checked and the seat height and wheelbase are the same, did they tweak the steering geometry on the newer ones (apart from the engine update)?

Thanks again to everyone that's responded for their input.

Scott

[sleazy rider]

Scott, if you go that SMR route, I have a like new Wolfman tank bag for you in the garage from the GS.

[garry]

You said the 990 SMR was a nicer ride than the 950, I checked and the seat height and wheelbase are the same, did they tweak the steering geometry on the newer ones (apart from the engine update)?

I think I said sportier. I never looked into what changed in the chassis, but the 990 was noticeably more eager to turn. And I was running the same tires as the 990 (by chance), so it's not just a tire profile thing.

[Squareman357]

At 6'3" and 240 lbs with a 36 to 37" inseam, the RC8 was one of the most comfortable "super sport" bikes I've ever ridden.  Damn near everything is adjustable.  If I could float the $20K plus price, and didn't care about potentially binning one up on the track, I'd definitely get one for a track beast.  Linear power, and smooth once you get the revs up.  The vibes at idle didn't bother me but mirrors are useless below about 5K or so LOL!  Good luck.  I'd love to have one.