By Robert Shearon
I’ve been hinting to Tom Murry at Kawasaki Sports Center in Little
Rock that I wanted to try out a KTM.
This month I got my wish. Murry provided me with a KTM 950
Super Moto. This one had some miles already on it, so I didn’t
have to worry about break-in issues. One of the staff told me that I
needed to be aware that the bike was incredibly fast, and that if I
couldn’t have fun on that bike, I probably couldn’t have fun.
I had fun.
The bike was carbureted and I didn’t find the choke until after I
had it started. The choke is mounted on the handlebar above and
parallel to the clutch lever. Kind of different arrangement.
Getting on the bike was bit of challenge. I’m 5-feet 10 inches tall. I
was able to just kick my leg over. Getting off was another story. I
had to drag my let across the seat, pulling the end of my right
pants leg with both hands. It wasn’t pretty.
But, I’ll have to say, it was worth the effort.
The bike was awesome.
There were only two things I didn’t really like about the bike. The
seat was atrocious. After 20 miles it felt like I was sitting on a 2x4.
The seat is narrow and hard. I suspect some gel inserts or some
other aftermarket product could remedy that. Or just take shorter
rides.
The other thing I didn’t care for was the lack of a tachometer.
There was a point at which the bike engine did not like to rev
below, but it was guesswork on when you were about to hit it. On
my Voyager that point is 2,000 rpm. No idea what the point is on
the KTM.
However, once you hit the sweet spot, the KTM comes on with a
jolt and accelerates harder than anything I’ve yet ridden. At 450
lbs. and 95 horses, it’s a potent combination.
And yes, I did a wheelie. I didn’t mean to, although I had just had a
conversation with Matt at M&M Stop-N-Shop in El Paso, Ark.,
about how I thought I probably could do a wheelie on the bike.
Anyway, as I was leaving his shop, I pulled through a four-way
stop. As I was still accelerating in first gear a car started to pull out
from Smitty’s (which has more neat oddball stuff than anyplace I’ve
ever shopped). My options were to brake and hope the folks
behind me did likewise - or blast past the point of potential impact.
I chose the latter option, cracking open the throttle all the way.
Whoa there Nelly! The front end jumped a few inches as the bike
flashed past the potential danger zone.
I’m too old for that kind of stuff. But, it was fun and I was laughing
hysterically as I continued up Arkansas 5 toward Rosebud.
I started the test out with a run up the Interstate. The unfaired bike
blasted a lot of air toward me. However, it was 90 degrees, so the
air was welcome. The bike got up to Interstate speeds quicker
than I would have though possible and I took U.S. 67/167 to
Cabot, where I got off and picked up Arkansas 5 for some two-lane
highway action. The KTM really shined on this part, with the bike
holding a steady line through the curves. Plus, the bike pulled
hard and fast when I accelerated out of corners. It was neat.
This would probably be a good time to mention the suspension.
The KTM had the best suspension of any bike I’ve ever been on,
including my personal bike. Once you get on the tall bike, it settles
a bit on the shocks, and I was able to get the balls of both feet
down at stops. If you are much shorter than me (I’m 5-feet 10
inches), it might be an issue. It soaked up potholes easily and I
couldn’t even feel the rain grooves on Interstate 40 around North
Little Rock. If the bike had a comfortable seat you’d probably
never want to get off.
From El Paso I took Arkansas 5 to Rosebud. There I picked up
Arkansas 36 and headed east toward Searcy.
I spotted a speed trap and immediately put on my double-nickel
smilers. I eased past the trap and continued on a ways. I saw a
State Trooper pull out of a parking lot and pull in behind me. He
followed me in that way they have, so I knew he was going to pull
me over. I adjusted the left mirror so I could see his lights as soon
as they came on. It took him a few minutes, but he finally hit the
lights and I pulled over.
He asked why there wasn’t a tag on the bike. I told him. He
checked my driver’s license then let me go. He didn’t ask how I
liked the bike, so I guess he wasn’t a bike person. It takes all kinds.
The State Police were working that highway pretty hard and I
passed several more speed traps. At Searcy I gassed up (got 43
miles per gallon). I picked up U.S. 67/167 and headed back toward
Little Rock.
At this point I was beginning to get rather unhappy with the seat.
The seat is flat, so you can move back and forward and side to
side quite bit, but for me, it was like moving around on a 2x4. Did I
mention I didn’t care for the seat?
Normally I’m not in much of hurry and I don’t bother with passing
cars if they are going a reasonable speed. But when I was cruising
up Arkansas 5 earlier in the day, I just had to see how quick I
could pass a car. I downshifted, pegged the throttle, and held on
tight. I’ve never felt a rush of acceleration like that. I was by the car
in about two seconds. Sweet!
I wish I could explain the acceleration. You could ride the bike
forever using only about an eighth of the throttle and have all the
speed you would ever need. At half throttle you are entering thrill-
ride territory. At full throttle you are nearing warp speed. The bike
accelerated harder the more you turned the throttle. A lot of bikes
don’t do that. You peg the throttle and the bike will accelerate at
whatever speed it does, and the only thing you determine with the
throttle position is your top speed. Not so on the KTM. Each
quarter-inch or so of throttle made the bike accelerate that much
harder and faster. I liked it.
The mirrors were OK on the KTM. They are kind of odd, paddle-
shaped things and would work better, for me, if they were set out
about another inch. Still, they worked okay.
The six-speed transmission shifted easily, although I did hit neutral
a couple of times when shifting to 2nd gear.
The gauges were digital and easy to read. Gauges included
speedometer, odometer, two trip odometers and engine heat. The
cluster itself was about the size of a cassette tape, and actually
looked quite a bit like a cassette. I’m not a big fan of digital
speedometers, but the display was easy to see.
Since I always ride a bike with an eye toward it’s touring ability, I’d
have to say you’d could tour on the KTM. It has an upright seating
position that is very comfortable, if you don’t factor in that seat.
Add a windshield, trunk and bags and you would be set to go.
But, the bike is not made for that. Barry described it as a ‘hooligan’
bike, and he’s probably right. The bike exists for fun, and it
justifies its existence very well.
Here’s the specs, courtesy of the KTM web site:
Engine type Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 942 cc
Bore x stroke 100 x 60 mm (3.94 x 2.36")
Performance (homologated) 98 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Max. torque 94 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Starter E-Starter
Transmission 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Carburetor 2 x Keihin constant-pressure carburetor, 43 mm
Control DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication
Engine lubrication Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W50
Primary drive 67:35
Final drive 17:41
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Ignition Denso battery ignition
Frame Tubular chromoly space frame, powder-coated
Subframe Aluminium
Handlebar Aluminium, conified
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP monoshock
Suspension travel front / rear 200 / 210 mm (7.87 / 8.27")
Front brake 2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted, 2 x
floating brake disc Ø 305 mm (12")
Rear brake Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm
(9.45")
Rims, front / rear 3.5 x 17"; 5.5 x 17"
Tires, front / rear 120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"
Battery 12 V / 11.2 Ah
Main silencer 2 x premium steel with catalytic converter
Steering head angle 64.6°
Trail 110 mm (4.33")
Wheel base 1510 mm (59.45")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 190 mm (7.48")
Seat height 865 mm (34.05")
Fuel capacity approx. 17.5 liters (4.62 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 191 kg (421.8 lbs)
I’ve been hinting to Tom Murry at Kawasaki Sports Center in Little
Rock that I wanted to try out a KTM.
This month I got my wish. Murry provided me with a KTM 950
Super Moto. This one had some miles already on it, so I didn’t
have to worry about break-in issues. One of the staff told me that I
needed to be aware that the bike was incredibly fast, and that if I
couldn’t have fun on that bike, I probably couldn’t have fun.
I had fun.
The bike was carbureted and I didn’t find the choke until after I
had it started. The choke is mounted on the handlebar above and
parallel to the clutch lever. Kind of different arrangement.
Getting on the bike was bit of challenge. I’m 5-feet 10 inches tall. I
was able to just kick my leg over. Getting off was another story. I
had to drag my let across the seat, pulling the end of my right
pants leg with both hands. It wasn’t pretty.
But, I’ll have to say, it was worth the effort.
The bike was awesome.
There were only two things I didn’t really like about the bike. The
seat was atrocious. After 20 miles it felt like I was sitting on a 2x4.
The seat is narrow and hard. I suspect some gel inserts or some
other aftermarket product could remedy that. Or just take shorter
rides.
The other thing I didn’t care for was the lack of a tachometer.
There was a point at which the bike engine did not like to rev
below, but it was guesswork on when you were about to hit it. On
my Voyager that point is 2,000 rpm. No idea what the point is on
the KTM.
However, once you hit the sweet spot, the KTM comes on with a
jolt and accelerates harder than anything I’ve yet ridden. At 450
lbs. and 95 horses, it’s a potent combination.
And yes, I did a wheelie. I didn’t mean to, although I had just had a
conversation with Matt at M&M Stop-N-Shop in El Paso, Ark.,
about how I thought I probably could do a wheelie on the bike.
Anyway, as I was leaving his shop, I pulled through a four-way
stop. As I was still accelerating in first gear a car started to pull out
from Smitty’s (which has more neat oddball stuff than anyplace I’ve
ever shopped). My options were to brake and hope the folks
behind me did likewise - or blast past the point of potential impact.
I chose the latter option, cracking open the throttle all the way.
Whoa there Nelly! The front end jumped a few inches as the bike
flashed past the potential danger zone.
I’m too old for that kind of stuff. But, it was fun and I was laughing
hysterically as I continued up Arkansas 5 toward Rosebud.
I started the test out with a run up the Interstate. The unfaired bike
blasted a lot of air toward me. However, it was 90 degrees, so the
air was welcome. The bike got up to Interstate speeds quicker
than I would have though possible and I took U.S. 67/167 to
Cabot, where I got off and picked up Arkansas 5 for some two-lane
highway action. The KTM really shined on this part, with the bike
holding a steady line through the curves. Plus, the bike pulled
hard and fast when I accelerated out of corners. It was neat.
This would probably be a good time to mention the suspension.
The KTM had the best suspension of any bike I’ve ever been on,
including my personal bike. Once you get on the tall bike, it settles
a bit on the shocks, and I was able to get the balls of both feet
down at stops. If you are much shorter than me (I’m 5-feet 10
inches), it might be an issue. It soaked up potholes easily and I
couldn’t even feel the rain grooves on Interstate 40 around North
Little Rock. If the bike had a comfortable seat you’d probably
never want to get off.
From El Paso I took Arkansas 5 to Rosebud. There I picked up
Arkansas 36 and headed east toward Searcy.
I spotted a speed trap and immediately put on my double-nickel
smilers. I eased past the trap and continued on a ways. I saw a
State Trooper pull out of a parking lot and pull in behind me. He
followed me in that way they have, so I knew he was going to pull
me over. I adjusted the left mirror so I could see his lights as soon
as they came on. It took him a few minutes, but he finally hit the
lights and I pulled over.
He asked why there wasn’t a tag on the bike. I told him. He
checked my driver’s license then let me go. He didn’t ask how I
liked the bike, so I guess he wasn’t a bike person. It takes all kinds.
The State Police were working that highway pretty hard and I
passed several more speed traps. At Searcy I gassed up (got 43
miles per gallon). I picked up U.S. 67/167 and headed back toward
Little Rock.
At this point I was beginning to get rather unhappy with the seat.
The seat is flat, so you can move back and forward and side to
side quite bit, but for me, it was like moving around on a 2x4. Did I
mention I didn’t care for the seat?
Normally I’m not in much of hurry and I don’t bother with passing
cars if they are going a reasonable speed. But when I was cruising
up Arkansas 5 earlier in the day, I just had to see how quick I
could pass a car. I downshifted, pegged the throttle, and held on
tight. I’ve never felt a rush of acceleration like that. I was by the car
in about two seconds. Sweet!
I wish I could explain the acceleration. You could ride the bike
forever using only about an eighth of the throttle and have all the
speed you would ever need. At half throttle you are entering thrill-
ride territory. At full throttle you are nearing warp speed. The bike
accelerated harder the more you turned the throttle. A lot of bikes
don’t do that. You peg the throttle and the bike will accelerate at
whatever speed it does, and the only thing you determine with the
throttle position is your top speed. Not so on the KTM. Each
quarter-inch or so of throttle made the bike accelerate that much
harder and faster. I liked it.
The mirrors were OK on the KTM. They are kind of odd, paddle-
shaped things and would work better, for me, if they were set out
about another inch. Still, they worked okay.
The six-speed transmission shifted easily, although I did hit neutral
a couple of times when shifting to 2nd gear.
The gauges were digital and easy to read. Gauges included
speedometer, odometer, two trip odometers and engine heat. The
cluster itself was about the size of a cassette tape, and actually
looked quite a bit like a cassette. I’m not a big fan of digital
speedometers, but the display was easy to see.
Since I always ride a bike with an eye toward it’s touring ability, I’d
have to say you’d could tour on the KTM. It has an upright seating
position that is very comfortable, if you don’t factor in that seat.
Add a windshield, trunk and bags and you would be set to go.
But, the bike is not made for that. Barry described it as a ‘hooligan’
bike, and he’s probably right. The bike exists for fun, and it
justifies its existence very well.
Here’s the specs, courtesy of the KTM web site:
Engine type Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 942 cc
Bore x stroke 100 x 60 mm (3.94 x 2.36")
Performance (homologated) 98 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Max. torque 94 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Starter E-Starter
Transmission 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Carburetor 2 x Keihin constant-pressure carburetor, 43 mm
Control DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication
Engine lubrication Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W50
Primary drive 67:35
Final drive 17:41
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Ignition Denso battery ignition
Frame Tubular chromoly space frame, powder-coated
Subframe Aluminium
Handlebar Aluminium, conified
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP monoshock
Suspension travel front / rear 200 / 210 mm (7.87 / 8.27")
Front brake 2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted, 2 x
floating brake disc Ø 305 mm (12")
Rear brake Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm
(9.45")
Rims, front / rear 3.5 x 17"; 5.5 x 17"
Tires, front / rear 120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"
Battery 12 V / 11.2 Ah
Main silencer 2 x premium steel with catalytic converter
Steering head angle 64.6°
Trail 110 mm (4.33")
Wheel base 1510 mm (59.45")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 190 mm (7.48")
Seat height 865 mm (34.05")
Fuel capacity approx. 17.5 liters (4.62 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 191 kg (421.8 lbs)
| KTM 950 Supermoto |