Motard questions

[derf]

I've been looking at SM's, right now more of a future pipe dream than anything else, but I'm really trying to see the ups and downs of owning one as a primary bike.

the big negatives that I really see so far are the engine size and its power at highway speeds, and comfort on a ride longer than a quick run.

Just wondering what folks experience and opinions have been with them.

[Trip]

Get it as a second bike, if you lived where I do or only planned to do track only, sure they are a blast, but if you live where you do, you will get bored with it pretty quickly.

Tank is small on most as well, so anything longer than a short hop and you will need to gas up a lot.

[azoomm]

I recommend purchasing something built as an SMR, rather than a dirtbike that you convert. I have done that - it's not worth it.

[CasterTroy]

You can really go a few different directions with a motard.

I wanted a motard for YEARS...but couldn't afford a second bike. Once I COULD I couldn't afford a DECENT one. I wanted a KTM or an Aprilia...but damn!!! $9k?

I thought about BUILDING one..but title problems galor...plus reliability, AND I didn't want a dang kick-start streetbike unless it was a ratt-bike (which I still want)

MY problem was, I wanted something fun, but that could also double duty as a commuter or be capable of riding more than 100 miles without being in agony…since I live 30 miles from the real tight stuff that motards thrive in.

I thought about converting a KLR 650 or DRZ 650 to SM since they’re heavier and would make better commuter + mile eaters. But they’re weak as pond water and HEAVY. Then, I WAS going to get a Suzuki SMR until I happened upon THIS:




It's an ODD duck for sure... MuZ Baghira ...which is a bastard conglomeration of KTM forks & suspension, a German frame, and a Yamaha 660 Raptor motor.

It’s making RIGHT AT 56 hp (had it dyno tuned and rejetted last week) with the full system and new jetting and it weighs almost 400 pounds….so it’s pretty stable even at it’s top-out (105) and I can ride it for hours on end.

I love the damn thing! And I’m almost twice as fast on deals gap type roads on this stupid thing than I was on the TLR/CBR/K1200S/R1

I’m taking it to the track Saturday to see how she does. Can’t wait



BTW...check out www.supermotojunkie.com for more stuff.....but be warned....that sight will MAKE you buy one

[marko138]

I want one too.

[derf]

I would really like a SM with the engine of an SV or 650r, something like that, even an ex500 wouldnt be bad. I'm not seriously looking, just pondering the thought. my next bike will probably be a sport tourer anyway, I'm just looking. It took me 2 years to really decide to buy a bike last time.

[karl_1052]

Originally Posted by derf

I would really like a SM with the engine of an SV or 650r, something like that, even an ex500 wouldnt be bad. I'm not seriously looking, just pondering the thought. my next bike will probably be a sport tourer anyway, I'm just looking. It took me 2 years to really decide to buy a bike last time.

too heavy.
a single is where it's at for tards

[Trip]

Originally Posted by karl_1052

too heavy.
a single is where it's at for tards

yeah, you want to keep an SM as light as you can or you might as well get an SV.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by derf

I would really like a SM with the engine of an SV or 650r, something like that, even an ex500 wouldnt be bad. I'm not seriously looking, just pondering the thought. my next bike will probably be a sport tourer anyway, I'm just looking. It took me 2 years to really decide to buy a bike last time.

The Aprilia SXV models (4.5 or 5.5) are V-twins and are light as hell. That lightness comes with a price of maintenance that will shock you and supposedly less reliability though.

[azoomm]

Or, an F650GS, for that matter 650X.