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:

http://www.troybaker.com/mz/mz47.jpg


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]

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]

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.

[azoomm]

Or, an F650GS, for that matter 650X.

[Antwanny]

im looking into the husky 610sm or a newer ktm 690 both are pipe dreams

[goof2]

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.

[pdog]

My biggest issue is the engine. I don't know if it's just my DRZ, but the thumper engine is a drama queen. It makes a lot of noise and vibration but just doesn't make much actual power and has tons of engine braking. An Aprilia 5.5 twin sounds about perfect to me but the reliability is just not there AFAIK. It'll be a HUGE change from your CBR900.

[fnfalman]

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.

An Aprilia 5.5 twin sounds about perfect to me but the reliability is just not there AFAIK. It'll be a HUGE change from your CBR900.

The RXV and SXV are nothing less than full blown race bikes with blinkers and plates. Hell, the first year models are not even street legal.

You don't expect a race ready engine to be a reliable performer as a mundane street bike?

They are not made for droning day in/day out. The engine needs serious overhaul every 50-hours of operation.

The 4.5 model is less so, but also gave up lots of oomph. Still kicks ass and takes name but not overwhelming like the 5.5 model. When you take an RXV or an SXV out for a proper thrashing, I guarantee that you will get off the bike with your knees wobbling, your hands shaking and your weewee busting a nut. I've never ridden anything as intense as the SXV5.5 supermoto. Not even the KTM 950SM, BMW MegaMoto or the overhyped Hypermotard can touch the ferocity of the Aprilia 5.5 motard.

[jtemple]

Boy, do I wish I could afford an SXV 5.5.

[OTB]

Picked this up Sunday:

http://www.squidbusters.com/sb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2648

[marko138]

Picked this up Sunday:

http://www.squidbusters.com/sb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2648
Whoa. I might need to check this bad boy out before you sell it.

[OTB]

Its a low-miles 03 DRZ400s with a Motostrano Quick-change kit (Excel wheels, Conti tires, wave rotor, caliper extension, braided lines, tail kit and a couple other bits. The bike has 2500 miles on it, the kit about 100 (the tires aren't even scrubbed in).

Quick turn-in, ridiculous lean angles and great for the tight and twisties.... for the freeway, not so much. Nervous handling and a tendency to get blown around by truck; but it is great for the torn-up sections of the beltway where the pavement gobbler scrapes up mile-long stretches of chunking, patched pavement and leaves dusty, sandy wiggly lined pavement with abrupt seams and 2 inch high drops and seams; there the long travel suspension excels.

[CasterTroy]

for the freeway, not so much. Nervous handling and a tendency to get blown around by truck


Thats the ONLY reason I didn't go with a DRZSM. I didn't feel like being treated like a ragdoll when/if I had to do any hiway (which is nice when you've spent all day on the backroads and want to get back home in less than 3 hours)