Right so time for a new tard....
I have 2 friends with supermoto converted 450s... one a Honda CR450, other a YZ450.... yet to ride the Yam, but rode the Honda....freaking killer...at freeway speeds it cruises at 80mph without pushing 5th gear like my dozer....prolly tops out at 130 or so...handles like a dream and power up the wazoo... looks killer.....i'll post pics of their bikes soon.

BUT, the cost of a the 450 plus all the goodies kinda puts me off...

My other choice is the KTM 690 SMC...
(on that note..you know the difference between the SM and SMC?)

So...what would you go with?

hand built italian exotica Al.

 Vertamati450SM2005.400X245.jpg ( 15.12K ) Number of downloads: 7

Straight off I'd go for the 690 no question about it,

You want it for the street and the odd track day yea? or just a straight racer for that I would go with a Husaberg FS650C
The Cr and Yz you mentioned are both great bikes, They look great and handle really well. I have ridden both and I own CRF450 but if I was in the market I would'nt buy either unless they were going at a really really good price

I dont know what the difference is between the SM and the SMC but if its like Husaberg(which KTM own) they have E and C models so I was thinking it might stand for competition but then the SMC has lights and mirrors too so I'm not sure. I'll do a search

Get around to as many dealers as you can and try out every bike before you buy, also have a look at the Husky SM610E a little down in power than the 690 but still a great bike. The Yamaha XT660X ain't bad but nothing compared to the KTM, The only bike that I would buy other than the KTM is a Husaberg, oh yea and keep away from the SXV.... Sorry Baldy

I own a KTM525, have it pushing on 4yrs now and the reliability has been superb, once you keep up with the maintence schedule(especially for the track) which is very standard. The bike is outdated now but its still amazing to ride, I would feel very confident buying another KTM

Heres a little 690SMC teaser to wet your appetite





If your going to buy used and can come across a good EXC525 or the 660SMC go for it. If your buying new then the 690SMC is the one to go for

Heres the 525 in some urban action(This is one of my favourite videos and not just because its the same as my bike
Massive wheelie at the start for nearly 3mins the some jumps, more wheelies and alot of nice 360 and rolling burn outs )




Heres an interesting Dyno read out

What I found out about the SM(also know as SMR) V's the SMC is that apart from the engine they are two totally different bikes.

The SMC is taller and looks more like a dirt bike, has much more suspension travel, is quite a bit lighter, the SM is styled a lot differently and doesn't look like a true motard or true dirt bike.

In the two pics below you can see the difference. The SM has twin exhausts and looks pretty ugly, the other is the SMC and has that classic Motard style(exhaust is on the left like the Berg)

The SMC is the newest in the LC4 range and the way to go if your buying new

KTM USA link
http://ktmusa.com/

Oy Al

Get a real mans bike you fuckin fag

comes complete with 4 year mechanics course and full snap on tool kit

^^^well that told me

joking aside - my heart tells me SXV my head tells me KTM

my WALLET says - IGNORE YOUR HEART

well thats face it, it it didnt look so beautiful and wheelie in every gear it would be sold you only live once mate.

Right so lets make it clear...in my area of the world i have only select choices...and you named some makes i can't get...member..its the US...we don't get the cool shit

SO!...choices.
Buid a 450 (a plethera of colors to choose from )
KTM.. leaning to
Husky.. i like
Aprilia.. yeah, i like to ride further than the end of the driveway.
(sorry Baldy)


So i need one that would be good for street use, maybe not daily, but if need be yes daily...
Some Track Day action, and hill country canyon carving.... so i can LEAN on wanker bitches that can't ride like some of the homos in this forum, you know who you are

WHO SAID WHAT LIKE ?

Converting a YZ/WR or CR(better off staying away from the XR/R) is pretty easy and can work out cheaper, In the twisties the 450's will have the slightest edge over the 650's but once you get a feel for the 650's(690) they start to feel very nimble. Check out this video its one I've posted before but you can see the guy on the 450 while he is doing a great job and riding the nuts off it he is just holding up the 650 rider



690SMC
The fuel-injected 654cc motor shows a massive 66hp and it only weighs 305.4Lbs. Not only would you be handing any supersports their ass in the twisties... Like most thumpers do, but it will give you the edge to stay ahead on short to medium straights... Unlike most thunpers, you’ll be finishing your beve before they even get to the point you’ve planned to meet

SM610E
576cc four-stroke, 4 valves, SOHC, Liquid Cooled Single which gets fed through an electronic fuel injection system. Huskys engine is weaker than KTM’s making 54hp, Its a very good bike and looks great too but why buy a Husky when you know theres a better bike on the market
It all comes down to individual feel and what characteristics we look for in a bike, best to get a test on both

The 525 or 625/660 they wont have anything on the 690 but still great bikes just take note of the tank its usually about 9Ltr tank on the 525 to 660 and are 5 speed, the 690 has about a 12Ltr tank and is 6 speed

The 690SMC is perfect for your commute to work and every day use with KTM known for their reliability, a complete demon on track and blasting thru your favourite Hillside twisties.
Its all the bike you will ever need... and then some

Fuck it Curve, bore out the suki, or bye a used wr450 or crf450X and have a fun project that you'll end up with a custom or sleeper.

All the bike posted are sweeeet!!!

Just make sure it dosen't vibrate like a paintmixer. That will kill the thrill.

The new 690 KTM's come with a slipper clutch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

whats the diff between the KTM 690 "SMC" and the "SM"

the smc is minimal and gorgeous.
 ktm690smc.jpg ( 93.08K ) Number of downloads: 7


where as the sm is over weight and ugly.
 KTM_690SM.jpg ( 28.65K ) Number of downloads: 7


smc for me, you could take that on the dirt, the sm is more of a road bike

Its all in the design, motors are identical. The SMC is a true Motard and gets my vote