super motards for first timers

[ronin_01r1]

what's a good first super motard for the street, and maybe a trackday or two. 90% street use, 10% track. i have no dirt bike experience, only street bikes (5-6 yrs), about 5 trackdays per year the last 2 years. i don't plan to use it as a dual sport at all. i want something that is low maintenance, similar to most sportbikes. i'd like to get something used to start.

i was thinking of the suzuki drz400, but have heard it's a little low on power and the suspension could use a little help, and that most ppl would tire of it quickly. i'm not sure if this reasoning is similar to the "600cc is not good for beginners, get a liter bike" rationale.

some have suggested a ktm 690, ktm 640, ktm smc 625. but i don't know the pro's, con's, and differences between these models.

[causef0rconcern]

i'm looking for this information as well...good question dude.

[njracer]

Both of you need to go post this over ar www.supermotojunkie.com

FWIW, Do you guys know that there is a motard series that runs on the road course at E-Town (raceway park) and that E-Town runs open practice days there?

For information on the racing series go to www.esmra.com

BTW, our first open practice and race is this weekend.....come check it out.

[njracer]

BTW, the DRZ also has it's own race class and is probably one of the best classes that ESMRA has......very close racing!!!!

[ronin_01r1]

thanks!

[lateapex]

I rode a DRZ400 on the track a few times, not mine but someone was nice let me borrow it. 6th gear pinned with shorter then stock gearing got me 94 mph. Stock gearing or raise the gearing a bit and 100+ mph should be doable without a problem.

Low power yeah, but that's the nature of any motard. DRZ's seem to the pick lately as you can get one off the showroom floor ready to go, no converting from dirt to motard needed. The DRZ is a super fun bike to ride and with the upright seating you can ride all day without a problem. I sucks up the street bumps and makes for a smooth ride over any road. If I had the money it would be my choice for a street bike and small track (Pocono east and Summit Shenandoah) day weapon.

[carl_g]

See the light and get a KTM!

[ronin_01r1]

Originally Posted by ism409

See the light and get a KTM!

what (street legal, low maintenance) would you recommend for a sumo noobie? $4K or under.

[carl_g]

Originally Posted by ronin_01r1

what (street legal, low maintenance) would you recommend for a sumo noobie? $4K or under.

4 grand you would have to go used.

[BoRkA]

from what i saw so far, 4K will get you a nice 2005 ish Suzuki DRZ400SM.

I am also thinking of selling my supersport bikes and getting a sumo drz400sm to play around with and go to englishtown.
I can just ride to english town, so no crazy trailer tolls and gas prices.

plus the cops wont bother me as much.

[Ant]

Husqvarna makes some nice supermoto's as well. Check out the latest Roadracing world for a review. Maybe it is the month before come to think of it.

[ronin_01r1]

it's funny how the more research i do, the more i am willing to spend on my first sumo..

so i narrowed it down to a few choices..

decisions, decisions...

04-05 drz400sm for $3-4K






04-06 ktm 625 smc for $4-6K




07-08 ktm 690 supermoto $7-9K






my main concern with the drz is how well it will handle the highway. since i am in boring south jersey, i need to ride at least 1 hour on the highway to get to any roads worth riding in PA. i don't want to ride the DRZ on the highway if it's going to struggle and feel like it's going to die on me any minute. i want to be able to comfortably cruise at 75mph, and dodge the occasional distracted soccer mom on i-76.

[carl_g]

That 690 is tits!
check out ktmtalk for all kinds of ktm info.

[ronin_01r1]

Originally Posted by ism409

That 690 is tits!
check out ktmtalk for all kinds of ktm info.

Thanks!

[Smokes35]

Husky has a new one out... Its awesome...


http://www.husqvarnausa.com/