I was rather taken by one I saw today, and the helpful salesman made me sit on it. anyone know what they are like, are carbs a pain or are they still fairly reliable. should I do it? What excuse can I give my partner, slipping doesnt work anymore
I'm sure you would have seen this on the Bike social site but just in case................ The early carbed 950 bikes have a reputation for reliability, however they do need to be looked after. A good service history is always a bonus as KTM release rolling TIs (Technical Improvements) that only KTM dealers know about and will fit to the bikes. Checking the oil level on a 950 can be a fiddle due to its dry sump, so ensure the owner knows how to do this as they can drink a bit and running them low leads to big end issues. The LC8 needs a major valve clearance check and service at 9000 miles, which is a big bill, so always ensure this has been completed. Other than that, check the chassis around the footpeg area on the SM as the pegs mount directly to the frame and in an accident can crack the frame, and also inspect the engine for signs of flaking paint. Overall the SM is a very reliable bike, but they do need to be well looked after and can deteriorate quickly if abused.
I read that, makes it sound quite good. the bike looks pretty clean, the fairing on the fuel tank has had some paint, but its an old bike, The frame didnt have any visible rust, and its got a big sump guard on it, exhausts look original and are nice and straight. The carb thing really did put me off though, I remember my Dad's Escort, it was my job each day, to get the thing started and it was a right faff. It did get a lot easier once I realised that it had a semi automatic choke that my parents refused to use because 'it will flood the engine'
No idea, i never take any notice of the ratings, but i gave you a like to off-set it I had 'the conversation' last night.
Been talking with the lad who inspects our wagons at work this morning, he had one and said it was a proper hoot, he had to sell it as he was worried he was going to loose his licence!! He fitted a slipper clutch as he said when you backed off sharply in 3rd the rear wheel would practically lock up!!
Well. I now own this bike I must be mad. I'm sure its gonna be a learning curve again. I dont get it until after Christmas, i do fancy some graphics for it, i have boots, but not sure what else to wear on it
I'm not sure, I'm also not sure its over. I'm gonna go with a bribe. I should have factored that in to the cost of the bike tbh
I hope so! cant wait to ride it still got that trepidation about getting on a new bike though but its a case of do it, or regret it
A dirt helmet and goggles are worth a punt. Great in the summer and really good round town. You can keep the goggles on but still have fresh air to breath. ...and goggles don't steam up sitting at lights. I use Icon Field Armour(Compression top and bottom) quite a bit on the sumo. Originally got it for light dirt riding and downhill MTB but I slip it on maybe a little too often for hacking around town. ...with regular clothes.or my uniform on top. Of course you'll maybe be holding more surtained speed on that thing, in which case your normal gear is what you'll want on. Race leathers and a dirt lid for the full-on look, Adventure gear and/or lids... All gear looks good on a supermoto. The supermoto itself makes everything look good. You got a hoodie?
well, you have said all the right things. I dont mind admitting that a big part of riding for me, is what I'm wearing, and I want it to look right. I fancy an airoh helmet, and i love the look of a hoodie with leather jeans, protective gear under the hoodie, and a bit more practical for walking around town also, they look good with full leathers, and I kinda think my dainese suit will work with it if I get some graphics on the bike I have a new pair of all red Tech 10 boots and they look great with my dainese suit, but would def look weird on the fireblade. in fact, here is a pic
