Handy question

[planktonpete]

Hi guys, I used to be a member having had lots of GSs in the past.
I am now seriously thinking of chopping my KTM 990 Supermoto in for an HP2 Megamoto.
They are a bit (not a lot) cheaper here in Munich than UK.
I've seen from the site that the main problems (i.e. no screen, no BMW luggage, teeny fuel tank) can be sorted which has encouraged me but I would like to ask you guys if anyone has any info on the old boxer problem of vibrating handlebars.
Do you get numb hands or fingers riding the HP2 MM or does the balancer shaft (or anything else) fix the problem?
Thanks very much for any opinions (whether opinionated or not - er ...) as I'd appreciate any thoughts on the MM experience.
Thanks PP

 

[bingbong]

Hi guys, I used to be a member having had lots of GSs in the past.
I am now seriously thinking of chopping my KTM 990 Supermoto in for an HP2 Megamoto.
They are a bit (not a lot) cheaper here in Munich than UK.
I've seen from the site that the main problems (i.e. no screen, no BMW luggage, teeny fuel tank) can be sorted which has encouraged me but I would like to ask you guys if anyone has any info on the old boxer problem of vibrating handlebars.
Do you get numb hands or fingers riding the HP2 MM or does the balancer shaft (or anything else) fix the problem?
Thanks very much for any opinions (whether opinionated or not - er ...) as I'd appreciate any thoughts on the MM experience.
Thanks PP

Hi Pete,
I came from the 12ADV to the MM. The MM has more vibes, but I personnaly don't have a problem with numb hands etc but I think it depends on how you ride. I've had many boxers too and never suffered, the FJR1300 I had was different though! You would assume being a 4 it would be smooth. The vibes did much more damage.
I too thought the small tank was going to be a problem, but in truth unless you want to carry fuel for the "just in case" or its a sunday in France, I don't really miss the 33 litres! The other time more fuel is nice is if you plan to commute on the MM, when filling up every day could be a pain.
I am loath to say this bike is a keeper for me as I said that about the ADV but it might just be my "forever" bike I like it that much. It satisfies my mild hooligan side ( mild because I'm getting older) and I like the thought that I will gladly throw some bags on head off for a week or two. Being without a screen doesn't bother me either as 90mph on the motorway/peage etc is easy to do when I have to but otherwise bikes are meant to be elswhere.
Go and ride one if you haven't already, they are bloody great

 

[planktonpete]

Hi Bing Bong thanks for that, it's deffo a vote of confidence.
Being in Munich I am in the privileged position of being able to get into the Alps in a day and into the Italian Sudtirol for a weekend and TBH riding just doesn't get any better. I've had some fabulous fun times on the KTM SM but I still hanker after that MM handling experience I remember when they first came out, when I had an hour on one.
The KTM SM is as mad as a box of bees and I've had to do quite a lot of work to it to get it tourtastic (like Akropovitch, new seat (from the SMT actually but modified), heated grips, higher screen, luggage and whatnot) but that MM feeling still niggles at me.
I just can't for the life of me remember why I got the SM instead of the MM in 2007. Probably the massive difference in price!
Apparently the MM is not being made any more so they are becoming more difficult to buy and certainly more difficult to test ride, even here in the land of Bavarian Moto Wurst, so it looks as if I have to take the plunge into the unknown depths - ergo the question about vibes, one of the real pains I remember about my old R1100SS.
Here second hand low mileage examples of MMs are going for nearly new money so there's not much point in going for second hand.
Cheers and thanks for the input, PP

 

[GSMarc]

Hi PP,

the range can be increased using Markus underseat tank (+/- 7 liters) ;

http://www.gs-equipment.de/

no vibrations in the hands on mine ;

If you take some minutes to scroll this subject, you will find how much the MM can be upgraded

http://jemelapetenflat.xooit.be/t570-Le-nouveau-bebe-du-chef.htm

 

[(RIP) maverick]

I don't have the MM but the HP2E, vibes yes there is more than enough of that

It does not bother me as I am used to it by now and don't luckilly suffer from the numb hands which some people do get unfortunately. Fuel range is ok anything from 120 to 160 miles depends how you ride. I don't go further than this without stopping for a break anyway so again no problem to use the stop for fuel.

Small fly screen sorts out best part of the wind but if you really tall you more than likely will suffer a bit. The older I get the less I carry with me when travelling around so luggage etc is not a problem. As long as I can strap a sleeping bag, tent, camera and spare set of clothes on I am happy - for the rest there is mastercard

 

[planktonpete]

Cool thanks GS Marc. Funny I was in Paris on the Perifique yesterday (in a rental box) and a guy on a HP2 megamoto swerved round me (as they do) and buggered off in the traffic. Must have been fate, have never seen one there before.
But I don't do the lingo so can't understand the jemelapetenflat link.
No prob.
By the way, I've seen some comments about the seat - is it all day sittable or only good for a couple of hours? Has anyone had it modified?
PP

 

[Loiq]

they got one at Vines...

but I like my HP2E and the wife would stab me if I turn up with another bike too quickly...

 

[(RIP) maverick]

By the way, I've seen some comments about the seat - is it all day sittable or only good for a couple of hours? Has anyone had it modified?
PP

Easy tiger I would not go that far or is it long The seat is good for most about 100 miles then you get fiddly. I did longest day from John O'Groats to Lands End with a small Airhawk no probs

Think if it was without that probably found me sitting next to the road crying my heart out of pain

 

[planktonpete]

Oh. Ah.
Small Airhawk - what's one of them then?

 

[(RIP) maverick]

Oh. Ah.
Small Airhawk - what's one of them then?

airhawk

You get different sizes the small pillion one will do fine.

 

[Bengaz]

Did 1000 miles in a day with an airhawk no problems but only 100 or so comfortably without airhawk and max 200 without serious assache

 

[bingbong]

Cool thanks GS Marc. Funny I was in Paris on the Perifique yesterday (in a rental box) and a guy on a HP2 megamoto swerved round me (as they do) and buggered off in the traffic. Must have been fate, have never seen one there before.
But I don't do the lingo so can't understand the jemelapetenflat link.
No prob.
By the way, I've seen some comments about the seat - is it all day sittable or only good for a couple of hours? Has anyone had it modified?
PP

A pair of padded cycling shorts works wonders if you don't fancy an airhawk. I would use an airhawk for touring and the shorts for day trips. onyack

 

[bingbong]

Hi Bing Bong thanks for that, it's deffo a vote of confidence.
Being in Munich I am in the privileged position of being able to get into the Alps in a day and into the Italian Sudtirol for a weekend and TBH riding just doesn't get any better. I've had some fabulous fun times on the KTM SM but I still hanker after that MM handling experience I remember when they first came out, when I had an hour on one.
The KTM SM is as mad as a box of bees and I've had to do quite a lot of work to it to get it tourtastic (like Akropovitch, new seat (from the SMT actually but modified), heated grips, higher screen, luggage and whatnot) but that MM feeling still niggles at me.
I just can't for the life of me remember why I got the SM instead of the MM in 2007. Probably the massive difference in price!
Apparently the MM is not being made any more so they are becoming more difficult to buy and certainly more difficult to test ride, even here in the land of Bavarian Moto Wurst, so it looks as if I have to take the plunge into the unknown depths - ergo the question about vibes, one of the real pains I remember about my old R1100SS.
Here second hand low mileage examples of MMs are going for nearly new money so there's not much point in going for second hand.
Cheers and thanks for the input, PP

That's very interesting reading, just before I found my mega I was so close to getting the Katoom, the Hypermoto was a very close thing too. Then I found the Mega for sale in the UK and knew I would regret not buying it. If you have euro's to spend the uk must be the cheapest place for one at the moment?

 

[planktonpete]

That's very interesting reading, just before I found my mega I was so close to getting the Katoom, the Hypermoto was a very close thing too. Then I found the Mega for sale in the UK and knew I would regret not buying it. If you have euro's to spend the uk must be the cheapest place for one at the moment?

Thanks BingBong, interesting that you were considering the SM and the Hyperm before the Megam.
Thanks for the tip about the Airhawk, it sounds too good to be true so I must get one.
Am waiting for the dealer to sharpen his pencil at the mo - may well try a UK sourced one if he's not sensible (only then I have to get it TUV'd over here = MoT'd for the wrong side of the road).
Does anyone know if the Megamoto has the BMW trick of being able to re-aim
the headlight to save having to buy a new one?

Cheers P

 

[ian stevenson]

hello pete,
i have a 2008 megamoto for sale,1,700 miles from new.
u.k. spec and registered.
carbon extras.
as new condition.
drop me a pm,or call, +447958143881.
thanks,
ian.

 

[planktonpete]

hello pete,
i have a 2008 megamoto for sale,1,700 miles from new.
u.k. spec and registered.
carbon extras.
as new condition.
drop me a pm,or call, +447958143881.
thanks,
ian.

Ian - interestiong. How do I "pm"

 

[Joe Bar]

Vibes? Never had a problem with them, though fitting R1200GS handguards helps as you need to use the bar end weights as well.

The Isotta screen definitely helps long distance comfort, I've done 320 miles on the standard seat, but does make your arse ache, done well over 600 in a day with a Airhawk though. Now looking at having the seat re-done over the winter, a friend has had good results with his 800GS.

The actual riding position for me is superb, and much more comfy and less manic than the Hypermotard and the KTM 950SM, once the seat is sorted it will almost be the perfect bike for me.

I think that almost everyone that has understood what they are buying has been happy with the bike, they're not perfect, but no bike is, but whatever the weather I've never had a bad ride on mine yet.

 

[fixinbones]

I had a 950SMR and traded it for the MM because I had my heart on the MM having only owned BMWs. The KTM suspension was so much superior than what you get on the MM. The MM is harsh out of the box and even backing down on preload, rebound, etc doesnt make it perfect. You get the feeling that the suspension was tuned for the track which only a few of us will ever see. The KTM suspension was awesome. It could be dialed from racing hard to cruising soft in a matter of minutes. I changed the fork oil and had the Ohlins reworked a bit on the MM and its just tolerable for me now. Dont get me wrong I love the MMs ride and comfort but would likely trade it in a minute if I could get my hands on a 990SMT here in the US

 

[Bengaz]

I sat on a new SMT last weekend. Probably the only bike I would consider (apart from the new ducati when it arrives maybe?).
120HP with standard exhaust and a really nice riding position. 2 up and luggage friendly.
Bit plasticy tho.

Doesnt look a patch on the BMW, doesnt have the raw appeal and having done 7000 miles on my MM since April dont know whether I could ever part with her

 

[planktonpete]

I had a 950SMR and traded it for the MM because I had my heart on the MM having only owned BMWs. The KTM suspension was so much superior than what you get on the MM. The MM is harsh out of the box and even backing down on preload, rebound, etc doesnt make it perfect. You get the feeling that the suspension was tuned for the track which only a few of us will ever see. The KTM suspension was awesome. It could be dialed from racing hard to cruising soft in a matter of minutes. I changed the fork oil and had the Ohlins reworked a bit on the MM and its just tolerable for me now. Dont get me wrong I love the MMs ride and comfort but would likely trade it in a minute if I could get my hands on a 990SMT here in the US

Hi Fixin (may I be so familiar as to call you Fixin??) I wouldn't be too sure about the SMT - I know all the mags are raving about it but I've put the KTM high screen on my SM as well as the SMT seat and handguards (plus bits such as Akros and lower gearing etc) and as a comparison my SM is now far superior to the SMT, which in my opinion has a little bit of air turbulence from the screen/ fairing. The main thing though is the lower/ softer suspension on the SMT just does not give the feedback and smoothness on bumpy roads that the SM does. Unless you're a shorty the SM (with the (cheap) SMT mods for tourability) is a better bet.
P