Pipster
Registered user
As you know, I've just bought a new 950SE from AMS Tewkesbury 2/1/08; thought I'd give some feedback on it to date, as I bought the bike without a test ride. As and when I modify it, I'll keep you posted.
This is an absolutely non biased thread; I've happily owned the 1150 and 1200 GS's and but my circumstances have changed; pending baby arrival means I won't be touring as far afield but still need my bike kick so I need a bike capable of a run out with the lads, some light trail riding and the odd UK rally.
First day out was 100 road miles trip to clock up some miles; couldn't believe how well mannered it was on the road. Top gear running in speed about 70mph, not much wind blast and one thing that had completely disappeared was the head buffeting that I used to get off the 1200 screen. Haven't managed to use a full tank in one days riding so far but think the tank range is 100-120 miles; ample for this country even in the more remote areas.
Second day out was a trail ride with some of the guys from the North West section; a steady days ride, some easy lanes. Obviously the bike not being run in wasn't able to give it too much right hand, but one thing it definitely needs, for me, is some bar risers and also with it having tubed tyres I was unable to run my tyres at low pressure until I fit rim locks. Traction was an issue on the day... apart from that, as you'd expect with white power suspension, very useable off road. Obviously its not a pogo stick but it will be perfect for light laning and an awesome bike for the big bike rallies.
Thats about it so far, I intend to fit bar risers, decent off road tyres and rim locks and I'll alter the gearing, which needs to be lower. In the future, I'll have some wheels made up on which I'll run a set of road going Scorpions, balanced up, no rim locks, stock gearing.
I also intend to do a few camping trips with the lads so I'll keep hold of my ali paniers and buy a set of Touratech panier frames which are already available for this bike, and quite happily do the odd weekend away; Lakes, Scotland, etc.
The bike is due for its first service at 600 miles, and I'll be having a set of Akrapovics fitted and the bike retuned
I'll keep this thread going over the next few months just to let you know how it performs; I'm new to KTM but so far I'm impressed by the whole experience.
This is an absolutely non biased thread; I've happily owned the 1150 and 1200 GS's and but my circumstances have changed; pending baby arrival means I won't be touring as far afield but still need my bike kick so I need a bike capable of a run out with the lads, some light trail riding and the odd UK rally.
First day out was 100 road miles trip to clock up some miles; couldn't believe how well mannered it was on the road. Top gear running in speed about 70mph, not much wind blast and one thing that had completely disappeared was the head buffeting that I used to get off the 1200 screen. Haven't managed to use a full tank in one days riding so far but think the tank range is 100-120 miles; ample for this country even in the more remote areas.
Second day out was a trail ride with some of the guys from the North West section; a steady days ride, some easy lanes. Obviously the bike not being run in wasn't able to give it too much right hand, but one thing it definitely needs, for me, is some bar risers and also with it having tubed tyres I was unable to run my tyres at low pressure until I fit rim locks. Traction was an issue on the day... apart from that, as you'd expect with white power suspension, very useable off road. Obviously its not a pogo stick but it will be perfect for light laning and an awesome bike for the big bike rallies.
Thats about it so far, I intend to fit bar risers, decent off road tyres and rim locks and I'll alter the gearing, which needs to be lower. In the future, I'll have some wheels made up on which I'll run a set of road going Scorpions, balanced up, no rim locks, stock gearing.
I also intend to do a few camping trips with the lads so I'll keep hold of my ali paniers and buy a set of Touratech panier frames which are already available for this bike, and quite happily do the odd weekend away; Lakes, Scotland, etc.
The bike is due for its first service at 600 miles, and I'll be having a set of Akrapovics fitted and the bike retuned
I'll keep this thread going over the next few months just to let you know how it performs; I'm new to KTM but so far I'm impressed by the whole experience.