As previously mentioned I bought a new model 67 reg one for £3k brand new from the dealer in Cirencester ( who’s name escapes me at the mo ) in Dec 17.
I had heated grips ( actually that’s just reminded me the switch mounting bracket has snapped and I need to get a new one ) and orange hand guards fitted. Ive only done 426 miles on it so far and some of those were down in the Alps last year. It was absolutely brilliant fun!
Because it’s only a small single you really do have to use the gearbox a lot more to keep your momentum up. I’m used to an 1150 GS and therefore initially tried riding it like I would as if on that. It simply doesn’t have the grunt to pull out of a slowish corner in say 4th but once you get over that it’s fantastic.
. It really buzzes along nicely.
Now, I’m no lightweight at nearly 18 stone
and 6’1 but can honestly say I’ve not had a problem with the suspension.
Maybe I’m squashing it down far enough so it’s not to hard?
The one thing I can say about the bike is that it really turns into corners quickly!
On several occasions I’ve nearly gone into the near side hedge because it dives in a LOT quicker than my GS! Again, once you get the feel for it it’s superb.
I bought the bike to permanently live in the garage in my motorhome so I have transportation wherever I park up. Once you whip the mirrors off it a fairly low bike and also it’s a pretty light bike too so no problem wheeling it in and out of my van up and down the ramp.
There are plenty of KTM Powerparts and aftermarket parts to farkle away to your hearts content. I’ve removed the rear foot pegs and associated exhaust hanger and it looks a LOT better. I’ve also put on frame sliders, rad guard, rectifier guard, front sprocket cover, brake reservoir cap etc.....
I’ve obviously not run mine in fully yet after 2 1/2 years and therefore can’t use the full rev range but even so it still has plenty of zip about it. When it’s run in fully ( eventually ) it’ll be the perfect little fun bike I was expecting it to be.
You’re never going to win any high speed races on it but at the end of the day it’s only a little 400cc single. It does put a smile on my face every time I go out on it though. I also think they are a pretty little good looking bike!
Oh, and while I was recently furloughed I made and fitted a bespoke mounting plate for my Zumo 660!
It also works as a bit of a screen. I used the original TFT screen mounting bolts so fully removable.
Sorry to waffle on but I can’t recommend them enough.