I just got back from my first KTM press launch, and this one was at Laguna Seca-- one of my favorite tracks.

I rode the 170 horsepower (!!) RC8R and the 990 SMC/SMR Supermotos, among others, and came away really impressed... I found it interesting that KTM challenged with their 400 or so dealers being so offroad focused, when they've got so many street offerings nowadays.

Anybody have any impressions of the brand, good or bad? I wanna know!

Basem

My impression was always that they are great machines, but higher maintenance than some other marques.  I'd really love to do a few laps on one of their smaller rmotards.

Basem,

The only KTM i've ever ridden was a Brand New 1993 model 250 MXbike. That was when they were trying to make a resurgance in the market place. It was the first decent bike I saw come out of KTM in a long time. Still though upon resale used, finding a buyer can be tough. Hondas have always been First pick in the used MX market. The Exotics like KTM not so much, they have made alot of improvement in reestablishing themselves over the last 15 years.

Ktm ,  has a reputation of excessive vibration on some of their models.  I've heard alot of this mentioned over time. While they offer some big power increases compared to some of the competion, sometimes riding a Pumpkin aint cheap keeping on the road. The Best Bikes IMO and cheapest to maintain, still say made in Japan.

I have looked at KTM , but with the falling dollar they are expensive and I would not risk one as my primary bike, or Id atleast be somewhat scared. I had a Kawasaki once that crippled my pocket book, so I have to be very careful what I buy, since even the best can fail.

If not your primary ride and you got the money, Go for it!

 

 

 

Thanks for the feedback... I think there's a perception of higher maintenance out there, but I also think of them as rugged (thanks to their success in the Dakar Rally.)

I've read a lot about them, seen them in person once or twice.... the biggest issue for me is the incredibly low MPG most of them seem to get. HP takes fuel, and they're reeally good at making power......

I really like the Super Duke... very purposeful looking bike.  No extra fat on that one.