Does this thing have kick starter?

Nope, also the LC4 doesn't have it anymore...

My dealer confirmed today that my 950S will be delivered in April, he has been unable to obtain prices for the panniers, tank bag etc from the importer. He rode both bikes, 950 and 950S at the dealer launch in Spain and reckons it's as quick as a Jap 600, the silver one handled better on road due to lower suspension but the orange one (IMO the better looking one) was better off road - so long as you have long legs! Although the seat height is lower than a Duke the seat is wide which makes footing a little more difficult. Will comment further when I get the bike.

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"restricted to 132bhp"

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\"restricted to 132bhp\"

Me too... I have ridden it yesterday for about an hour, great great great handling... nice and linear torque, powerful feeling...

Can't wait to get handy on MY bike (this was a test one)... In 14 days... Will comment...

Well Guys, it's here, sat on it in the dealers showroom yesterday, it's BIG, could only just get my toes on the ground both sides, but I'm not going to be riding it with my feet on the ground! The sad part is that I shan't be able to ride it until next Saturday as I am away on business next week. Will report back to you all when I have ridden it around the Isle of Man TT Course!

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"restricted to 132bhp"

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\"restricted to 132bhp\"

Well, I've ridden it but, now that it's two years late, I have a few major gripes:

- why two fuel fillers? - awful design
- why such a small tank? - it should be 30 litres.

It was smooth but i was expecting the wieght of a Highlander (but with KTM reliability): http://www.highland.se/home/index.htm


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Jerome

http://www.fowb.co.uk

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Jerome

fowb.co.uk

The two tank fillers should be to give both tanks complete autonomy from each other, this way if you crash and smash one you´ll still be able to carry on with the second.

[This message has been edited by Pedro Rocha (edited 13 May 2003).]

I took the orange beast out for a spin on monday....and yes its tall, but hey its fun.It is perfectly balanced , amazingly responsive and is definately my next bike.The gear box is so slick , everything feels right and i couldnt believe how easy it feels to ride.....it feels "light" and a doddle to manouvre.I have nothing bad to say about it....but another ride has to be arranged soon.

Hmm, how many times have you fallen off and broken the fuel tank? If the tank's buggered I think the rider would be in a worse state.

Sounds like a salesman talking to me

Imho it should have been designed properly in the first place, especially as it's two years late.

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Jerome

http://www.fowb.co.uk

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Jerome

fowb.co.uk

Sat in one tonight at the Sydney Bike Show. It was the orange "S" model. Couldn't topuch the ground. Will have to go for the grey model. Looks great IMHO, but still mi8ght opt for the 640, lighter, better fuel range and a proven thing. Plus on the 03 you can have side and centre stand which makes it much easier for my 173cm.

Well Guys,

Finally got the 950S on Thursday, yes it's big, in fact it's enormous, I was concerned when I first sat on it that the height would be a problem but once I had ridden it all those fears evaporated, the height isn't a problem provided you are aware of it when you come to a stop and simply slide sideways on the seat and get your foot flat on the floor. (I'm a six footer by the way)

On the move the bike is perfectly balanced, as with this type of bike the wide bars allow you to throw the machine around with confidence and the tyres are certainly up to the job. I was somewhat dissappointed at the front brake (for road use) which needs a fair bit of pressure to achieve results, two fingers are adequate but it did not compare to the fantastic brakes on the Duc 749 I rode last week but then as the 950 is a "dirt bike" I guess fierce stoppers are a distinct disadvantage off road.

The windscreen directs air straight at your helmet but this problem will depend on your height, ear plugs definitely recommended. The seat is wide and comfortable - I rode for about two hours non stop with no problem, riding position fine, instruments clear and easy to read, plenty of room for the pillion passenger too. Useful little storage space on top of the tank and bigger storage bin under the seat, it will take a security chain or disc lock easily. I have had the optional centre stand fitted and it's easy to get the bike up on it and it's fairly unobtrusive, certainly a necessity in the event of a puncture.

I am impressed by the finish, the plastics are not unlike KTM's dirt bike panels and appear durable, I wonder if they will be as cheap to replace or are they going to be similarly priced as road bike plastics. The metallic orange is interesting, when the light catches it, it has a green sparkle and changes with the light, I like it, the colour scheme is good and certainly easier on the eye than typical Japanese "track suit" graphics.

I don't understand the gripes about the twin fuel fillers, I like them, they look quite trick but I do agree that better fuel capacity would be desirable but the bike is big already, enlarging the tank to make it take say another 10 litres, well what do you think?

So how did it go around the TT course? well bearing in mind that it still only has 150 miles on the clock, the three Honda 600 CBR's I came upon at Ballacraine traffic lights certainly got a shock when the "dirt bike" passed them (only on the corners) going up through the Glen Helen section, the machine carries it's weight low and is so flickable and confidence inspiring that changes of direction come easy and in perfect safety, V2 engine braking means that simply rolling off the throttle is sufficient to check the corner entry speed before rolling back on the gas and feeling that twin thump the power back in from about 4,000 rpm. Bearing in mind that I'm taking it easy until the newness wears off, I'm not exceeding 5,000 rpm (when I can remember) which equates to 85mph in top gear, can't wait to get a few more miles on the clock and open it up a bit more. The gearbox is really slick although the clutch feels a bit spongy - may need bleeding, but there was a clutch recall before I even got my hands on the bike. Apparently the clutch basket has a reinforcing band around it, which the factory advised to be checked, on checking at PDI it was found to be loose, the replacement isn't due for 6-8 weeks so they have removed the band for the time being (as recommended) with instructions not to abuse the clutch i.e. no wheelies or do-nuts etc

My dealer tells me I am one of the few to get the 950 now as the factory have told him he won't get any more until November, if anyone has any questions about the bike I will be pleased to answer them, for those of you who may be coming to the Island during TT Fortnight, look out for me and say Hi, I will be the only 950 with Manx plates.




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"restricted to 132bhp"

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\"restricted to 132bhp\"

Twice... Was a pain!

Wrong: if you ride protected by the right equipment maybe the only trouble is "How can I get back home now?"

IMHO is usefull ;-)

Bye

Pietro

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Pietro Tosetti (KTM EGS 640 Adventure R 2001 "PRIS") &
Patrizia Coari (Honda Dominator 650 "Brontolo")
Milano - GFC 23 & 24 - EChM 499 <A HREF="http://www.pitpat.it
A" TARGET=_blank>http://www.pitpat.it
A</A> volte un atteggiamento rigido e' conseguenza di una paralisi.

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Pietro Tosetti (KTM EGS 640 Adventure R 2001 \"PRIS\") &
Patrizia Coari (Honda Dominator 650 \"Brontolo\")
Milano - GFC 23 & 24 - EChM 499 <A HREF=\"http://www.pitpat.it
A\" TARGET=_blank>http://www.pitpat.it
A</A> volte un atteggiamento rigido e\' conseguenza di una paralisi.

Ok, maybe it is useful to you but if it was a good idea wouldn't (imvho) there be more bikes with dual fillers - how many others are there?

Imagine you are KTM's marketing Department planning to really grow sales volumes by breaking into road bikes. This is your first 'proper' bike to compete with Honda, BMW etc. It was announced in 2001 and is finally being sold in 2003 two years late and promptly gets recalled for a clutch problem with deliveries delayed for six months.

Either the part was never tested or designed properly. I know it's been reported as a 'manufacturing fault' but (1) if it was a design fault would you, as KTM, say so? and (2) if it's your first move into a completely new area then it must be right first time so the testing was inadequate.

I'm having a go at KTM not the bike.

Furthermore, I've just ordered another 640R which, for the month of May, was offered with a free off road holiday in France and £1,000 discount the list price. I ordered it on Thursday 15th and was told by my dealer on 17th that the holiday offer was rescinded from Monday 19th.

A truly professional way to run a company.

KTM make great bikes but perhaps the management skills need some improvement.




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Jerome

http://www.fowb.co.uk

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Jerome

fowb.co.uk

Old Suzuki DR Big 800 S i.eg. ;-)

I think they are learning to manage "non-racing" customers... but you're right.

Bye

Pietro


[This message has been edited by badwolf (edited 04 June 2003).]

__________________
Pietro Tosetti (KTM EGS 640 Adventure R 2001 \"PRIS\") &
Patrizia Coari (Honda Dominator 650 \"Brontolo\")
Milano - GFC 23 & 24 - EChM 499 <A HREF=\"http://www.pitpat.it
A\" TARGET=_blank>http://www.pitpat.it
A</A> volte un atteggiamento rigido e\' conseguenza di una paralisi.

if the 950 is too tall for you look into a lowering link, I would doubt anyone makes one at this point but companies like www.emig-racing.com make them for the LC4. others may follow for your 950

re no wheelies, with 95hp, 400 some lbs you wont need the clutch, twist that throttle!

Sounds like a fun bike, good on ya!