So, first impressions after a weekend of KTM ownership.
It’s very, er, agricultural. Having always owned japanese, inline four cylinder sports and superbikes this 625cc single seems very lumpy! For me, it definitely lacks something.
Having said that, it is a very good bike for the daily commute – quite narrow, more than capable of bumping up a kerb here and there if necessary and quick and nimble enough deal with rush hour traffic queues. I wouldn’t like to go on a long ride out or tour on one due to the vibration from the motor, but as a cheap winter hack and second bike it’s probably just right.
Also, as I don’t find it particularly inspiring I’m not so worried about it getting the odd bump – I accidentally clipped a car mirror with the hand guard this morning on the way in to work and I wasn’t concerned about it. If it had been the R1 I would have been very upset and thinking about buying new mirrors (at ?Ǭ£60 each!)
November 9th, 2005 at 4:43 pm
Hehe, and what about the car’s mirrors? Bark-busters are a wonderful thing, especially when used against dithering white-van-man and his cohorts such as bus drivers and taxi’s! Thankfully plastics aren’t too expensive either for the KTM, so repairs are much easier, making the ownership experience much less hassle and more fun.
November 9th, 2005 at 4:50 pm
Have to admit, I didn’t get a chance to check out the car mirror as I got out of there ASAP. The damage wouldn’t have been bad, if any at all, as my barkbuster just glanced off the top of the mirror. Just took a small plastic shaving off mine.