KTM is really good quality, its very durable and comes with high performace parts like Brembo brakes and WP shocks. The SMT is THE best allrounder on the market atm, it rides very comfy with a HUGE fun factor. Price wil depend on the deal u can make but it should be less then the multistrada. Go ride the duc, triumph and the KTM...i im 110% sure u wil go for the austrian orange porno. ;)
I can only confirm what's being said - the good and the bad. Especially the rear break did sound like a bus is stopping and people were strangely looking at me - just doesn't fit to such a sporty high price bike, that's crap. Assuming this is fixed this bike is just another superb grin producing KTM! Good review 5*, like to see more of it, similar reports are too often just stating the obvious, but not you
Well seeing that a $9999(canadian) 2009 Triumph Street Triple has a gear position indicator I think KTM should have the know how on getting that sorted out. On another note I traded in my 2012 Speed Triple for a 2010 SMT. Finally a bike I'm comfortable on that's fun to ride and has great performance. Doesn't have the same top end of the Speed, but I don't ride at 180kmh + anyway. Doesn't sound as good and is very thirsty. Other than that, it's probably the best bike I've ridden. Great torque.
Motorcycles have odometers. If you're out riding and you have NO IDEA how much fuel you have left in your tank until the lights comes on, you're doing something wrong.
So not having the bigger labels on the buttons didn't bother me and on the odometer you remember there is a decimal. As you watch his video you see the 1 and 2 for the Trips (they stand out) and for the Temp you see the C next to it or in my case an F. Also there are only 4 options to choose from Trip 1, Trip 2, Temp, and Odometer. Its not hard to remember and get use to. Good review though. Also the Scottoiler is worth getting and easy to use!
You're missing my point. At that price it should be included, wether you use it or not is irrelevant. Knowing how to ride is beside the point. I know how to ride just fine, but there are those times when going hard and I'm more focused on whats ahead of me than gear selection. Sometimes, I forget, and I'm sure even the best riders do to. Same with the fuel gauge, yaya, use the odo. But why not just put in fuel gauge and gear selection, it's 2013.
A mate of mine bought a Suzuki Gsx 750 in 1980, it had both gear indicator AND fuel gage! All bikes should have this as standard in this day and age. Riders want these features, we're not asking for too much I think.
great bike...love mine....I've never had this kind of bike previously and I won't be going back - it does everything...agree with him on the rubbish clocks, and there is no fuel gauge. The luggage is pointlessly small and expensive. Otherwise it's spot on with miraculous handling. Power is all you need and it's got a lovely riding position. If I can afford it I'd get the Adventure next.
I hear what you're saying but with today's technology and the price of that bike, there is no reason why there is no fuel gauge. Gear position indicator and shift lights are now common, so no reason to be missing that fuel gauge. That being said, I'd love to swap my Speed Triple for one to go on an east coast trip.
@1ofthelads It looks like similar cowls to my old superduke, and they work well. If your pillion's hands stay on top, they're fine - and any warming will be pleasant on the bum. But if hands sneak underneath onto the pipes themselves - watch out. (I used to warm my hands on them in winter, until I burnt a big hole into some lovely gloves.) The grab rail on the smt is very obvious, so your pillion would have to really try hard to get burned.
Great report. It could be longer ;) MCN could do an youtube program for bikes, like the TopGear is for cars. Without the stupid, but funny things in the midle, but could do lap tests for example. Just a thoutgh.
Great video! Thanks for posting it. I was considering the Tiger 1050 but have been reading that this bike is the best in it's class. Can you tell me if this KTM can handle heavy down pours? (I've had many bikes that sputter and sometimes go dead in heavy rain, which I detest.) Also, are there plenty of KTM shops in the States (in case something goes wrong)? Thanks Much!
15K(Canadian). Maybe my point is invalid to you, however there are others that would appreciate a better display setup. Seeing that the bike already has top end components, why cheap out with the display. We're not talking about Japanese bikes, the discussion is about the 990STM. So that point is invalid.
Start applying finishing rubbing oils on your rubber and metal parts to combat deterioration of rubber and pitting of metal plus keeps parts looking clean shiny luster. For plastics id buff on bowling wax
Missing the point. This has nothing to do with my ability to ride, I ride just fine thanks, it's simply a nice feature, especially for the price... Fuel gauge wouldn't hurt either. I mean if a 250 Ninja has one, a $15000 + bike should have one. If you're not interested in using it, don't. But for the price, its a feature Id like to see, that's all.
If your worried about exactly what gear you're in, you need to learn how to ride. Ride the bike the not the display. Listen to the motor. Know the gear is irrelevant and pointless. and even a little dangerous. The motor will tell you if your a gear high or a gear low.
What are these like for reliability? I know KTM are no Kawasaki or Honda but anyone anything to report? Also, how much are these? I was looking at a Triumph Tiger for 11,500 euro or a Ducati Multistrada (new model) for 14,500 euro.
+19Ron95 I got my full licence last month, so haven't brought one yet, I do like this model but Iv read it's a bit jumpy at low speeds so probably not the best first big bike, how about yourself?
if you know how to ride, you won't need to look at a screen and rely on the screen to tell you what gear you;re in. i'm sorry but talk about what MATTERS.. not about gear indication lol.
this was a good review! all the MCN guys need to do theirs like this
KTM is really good quality, its very durable and comes with high performace parts like Brembo brakes and WP shocks.
The SMT is THE best allrounder on the market atm, it rides very comfy with a HUGE fun factor.
Price wil depend on the deal u can make but it should be less then the multistrada.
Go ride the duc, triumph and the KTM...i im 110% sure u wil go for the austrian orange porno. ;)
One of the greatest motorcycles ever made. Also lacks the tech BS that keeps me from buying the new stuff.
All KTM bikes are great! I have EXC 450 and it's great!
I can only confirm what's being said - the good and the bad. Especially the rear break did sound like a bus is stopping and people were strangely looking at me - just doesn't fit to such a sporty high price bike, that's crap. Assuming this is fixed this bike is just another superb grin producing KTM! Good review 5*, like to see more of it, similar reports are too often just stating the obvious, but not you
the shape looks stealth
Best review by far!!!
This time I could hear it!!!
:)
Well seeing that a $9999(canadian) 2009 Triumph Street Triple has a gear position indicator I think KTM should have the know how on getting that sorted out.
On another note I traded in my 2012 Speed Triple for a 2010 SMT. Finally a bike I'm comfortable on that's fun to ride and has great performance. Doesn't have the same top end of the Speed, but I don't ride at 180kmh + anyway. Doesn't sound as good and is very thirsty. Other than that, it's probably the best bike I've ridden. Great torque.
Gear position indicator, for people who can't count above four?
Motorcycles have odometers. If you're out riding and you have NO IDEA how much fuel you have left in your tank until the lights comes on, you're doing something wrong.
My kinda review and my dream bike, thanks.
great! the matte finish hasn't gone off - even after six months! that's quality! ^^
btw. i'm austrian :)
Never heard of an Scott Oiler? Great idea on the slipper clutch mod instead of a can!
So not having the bigger labels on the buttons didn't bother me and on the odometer you remember there is a decimal. As you watch his video you see the 1 and 2 for the Trips (they stand out) and for the Temp you see the C next to it or in my case an F. Also there are only 4 options to choose from Trip 1, Trip 2, Temp, and Odometer. Its not hard to remember and get use to. Good review though. Also the Scottoiler is worth getting and easy to use!
Watch the rear sprocket at 4:20 and on....needs a change I would say!
great review Ped
Good job Ped!
Buen informe.
Buena moto.
You're missing my point. At that price it should be included, wether you use it or not is irrelevant. Knowing how to ride is beside the point. I know how to ride just fine, but there are those times when going hard and I'm more focused on whats ahead of me than gear selection. Sometimes, I forget, and I'm sure even the best riders do to. Same with the fuel gauge, yaya, use the odo. But why not just put in fuel gauge and gear selection, it's 2013.
A mate of mine bought a Suzuki Gsx 750 in 1980, it had both gear indicator AND fuel gage! All bikes should have this as standard in this day and age. Riders want these features, we're not asking for too much I think.
TheSteps62 I've a GSXR 1000 K1 & it had neither. I put my own gear selection device on it though.
great bike...love mine....I've never had this kind of bike previously and I won't be going back - it does everything...agree with him on the rubbish clocks, and there is no fuel gauge. The luggage is pointlessly small and expensive. Otherwise it's spot on with miraculous handling. Power is all you need and it's got a lovely riding position. If I can afford it I'd get the Adventure next.
@ExecutionerTom It is in 4 different colors available....
I hear what you're saying but with today's technology and the price of that bike, there is no reason why there is no fuel gauge. Gear position indicator and shift lights are now common, so no reason to be missing that fuel gauge. That being said, I'd love to swap my Speed Triple for one to go on an east coast trip.
@1ofthelads It looks like similar cowls to my old superduke, and they work well. If your pillion's hands stay on top, they're fine - and any warming will be pleasant on the bum. But if hands sneak underneath onto the pipes themselves - watch out. (I used to warm my hands on them in winter, until I burnt a big hole into some lovely gloves.) The grab rail on the smt is very obvious, so your pillion would have to really try hard to get burned.
Great review! That's gonna be my next bike. How many miles does is to the gallon?
Great report. It could be longer ;)
MCN could do an youtube program for bikes, like the TopGear is for cars. Without the stupid, but funny things in the midle, but could do lap tests for example. Just a thoutgh.
Very Very nice motor
Great video! Thanks for posting it.
I was considering the Tiger 1050 but have been reading that this bike is the best in it's class. Can you tell me if this KTM can handle heavy down pours? (I've had many bikes that sputter and sometimes go dead in heavy rain, which I detest.)
Also, are there plenty of KTM shops in the States (in case something goes wrong)?
Thanks Much!
15K(Canadian). Maybe my point is invalid to you, however there are others that would appreciate a better display setup. Seeing that the bike already has top end components, why cheap out with the display. We're not talking about Japanese bikes, the discussion is about the 990STM. So that point is invalid.
Start applying finishing rubbing oils on your rubber and metal parts to combat deterioration of rubber and pitting of metal plus keeps parts looking clean shiny luster. For plastics id buff on bowling wax
thinking of trading my speed triple for one of this, mainly because of the pillion comfort. can you tell me what will I be compromising?
What l/km are you getting? Im thinking of getting this bike for a daily driver when i dont need to drive my truck
It's on my short list...IF KTM North America pulls their head out and gets these to ALL dealerships...Off road and "on road" dealers.
gear position indicator is now common? really? btw, this is a 2009 model!!
Great
OMG, the condition of your rear brake calliper and attachments.
Thats just neglect :)
Missing the point. This has nothing to do with my ability to ride, I ride just fine thanks, it's simply a nice feature, especially for the price... Fuel gauge wouldn't hurt either. I mean if a 250 Ninja has one, a $15000 + bike should have one. If you're not interested in using it, don't. But for the price, its a feature Id like to see, that's all.
you can probably get it air mail . or on line
If your worried about exactly what gear you're in, you need to learn how to ride. Ride the bike the not the display. Listen to the motor. Know the gear is irrelevant and pointless. and even a little dangerous. The motor will tell you if your a gear high or a gear low.
What are these like for reliability? I know KTM are no Kawasaki or Honda but anyone anything to report?
Also, how much are these? I was looking at a Triumph Tiger for 11,500 euro or a Ducati Multistrada (new model) for 14,500 euro.
how tall is that driver ? thanks :-)
+DanielBannister666 thank you som much for the answer ! im 196cm tall so i have the same problem :D
+DanielBannister666 what bike do you ride now ?
+19Ron95 I got my full licence last month, so haven't brought one yet, I do like this model but Iv read it's a bit jumpy at low speeds so probably not the best first big bike, how about yourself?
if you know how to ride, you won't need to look at a screen and rely on the screen to tell you what gear you;re in. i'm sorry but talk about what MATTERS.. not about gear indication lol.
it's easy, u gonna use your trip meter. every time u fill up, zero it!
Ped?
trump, what a great guy supporting his staff.