Alternative to the HM?

[MikeM]

Originally Posted by sm171

The Ducati site is listing 395 as the weight for the HM.

Claimed weight for New Blue is 330lbs, so the HM is a bit bulky. Granted, NB isn't street legal but there is a good bit of room for weight loss.

[Florida_lime]

Make it a Hypermotard S with just the Termignoni 2 - 1 full system and now it's down to 370 pounds 'claimed dry weight', with all the street equipment.
Starts sounding better, doesn't it.

[Shift-Tech]

I had the 950SM and the 990SD, the SD is more like a Monster and very fun to ride. If you come from the Motocross scene youw will like the 950SM better. 990SD has plenty of power and is injected, I even would say it's wicked fast, 950 is carburated and not bad either.


Eigher way I don't think you can compare them to the HM1100, the Italian passion is missing on the KTM, it's just way to normal for me.

[creator8]

I'm into Ducatii's and KTMs, clearly. Already have a 950 Adventure and a Monster so I can go both ways, but I'll take an HM over the KTM SM any day and thats without riding either!

[garry]

I got to ride a 950 SM-R on Saturday. Did a 20 mile loop. Huge fun. Handled great. Effortless in the twisties. Awesome brakes. Firm, sportbike-like suspension. Motor reminded me of the Multistrada 1000DS. Spunky and fun but not particularly fast. Makes sense since KTM claims ~95 HP at the crank. Good mirrors. Ergos were fine. Seat is narrow, but firm/comfy. I think it looks pretty good too. Can't say the same for the Super Duke it was sitting next to.

I expect the HM "S" to be very, very similar in on-road manners. Bit lower and smaller due to the 6" suspension travel instead of the 8" on the KTM. Same price. Similar (too small) gas tanks. Similar power. Similar brakes. Both will have high-quality suspension (just different travel). SM will be a little heavier to due to being water-cooled. 2 year warranty on the HM vs 1 year on the KTM. Longer time between valve adjustments on the KTM. Carbs vs FI. My local Duc dealer is also my local KTM dealer, so no preference based on dealer for me, I've got who I've got. Luckily they're a good dealer.

I'm looking forward to the HM preview in a couple weeks and hope to get a demo ride on it the following day. Sportbike (ZX-6R) will be up for sale this summer.

[EOdesmo]

Hi garry,

a bit surprised to see you post up here. so you're lusting after an HM as well.

Interesting comments on the SM-R. Some seem to feel that it makes a better all-around ride that does the SD if you're looking to buy a KTM.

I'll be selling the Monster in late summer to purchase an HM.

See you on the 29th at the unveiling.

[garry]

Originally Posted by EOdesmo

Hi garry,

a bit surprised to see you post up here. so you're lusting after an HM as well.

Interesting comments on the SM-R. Some seem to feel that it makes a better all-around ride that does the SD if you're looking to buy a KTM.

I'll be selling the Monster in late summer to purchase an HM.

See you on the 29th at the unveiling.

Not sure I'm lusting after anything actually. Been thinking about a naked sportbike to replace the Ninja bike for a change of pace, so I'm checking out my options. Good chance I'll be on vacation for the unveiling and will miss it

[Florida_lime]

Originally Posted by garry

Good chance I'll be on vacation for the unveiling and will miss it

How can you call that a vacation, then ?