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With a bit of spare time to kill at lunchtime I grabbed an hour on a KTM 625 SMC.

What can I say. Handling and braking were superb, the seat and vibration have to be experienced. For a laugh I thought I take it on a bit of dual carriageway, just in case I should encounter some were I to own such a machine. Within a couple of minutes the vibes had numbed any feeling I had left in my testicles after the 20 minutes getting to the motorway.

The seat was OK for 30 minutes, after that I was standing up for long spells. Engine performance was very average, but then the bike was stock. So all in all, a truly horrible bike.

Malc

I know what you mean. I had a 640LC4 before my Tiger - I did theup north tour last September clocking 935 miles in three days!! The seat is bearable for the duration of the tank range. But the bike has quality components on it and I thought as a package it worked well and is a 'fun' bike. If I had the chance I would have another again so long as it wasonly as a 'fun' bike. I have the Tiger now as I commute 85 miles a day for work. Julian also has a KTM660 SMC - I am sure he could add a few comments too.

I wanted a go on the 640 but they didn't have a demo one. The 640 has a different seat plus a few other bits like carb which help to tame the vibration a bit. I'll try and get a go on one.

When I test rode my first Buell I hated the thing. A few weeks later I rode a race kitted bike and ordered one. I suspect the KTM might be the same in that it needs a few mods to make it tolerable.

In standard trim I'd say it now heads the list of the worst motorcycles I've ridden. The top spot was previously held by the Harley Fat Boy with the 1340 motor.

Hi Mal

I saw your post on Visordown - t'was me asking about the 950SM. The Duke II with Y-piece and aftermarket exhausts is worth considering & should cover all bases for your requirements. In fact KingKong off VD is thinking of selling my sorted Duke II to fund his wedding. . I did a 750 miles oop Norf wekend trip on her without comfort issues. IMHO the Duke handles a lot better on the road than the longer suspension travel 'tards.

I was horrified with the vibes when I first rode an LC4 but have either become immune or the aftermarket cans and jetting make things more bearable.

You're welcome to try my 660SMC with full Akra if you get down to West
London.

Julian,

I'll give a 640 a try to see if it's any different. The reason I fancy a change is that the bottom disc in my back is starting to go and seats have taken on a big importance. I've always found "trailies" fairly comfortable so am looking in that direction to start with.

I could always do big miles on the XR600 but they're getting almost impossible to find a decent one. Also, not really a bike for daily use with a rather heavy maintenance schedule.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Malc

Malc - you have mentioned maintenance schedules of the Honda XR600 - be aware that my 640LC4 required a service every 3000 miles / 5000 kms. Obviously if its a fun use only bike then this could be just a once a year thing but something to think about anyway. Oh, and rear tyres dont last all that long.