Thanks. I saw your thread on the Tuono; which I was very much considering. In the end I opted for the SM just because it was better on bad twisty pavement and dirt roads. Otoh, I gave the edge to the Tuono as a track day bike, more open twisties, and a bike you could relatively comfortably sport tour on: all of which were less important to me.
Thanks Arch. So, are you opting for the SE or an SM? I think in Texas and the southwest in general, I'd get the SE.
I am stationed in EL SALVADOR and man the bike is a blast here cops don't care how fast you go Here is my post check it out: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149817 Keep us updated on your 950 SM
You know me, mang. I dig all manner of cool scoots. The SM looks the bomb and makes me swoon, but so does the SE and it'd better serve my moto-desires. It's all good. 'Course I won't be "opting for" anything anytime soon.
Did about 160 miles on Saturday and close to 200 on Sunday, so now sitting a little over 600 miles- going in for the service (and the canisterectomy) tomorrow. I haven't decided on pipes yet. I really like the way the stockers sound and would love to find something that sounds exactly the same but runs cooler. The bike has been running great in the +90 degree weather we've been having here in NJ- no issues whatsoever. Starting to explore the last 25% of the throttle rotation and like what I'm finding there Gas mileage seems to have improved a bit- up to almost 35 mpg The bike continues to impress a lot. It's very confidence inspiring under all conditions, lets you be very precise in placing it where you want, and reacts well and with total composure should you need to change lines, get on the gas, or brake after what would normally be a line commitment. Works like this on pavement or dirt roads. All my suspension settings are as delivered. I've read the CW article and a couple of threads/post on how sensitive the bike is to settings; but I'm real happy with the way mine works. Not saying it couldn't be better, just that it works well for me. About the only complaint I have is slight harshness on small sharp hits. One minor bit- I noticed yesterday that the bottom of the headlight assembly seemed to be moving around more than previously. It turns out that the bottom of the assembly is held in place by a couple of brackets that fit over posts on the bottom triple (just like my Husaberg). This happened after 2 days of some spirited dirt road riding. Something to keep an eye on in the future. I'll leave with some pictures, first with Barrys SE on Saturday's ride. And then with a gaggle of A's on yesterday's ride.
Walter I have the FMF slip ons on my SE and they sound pretty damn close to stock which I like. I have the alum ones which stay a bit cooler and are weigh a lot less. I am happy with my purchase and they are priced right. If you are interested in getting a set let me know. My buddy has a shop and can get you a good deal on them.
Walter, I just recently joined the 950 SM club too. Regarding the 600 miles service...I was told by the shop where I purchased the bike that the valve check at 600 miles isn't really necessary. They said that they've had a chance to see quite a few of the 950 engines now and none of them required any valve adjustments. They told me to just change the oil at home and worry about valve checks at 4k miles.
Mine didn't do them at 600, citing the same reason. Many bikes seen, none needed adjustment. They said they recommend doing them at around 2-3000 miles.
Seems to be some wide difference of opinion intermixed with some facts. Could wind up to be as boring as most oil threads As always, you get to choose what you want to do with your bike.
Hey- I took 4 pictures- but only this one was somewhat pertinent to this thread. The others are in the ride report thread in the East Forum. The other guys took an awful lot of pictures yesterday, so I didn't feel the need to do any. You know how expensive that digital film is
Way to go! Was wondering where all these bikes were going. PS KTM WP suspension is incredibly supple when they are new. Don't neglect fluid changes/fork & shock maintenance though...it can go South in a hurry.
FTIW my SM valves were checked at first service 700 miles and needed no adjustment. Mechanic reckons that the later (06) bikes had clearances set slightly wider from the factory meaning no adjustment needed until 4000 miles. Ask your dealer what their actual experiences have been. (If I was doing my own maintenance from new I would change oil and leave the valve checking unil 3-4000 mile range, until the engine is better bed-in)