Motorcycle specifications KTM950 SUPERMOTO 2005 Anabolic therapy

the Austrians fear nothing. Above all, they're not afraid of upsetting the motorcycle galaxy to the max. KTM presented us with a crazy roadster with the 990 Super Duke... The factory shocked us with its extravagant RC8 sports car... We're not stopping there!
Today, here's a new supermotard that's taken an overdose of vitamins. The 950 Supermoto is a cousin of the 640 in design, but powered by the big KTM twin. Imagine a supermotard with almost 100 grunts in the pistons and torque that tears up half the track. Well, this is what you get.
Like the engine, the frame is derived from the 950 Adventure. The bike's other components are already putting smiles on the faces of all concerned: big 48 mm inverted forks, adjustable shock absorbers mounted without rods, long suspension travels (we'll be able to take it almost anywhere), radial Brembo brakes and 180 mm rear tires.
To make a supermotard with the genes of a sports bike and a street fighter was a daring move. There's no doubt that this machine has great potential, coupled with a "total anti-depression" concept. However, its use is likely to be limited, due to a frankly oriented concept and minimalist protection. That's all right; you don't take a hypermotard for a ride, just to get the most out of it.

test by Oli le Belge :

" The Canada Bike

But no, no, I'm not losing my mind, I'm not suddenly thinking that KTM is a Canadian brand. Rather, I'm referring to an advertisement for a non-alcoholic, fizzy drink that was very popular in the 80s ..... You've already guessed it, of course.

The 950 Super Moto has the flavor of an SM, the tires of an SM and the color of an SM, but (to me) it's certainly not just an SM. And why is that?
1st contact: with my recent test of the Superduke in mind and wanting to set the record straight, I call on my brother and, more importantly, his bike (a KTM 660 SMC) to get me back into "real" Supermotard riding (ah, conscientiousness!).
And we organized a little run to rediscover the pleasures and drawbacks of this type of machine ...

Test ride: Let's get back to discovering the beast, which is a very important part of a test ride. During this delightful moment, I always try to immerse myself in the machine, detailing it at ease while letting the engine warm up.
KTM has taken the concept of the big Supermotard to a new level! Judge for yourself:
A 950cc twin with almost 100hp, aggressive, even intimidating lines, with a substantial seat height (865mm), radial brakes, apirelli Scorpion tires, developed especially for the bike and ultra-resistant despite the heat, that's something you don't find on the streets!!!
KTM's racing identity is reflected in a host of details: the clutch and brake handles are pre-slotted so that, in the event of a hypothetical crash, you'll have a piece left over to finish the round; the selector is foldable and, not so nice, the instrument panel is sketchy and devoid of a rev counter!
Voilà, the beast is up to temperature.

I get on it and find the position rather confusing, the long saddle allowing me to adopt 2 positions: one forward and on the tank for attacking, and the other more in the center of the saddle in a softer part for riding.
The forward position is naturally taken on the first few turns of the wheel, with the knees spread wide by the width of the radiator and the buttocks trying to get away from the magnificent stainless-steel pots that give off a crazy amount of heat. Should you decide to take a passenger on board, he'll enjoy a comfortable position with ideally placed rubber footrests, but he'll have to equip himself with asbestos gloves if he doesn't want his hands to be melted by the pots!
To KTM's credit, during my 4-day test ride the ambient temperature was truly scorching, in the region of 30-35°C.
The urge to load up the front is reinforced by the bike's furious tendency to wheelie. The Supermoto rider won't need to budget heavily for front tires!
Gearbox ratios are shifted on the fly and when, for once, you return to decent speeds of around 80km/h in first gear, 115 in second and 150 in third, you can take advantage of the engine's length and torque at low revs.

Referring to the title of this article, I find the ride more akin to a big Speed Triple-style roadster than a Supermotard!

The power and weight force you to lengthen braking distances compared with a Supermotard, the other big difference in behavior coming from the 48mm inverted fork which, thanks to its rigidity, allows you to put your knee out to take a spectacular angle!
The engine can really be used to its full potential, and the 95 hp are there for all to see. And, if it's the pleasure of finding carburetors again, revs are powerfully linear but never violent.
The engine, which is no slouch when it comes to sensations, only requires a reasonable 8 liters per 100km, despite sporty driving throughout the test. The 17.5-liter fuel tank gives a range of just 180km before reserves. In any case, your thighs and knees will be cooked long before that!

So what?Supermotard or not?

Yes and no.
The KTM look is as spectacular as ever, and the razor-sharp shapes, high pots and ultra-aggressive headlight plate make this bike as much a visual enchantment as an acoustic one.
But if you want to mingle with a group of Supermotards, you'll quickly find yourself cramped, as the machine demands a lot of space.
On the other hand, it won't stand out in a group of roadsters, with its usable power, roadholding and cornering ability enabling you to keep up and more...

All in all, I love it!

A+
Oli the Belgian

M.B et Oli le Belge
(Photo credits: F. Lheritier - L. Franco - M. Halwax - H. Peuker - H. Mitterbauer)