Motard Options

[EXCDirt]

Hi Guys.
I’m very keen on getting a motard for commuting.
Currently riding a Honda 125 grom with an exhaust and only Auckland commute north shore to Dominion Rd area. I’m beating on it cos it’s a bit slow. Sometimes a bit worried about it’s lack of grunt up around 80-100ks

Options I have considered thus far:

Factory ones
Ktm 690 motard
Husquvarna 701

Factory mx/enduro with road kits to convert with rims etc
Ktm 450-500’s Exc
Huskys similar
Also the new Ktm or Husky TPI 300 two strokes.

I have a bigger bike so it really is just for commuting and a bit of fun.

Thoughts or suggestions please.

[flashg]

Go to the shops that sell them and find out how many hours or km's before you need to do the top end on the enduro bikes. Many need doing around the 100 hours, some even less, 4t will cost in excess of $1000 to do, 2t a lot cheaper.
Ktm 690 or husky 701 would be my pick, long life engine and longer service intervals. And they have a key.
PS 100 hours comes around real fast.
Most enduro bikes have a no key ignition, and are easily stolen and targeted because they can be stripped down for parts or even sold as is in another part of the country as an unregistered dirt bike.
I had a two year old enduro bike stolen from my locked garage in the middle of the night in 2014 never to be seen again. The police were no help and weren't particularly interested. Took them two days to send someone to do fingerprints and I never saw a cop. Glad it was insured.

[haydes55]

You ignored the DRZ400.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Woodman]

What about the SWM SM650?

[AllanB]

You ignored the DRZ400.


DRZ400sm on sale right now with a grand off - be exactly what he is after and the most reliable of any suggestions.

https://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycles/Model/dr-z400sm-street-legal/street

[Mike.Gayner]

DRZ is a bit underpowered compared with KTM 690 etc.

[AllanB]

DRZ is a bit underpowered compared with KTM 690 etc.

Be fine commuting around Auckland, and a bit improvement on the 125.

[EXCDirt]

Yes, thought of the DRZ400 but I don't like them.

SWM? Not keen on unknown bikes... They could be fine but Resale and parts won't be like Ktm, Husqvarna or Jap brands.

Keen on this this though:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1470731867

I know, Maintenance will be higher etc but I want something rad!

No security but a good lock and I'd be fine. I don't leave my Grom anywhere really.

[EXCDirt]

You ignored the DRZ400.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Yes, looked straight past. Don't like them. (It's just me)

[EXCDirt]

Yes,

I think I have narrowed it down to the Husq 701 or the Ktm Smcr
I know they are the same...
But still proving challenging as the 701 at Cyclespot is waiting for a clutch part from Austria (Worrying) and they have a Smcr import but not ready yet... plus 25kms.

New Smcr in Tauranga. $16k
New 701's in Morrinsville and otherwise South Island.12-17k

Ah, what to do...

Oh, btw they take you more seriously when you turn up on a 996sps than a Grom.
😂

[Mike.Gayner]

You can ignore that SMC-R listing in Tauranga, they sold that bike a couple of weeks ago and don't have another one in yet. They're just leaving the ad up to try to draw foot traffic into the store. I know because I went to have a look at it last weekend. They also don't have any 690 bikes you can test ride. It's not a great dealership, they mostly seem to sell dirt bikes and jet skis.

[EXCDirt]

Yeah, I had pretty much decided on the fs701 from Cyclespot Euro.

But no....

Had emailed the guy 4 or 5 times and dropped in to view it on 3 or so separate occasions. It had been waiting on a part for the clutch. So had been gently reminding him that yes I was keen and give me a call/email when it was available.
My last email was last Monday and got a semi sheepish reply saying no parts as yet on Tuesday.
Went in today and found it had had the clutch fixed and was sold.

I guess sales guys will pretty much will take any money that’s waved in front of them but even I thought that was some weak as fuck customer service.

What do you guys think of it? (Should I complain or tough shit)

It’s kinda put me off the whole idea of getting one through a dealer.

[george formby]

Yeah, I had pretty much decided on the fs701 from Cyclespot Euro.

But no....

Had emailed the guy 4 or 5 times and dropped in to view it on 3 or so separate occasions. It had been waiting on a part for the clutch. So had been gently reminding him that yes I was keen and give me a call/email when it was available.
My last email was last Monday and got a semi sheepish reply saying no parts as yet on Tuesday.
Went in today and found it had had the clutch fixed and was sold.

I guess sales guys will pretty much will take any money that’s waved in front of them but even I thought that was some weak as fuck customer service.

What do you guys think of it? (Should I complain or tough shit)

It’s kinda put me off the whole idea of getting one through a dealer.

Well worth sending your thoughts as a customer to the boss, they may not be aware of slack arse staff issues.

I have had a 3 month+ saga over parts for one of my bikes. 7 times I was told "I will call you back shortly.." Guess what? Not a squeak. Fingers crossed it's resolved now, but typically I expect absolutely shit communication and service from most motorcycle dealers / sellers. Customer focus seems to be uncharted territory for some businesses.

Best of luck, anyhoo. Their are some good buggers out there.

[awayatc]

Well worth sending your thoughts as a customer to the boss, they may not be aware of slack arse staff issues.

I have had a 3 month+ saga over parts for one of my bikes. 7 times I was told "I will call you back shortly.." Guess what? Not a squeak. Fingers crossed it's resolved now, but typically I expect absolutely shit communication and service from most motorcycle dealers / sellers. Customer focus seems to be uncharted territory for some businesses.

Best of luck, anyhoo. Their are some good buggers out there.

Vote with your feet......

[eldog]

Yeah, I had pretty much decided on the fs701 from Cyclespot Euro.

But no....

Had emailed the guy 4 or 5 times and dropped in to view it on 3 or so separate occasions. It had been waiting on a part for the clutch. So had been gently reminding him that yes I was keen and give me a call/email when it was available.
My last email was last Monday and got a semi sheepish reply saying no parts as yet on Tuesday.
Went in today and found it had had the clutch fixed and was sold.

I guess sales guys will pretty much will take any money that’s waved in front of them but even I thought that was some weak as fuck customer service.

What do you guys think of it? (Should I complain or tough shit)

It’s kinda put me off the whole idea of getting one through a dealer.

Dont let one bad experience sour the rest.
if you where Keen why not put a deposit down, but make sure that you can back out, if there is something you don’t like, get it in writing from the manager, just in case the salesperson skips town or sells it to a mate.

maybe Crasherfromwayback can put some light on the subject......

theres always going to be people who don’t call back

And if another bike from that dealer comes along you like, make sure you buy it from someone else.

[george formby]

Vote with your feet......

Given the choice I would rather spend my pesos on home soil and I make a concerted effort to do so. Often paying more for less.

It's very difficult to find dealers / shops with integrity and good customer focus. I still try. Ultimately, though, you are correct. Especially for uncommon parts, bike gear, farkles, stuff for older bikes... The list goes on.

[awayatc]

Given the choice I would rather spend my pesos on home soil and I make a concerted effort to do so. Often paying more for less.

It's very difficult to find dealers / shops with integrity and good customer focus. I still try. Ultimately, though, you are correct. Especially for uncommon parts, bike gear, farkles, stuff for older bikes... The list goes on.



Agree wholeheartedly. ....

It's a 2 way street......

Loyalty and treating people with respect go hand in hand.


Our local Hunting and fishing shop for instance has very pleasant and knowledgeable staff.
Hence I keep going back for more.......
Event hough some items are no doubt cheaper online.

I am friendky and polite, but never tend to go back to shops / bars/ restaurants that don't treat me in a courteous manner.....

[oldguy]

Keen on this this though:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1470731867

I know, Maintenance will be higher etc but I want something rad!

No security but a good lock and I'd be fine. I don't leave my Grom anywhere really.


I could end up in the Optimistic sellers thread, at one stage I was thinking of selling my 2015 WR450F for about the same money, and thats with all the original gear that came off it as well. Bloody good alternative the WR has a good rep.

[george formby]

I know you have passed on this brand OP, I'm just posting coz the price has me a bit startled.

SWM SM 650R (https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1481870400.htm?rsqid=e72fd6f82d214643b840fbc5c1ece c20)

[Mike.Gayner]

Yeah, I had pretty much decided on the fs701 from Cyclespot Euro.

But no....

Had emailed the guy 4 or 5 times and dropped in to view it on 3 or so separate occasions. It had been waiting on a part for the clutch. So had been gently reminding him that yes I was keen and give me a call/email when it was available.
My last email was last Monday and got a semi sheepish reply saying no parts as yet on Tuesday.
Went in today and found it had had the clutch fixed and was sold.

I guess sales guys will pretty much will take any money that’s waved in front of them but even I thought that was some weak as fuck customer service.

What do you guys think of it? (Should I complain or tough shit)

It’s kinda put me off the whole idea of getting one through a dealer.

Sorry I think I bought your bike :crazy:

I saw it on Trademe, phoned, left a deposit and picked it up this weekend, sight-unseen.

For what it's worth, the bike is actually a lot rougher than it should be for such a young/low km bike. It has clearly spent a reasonable amount of its like outdoors. Risks of buying before inspection I suppose - I'm going to be spending quite a bit of time polishing/restoring srfaces.

Also I didn't check some of the details because I'm an idiot - pretty fucking annoyed to notice when I got home that the WOF expires next month. Not what you expect when you buy a bike from a dealership for top dollar.

edit: I was wrong, it has a current WOF for some time yet.

[EXCDirt]

Yeah, I’m not really losing any sleep over it.

I’m pretty sure the dealers have to sell the bike with a recent wof? I think that back tyre was a bit rooted too?

I might buy the one from Morrinsville that is new but I will go and view it first.

Otherwise I will buy a new 450/501 and put motard rims on it....
I am still tossing up the idea of the 300 2 strokes with motard conversions. Just cos.

[Big Dog]

Sorry I think I bought your bike :crazy:

I saw it on Trademe, phoned, left a deposit and picked it up this weekend, sight-unseen.

For what it's worth, the bike is actually a lot rougher than it should be for such a young/low km bike. It has clearly spent a reasonable amount of its like outdoors. Risks of buying before inspection I suppose - I'm going to be spending quite a bit of time polishing/restoring srfaces.

Also I didn't check some of the details because I'm an idiot - pretty fucking annoyed to notice when I got home that the WOF expires next month. Not what you expect when you buy a bike from a dealership for top dollar.If it was a dealer a road vehicle has to have a WOF less than 28 days old.

https://www.motorweb.co.nz/pub/blogpost/63/wof-requirements-when-selling-a-vehicle

[flashg]

Yeah, I’m not really losing any sleep over it.

I’m pretty sure the dealers have to sell the bike with a recent wof? I think that back tyre was a bit rooted too?

I might buy the one from Morrinsville that is new but I will go and view it first.

Otherwise I will buy a new 450/501 and put motard rims on it....
I am still tossing up the idea of the 300 2 strokes with motard conversions. Just cos.If you go the 300 2t way, some brands now mix their own oil, (new Beta's do) (separate oil tank) save so much hassle, perfect for you.
PS my 300 2t was registered and wof'd (on hold now) I rode it home from the shop and a little around town, and was surprised how good it was. Funny thing was everyone turned and looked when they heard it, not a common sound. Unfortunately mine doesn't mix its own oil, bugger.

[Mike.Gayner]

I retract what I said about the WOF, I read the label wrong. Because it was a new bike fairly recently it gets a longer WOF than I'm used to.

[EXCDirt]

https://www.trademe.co.nz/1495916948
Is that big kms for a 500 ktm?
That is pretty much ticking all the boxes.

I might have run out of time to do much this late in the year. New job and then camping trip with the Fam til New year.
Will revisit early next year.

Thanks for all your comments and advice.
Much appreciated!
Merry Xmas and a wheelie happy new year!

[EXCDirt]

Off to Morrinsville to look at NV Motos 701sm's tomorrow.
There is a difference between 2016 to 2017 in the motors.
Will research and report back.

[EXCDirt]

Have pretty much decided on the 2015 Ktm 450Exc off trademe.
Went and had a look and its pretty clean. Can't have been used offroad much at all.
Don't any of you guys buy it! Mine!!!

[Mike.Gayner]

That EXC looks super nice, do the deal!

I'm loving my 701, but honestly if I stick with the sumo thing (and I probably will), I will probably change to a lighter bike like the 450 in a couple of years.

[EXCDirt]

That EXC looks super nice, do the deal!

I'm loving my 701, but honestly if I stick with the sumo thing (and I probably will), I will probably change to a lighter bike like the 450 in a couple of years.

I know the big 690 is more sensible... But yeah. Wheelies and jumps!
I'm getting really knocked around on my Grom in this weather at the moment.
Not to mention lack of grip with baby wheels.

Keen to go ride and adventure when I get it?
I have so many night time exploring trails around the shore!

[Mike.Gayner]

Keen to go ride and adventure when I get it?
I have so many night time exploring trails around the shore!

Probably won't be in your neck of the woods very often to be honest.

[EXCDirt]

Well I finally bought a bike!

The 2015 KTM 450 Exc that was on TM.
Picked it up last night. It was wet so even had some fun on the way home!
Feels very light and fast. Added bonus of having a decent front brake.

I still may look into a bigger front caliper.
Where would one look to get a 4 pot that will bolt up to the adaptor and the brake line?

Much excite!

[Mike.Gayner]

Nice choice, that bike looked really sweet. You're gonna have a lot of fun on that thing.

[EXCDirt]

Yes, it's pretty keen on keeping the front wheel up in the air!
Brilliant commuter!

[EXCDirt]

I've Done nearly 3000kms on this bike now and it's amazing.
Done 3 or 4 oil changes and only had the clutch slave cylinder seal replaced.
210hrs and stilll going well. Will do top end at 250hrs as advised by Watson racing.

Side note, even though Watson is out in Kumeu he is an excellent shop and a really nice guy. Would reccomend over anywhere else.

Have been taken out once on a roundabout by a lady that didn't look. Not too bad. Scratched up and little bruised.

Uses about $20 petrol a week. Not too hard on tyres or pads.


A slipper clutch would be nice but will only encourage more stupidity.

Oh, it can wheelie like nothing else I've ever had.
I'm thinking of running a light on the underside of it for Dusk riding if my headlight is pointing at the moon...

Fun wee bike.

[EXCDirt]

Bike update.
I’ve done over 13,000kms on this bike.
Just fitted a new pair of tyres, Pirelli Rosso 3’s.
Did the top end rebuild way back at 250hrs and Watsons said it was still perfect.

I was thinking of moving it on and have ordered a new bike already.

So,
2015 KTM 450 Exc, Rego on hold. (Will get Wof after lockdown)
Mortard wheels, comes with dirt wheels as well, (I’ve never used them)
Has had plenty of servicing.
Great commuter. I’ve only used it for commuting, 40kms a day 3-4 days a week.
If you can’t wheelie this bike will teach you.
Has a fair few spares and parts that it comes with.
I would love to keep this as it’s been amazing to ride and VERY reliable.

$10500