What makes the best street-motard?

**blueblade** · 10th April 2008, 14:19

Originally Posted by mammaryman

I don't know about you guys but I prefer my motard to be as light and nimble as possible so some of the larger KTM's just feel like tarted up desert cross bikes.....plus I always like the idea that motards are custom built to a certain extent.....factory built feels like cheating......but thats just me

I tend to agree. The KTM 690 (which I do own) is not a real Motard. Its a quirky road bike with Motard styling.
Having said that though, it is a brilliant twisties bike that can also handle its fair share of long distance work. I occasionally crept onto the road (very out of the way back roads) on my CRF 450 Motard. It was absolutely awesome fun, but only for an hour or so at a time. Beyond that it was a pain in the butt (literally). The KTM on the other hand is fine for the ride down from Auckland then all day round the Coro loop (the big one!!)

**Motardman** · 10th April 2008, 14:53

Yep agreed. I'm more of the hoon variety so tend to use the moootard for quick blasts on twisties, anything long distance I get in the Skyline...

*waits for the tirade of car abuse*

**Aero165** · 10th April 2008, 20:27

Originally Posted by mammaryman

Yep agreed. I'm more of the hoon variety so tend to use the moootard for quick blasts on twisties, anything long distance I get in the Skyline...

*waits for the tirade of car abuse*

*Ahem*

Skylines are for homosexuals.

Buy a Subaru.

*Waits for abuse about how lame Subaru's are*

**FilthyLuka** · 10th April 2008, 20:45

Originally Posted by Aero165

*Ahem*

Skylines are for homosexuals.

Buy a Subaru.

*Waits for abuse about how lame Subaru's are*

#sigh#

Kids these days...

**Motardman** · 10th April 2008, 23:06

Originally Posted by Aero165

Buy a Subaru.

I've already got a lawnmower

**slowpoke** · 11th April 2008, 09:56

Best street 'tard? Totally depends on the type of riding that it is used for. An Aprilia will be a pain in the arse if you are just after something for trickling through traffic each morning as you'd have all the maintenance hassles and none of the enjoyment to offset it. A softer less maintemnce intensive option (KTM LC4 etc) would be a better option.
But if you are ripping up the Rimutaka's on a Sunday arvo then an Aprilia would be perfect, and an LC4 would be left wallowing in it's wake.
Just a note on converting RMZ's, WR's etc: lotsa peoples bolt on the 'tard rims, brakes etc but few go to the effort/expense of modifying the suspension to suit, so end up with a fun bike but ultimately something that won't cut it with a genuine dedicated motard.
Horses for courses.

**Motardman** · 11th April 2008, 10:22

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Just a note on converting RMZ's, WR's etc: lotsa peoples bolt on the 'tard rims, brakes etc but few go to the effort/expense of modifying the suspension to suit, so end up with a fun bike but ultimately something that won't cut it with a genuine dedicated motard.
Horses for courses.

Yeah this is true and it's odd seeing as in most cases the brakes/wheels are more bloody expensive than the right springs!!

**Aero165** · 11th April 2008, 10:32

I'm pretty keen on the 525 as I'll still be doing dirt work too. The 525 seems like the largest bike you can buy without going into the adventure/simi roadbike, motard thing. If I was going to traveling on it verses just playing I'd go for the LC4.

It's still in consideration though...

**Motardman** · 11th April 2008, 10:37

Yep thats why I got the 525, I use it for trail riding too as I have the offroad wheels. Only downsides are that as I have done the brakes and suspension its a little stiff on particularly bumpy trails and the front brake is a little harsh

**Aero165** · 11th April 2008, 10:41

Originally Posted by mammaryman

Yep thats why I got the 525, I use it for trail riding too as I have the offroad wheels. Only downsides are that as I have done the brakes and suspension its a little stiff on particularly bumpy trails and the front brake is a little harsh

My last dirt bike (03YZ250) was set up for big jumps, 70footers and the like. I took that out on a Trail Blazer once and I couldn't walk properly for 2 days afterwards!

I actually took a local 525 EXC SM out for a ride yesterday. I looooved it!
It had more grunt than the WR and with the extra gear it just kept on chugging along. I was a happy camper

**avgas** · 11th April 2008, 10:41

But they day they announce a 1L single motard im in.
im not a twin person you see

**Aero165** · 11th April 2008, 10:46

Originally Posted by avgas

But they day they announce a 1L single motard im in.
im not a twin person you see

Think of the vibes!

**Badcat** · 11th April 2008, 10:47

Originally Posted by mammaryman

Yeah this is true and it's odd seeing as in most cases the brakes/wheels are more bloody expensive than the right springs!!

yep.
i've owned a few motards -= and cut up a few bikes.
i'd be tempted if on a budget to just lace up a 19" front rim, use a soft adventure tyre (avon distanzia or pirelli MT60 RS) and get someone with experience to firm/shorten the suspension before buying 2 new wheels and huge brakes, you can add better brakes later if you need them....

i think it would beat a tall bouncy MXer with 17s.
ken

**Motardman** · 11th April 2008, 10:52

Originally Posted by Aero165

I actually took a local 525 EXC SM out for a ride yesterday. I looooved it!
It had more grunt than the WR and with the extra gear it just kept on chugging along. I was a happy camper

Yep it has plenty of power, will be interesting to see what the 540 kit does for it.....

Not sure whether I'd want a 1000cc single.....525 has plenty of thump!!