dtrides
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2004
- Location
- Redding, Ca.
- Moto(s)
- Husqvarna for the dirt, Ktm 690 smc r for the street, gsxr version 2.0-750 for the track
- Name
- Duncan
So , a guy did a thing ( couldn’t have been done without the help from my lovely wife) a bit back and picked up a 2019 KTM smcr.
I knew what I was getting ( in theory ) as it was one of the few bikes that met my criteria.
Needed to be great on tight bumpy back roads and still do an occasional track day.
I found a really clean one that an older gentleman had locally with most of the mods I would have liked already done.
Like any “new to me” used bike some time will be spent cleaning and servicing to hep get to know it.
Oils were changed spark plugs replaced ( yes, it has two) , brake pads upgraded and fresh brake fluid.
Next, needed to move on to ergos.
The bike is surprisingly comfortable for what it is , but everything can be improved….right?
It had a Seat Concept tall on it….maybe too tall for me. Replaced with a Seat Concept xl ( standard height but extra wide in the back).
New tires were fitted. The ones on it were 6 years old and I really didn’t trust em..
Ok, now let’s get out and ride!
Hmmm suspension not suspending to my liking…lucky the SMC R has fully adjustable suspension so twiddling was done …much better.
Noticed gearing was for the moon as 95 ( closed course) in 3 rd seemed a bit much .
Luckily the previous owner had included a one down counter sprocket in the box of extras.
Ok, much better!
Next was to remove the bar riser spacers ( probably installed with the tall seat) and flip the mounts to move the bar just a bit forward .
Yes, now we are getting close!
Still a bit too much vibes in the bars…hmmm.
New grip have been installed with a bit more cushion and anti vibe inserts installed inside the bars.
MY hands and arthritic wrists thanked me….
This thing is now just a hoot! Perfect for Hwy 36 and small backroads.
No problem with highway speeds( and beyond!)
And pulls better than anything I would have imagined.
Quick shifter up and down works well ( at least if you don’t shift it like a wuss) and makes grabbing gears and throttle so much fun without ending up at 150…or so I have been told. I always obey all traffic suggestions , I mean laws.
The miles and smiles are adding up quickly.
I wouldn’t buy one to travel on for any kind of distance but perfect for 2-300 mile days as long as it’s mainly twisty…
You know one thing I didnt check?
The battery…
I knew what I was getting ( in theory ) as it was one of the few bikes that met my criteria.
Needed to be great on tight bumpy back roads and still do an occasional track day.
I found a really clean one that an older gentleman had locally with most of the mods I would have liked already done.
Like any “new to me” used bike some time will be spent cleaning and servicing to hep get to know it.
Oils were changed spark plugs replaced ( yes, it has two) , brake pads upgraded and fresh brake fluid.
Next, needed to move on to ergos.
The bike is surprisingly comfortable for what it is , but everything can be improved….right?
It had a Seat Concept tall on it….maybe too tall for me. Replaced with a Seat Concept xl ( standard height but extra wide in the back).
New tires were fitted. The ones on it were 6 years old and I really didn’t trust em..
Ok, now let’s get out and ride!
Hmmm suspension not suspending to my liking…lucky the SMC R has fully adjustable suspension so twiddling was done …much better.
Noticed gearing was for the moon as 95 ( closed course) in 3 rd seemed a bit much .
Luckily the previous owner had included a one down counter sprocket in the box of extras.
Ok, much better!
Next was to remove the bar riser spacers ( probably installed with the tall seat) and flip the mounts to move the bar just a bit forward .
Yes, now we are getting close!
Still a bit too much vibes in the bars…hmmm.
New grip have been installed with a bit more cushion and anti vibe inserts installed inside the bars.
MY hands and arthritic wrists thanked me….
This thing is now just a hoot! Perfect for Hwy 36 and small backroads.
No problem with highway speeds( and beyond!)
And pulls better than anything I would have imagined.
Quick shifter up and down works well ( at least if you don’t shift it like a wuss) and makes grabbing gears and throttle so much fun without ending up at 150…or so I have been told. I always obey all traffic suggestions , I mean laws.
The miles and smiles are adding up quickly.
I wouldn’t buy one to travel on for any kind of distance but perfect for 2-300 mile days as long as it’s mainly twisty…
You know one thing I didnt check?
The battery…
