Motards

[muskrat]

I've been looking for a "reasonably" priced Tard but no dice.  I see absolutely NO half tards out there and although I do prefer an 1100 I wouldn't mind a cheap half tard either since it will be ridden like a bat out of hell.  Not ready to pull the trigger just  yet but considering options.  I hope Santa has a big pocket book this time. 

Any suggestions on who is selling these gems? 

[zooom]

Ducati has a Motard?

[muskrat]

no it's made by Cagiva

[Slide Panda]

Are you specifically looking for a Duc? Or are other things on the plate?

if you don't mind a more needy bike, the 550 Ape-tard (SXV 550) is a freaking missile with wheels.

[muskrat]

I'm not in need of a Tard but it's my first choice.  I'm also looking for thumpers and the like.

[Slide Panda]

Huh? I'm confused - you desire a Hyper over others? Or... 'Tard is the more generic term

The Ape is a twin... a high spinning 78hp, 250 pound little arm ripping beast.

[muskrat]

I'm confused as well........when I see her I'll know. 

[Slide Panda]

Ok then - well what are your criteria? Like:

Weight?
Want to go offroad (ish) confidently?
Planned use?
etc etc

[muskrat]

Ok then - well what are your criteria? Like:

Weight?
Want to go offroad (ish) confidently?
Planned use?
etc etc

Weight? under 450
Want to go offroad (ish) confidently? priority is asphalt with 20% dirt roads
Planned use? getting tickets and acting a fool but it's going to be a secondary bike
etc etc.   fun, relatively cheap and a bike I don't mind doing some fixing-up if its not in the best of shape.

[Slide Panda]

Under 450? Sweet jesus - no motard should be that heavy! That's adventure bike territory. Think 300... my KTM690 is 305 with oil, battery and coolant (no gas)

Ok, well the Duc motard is really just a street bike. It'll handle fire or unmaintained roads, but it's no off roader or jumper. Engine case, and header are vulnerable to impacts from below and the swing arm is mounted to the case, making it vulnerable to cracks if hit hard.

DRZ400SM Might be a good option
- Fun, relatively cheap and easy/inexpensive to fix.

That Ape I mention is sorta like an R model duc.... big F on the fun factor, but you're checking valves a lot, and tending other stuff too.

KTM 690 might be an option - don't go for a 640 they aren't balanced - so they shake the shit out of you. Mines a hoot and I ride it at the track... plenty bike to beat up on folks with much more HP if you ride it well.

[muskrat]

I do love the KTM 690. 

There are lots of DRZ's out here and I'm going to look at two of them this weekend.

[Slide Panda]

I like my KTM, but they are harder to find and will cost you more. More power than the DRZ of course 400 vs 650 or 690 depending on year. But I've seen some guys who a quick quick on the DRZ.

Also the KTMs to have a few things that need to be checked on/addressed. 08 and maybe 09 got a bad batch of bearings in their rocker arms and go off early. I looked over mine and it was showing signs - and this is around 3,000 miles. Also known to gum up fuel filters really early, especially if you offroad 'em. Couple other quirks that are free or very cheap to address, but are out there - like a poorly routed fuel line that rubs on a bolt if not moved from the factory install.

[Anchorism]

My first bike was a ktm 560smr super moto.... It was a beast and only weighed 240lbs dry. Ridiculously fun!

[muskrat]

thanks for the notice on the KTM's.

[lethe]

blah, blah, blah - don't go for a 640 they aren't balanced - so they shake the shit out of you. blah, blah, blah

listen not to this man
the unbalanced LC4s make a man out of you!
I've ridden 900 mile weekends on mine and yet I still live...couldn't sit right for a bit but came out otherwise just fine 
my KTM, shaky though it is, is the absolute fastest thing I've every thrown down a rough back road.
I'll run wide on uphill corners all the time as the front end doesn't like staying down

you need a motard, NEED one