Last Minute Suggestions Welcomed

[XAC750]

I finally got my GSX-R 750, up on E-bay. So I have about 7 days til the end of the auction and another 7 until I go ahead and get another bike. I want something out of the box. Here is what I am down to, either the Aprilia SXV 550, or the KTM 690 SMC. While, I love the Suzuki brand I just don't think the DRZ would have have the power I'd like, coming off a great 750. Also, I have decided on these 2 because there are dealers in the area (no Husky) So what's up? Is 1 of these drastically better than the other? Would I be more than happy with either? Reliability is also a key point (I don't like being in the shop). All advice is welcome. I am hoping to be riding something new in a couple of weeks so now is the time for experienced suggestions. Thanks.

[lammyracer]

Get the 690 SMC. it is very rideable, and I think a better bike for more miles. If it's just for track days, get the Aprilia.

[XAC750]

Probably won't see a "track", Nashville and ATL are only about 2 hours away, but with a new baby at home the wifey frowns on "those kind of trips", but I do have some wide open acreage and trails near by, so it may see a little bit of dirt time. Plus in a small, country town there are more than enough places to push the limits, oh yeah, and the Dragons Tail is about 45 minutes away. SO that being said no official track time but some serious riding. I would like something I can ride hard on Saturday and then still reliably ride to work on Monday.

[Deadend]

Get the 690 SMC. it is very rideable, and I think a better bike for more miles. If it's just for track days, get the Aprilia.

Crazy italians.

The 690 is a great bike. Compared to your gixxer 750 it will feel grossly underpowered and extremely light.

If you can see the benefit of the later out weighing the first - then score. Otherwise, you sacrifice ease of maintenance for shear "looool fun"

If you are totally stoked about rebuilds - and the local DMV laws allow it - consider a more focused bike.

The 690 is truly the best bike i have ever owned. But its certainly not the most pure supermoto option available - its the best "real world" supermoto option. imho

[lowercasee]

/\ +1 on the whole post.

[XAC750]

The KTM is looking like it's pulling ahead a bit. They are hard to find though, I know where 1 is and that's it. And they are not cheap, about 10.5K for a new one. Didn't realize they were that expensive. That's as much as a new GSX-R 750, but it seems like you are getting so much less, is KTM just a pricey brand? For the high cost are you getting premium parts? I know it comes with Brembo brakes and radial brake-lever, which are nice. Do they come with SS brake lines and/or other high-end upgraddes you might expect at this price. Thanks for the info.

[toycloser]

I own an Aprilia. Get the KTM.

[lowercasee]

Yes, they have SS brake lines front and back. The suspension is worlds better than most other brands as well. Most all of the components on the bike are better than the Jap equivalent. It's also the most powerful single cylinder (stock) bike out there. The motor is just amazing. I do have to admit that 10.5 is steep price though.

[DaviMac424]

+1 for the KTM.

[skateman14]

ktm x1000000

[speedfreak391]

I know where you can get one that was lightly used for one weekend. A friend of mine is a road racer, he bought one on a whim, broke it in on the street for a week, and took it to a track day. He liked it but it wasn't fast enough for him. So now it sits in his garage. If anyone might be interested PM me, I will put you in contact with him.

[XAC750]

$1400 away from the reserve. Hopefully it will sell this time. I love my GSX-R but I am ready for something new and different. There is an Aprilia SXV 5.5 floating around ebay for about 6 & 1/2K It is an 08, and seems like a great deal but I am just not getting the "go with the Aprilia" vibe. As much as I like it, I am thinking the KTM is the better buy, in the long run. although for 4K less that would fix a lot of bugs.

[XNachoX]

$1400 away from the reserve. Hopefully it will sell this time. I love my GSX-R but I am ready for something new and different. There is an Aprilia SXV 5.5 floating around ebay for about 6 & 1/2K It is an 08, and seems like a great deal but I am just not getting the "go with the Aprilia" vibe. As much as I like it, I am thinking the KTM is the better buy, in the long run. although for 4K less that would fix a lot of bugs.

Aprilia is a good second or third bike. You wouldn't want to rely on that as your sole two wheeled transportation. If you can't afford two bikes, then you will want to steer towards the KTM. It doesn't sound like you can afford to keep the Aprilia running.

Check out the service intervals and decide for yourself:

http://slorider.com/Aprilia/

[lilmule]

Probably won't see a "track", Nashville and ATL are only about 2 hours away, but with a new baby at home the wifey frowns on "those kind of trips", but I do have some wide open acreage and trails near by, so it may see a little bit of dirt time. Plus in a small, country town there are more than enough places to push the limits, oh yeah, and the Dragons Tail is about 45 minutes away. SO that being said no official track time but some serious riding. I would like something I can ride hard on Saturday and then still reliably ride to work on Monday.

Where do you live? I live in Chattanooga. Try Haysville, NC. there is a motorcycle shop that carries KTM, Aprilia, Suzuki. I would go with the 690SMC. You are right they think very highly of motards now.

[XAC750]

Aprilia is a good second or third bike. You wouldn't want to rely on that as your sole two wheeled transportation. If you can't afford two bikes, then you will want to steer towards the KTM. It doesn't sound like you can afford to keep the Aprilia running.

Check out the service intervals and decide for yourself:

http://slorider.com/Aprilia/

I have 6 bikes (06 GSX-R, 77 Triumph Bonneville, 71 bonneville, 70Norton Commando, 63 Ducati 350 Monza, 74 BMW 60/6 w/side car) I leave the classics in the Garage mostly, so this will be an everyday rider.

I can afford the maintenance, but it doesn't make since to just piss money away on a poorly made product, not to mention the pain in the ass, of running the bike around to be fixed and waiting on parts, etc..

[Alcatraz1]

Get the KTM, but I am Biased

[66shelby]

I wouldn't presume to be knowledgeable about your two selections, but you did mention liking the Suzuki brand. I love my Z for a lot of reasons. This might put you in the right frame of mind.

1/2 off sale!

http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?t=78854

I still don't believe this shit. Someone buy this and put me out of my misery.

[svmango]

KTM. You need to snag one and come ridin with us in WNC.

Check Fun Cycles in Valdese.