[Suns_PSD]

I was at a friend's party Saturday night and he just got back from Italy and he reads Italian. He had a nice stack of Italian motorcycle mags on the coffee table and in it was a shootout between the 690 SMC, the Husky 610, and the BMW FS550 (I think).

I couldn't read Italian but they had the weights, Hp graphs, and torque graphs and the KTM was lighter than the other two and completely dominated the others in hp and torque. Like 20% more power.

My buddy that reads Italian scanned over the shootout real quick and said "yah, apparently that 690 puts those other bikes on the trailer according to these testers."

Nice!

 

[GDAVIS2265]

I sure like my 690 - it's a great all around bike - In town and on the freeway

 

[mcjasonb]

nice! makes me glad i chose KTM!

 

[scottiedawg66]

so jelous of all you proud 690 owners...

 

[elkbow]

yeah i would have hated to get one of the others and not wait on the 690, so glad i got it

 

[veryMoTARDED]

Yeah, You guys should check out the new aprilia 550 v twin motards, 70hp and 263 pounds!

 

[geremy]

Yeah, but they need a complete engine overhaul every 3500 miles. Really, they require their own pit crew.

 

[GDAVIS2265]

yup, really hoping to get at least 30,000 miles out of mine before overhaul. Not bad with around 70hp and hopefully around 285lbs (after mods) and little to no maintenance.

 

[wolfe43]

I love the KTM as well....

...690cc, it should KILL the other bike, more displacement = more power in most cases!

Oh yeah, the Aprilia's numbers are not so bad. only 550cc BTW.:laughingr:laughingr:laughingr
And, look at the sugested engine tear down inspection intervals on the KTM not too far off from the aprilia's.

 

[Ruefus]

I love the KTM as well....

...690cc, it should KILL the other bike, more displacement = more power in most cases!

Oh yeah, the Aprilia's numbers are not so bad. only 550cc BTW.:laughingr:laughingr:laughingr
And, look at the sugested engine tear down inspection intervals on the KTM not too far off from the aprilia's.

Obviously, you haven't looked at the two maintenance schedules very closely. The maintenance between a 690 and an Aprilia are WORLDS apart. I about choked when I saw the Aprilia's 'street' schedule.

At just over 5,000 miles, the Aprilia needs its engine inspected. Cams, piston linings, oil pump gears, valve seats, rod bearings all get looked at.....you get the idea. The motor comes out and completely apart. All this - before the KTM needs just an oil change and valve inspection at just over 6,000 miles. If you attempt to ride it daily - the Aprilia will spend more time at the shop on a service lift than anywhere else. The KTM? Nothing of the sort. Not even close.

I'm sure the Aprilia is very powerful and quite a good bike. BUT - it is a true race-bike with lights, and all the maintenance that that suggests. The idea that it needs its own pit crew isn't far off. At minimum you'd need a mechanic and parts man on-call. The KTM can operate as a daily-driver without incinerating your wallet.

 

[fast4d]

I was going to buy an 08 SXV55. but issues with the case leaks, starter, etc. etc. scared me away. alot of these issues appears to be solved with the 08 models. however, this is a race bike that requires ALOT of maintenance. there are also other quirks you have to live with.

the 690 was just alot more streetable and has the durability I need. it's the best performing bike that can take day to day usage. Plus the depreciation on the ape adds to the cost.

here's the ape's maintenance list.

END OF RUN-IN PERIOD 500 KM (311 MILES)
Throttle body assembly bolt torque - check
Throttle bodies - Synchronisation
Air filter and filter case - Check and cleaning
Fuel lines - Check condition and position
Idle speed adjustment - Check
Gearbox oil - Change
Clutch control - Check and adjust
Coolant level in radiator and expansion tank - Check
Engine oil and engine oil filter - Change
Oil pipes - Check condition and position
Throttle cables - Adjustment
Cold-start key - Adjustment
Brake fluid level - Check
Brake pipes - Check condition and tightness
Brake system screws torque - Check
Light operation/direction
Electrical system operation - Check
Tyre condition and pressure - Check
Wheel bearings clearance - Check
Wheel spokes and rim coaxiality - Check tension
Tightening of wheel pin nuts and screws - Check
Engine mounting bolt torque - Check
Tightening of chassis screws and nuts - Check
Fork - Check for sealing and operation
Tightening of fork plates and feet screws - Check
Shock absorber pins tightening - Check
Shock absorber - Check for sealing and operation
Steering bearings - Check and adjust
Headstock dust guards - Cleaning
Drive chain - Tension
Sealed link, chain sprocket and chain guide - Check for wear
Chain - lubricate

EVERY 3000 KM (1864 MILES)
Throttle body assembly bolt torque - check
Throttle bodies - Synchronisation
Air filter and filter case - Check and cleaning
Fuel lines - Check condition and position
Idle speed adjustment - Check
Gearbox oil - Change
Clutch springs - Check length
Clutch discs - Check for wear
Clutch control - Check and adjust
Coolant level in radiator and expansion tank - Check
System sealing - Check
Engine oil and engine oil filter - Change
Oil pipes - Check condition and position
Throttle cables - Adjustment
Cold-start key - Adjustment
Brake fluid level - Check
Brake pipes - Check condition and tightness
Brake system screws torque - Check
Brake discs thickness - Check
Brake pad thickness - Check
Electrical contacts and switches - Treatment with contact activator spray
Battery connections - Greasing
Light operation/direction
Electrical system operation - Check
Exhaust system - Check for leaks and alignment
Tyre condition and pressure - Check
Wheel bearings - check
Wheel spokes and rim coaxiality - Check tension
Tightening of wheel pin nuts and screws - Check
Engine mounting bolt torque - Check
Tightening of chassis screws and nuts - Check
Fork dust guards - Cleaning
Fork struts - Bleed
Fork - Check for sealing and operation
Tightening of fork plates and feet screws - Check
Shock absorber pins tightening - Check
Shock absorber - Check for sealing and operation
Steering bearing clearance - Check

EVERY 6000 KM (3728 MILES)
Paper air filter - Replacement
Spark plugs - Replacement

EVERY 9000 KM (5592 MILES)
Complete transmission - Check for wear
Pressure relief and non-return valve spring - Check
Cylinder liners - Check for wear
Connecting rods and main bushings - Check for wear
Start-up gears - Check for wear
Oil pump gears - Check
Head lubrication nozzles - Cleaning
Pistons and piston rings - Replacement
Piston pin - Check
Cam rockers - Radial check
Valve lifter - Check
Camshaft wear - Check
Camshaft bearings - Check
Valve seat sealing - Check
Valves - Check for wear
Valve clearance - Check and adjust
Valve guides - check for wear
Spring washers, caps, bowls - Check for wear
Chain tightener toothing - Check for wear
Valve springs - check length
Timing chain - Stretching measurement
Drive chain sliders - Check for wear
Fuel pump - Check
Fork - Comprehensive maintenance
Fork oil - Replacement
Shock absorber - Comprehensive maintenance
Crankshaft and connecting rod bearing clearance - Check
Chain guide slider - Check for wear
Chain guide eye - Check for wear
Chain tightener roller - Check for wear
Chain tightener slider - Check for wear

END OF RUN-IN PERIOD AND EVERY 3 HOURS OF OPERATION
Throttle body assembly bolt torque - check
Throttle bodies - Synchronisation
Air filter and filter case - Check and cleaning
Fuel lines - Check condition and position
Idle speed adjustment - Check
Gearbox oil - Change
Clutch control - Check and adjust
Coolant level in radiator and expansion tank - Check
Engine oil and engine oil filter - Change
Oil pipes - Check condition and position
Throttle cables - Adjustment
Cold-start key - Adjustment
Brake fluid level - Check
Brake pipes - Check condition and tightness
Brake system screws torque - Check
Light operation/direction
Electrical system operation - Check
Tyre condition and pressure - Check
Wheel bearings clearance - Check
Wheel spokes and rim coaxiality - Check tension
Tightening of wheel pin nuts and screws - Check
Engine mounting bolt torque - Check
Tightening of chassis screws and nuts - Check
Fork - Check for sealing and operation
Tightening of fork plates and feet screws - Check
Shock absorber pins tightening - Check
Shock absorber - Check for sealing and operation
Steering bearings - Check and adjust
Headstock dust guards - Cleaning
Drive chain - Tension
Sealed link, chain sprocket and chain guide - Check for wear
Chain - lubricate

EVERY 15 HOURS OF OPERATION
Throttle body assembly bolt torque - check
Throttle bodies - Synchronisation
Air filter and filter case - Check and cleaning
Fuel lines - Check condition and position
Idle speed adjustment - Check
Gearbox oil - Change
Clutch springs - Check length
Clutch discs - Check for wear
Clutch control - Check and adjust
Coolant level in radiator and expansion tank - Check
System sealing - Check
Engine oil and engine oil filter - Change
Oil pipes - Check condition and position
Throttle cables - Adjustment
Cold-start key - Adjustment
Brake fluid level - Check
Brake pipes - Check condition and tightness
Brake system screws torque - Check
Brake discs thickness - Check
Brake pad thickness - Check
Electrical contacts and switches - Treatment with contact activator spray
Battery connections - Greasing
Light operation/direction
Electrical system operation - Check
Exhaust system - Check for leaks and alignment
Tyre condition and pressure - Check
Wheel bearings - check
Wheel spokes and rim coaxiality - Check tension
Tightening of wheel pin nuts and screws - Check
Engine mounting bolt torque - Check
Tightening of chassis screws and nuts - Check
Fork dust guards - Cleaning
Fork struts - Bleed
Fork - Check for sealing and operation
Tightening of fork plates and feet screws - Check
Shock absorber pins tightening - Check
Shock absorber - Check for sealing and operation
Steering bearing clearance - Check
Headstock dust guards - Cleaning
Drive chain - Tension
Sealed link, chain sprocket and chain guide - Check for wear
Steering bearings - Lubricate
Clutch lever pin - Lubricate
Throttle cables - Lubricate
Rider footrest bolts - Lubricate
Chain - lubricate
Rear suspension linkage system - Lubricate
Side stand bolt - Lubricate
Front wheel bolt and bearings - Lubricate
Rear fork bolt - Lubricate
Rear wheel bolt and bearings - Lubricate

EVERY 60 HOURS OF OPERATION
Paper air filter - Replacement
Spark plugs - Replacement

EVERY 90 HOURS OF OPERATION
Complete transmission - Check for wear
Pressure relief and non-return valve spring - Check
Cylinder liners - Check for wear
Connecting rods and main bushings - Check for wear
Start-up gears - Check for wear
Oil pump gears - Check
Head lubrication nozzles - Cleaning
Pistons and piston rings - Replacement
Piston pin - Check
Cam rockers - Radial check
Valve lifter - Check
Camshaft wear - Check
Camshaft bearings - Check
Valve seat sealing - Check
Valves - Check for wear
Valve clearance - Check and adjust
Valve guides - check for wear
Spring washers, caps, bowls - Check for wear
Chain tightener toothing - Check for wear
Valve springs - check length
Timing chain - Stretching measurement
Drive chain sliders - Check for wear
Fuel pump - Check
Fork - Comprehensive maintenance
Fork oil - Replacement
Shock absorber - Comprehensive maintenance
Crankshaft and connecting rod bearing clearance - Check
Chain guide slider - Check for wear
Chain guide eye - Check for wear
Chain tightener roller - Check for wear
Chain tightener slider - Check for wear

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS TABLE SXV 450 - 550
Product Description Specifications
AGIP RACING 4T 10W-60 Engine oil Use top-branded oils that meet or exceed the
CCMC G-4 API SG. SAE 10W-60
specifications requirements
AGIP RACING 4T 10W-60 Gearbox oil -
AGIP PERMANENT SPEZIAL Coolant Biodegradable coolant, ready for use, with
"long life" technology and characteristics
(pink). Freezing protection up to -40° (-40°F).
In compliance with the CUNA 956-16 standard.

 

[Suns_PSD]

If the Ape was reliable up until the repair intervals it might be acceptable, but it's not.

 

[Ruefus]

None of that is even remotely acceptable for a street-bound bike. At least not for someone who works for a living.

 

[airboy808]

Ape is overkill for the street and commuting. It is like buying a Ferrari to commute in traffic to/from work. Unless you are rich and don't mind paying a large amount of $$$ I would go with the KTM. Another cost factor to think about is just actual downtime to provide the service on the Ape and in some cases wait for parts. KTM has a stronger dealer network.

Now back to my search for a 690

 

[veryMoTARDED]

Allot of the stuff looks pretty standard to me, all up until the 5k mile check.

 

[ezl_oo]

Im sure glad I bought the Ktm 690!!! Also, the Ape was going for around $1,500 more than what I bought the ktm for!!!! I love getting on my bike and not having to worry about all these checks and changes every 5 hours on my bike! I don't see myself paying more than $10k for a bike that is in the dealership getting serviced more than you ride it....lol

 

[fast4d]

there's a used 2008 sxv550 for sale for 7500. talk about depreciation!

 

[geremy]

Honestly, it is a positive sign in my mind to be compared with the Aprilia (and to a lesser extent the hypermotard). I have a lot of respect for the SVX, I think it is a fantastic bike. I just need something less expensive and easier to maintain. I ultimately had to sacrifice performance to get it.

 

[Metallitubby]

I rode an Ape while waiting for my SMC and respect is the least anyone can do to the SXV. It's an absolute beast, but as it's been said before... you've gotta pay to play.

big power from small displacement USUALLY means high maintenance
vs.
big power from biggER displacement for everyday use (ala the big bores)

 

[geremy]

I read some more about the SVX, and aside from the maintenance I am still very glad I bought the SMC. The SVX does not have a slipper clutch? The SVX only makes 38 lb-ft of torque? The weight between the two bikes is not all that different (SVX is 310 lbs wet, SMC is 305 lbs dry), it seems to me that with an aftermarket exhaust the SMC would weigh within 20 lbs or so? I can't wait until the SMC gets into more hands and is a bit more developed...