KTM 950 Supermoto

It was back in 1979 when American television ABC artificially created cart racing called "superbikers". At that time, on the track, one half of which was covered with asphalt and the other with earth, he raced for the prestigious title of the best motorcyclist in the world. The world's aces competed themselves, from royal-class 500cc downhill racers to top motocross riders. Today, supermoto is an attractive sport and, moreover, the fastest growing genre of motorsport at the moment. Only KTM offers as many as 11 models! The youngest of them all is the 950 Supermoto, which opens up a new world for anyone looking for adrenaline-fueled fun on winding roads.

Thus, the KTM 950 Supermoto is a kind of evolution of what we know by this name to this day. It differs from others in transmission. This time, the tubular CroMo frame is not single-cylinder, but two-cylinder, which is in fact the only such case in the world. Rumor has it that BMW is also preparing a supermoto version of the HP2 two-cylinder hard enduro, but KTM was the first to show off its weaponry. What's more, as you can see from the photos, it will be available from official KTM dealers by the end of June.

A little tip to help you understand what the KTM 950 Supermoto brings. So, imagine what you know as a supermoto: agility, ease of driving, fun, powerful brakes ... Really? Yes! Well, now add to that the 98bhp produced by the 942cc engine. Cm, and 94 Nm of torque at just 6.500 rpm. This is a well known and proven KTM product with 72 degree V-cylinders. The KTM LC8 950 Adventure runs for the third year in a row and the all-new Superduk 990 has been slightly improved.

Considering that the beast does not exceed 187 kilograms on the scales with an empty fuel tank (ready to ride, weighs 191 kg), it is one of the lightest two-cylinder overall (even with naked streetfighters).

Up front, it's stopped by a pair of brake discs that even the supersport Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade wouldn't be ashamed of. Brembo coils are up to 305mm in diameter and are gripped by a pair of radially mounted jaws with four bars. Aha, that's all! As befits KTM, the fully adjustable suspension was provided by White Power. Do you want anything else? They even have a pair of Akrapovic exhaust pipes (accessories are tough hardware) available to anyone who loves the purity and beauty of the sound of a sporty two-cylinder engine. So Supermoto meets Superbike!

After the superduck, KTM is entering road bikes even more. It is designed for riders who want pure, uncompromising pleasure in terms of sporting performance, while at the same time appreciating the bike's versatility when taking it on the road or around town. Even for two! The KTM also found itself comfortable in the back seat so that the passenger can enjoy turns even while driving all day long. It is true, however, that the travel enduro still offers a bit more comfort, mainly due to slightly less bent legs on the passenger's lower pedals.

And it was this versatility that surprised us the most as we rode with him through the bends of Tuscany, a paradise for supermoto pleasures.

So at first glance, parked on the side stand, it seemed a little (too) big, especially due to the fuel tank. And the look is deceiving. As soon as we got on it, it turned out that we had made a motorcycle with an ergonomic finish. Sitting in a comfortable yet sporty enough seat is great. Despite the volume of 17 liters, the fuel tank is not large and does not force the knees into a forced extended position. When you get on it, it feels a lot like the LC5 4 single-cylinder supermotor. So it doesn't feel bulky and oversized by any means. The driver's seat will be close to anyone who has ridden enduro or supermoto bikes so far. Relaxed, tireless and at home after a few miles.

In the KTM race, this immediately shows that the Austrians still adhere to the slogan "Ready to Race". Well, no one expects the owners of this supermoto racing, but when the heart longs for adrenaline pleasures, a more determined throttle on the winding road is enough. Even better in karting. We had the opportunity to test what KTM can do on slippery asphalt. Pure pleasure! Friction of the pedal on the asphalt for him does not present any problems, especially sliding on a turn. Only the driver can take advantage of what KTM has to offer.

The supermoto acquired its maneuverability and lightness due to well-thought-out geometry, head angle of the frame (64 degrees), low center of gravity (compact low-mounted engine design), light tubular frame (6 kg), short turn of only 11 mm. mm, and the wheelbase is 575 mm. However, we didn't find any interference in either short or long corners or on planes where the KTM easily exceeded 1.510 km/h. Everything flowed like butter. Accurate, comfortable and quite sporty.

Otherwise, for anyone looking for a more aggressive ride, it offers an excellent White Power suspension that can be quickly and precisely adjusted with a small screwdriver. The difference becomes apparent after two clicks of the adjusting screw. Well, in any case, the serial tuning suited us, which turned out to be a good compromise, with enough softness and shock absorption when the road surprised us with some kind of hole in the asphalt, and enough rigidity when a series of enticing turns unfolded in front of us.

The Pirelli Scorpion Syncs tires, fitted with lightweight aluminum rims (Brembo!), Which have been adapted for the supermoto, also contributed to the easy handling. The KTM is thus glued to the asphalt, which makes it possible to overcome steep slopes. Speaking of extreme driving, you can ride it on your knees or in supermoto style, with your feet forward in a bend.

With its modern design and the freshness that the KTM 950 supermoto brought to the motorcycle scene, it surprised us a bit (we now admit it publicly) and took us by surprise. With invitation in hand, we went to the presentation of the world press in Tuscany, mostly blank and open to something new. And this is the essence of our conclusion. This is a motorcycle that brings something completely new, hitherto unknown, to the motorcycle scene.

Anyone who wants to try a new scent will not be disappointed. Last but not least, KTM offers a lot (including brand exclusivity) at a reasonable price. The estimated price should not exceed 2 million tolar, which does not seem excessive to us for all that 7 Supermoto has to offer. Try to arrange a test drive, you won't regret it.

Price (approximate): 2.680.000 seats

engine: 4-stroke, two-cylinder V-shaped, liquid-cooled. 942 cm3, 98 hp @ 8.000 rpm, 94 Nm @ 6.500 rpm, 2mm Keihin twin carburetor

Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension and frame: USD front adjustable fork, PDS single adjustable damper, Cromo tubular frame

Tires: front 120/70 R 17, rear 180/55 R 17

brakes: 2 drums with a diameter of 305 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear

Wheelbase: 1.510 mm

Seat height from ground: 865 mm

Fuel tank: 17, 5l

Weight without fuel: 187 kg

Representative: Motor Jet, Maribor (02/460 40 54), Moto Panigaz, Kranj (04/204 18 91), Axle, Koper (05/663 23 77)

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ conductivity

+ ergonomics

+ engine power and torque

- engine sound

- not yet on sale

Peter Kavčič, photo: Hervig Pojker, Halvaks Manfred, Freeman Gary