Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1545477
this year with production increasing for '07. With a price tag of approximately $13,000 the KTM 950 Super Enduro R is significantly cheaper than BMW's $20,000 1200cc off-roader. Offering a faster-revving power delivery than the BMW, which results in a more explosive motor off- road, the 950 Super Enduro R is a very different bike to ride compared to the HP2. With its inline V-twin engine making the 950SE R a narrower-engined bike than the BMW and its horizontally opposed engine, the two bikes have very different seating positions, which result in the KTM needing to be ridden differ- ently. The rider is able to sit down with leg out on the KTM, while a feet-up style is essential on the BMW, the standing position on both bikes is similar as both feel like wide enduro bikes. Just like on BMW's HP2, great fun can be had off- road on KTM's Super Enduro R. Thanks to the sporty power characteristics of its motor and a stable and responsive chassis, the bike offers serious off-road enjoyment, although getting completely comfortable on the bike on gravel tracks does take a little time, and requires changes to be made to the bike's suspension setup. The bike certainly isn't small, and having been built to be used off-road, the 11.9 inches of ground clearance results in a 36.8-inch seat height, which makes for a very tall-feeling bike. That, added to a wide tank and seat, means sitting forward in tighter, slow-speed corners isn't always easy. The bike does handle well, though, at speed and is incredible stable. Thanks to the powerful and lively LC8 engine, the bike packs a meaningful and entertaining punch, although traction on loose surfaces isn't always that easy to find. But chances are that most buyers of the Super Enduro 950 R won't be hitting the dirt, which is fine because the bike is an enjoy- able and competent short-distance road bike, too. Not having any fairing, with no large-capacity fuel tank, and with none of the road- going niceties of the 950 Adventure, the 950 Super Enduro R is a bike that enables great short-distance, on-road entertainment, which ironically KTM themselves admit is what the bike will most likely be used for, despite being marketed as the ultimate superenduro bike. Offering striking and original looks, the 950 Super Enduro R is certainly a machine that will turn heads no matter what environment it is used in. And it's also seriously good fun to ride, if a little on the big n' heavy side. CN JULY 12, 2006 • C Y C L E N E W S 44 KTM 950 Super Enduro R It's a big bike that can take a pounding. The Super Enduro can tackle reasonably tight trails. 2006 KTM 950 Super Enduro R MSRP: ..................................................................................$12,999 ENGINE: ..............................Two-cylinder, four-stroke, 75˚ V-twin DISPLACEMENT: ..................................................................942cc BORE/STROKE: ............................................................100/60mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ....................................................11.5:1 VALVE GEAR: ......................................................................DOHC ENGINE LUBRICATION: ............Dry sump, pressure lubrication STARTER: ............................................................................Electric DECOMPRESSION: ......................................................Automatic IGNITION: ..................................................Denso battery ignition CARBURETOR: ....(2) Keihin constant-pressure carburetors, 43mm EXHAUST SYSTEM: ......(2) stainless steel w/ catalytic converter FUEL: ..................................................................Premium unleaded TRANSMISSION: ..........................................................Six-speed CLUTCH: ............................Wet multi-disc, operated hydraulically PRIMARY DRIVE: ..................................................................67:35 FINAL DRIVE: ..............................................X-ring chain 5/8 x 1/4 CHASSIS/FRAME: ..Tubular chromoly space frame, powder-coated SUBFRAME: ..................................................................Aluminium HANDLEBAR: ..................................................Aluminium tapered FRONT SUSPENSION: ......................................WP-USD 48mm REAR SUSPENSION: ..........................................WP Monoshock FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION TRAVEL: ..................................10/10.2 in. FRONT BRAKE: ....................Brembo two-piston floating caliper, floating brake disc 300mm REAR BRAKE: ........................Brembo two-piston floating caliper, floating brake disc 240mm FRONT RIM: ................................................................1.85 x 21 in. REAR RIM: ....................................................................2.5 x 18 in. FRONT/REAR TIRE: ............................90/90-21 in., 140/80-18 in. STEERING ANGLE: ..................................................25.4 degrees WHEEL CASTER: ................................................................4.76 in. STAND: ............................................................................Sidestand WHEELBASE: ......................................................................62.8 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ....................................................................36.8 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: ................................................11.84 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ................................................................3.4 gal. CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: ................................................407.9 lb. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S KTM admits that the "R" will most likely be used for street riding, despite being marketed as the ultimate super enduro bike.