KTM 950 Supermoto (2008) - Review

To the Batcycle!
By, Trevor Hedge

Again, don’t let the model name fool you. The 950 Supermoto is by far the best all round roadbike to ever come out of the KTM factory. It is clearly better in almost every way than the early Superduke and Adventure models. The only real mistake the factory made this time around was calling it a Supermoto.

My only gripe concerning the machine itself really comes from failing to arrive at the perfect rear suspension set-up during my time with the 950 SM. There is plenty of adjustment to be had and I am sure it would only take some fettling to correct the way the machine tended to weave the front exiting faster bends. More preload and some careful tuning of the compression and rebound settings on the shock should be able to dial that trait out. That aforementioned cold morning start routine would also make the day to day commute a little tiresome but once warmed up the KTM is an urban warrior par excellence.

At $18,495 plus on roads the 950 SM is certainly not a cheap bike, but KTM are currently throwing in $1656 of travel accessories to help sweeten the deal. The 37 litre top case with pillion backrest is great and the side mounted throw-over bags are simply brilliant. In fact they are the best soft luggage I have used to date. A tank-bag is also thrown in to complete the luggage package that really turns the 950 Supermoto from urban warrior to excellent open road tourer. This sees the 950 SM kitted up and ready for anything, and makes the 950 SM one of the most versatile machines on the market and another one to add to my post lotto win wish list. Click Here for a gallery of images from our 2000km in 30 hours on the 950 SM road trip to Esperance via the back roads.

KTM 950 Supermoto (2008) - Review - Test
By, Trevor Hedge
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