KTM 950 SUPERMOTO: the international Press raves!

Now 300, 400, 500 and even 600 cc single cylinder engines provide massive power on the dirt, where they offer the key advantage of light weight and predictable power delivery but on tarmac, they lack the middle and top end power required for a thrilling ride when exiting corners.

So KTM’s use of the 920cc v-twin engine may prove to be a masterstroke as it offers a roadster with very light weight for a 1000cc motorcycle, yet enough power to slingshot the beastie out of corners as fast as you’re likely to be able to get out of there on any machinery … and the instantaneous grunt to wheelstand at will!

“The 950 Supermoto is a real-world sport motorcycle unlike any other,” says Motorcyclist magazine from its report on the launch in the June 2005 issue. The magazine forsees the V-twin Supermoto becoming “KTM’s best-selling streetbike right from the day it enters production.” “It will also be a paradigm for a new generation of sporting motorcycles … They’ll need to if they want to keep pace with KTM - on the street as well as in the dirt.”

All of the magazines that attended the launch told much the same story. Some examples:

“Calling it a brilliant motorcycle simply isn’t enough. It’s much better than that. One day, all bikes will make you feel this good.” Australian Motorcycle News, June 15-28, 2005

“KTM aims the new 950 Supermoto across a broad church of potential buyers. It’s a bike that demands to be noticed and taken seriously.” Superbike UK, June 2005

“The 950 Supermoto is more than a Sunday morning toy. It’s got the legs and comfort to cover big miles… the future is very orange indeed. Two Wheels Only, July 2005

As such, the new KTM Supermotard targets all current single-cylinder Supermoto riders who are looking for more engine performance, and it offers an alternative for Supersport and Superbike customers.

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