  
The KTM 950 Super
Enduro R - is it suitable for Adventure Touring, or does it
belong on the race circuit ?
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2010
KTM 950 Super Enduro R
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44 Marine Drive,
Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
(021) 511 7966
(021) 511 2538
-33.910000,
18.471117
-33° 54' 36.00", +18° 28' 16.02"
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"The KTM 950 SE is the ideal bike for all those who want
to hit the trails hard and rooster along loose gravel roads. But
don't expect to get more than 2500km out of your back tyre, if
you gonna hang on the throttle, especially with the 72kw on tap
on the right handle bar grip."
Craig Marshall - Rider |
KTM
950 Super Enduro
The test ride took place over an incredible
1700km journey from Cape Town, across the Western Cape and via
the back country roads of Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn eventually
landing up in Stytlerville in the Eastern Cape, 150 km inland
from Port Elizabeth.
The Wild Dog Forum held its Eastern Cape Bash this year in the
small farming community town of Stytlerville, on the back plains
of Baviaanskloof mountain range.
4 days in the saddle, over 1000km of dirt, the KTM 950 SE proved
to be more comfortable, and more fuel friendly than expected. |
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"The
950 SE really came into true form on the open and sometimes
twisty gravel roads, once used to how much throttle to use,
to keep good traction, the SE has a super confidence inspiring
way of staying upright." |
14.5
L Tank - 170km if you take it easy |
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2011
KTM 950 Super Enduro R - Specifications
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| Engine
type |
Twin
cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
| Displacement |
942
cc |
| Bore
x stroke |
100
/ 60 mm (3.94 / 2.36") |
| Performance
(homologated) |
72
kW / 8500 rpm |
| Max.
torque |
90
Nm / 7000 rpm |
| Compression
ratio |
11.5:1 |
| Starter/Battery |
Electric
Starter / 12 V 11.2 Ah |
| Transmission |
6
gears, dog clutch engagement |
| Carburetor |
2
Keihin constant-pressure carburetor CVRD 43 |
| Control |
4
V / DOHC |
| Lubrication |
Pressure
lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps |
| Engine
lubrication |
Motorex,
fully synthetic, SAE 10W-50 |
| Primary
drive |
67:35 |
| Final
drive |
17:45
|
| Cooling |
Liquid
cooled |
| Clutch |
Wet
multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically |
| Ignition |
Denso
battery ignition |
| Frame |
Chromium-Molybdenum
trellis frame, powder coated |
| Subframe |
Aluminum
7020 |
| Handlebar |
Aluminum,
Ø 28 / 22 mm (1.10 / 0.87"), tapered |
| Front
suspension |
WP
USD Ø 48 mm (1.89") |
| Rear
suspension |
WP
mono shock |
| Suspension
travel front/rear |
250
/ 255 mm (9.84 / 10.04") |
| Front
brake |
Brembo
2-piston floating caliper, floating brake disc Ø
300 mm (11.81") |
| Rear
brake |
Brembo
2-piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc Ø
240 mm (9.45") |
| Rims,
front/rear |
Spoked
wheels with aluminum rims, 1.85 x 21"; 2.50 x
18" |
| Tyres,
front/rear |
90/90-21";
140/80-18" |
| Chain |
X-Ring
5/8 x 5/16" |
| Main
silencer |
Twin
stainless steel silencer with catalytic converters
|
| Steering
head angle |
64,4°
|
| Trail |
112
mm (4.41") |
| Wheel
base |
1577
± 10 mm (62.09") |
| Ground
clearance |
(unloaded)
330 mm (12.99") |
| Seat
height |
965
mm (37.99") |
| Tank
capacity |
14.5
liters / 2.5 liters reserve (3.83 / 0.66 gal) |
| Weight
(no fuel) |
190
kg (418.88 lbs) |
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Tested
Fuel Economy:
"Riding conservatively at around
100-120km/h the 14.5 litre tank consistently gave me 170km,
and possible more, as there was always a few litres left."
For about $849 Aussie - you can fit a 30L
Safari Tank
Seat Comfort:
"Although the seat is not the most comfortable for
more than 100km, however its not bad considering its design
is for 'stand up' type Enduro racing. Unfortunately Gel
touring seats like on the 950/990 do not fit the SE"
Weight:
Nearly 20kg lighter that the 990 Adventure, the SE is an
absolute pleasure in the 'Dotted Line" rough stuff.
and the bike effortlessly wheelies in 3rd and 4th gear.
Wind Protection:
On long fast stretches, at 120km +, the SE's lack
for wind protection is a real issue, especially with a MX
style helmet and peak. Changing your body position helps
tremendously.
Vibration:
Of course one only notices vibration when you on tarmac,
the SE does have a noticable vibration from about 150km/h. |
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The
Question is......
Would it be viable to convert a 950SE into a touring bike,
with 30L long range tank, Panniers, Faring, and some kind
of seat conversion?
Answer: No! - by the time
you have put the extra cost into the mods, you might as
well just buy the 990 Adventure. Unless you find one already
converted at a good price.
For long distance, comfort, top end speed - the 990 Adventure
is the machine.
For dirt munching, rock hopping, sand surfing and drifting
through mountain passes, the 950 SE has no equal - but go
easy on the throttle, back tyres are expensive.
General Opinion:
The KTM 950 Super Enduro is a beast, and I mean that is
a good sense. Despite the very few fall out issues like
wind and tank capacity, the aggressive racing geometry makes
the bike extremely well suited to adventure
riding, especially if you are going to do shorter more hard
core routes, but the 950 SE is definitely aimed more skilled
riders with the ability to muscle her around in the rough.
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