I just bought an 04 KTM 625 SMC to add to my bike gauntlet. Who else uses them at the track and what should I watch out for? Thanks, John
talk to joe with shadow video. his board name is tojo. The only thing i you will need to bring after watching him at Blackhawk, is a new set of legs to keep kicking it over until it starts! haha
Guys with liter bikes will hate you on smaller tracks ;-) Tracks with long straights can be a problem. Not good for small, unbalanaced motors. Change the oil often. If the 625 motor is anything like my 450, you only have a quart and a half in there.
I love motarding on the smaller technical tracks. More fun than a sportbike. As Troy said earlier, bring a friend to help you kick the SOB. I had a 525SX & a built 450 race bike at Blackhawk Farms last week. My 525 starts very predictably but, that F...ing 450 wore my ass out. Change oil often. Get way up on the seat to keep the front end down in the straights. Keep your elbows up. The corner workers prefer us to ride road race style (knee down) NOT motard (foot out). Go out 1st in the group and depending on the track, you should not get passed by anyone on a sport bike. You will need 7-10 corners before the straightaway to stay ahead. Then just lap those liter bikes. Be sure to wave when you go by them. :twisted:
Have you had problems with it? From reading the Apriliaforum, it appears that they have determined that the sealant between the cases deteriorates.... makes quite a mess of things. The 450 doesn't seem to have the same problem. I'll wait until they make a more civilized, reliable bike for those of us who aren't hard-core racer types looking for the cutting edge at any cost....
Yes.. I have one of those that were made.. There is a recall on a batch of 550's with the bad case sealant.. Its in the shop now getting it fixed.. Other than that the bike has been outstanding.. By far the funnest time I have ever had on the track... Especially Tally..
You will love the LC4 (for reliability)... I had one for about a year before switching to a KTM 525 SX (converted to Sumo)... As all have said... Probably the most fun on a track... You will toy with the liter bikes in the turns!!! :lol: Go to: http://www.supermotojunkie.com/ for a ton more info... :wink: Here's a couple of my (now sold 2004 625 SMC)... The new toy...
Yep. 6 speed cost me $900 and worth every penny. Last week at BHF I was riding a full race KTM 450 from the HMC race team. A bitch to start but, once it fired up it was a gas (no pun intended) As fast as my 525 in stock form. Terrific suspenders really make a difference. My problem is I have too many bike to feed and can't make every one of them full race prep. Its all good enough for an old track day hack!
I hear ya... I got lucky and my suspension was already done (I bought the bike converted)... Saved a bunch of $$$!!! I figure that I'll convert to 6-speed if/when I have to open her up... It screams on the local kart track here... I'll be going to Jennings this weekend... I'll post up how she does!!! I know my 625 SMC was a blast... This is even lighter and faster......
I have a friend trying to buy my dirt wheel/tire/ brake/sprocket/front fender etc. setup that I have rarely used for his 450sx. I have no idea how much this kit is worth. Anyone have an opinion?
