Not been able to get a demo of either of the above models and trying to decide what would be best for really bumpy and pot holed C and unclassified roads? Am I right in thinking the SP has had the suspension stiffened up and more track focused as well as having longer suspension? Will the light weight wheels on the SP cope with pot holes? I test rode a 698mono on roads that were close but not as rough as I'll be running and I wouldn't want any stiffer sprung suspension.
Is that based on SP being the bike to have for looks and resale or based on riding them both on rough roads? I've already made the mistake of buying a KTM 890 Duke R (which is a fantastic bike) and now selling it because suspension doesn't cope with the bumpy roads.
Yep, none in the group except 698 mono. Was in Preston trying it yesterday. Also spoke to Ducati in Italy who have supplied a list of dealers that have 950's to demo not all SP's though and Hampshire is the closest or maybe Dundee.
Interesting vid. Tester -for what its worth- says the standard bike is better to ride on bumpy potholed roads
I’m probably sticking my head up above the parapet to be shot down but given your criteria, IMO, the Hypermotard 950 isn’t the bike that meets them. The Marzocchis aren’t up to it and the Öhlins are smooth tarmac focussed. Something like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Extreme maybe ? Andy
Check the specs on damping & preload adjustability on the non-SP. The 939 Hyper forks are non-adjustable and for the ability to easily adjust them, the SP is the better bet - otherwise it's replacement internals. I don't know about the 950. Only reason for not getting the SP is cost in my opinion.
I took out an RVE for a few hours, and bought an SP. There’s much more adjustability on the Ohlins equipped SP. I mainly rode back roads, and although it was a little harsh at times, was fine. And I have a dodgy back. But, as mentioned above, if you’re mainly riding crap roads, maybe a Hyper isn’t the most ideal bike.
For those roads a 698 IME a 950 in either flavour is way overpowered unless you also do a lot of A Roads. Unless of course you’ve test ride one and ruled out. I ride mostly Shropshire/Wales B roads and unclassified, I’ve owned more powerful bikes but my GG and the 698 are better suited to country roads.
I'll have a watch of that. If the Tenere 700 is anything like the Desert X I test rode then it's not for me, suspension soaks up the bumps but it's too big and divey for what I'm after. The 950 forks are fully adjustable but the shock only has rebound and preload. Would agree if the 950SP was same stiffness as 950 then the SP is the one to have. Not sure what the 698IME is? I have wondered about the GG 700 SM and KTM equivalent but would still prefer something with a bit more grunt similar to 890. If KTM etc did an 890 SM then i'd be looking at it.
Apologies but a 698 is this Look at the KTM 890 SMT I have a GG 700 having dropped down from a KTM 790. I only notice the lack of grunt on A roads which I rarely use. The 698 is a more polished version.
Had a ride of the 698 yesterday on roads that were similar but not same as my usual ones. Really enjoyed the bike, handling wise was exactly what I was looking for but i could see there would be roads i use where i'd want more grunt and less playing with the gear lever or maybe it's just because i'm used to the 890 and it would take a while to get the hang of the 698. Hadn't thought of the KTM 890 SMT, will have a look. I'd been debating about the 890 Adventure R but after riding the Desert X i'd excluded that as well.
I had the base model over the rve and sp. Watched a you tube video that convinced me, the suspension was more forgiving on the road, the only reason for the sp is the bling factor. As for the rve its more money for a quick shifter really. Saying that i would have had the sp if i had the extra money but it wasnt a deal breaker.
Didnt get to test ride at all pal. My test ride was riding home after i had brought it. Just didnt let the base model put me off when compared to the SP. Plenty of graphics kits to put on them.
Had a look at the KTM 890 SMT and think it's more along the lines of the Desert X and a tourer rather than a proper supermoto. Also has the same Apex forks as the 890 Duke R which don't have preload adjustment which has always annoyed me.
Base 950 and get the suspension built to your spec. Probably still cheaper than the SP which is overpriced in my opinion.
