Last Updated: 7/1/08

I got tired of being passed by motards on tight twisty roads in the mountains, so I decided "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."  So I found this bike on Supermoto Junkie.com and bought it.  Only it was located in Philidelphia and I was in Florida, no problem, time for a FLY and RIDE.  I flew up in October of last year and rode the thing down the Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway to my place in Blue Ridge, about 900 miles total.  It took three days, camped out twice, and aside from what felt like deep bone bruises in my butt, it was a thoroughly enjoyable trip.  I can't recommend the route highly enough.  That road is surely a national treasure.  But I can also say unequivocally that this bike isn't made for touring, oh well, sometimes you have to learn the hard way.

The bike is exquisitely made with very fine attention to detail.  This one has been "uncorked", with Staintune pipes, K&N air filter, and the carbs jetted to match.

It has Avon Distanzias mounted front and rear, and Brembo brakes.  It corners like a cat on carpet and stops on a dime.

The motor makes surprising power for a 625cc single.  Up to about 60-70 it will hang pretty well, will cruise at 80 comfortably, and probably tops out at a little over 100 mph.  But it's real purpose in life is carving the twisties, which it does very well.

Attention to detail is very high at KTM as evidenced by the polished swingarm.

The stainless steel Staintune pipes allow the engine to breath as it was intended.  The twin tractor beam headlights throw an excellent swath of light.

Here I am all loaded up for my trip down the Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway in October of 2007.  There isn't much room for me left in the seat with all that camping gear.  Nine hundred miles in three days doesn't sound like much, but it certainly was blast.  Don't pass up the chance to ride this road, it is an absolute national treasure.

Unloaded and about ready to make dinner.  I love motorcycle touring, and I'd much rather camp than stay in a motel.