Conclusion
Leave your practicalities at home and have a ride on the slightly wilder side with monster-moto bikes. Where the Suzuki might not have the oomph of the larger Duc and KTM, it makes up for it in price. It's affordable fun and could easily fill the spot of a second bike in the garage for commuting with an edge.The Ducati's price sets it apart more than its performance, but along with its hefty sum comes a mystique and exotic appeal that only the Italian marque can offer.
KTM's rather quirky looking 950SM offers a welcome handful of hooliganism at a mere twist of the wrist. And when the front wheel finally touches back down it's usually because it's time for the rear to come up. With a tame tug at the lever this thing stops on a dime-usually dangling its hindquarters a few inches airborne as well.
Either way, this troupe offers an alternative to sportbiking as we tend to think of it and with each bike there's unique character and performance.
Buyer's Box
2008 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
MSRP: $6,199
Motor: 398cc, four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid cooled
-bore x stroke: 90 x 62.6mm
-Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Suspension:
Front: - 41mm adjustable compression and rebound damping USD forks
Rear: - fully adjustable shock
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 57.5 in
Weight: 295 lbs. (dry)
Tank capacity: 2.64 gal
2008 Ducati Hypermotard
MSRP: $11,995
Motor: 1078cc air-cooled L-twin cylinder, Desmodromic valve-bore x stroke: 98 x 71.5 mm
-Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Suspension: Front: - 50mm fully adjustable Marzocchi USD fork
Rear: - fully adjustable Sachs shock
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 57.2 in
Weight: 395 lbs (dry)
Tank capacity: 3.3 gal
2008 KTM 950SM
MSRP: $12,998
Motor: 942cc liquid-cooled twin cylinder; DOHC-bore x stroke: 100 x 60 mm-Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Suspension:
Front: - 48mm adjustable WP USD fork
Rear: - adjustable WP shock
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 59.4 in
Weight: 420 lbs (dry)
Tank capacity: 4.6 gal