The Wild Geese

K T M 950Info
My bike is still young, but being Gizmo I was bound to modify it. This page is where I keep track of some of the changes, and keep lists of (potential) suppliers.

I bought the bike from Dalby Moto but have it serviced at Griffin. It is fitted out with pannier racks, crash bars, driving lights, heated grips and a Givi top-box rack. And Wings silencers, not fitted because they give more power (which they do), but because they stay much cooler than the aluminium originals. No more burnt fingers!

Electrics

I extended the accessory connectors under the front fairing to triple connectors for both the switched and unswitched wires. To these are connected:

  • Switched (i.e. linked to the ignition switch)
    • Heated grips
    • Driving lights
    • Autocom comms unit

  • Unswitched (i.e. live)
    • 6v socket for GPS and CB radio
    • 12v socket
    • Garmin GPS

Tyres

The standard Pirelli Scorpions are a pretty good road tyre but quite underwhelming on gravel and dirt, so at around 5,000km I replaced them. On Rod Turton's advice I went with a Dunlop D739 front and Heidenau K60 rear. I am well pleased with the Heidenau as a hard wearing all round tyre which works as a true dualsport tyre, unlike the road-oriented Scorpions. The D739 is a great offroad tyre but makes the steering geometry "interesting" on the road when run at street pressures. It understeers like a pig, and the bike needs lots of "body English" in corners to get it to turn in.

My next front tyre will either be the Heidenau or probably a Dunlop D606. Both are supposed to be suitable for road use although the Dunlop is still a full knobby.

Another possibility, similar to the Heidenau in tread pattern and likely use, is the IRC GP110, although I haven't yet found an Australian supplier.

Air filters

The standard filter is a paper one, not good if I ever drop the bike on a river crossing as it will disintegrate. There are not yet many alternatives available though.

DNA do a filter for the 950 and Serco import them and can supply them for $154. Not available until mid-July 2006.

Wind protection

Given the small size of the standard screen the wind protection is actually quite good. I often wear a very noisy motocross-style helmet on this bike though, so a taller and wider screen has been acquired from AJPlastics in Brisbane. Early days, but it seems to work well.

Problems

Nothing major so far.

  • The starter motor torque limiter did fail at around 7,000km and was replaced under warranty.
  • At 8,500km the front rim has a couple of dings and is to be replaced (free) by KTM for a stonger item. Just in time for my big trip Across The Middle And Back Around The Top.

Category Equipment