wanting a 08/09 610 but not sure which way to go. I would like to have both road and enduro wheels. should I get the sm and then buy the enduro rims/tires or vice versa? why? cost difference?
The SM has shorter, stiffer suspension and a huge Brembo front brake caliper which means the suspension isn't right for off road use and you may struggle to get a 21" front wheel to fit. Best option is to buy the TE and then add SM wheels and a brake conversion if you find you need it.
Definitely cheaper to convert a trail bike to a super motard. The cheapest is to buy some crossover tyres like they fit on transalps and vstroms. Or you can do the basics... All you need is: SM Pro wheels for your bike type (17" with tyres ) - $800 US approx for wheels then about $300 for two good tyres. You can run with this or go a full kit including bigger front brake setup including disk, wheels, tyres, longer rear swing arm etc...... $3000 or more. Hope this helps. Stu
The main question that you need to ask yourself is... what type of offroad trails do you plan to ride? The SM610 has a lot of capabilities with some decent tires like Avon Distanzias or Pirelli MT60. It can handle doubletrack, fireroads, gravel, hardpack trails, and some moderate soil. However, sand and mud would be a handful, but I seen posts from others who can do it (hint: woodschick). If you want a bike for lots of singletrack and enduro riding, then the TE610 would be a better platform... no question about that. I was in your position last year and I decided to go with the SM610. I have absolutely no regrets. If I needed a more trail-worthy bike, then I would just take my GasGas EC250 in the first place. For the price you will pay to convert either bike, it would easier and better to just pick up a cheap used bike for those needs. Think of it like this... You could take a 12" ruler and use it for most of your measuring needs when making projects around your home. A 25 foot measuring tape makes it convenient for measuring very long items, but the 12" ruler can do it with a bit more work. However, there are many places that the 25 foot measuring tape just is not worth using at all. The SM610 is the 12" ruler; the TE610 is the 25 foot measuring tape. Give me the 12" ruler please.
If by supermotard you mean 17" wheels with street tires, you might be right...maybe. If by supermotard you mean 17" wheels, monster rotor with a master cylinder/caliper that is able to make the most of it, and nice tight suspension, then I think you might have it backwards. I was willing to compromise the ride in the dirt, since I already have 3 dirtbikes and was looking for a long-distance dualsport/adventure-type bike, but I was not willing to compromise the ride on the street, so I chose the SM. In my mind, the extra braking that the SM affords is an absolute essential if you plan on doing any serious street riding. If you just want to ride the bike back and forth to work and/or want to go sightseeing on your TE, a set of streety tires like the Avon Gripsters or Distanzias on your 18"/21" wheels is all you need. Like MattR, I've not regretted my decision at all. I've probably had more fun on the SM than any other bike I've ever owned. Way more fun on the street than any other sportbike I've ever owned, and the off-road stuff is a blast if you go into it with the right perspective and are not trying to set any land speed records. WoodsChick
I have found that even with the stock tires the SM can haul ass on gravel, but has trouble stopping or changing direction. With Distanza or MT60 tires, it stops and turns ok too. I have ridden the snowmobile and 4 wheeler trails on it and it works great on those too. Our single track is too rocky for the big rotor and expensive wheel, we have really sharp rocks here so I tend to syay off that stuff. The TE rocks on trails that are too tight for other big dual sports, I can keep up with sportbikes in the twisties on pavement, and it terrorizes gravel. Monday I rode all of those conditions on my TE and thought a few times that if I only had one bike, it may be a TE 610. I would really love to have a set of forged aluminum mags in 17" for it for urban assault mode. I even rode my 610 on a 2800 mile trip, my wife was on her Ducati MTS620 and I had no problem keeping up.
There are some pretty capable looking street tires for the TE 610, with the rounded, softer rubber plain treads. That would be the way I'd go, at least at first. New rims, tires, and maybe a new front brake would be fairly expensive. Probably faster to just change tires too, over changing rims etc.
thanks everyone for the advice I have a 04 VFR for street work and a 03 KTM for nasty trails. what I'm missing is something to fill the gap
I have similar question but, I already do own a TE610. It has been a year and it looks like I use it more than my DL1000. In a big and busy city lighter bike is more useful for daily rides I guess. I have mounted Mitas(rear) Shink(front) tires which are great for offroad and specially soft terrein (mud, sand etc). They are not made for regular roads (meaning asphat) hence not DOT approved. I was toying with the idea of having a set of tires for lighter enduro or even super moto. So during regular days I can mount them on. ANd when it is offroad I can switch to mİtas shinko set. Are there any TE users out there who can share his/her experience about using TE as enduro and super moto? Regards
Man, that is one weird analogy, and to be honest I think you got it backwards. A ruler CANNOT accurately measure 25' You'll get errors and it'll require a lo more skill to keep it straight. Whereas a tape measure can easily do everything a ruler can do. The SM is going to require a lot more work from the rider than a TE off road. And the reverse is true as well, but only at the track. THe TE is a fine hooligan machine on the road, on a TRACK the SM would be better. I really don't see any reason to get a SM if you plan on going off road more than once in a blue moon. Possible reasons to get the SM are It's cheaper (but it won't be if you put new rims on) If you physically can't straddle a TE the SM would be an OK choice. TE's can be very hard (nearly impossible) to find.
The pure road and off road needs are covered with the VFR and KTM so an SM would be a great choice. Look at Woodschick's set up, esp; her tyres it will do an awful lot of off road in that guise.
I think Xymotic has it right.... the only analogy change I'd make is to a 16' tape measure I work in construction and if I need more than that I get the 25' out of the tool bag...... Couple of questions.... @ Stu : $800 for a pair of wheels? These? http://www.wheelingcyclesupply.com/announcements/92.shtml How are they? I'm looking at having woodys wheelworks build some but that's half the cost......... I'll be wanting a cush hub too. @ everyone: How important do ya'll think going with a bigger brake rotor is? I'm figuring to keep the same size and maybe find thicker to make the swap easier all in all.
This seems to be a great place to mention that i have a new 2008 OEM SM610 tires wheels rotors brakes for sale (best offer).
