660 SMC (2002 - 2006) review

No matter how sensible you want to be, you’re continually tempted to do naughty things and be a very bad boy. In the wet, I just had to put my foot to the floor and get sideways round slower corners, then in the dry I found myself constantly doing wheelies and stoppies, which is great fun but of course will eventually wear you out and could land you in trouble.

That said, cruising along at 70 or 80 was pleasant enough apart from the slight vibes through the handlebars and pegs. The ultimate top speed would fluctuate between 95mph and 110mph, depending on how tucked in you wanted to get on long straights. I found the spread of power was very useable and accelerating past other vehicles was a doddle.

Stopping was easily controlled in the wet and dry, with big contact areas from the tyres giving enormous feel. The big single front disc stayed consistent all day long, no matter how much abuse was dished out. Also, the rear brake gave great control whether braking sensibly on the road or broadsiding around car parks.

The KTM LC4 was fun with its upright riding position and wet tread pattern Pirelli Scorpions, but there was definitely a knack to starting the big 660cc single. With no electric start, it proved tricky until we could find bottom dead centre and then kick-start it (from the left hand side) with zero throttle. It saved me going to the gym that day but I’d still rather have a wee button.

I even ventured off road into the heather on a couple of occasions, which proved that, apart from being a decent road and supermoto tool, a bit of light trail riding would also be well within its capabilities.