KTM Military
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Hello,
I'd like to introduce a bike that to my knowledge has not been mentioned here before. It is the KTM Military LC 400 LSE and I picked mine up yesterday.
It is made for the German army (and the Dutch I think), they chose it over a BMW 650 GS military model after extensive testing.
It comes with many features as standard, so I hope I won't have to make a lot of modifications for touring in South America.
For a picture (from the web, not of my bike) see below.
Here are some specs and standard accessories:
398cc, 34 hp (detuned for robustness)
158 kg dry (without panniers and topcase)
130 km/h max
low seat height (I'm 180 cm and both my feet are fully and firmly on the ground)
main and side stand
kick and electric starter
large battery (from the KTM 950 Adventure)
easily adjustable rear spring
reinforced frame (max total weight 380 kg)
18 liter tank
uses 91 octane petrol, but can be switched to 80 octane
engine protection
handguards
heated grips
12V power socket
KTM tank bag
Hepco & Becker panniers and top case and super strong frame for these
battery charger
extensive manual (explains all the service work)
set of tools (I think all that's needed for the service)
small wind shield
that's all I can think of at the moment.
I cannot comment much on the ride, I have only ridden it on the motorway from the dealer to my place and I don't want to use it before a full service.
It's not incredibly powerful (I can only compare it to my Suzuki Bandit), but it accelerates to 130 km/h without problems, even uphill. It's quite vibey, but again compared to my 4 cylinder bike. It was comfortable enough for 2 hours and I imagine it would be for longer. I haven't tested the fuel consumption, but the range is said to be over 300 km.
Oh, and the price: 6590 Euros new, I got mine used for 3400 (2004 registration, 7300 km on the clock, good condition). Not bad for a bike with all those accessories in my opinion. Probably not available everywhere, but then Germany is a nice place to visit
