next »

Link to the blog with photos: http://tjaderregis.multiply.com/journal/item/26/SMiT_Ride_Report_BALER

Rode from Manila to Baler in May 22, Rest Over Night (RON) Baler, Back May 23.

Trip Detail (Both Ways)
KM Traveled: 600
Max Speed: 160 kph
Moving Avg: 68.7 kph
Saddle Time: 8.5 hrs

Bike Event: Lost Chain Guide Bolt & Washer

This is the first ride I took the KTM 990 SMT (SMiT) fully loaded. It had 2 side cases, a top box, and the wife riding pillion. There was enough space from the clip on cases that I did not need to attach the tank bag. I am very happy with the setup which I copied from a Japanese SMT club with this link: http://www.smtocj.org/gb/farkles/givi_e21.html


Side Case: Givi E21 with PLR750 Attachment both from Motoworld The Fort
Top Box: Givi E450 Simply from Motoworld The Fort as well

The boxes warned that the max speed was 110kph with the cases but I went 150, topped at 160 with no ill effects, nothing flying off. We encountered some really rough roads which shook out a bolt from my chain guide and the cases held on so I do have some confidence with this setup. What I DID follow was the maximum weight limit for the Top Case of 3kg. I did not reach the 5kg limit for the side cases.


The boxes were very easily attached and detached that bringing the stuff to the Hotel room is a cinch!

Helmet buffeting I read about in the forums did appear at 160 kph but ducking low and tilting the visor (Arai TX1) down solved this.

Chain noise I also read in the forum was very apparent at the slow speed rough roads, since I lost one of the bolts anyways, I will do the recommended fix of placing multiple washers when I replace the bolt.


The tires performed very well on the street though I did not have much confidence with it on the gravel and dirt but the momentum (40kph) helped keep the bike balanced. 0-25 kph is very hard as you have to have ABSOLUTE THROTTLE CONTROL between 1st and 2nd gear to manage the power. Cruising above 25 is much better and the suspension was WONDERFUL through all that bounce!

Oh and Baler was nice... Just see how the bike relaxes under the tree!

Here is the link to the photo album of this ride
http://tjaderregis.multiply.com/photos/album/60/Baler_Aurora_May_22-23_2010

I know what you mean about the "Absolute Throttle Control" thingy and I definitely agree.
Everything  get wild with just a sudden  blimp of the trhottle specially on very low speed at dirt. 


Looks like you had fun too! I am glad you still continued to communicate with my via text even
if i wasn't able to join the ride.

Do you have more pix that you can shareof the p[lace your stayed and the route you took?

Just figured out how to post photos here...

Left Manila at 4am and had BFast in McDo Cabanatuan


One of the many roads under construction... have to pass wet and muddy section


Conti Sport Attack did ok considering the terrain...


Believe it or not i passed through that section between the rocks and the guard rail when a bus blocked our path on this very narrow dam crossing. I thought the bike saddlebag hit the rocks cause i heard a thud! good thing it was just my wife's foot... hehehe thought I scratched the Givi's there for a bit!


This dam crossing is good for 1 4+-wheel vehicle at a time...


Bike beauty shot!


Muddy evidence!


Baler Shore...


Adobo de Bahia! Pinakbet, and Fish Fillet


Bike gets to rest after a rough ride...

Just figured out how to post photos here...



Bike beauty shot!




Adobo de Bahia! Pinakbet, and Fish Fillet


Bike gets to rest after a rough ride...

She is a beauty indeed.

Man, you and the wifey got shaken up really well during the trip there. I can see the apetitte you guys had.... hehehehe  +

Yeah, Initially I babied the bike through the rough roads and were bounced around at 20 kph, On the way home I figured "to hell with it!" and blasted the rough roads at 40 kph even going 60-80 in some graded portions - the bike was more stable and we remained level as the suspension evened itself out. Moral of the story? DONT BABY THE BEAST!

My SMR look better...with the orange frame...;-)

The baby always looks good to the mother... no doubt your SMR looks better

The baby always looks good to the mother... no doubt your SMR looks better

.....and my rear rim is clean....:-)
I like the SMT...but there is something magic with the SMR...and it says DOMINA on the rubber handle bars..:-)

I never had a clean bike... started on the dirt, will always have a dirty bike... weekend rider I am not... ride everyday-clean every month! =)

I never had a clean bike... started on the dirt, will always have a dirty bike... weekend rider I am not... ride everyday-clean every month! =)

Good thing the KTM still look good even thow its dirty...same with me, I also look good when I`m a little dirty..:-p

wow nice!!! see you in the bohol ride!!! let us know details!!!!!