KTM 950 Super Enduro R [2006–2009]: The Uncompromising Beast of the Dirt

When KTM unleashed the 950 Super Enduro R in 2006, it wasn’t just another motorcycle—it was a statement. Designed for riders who laugh at the idea of "too much," this Austrian brute redefined what a big-bore enduro bike could be. With a 942cc V-twin engine, rally-bred suspension, and a chassis built to survive apocalyptic terrain, the 950 Super Enduro R remains a cult favorite among hardcore off-road enthusiasts. After spending time with this machine, it’s clear why it’s still talked about in hushed tones at trailheads and rally camps.

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Design and Build: Form Follows Fury

The KTM 950 Super Enduro R doesn’t just look aggressive—it is aggression, distilled into two wheels. Its tubular chromoly frame, painted in KTM’s signature orange, is a no-nonsense structure that prioritizes durability over delicacy. At 185 kg (407.9 lbs) dry, it’s undeniably heavy for an enduro bike, but every gram feels purposeful. The 920 mm (36.2 in) seat height towers over most riders, demanding a confident stance and long legs. If you’re under 5’10”, prepare to practice your tip-toe ballet at stoplights.

The Erzberg Edition models (limited to 75 units) added race-ready flair with Akrapovic exhausts, carbon fiber engine guards, and Metzeler Enduro 3 tires. Even the standard version, though, feels like a factory rally machine. The 13-liter (3.4-gallon) fuel tank hints at its focus: this isn’t a transcontinental adventurer but a sprint weapon for technical terrain.

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Engine Performance: A V-Twin Volcano

At the heart of the 950 Super Enduro R lies its party piece: a liquid-cooled, 75° V-twin engine displacing 942cc. With 98 HP (72 kW) at 8,500 RPM and 95 Nm (70.1 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,500 RPM, this isn’t an engine—it’s a force of nature. The twin Mikuni BST 40 carburetors (Keihin THB 46 on later models) deliver a raw, unfiltered throttle response that fuel-injected modern bikes often sanitize.

Twist the grip, and the engine roars to life with a bass-heavy growl from its dual stainless steel exhausts. The powerband is linear but relentless, pulling hard from 3,000 RPM all the way to redline. On dirt, this translates to effortless hill climbs and explosive overtakes. On pavement? Let’s just say the knobby tires and 21-inch front wheel make you acutely aware that asphalt isn’t this bike’s natural habitat.

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On-Road vs. Off-Road: A Tale of Two Personalities

On-Road Manners (or Lack Thereof)

Riding the 950 Super Enduro R on pavement is like taking a grizzly bear to a ballet. The 90/90-21 front and 140/80-18 rear tires track every pavement crack like a bloodhound, and the lack of wind protection turns highway speeds into a core workout. At 200 km/h (124 mph), the front wheel feels like it’s hosting a séance with every road imperfection. This isn’t a flaw—it’s a reminder that you’re piloting a machine that’d rather be carving ruts than highways.

Off-Road Dominance

But point this bike down a rocky trail, and the transformation is staggering. The weight that felt cumbersome on-road melts away as the WP suspension takes over. With 300 mm (11.8 in) of front travel and 335 mm (13.2 in) at the rear, the 950 floats over obstacles that would cripple lesser bikes. The steering relaxes, the chassis settles, and suddenly, that 942cc V-twin feels like a precision tool. It’s still a handful in tight singletrack, but in open desert or rally stages, it’s a revelation.

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Suspension and Brakes: Rally DNA on a Budget

KTM’s partnership with WP shines here. The 48 mm USD forks and WP monoshock are adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound, letting you tune the bike from plush trail crawler to Dakar-ready missile. Even by modern standards, the suspension is supremely capable—just don’t expect push-button electronic adjustability.

Braking is handled by a 300 mm front disc with a 2-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc. While not as sharp as today’s radial setups, they offer progressive bite and excellent feel in dirt. Swap the stock pads for sintered units (available at MOTOPARTS.store) if you’re planning serious downhill abuse.

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Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The 950 Super Enduro R’s closest rival was the BMW HP2 Enduro. Both targeted the "big-bore enduro" niche, but with different philosophies:

| Feature | KTM 950 Super Enduro R | BMW HP2 Enduro | |-----------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Engine | 942cc V-twin | 1,170cc Boxer-twin | | Power | 98 HP | 105 HP | | Weight | 185 kg (407.9 lbs) | 175 kg (385.8 lbs) | | Suspension Travel | 300 mm front / 335 mm rear | 270 mm front / 270 mm rear | | Key Strength | Torque-rich engine, rally suspension | Lighter weight, lower seat height |

The KTM’s V-twin offers smoother power delivery than the BMW’s boxer, and its longer suspension travel caters to high-speed off-road work. However, the HP2’s lower seat height and slightly lighter weight make it friendlier for shorter riders. Other competitors like the Honda XR650L and Suzuki DR-Z400 were lighter and nimbler but couldn’t touch the KTM’s highway-capable power.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning a 950 Super Enduro R isn’t for the faint of wallet—or the lazy. Here’s what to watch:

1. Valve Adjustments: Every 15,000 km (9,300 mi), check the valve clearances (intake: 0.10–0.15 mm / 0.004–0.006 in; exhaust: 0.25–0.30 mm / 0.010–0.012 in). Use a quality feeler gauge from MOTOPARTS.store.

2. Oil Changes: Stick to Motorex 10W-50 (3.0L with filter). The twin oil pumps are robust but hate neglect.

3. Carburetor Tuning: The Mikuni/Kheihin carbs demand periodic cleaning, especially if the bike sits. Consider upgrading to a twin air filter kit for dusty environments.

4. Chain & Sprockets: The 17/42 sprocket combo wears quickly under hard use. Swap to a DID 520 X-ring chain and steel sprockets for longevity.

5. Cooling System: Flush coolant every 2 years with a 50/50 mix. The radiators are vulnerable in crashes—install a guard plate.

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Conclusion: A Legend That Demands Respect

The KTM 950 Super Enduro R isn’t a motorcycle you “try”—it’s one you commit to. It rewards skilled riders with unparalleled off-road performance and punishes the unprepared with its weight and intensity. While newer bikes like the KTM 790/890 Adventure R have eclipsed it in technology, the 950 remains a raw, mechanical masterpiece.

For owners, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from Akrapovic slip-ons to WP suspension rebuild kits, ensuring this beast stays alive for another decade of trail terrorizing. Ride hard, maintain harder, and let the V-twin symphony remind you why big-bore enduros are still king.

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Specifikacijų lentelė

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