Talk Me Out of a Kramer

The base model Kramer is a better deal than the ZX-4RR assuming you're buying new and prepping it. $16k new and the bike doesn't need anything is pretty damn nice.

 

Who says they do? They might, but i thought their rise was more due to ease/cost of manufacture and packaging.

 

I don't expect my 690 Kramer to have the same engine longevity as a stock inline 4 street bike engine. The bikes just aren't comparable. If you compare the baby Kramer to other high quality light-weight race bikes, however, think NSF 250R, TZ-250, various 125s, it is faster with equivalent riders, full size adults can ride it comfortably, and it requires much less maintenance. We had over a dozen 690 Kramers at the Barber Vintage Festival in October. Fast guys were running 1:33s, good enough for top 10 in Twins Cup. I raced 8 weekends last year (won AHMA SOS 1 Nat. Champ.) and all I did for the motor was keep fresh oil in it and check the valves a few times (takes less than an hour). Expect to do the same this year, and then likely replace piston and cylinder (less than $1000) if/when it starts to burn some oil.

 

If that was the case I would probably have @KMC track one of these down
for me https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/bikes/panigale/superleggera-v4e but for now I'm good

 

Yeah I don't know why he makes statements like this that make no sense.
Some V twins are reliable some are not, same goes for parallel twins.

 

My rider was 19 for 19 in sprint races last year until Barber on a 690. Same rider on a 660 is 1 t0 2 seconds a lap faster imo.

 

So did ya buy it yet or what??!!?

 

I got all confused by the talk of singles blowing up and forgot to make a decision.

 

I have been roadracing a single (450 motard husky FS 450) for the last 6 season, 7th will be this year and have not had one issue. If you maintain and gear it correctly you will have no issues. I have raced Daytona, NJMP, Laguna, Barber, Heartland, High Plains raceway ect. Just because it blew up does not necessarily mean its not a good fit. A lot of people do not know how to maintain a bike or do not know how to race certain bikes.

 

If it helps, a buddy of mine has had 3 of the 690 based rides, a SMC, a Duke and now a Kramer, and while not racing now, he is pretty fast and also meticulous. He's pounded the hell out of them all with the only problem I recall is the duke broke a clutch basket after a few years, and that bike was out almost every session between him and his son.

Just do it and don't look back.

Although.... maybe get the 890.

 

Man, been a year since any action here. Anyone make the move on a Evo2 690? I recently moved to CO and a dealer in CO springs has a 690S.
Seriously considering selling my built 848 and moving onto one of these.

 

Motion bought a used Kramer 690
Also when I went to pick up my MT10 from Champion riding school in Arizona, there was a guy there that had the 690, he said he really liked it amazing handling.

 

You just looking to do trackdays? MRA recently changed up their classes and IIRC I think the 690 is only legal for LWGP.

 

MRA? Should also be able to race:
Middleweight 2X
Supertwins GTU
F40 GTU (If you identify as old enough)
If you're running a white plate, ROR GTU.

They did cancel Formula Colorado and Lightweight 2X...

 

Just track days, for now.

 

Thanks for the correction. I haven't followed the changes closely but knew there were some.

 

Former Kramer Owner's Opinion: If you're only doing trackdays then get the 890. That motor is Rowdy!

If doing track days you'll get tired of getting your doors blown off down the straights on the little bike.

I had the 690 because I wanted to race on a "slow" bike. That was dumb, I was wrong. ALL Kramers are FAST, but the Twin is faster at the end of the straightaway.

-T

 

Yeah the 890 is faster, but cost twice as much, like 34K versus 17K
That's a lot for a track only bike, for track days.
Also depends on the track.

 

Thank you for sharing this. I'm considering a 701 Enduro as a 'bigger' dual-sport, if I can work a deal out with one of my two dealers.
I know, I'm not one of the cool kids if I don't have a twin, but as mentioned elsewhere, there is a major financial commitment to join the twins club.

I've ridden a 690 and enjoyed it. I thing one would be a nice alternative to my Tracer 9GT, FE 350s and TE 250.

 

I have been on the track with just a supermoto, it's surprising how fast they are.
Track's like big Willow, yeah their going to blow by you, but track's like the streets of Willow, no way a litre bike is going to pass you, you will be running circles around them.