Due to its light weight and offroad-capable profile, the 950SE was perceived at its launch as a radical departure from any existing dual-sport, enduro, or street bike models, while having characteristics of all three.

Its dual silencers are upswept, with the front cylinder's exhaust header routed beside the engine, in the manner of smaller enduro and dirt bikes.

Yet, in spite of its power, loud and deep exhaust note, and fierce acceleration capabilities, the 950SE is lauded for its all-round performance and rider comfort, whether on- or off-pavement.

Since before its discontinuation, the 950SE is coveted, achieving “legend” status among owners and enthusiasts, including offroad and rally-racing champions such as New Zealander Chris Birch: "In my mind, the 950 Super Enduro is the best hooligan's bike KTM ever made."

On rider forums, owners frequently praise the SE as a “high-adrenaline” machine, and it can be ridden out of the city, onto the highway, and into challenging terrain such as water crossings, boulder fields, steep hill-climbs, single-track trails, rutted tracks, mudholes and deep sand, then rode home again at highway speed, remaining equally at-ease and comfortable to ride through such widely-varying conditions.

The HP2 won its first competition start in 2005 at the Erzberg Rodeo in Styria, Austria, an annual "hard enduro" race series attracting hundreds of competitors from around the world.

BMW's Motorrad Enduro Team Feil entered riders Simo Kirssi, Jimmy Lewis, and the winner of the previous year's Erzberg Hare Scramble, Chris Pfeiffer.

This potentially-expensive weakness is frequently-addressed by the fitting of an aftermarket side-stand relocating kit to remove the mount from the crankcase, and place it directly to the frame.

The Erzberg Rodeo Editions, a limited production with enhanced graphics and other items such as Akrapovic exhausts, a CNC clutch cover, etc., fetch proportionally more.

Because of the limited total production numbers (circa 3000 worldwide), the 950SE is not a common motorcycle, hence prospective buyers must generally be dedicated in searching examples for sale, further enhancing the desirability.

Like any rare or unusual car, aeroplane, motorbike, yacht, etc., owners generally-feel privileged to own a 950SE, and they exhibit considerable camaraderie.

Sources:[3][4] Engine type: Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° Displacement: 942 cc Starter: Electric Start Carburetor: 2 x Keihin constant-pressure carburetor, 43 mm Control: DOHC Lubrication: dry sump with 2 trochoidal pumps (pressure pump and suction pump Engine lubrication: SAE 5W/40, 10W/50 Primary drive: 67:35 Final drive: 17:45 Cooling: Liquid-cooled Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically Frame: Tubular chromoly space frame, powder-coated Subframe: Aluminium 7020 Handlebar: Aluminium, conified[check spelling] Front brake: 1x Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, floating brake disc Ø 300 mm (11.81") Rear brake: Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, floating brake disc Ø 240 mm (9.45") Rims: front / rear 1.85 x 21"; 2.50 x 18" Tires: front / rear 90/90-21"; 140/80-18" Battery: 12 V / 11.2 Ah Main silencer: 2 x stainless steel with catalytic converter Steering head angle: 64.4° Ground clearance: (unloaded) 330 mm (13") Weight: (no fuel) approx.