2006 KTM 950 Supermoto Review | Daily Rider
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- 2006 KTM 950 Supermoto Review | Daily Rider
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Join Zack for an extra special episode of Daily Rider. This time, he's reviewing his personal 2006 KTM 950 Supermoto. If you've always wondered what Zack's bike is like, you'll want to watch this.
2006 KTM 950 SM:
MSRP (new): $12,998
Engine: 942cc V-twin
Claimed weight: 450 lb. / 204 kg
Fuel tank: 4.6 gal. / 17.4 liters
Seat height: 34.4 in. / 874 mm
Claimed power: 95 hp
Claimed torque: 60 lb.-ft.
Stoked that this isn’t just brand new bikes being ridden
i know. Something practical we can afford. New stuff feels like an add to me.
@@reptilesgamers00 my buddy just bought a 950 SM for 2600€ which is ridiculously cheap for what you get,
Specially compared to 690 SMCs costing way too much
@@SkinnySkates both of my bikes are used. 02 Honda CBR 1100 xx and a 07 KTM 950 supermoto. Two bikes you will probably never see and they are just as good as the brand new. I love them!
The fact that Zack has a 950 Supermoto makes me like him even more
and has been commuting on it for 11 years - a true biker
Lest see some more reviews of "older" bikes. This is awesome
There are not enough reviews of older bikes out there. I really enjoyed RCR's reviews for that reason.
Agreed. Not everyone wants to see reviews on the latest and greatest all the time.
Yes I was thinking that, too. Viewers like us could let Zack ride our 'old' bikes.
I would actually volunteer my 919 to Zack for test riding. SFO Bay area.
What would be cool too is a "Then vs Now" review of a brand new bike directly to a good example of the same bike 10 years or more older.
100% would love this. Can't see myself getting a shiny new bike fresh out of the showroom anytime soon!
That "trash" bag pickup was damn smooth! :D
I will never get tired of Zach's "woo hoo hoo" and a little laugh. You totally get what he's feeling in that moment.
So wholesome picking up the plastic bag. Good to see someone giving motorcyclists a good name ❤️
Also pretty impressive move
@@TheOfficialNixx So smooth. Lol
Glad you guys are back on UA-cam. Saving myself $50 a year now. 🙃😆
where have they been?
@@stankoproduction motortrend
Likewise 👍
So they changed two companies?
Motorcyclist magazine to motor Trend to RevZilla?
@@sid1290 yup. I did quite enjoy their silly adventures they did on motortrend but I imagine their budget was a lot bigger due to it being subscription based. It being majority car people, I guess they didn't quite get the views motortrend wanted.
Thank you for doing a fresh review of an older bike. It's so hard to really understand older bikes because there's so little information out there on them. The ktm 950 platform has always been one of my dream bikes. Simple bike, a motor, some wheels and good brakes.
If you have not bought one, do it. I own one. So fun to ride
Still I don't know if you got it in the US but the 990 is the one to go. Even more powerful and injection. The 950 is great, but you get to appreciate the little extra the 990 gives up top
NinjaKat the injection makes the bike twitchy, that’s what is said by the owners. Power is increased, but torque is the same. You don’t need 115 hp when you have 111Nm of torque (gearing change) in a VERY flat torque curve
This. Got the Adventure 950 and just the sound is better than all new bikes (in Europe). No wonder, straight pipes...no cat etc.
The 990 super duke is mental, the 950 Sm is amazing either one will do and go for about $3500-$5000 craigslist is calling your name buddy lol
2007 950 sm rider here.
Man this bike puts a smile to my face and gets me excited like the first time, everytime I ride it.
Zac, your ability to articulate well and ride with such pose speaks volumes about you. Your insights are spot on and blend well with the Daily Rider formula. Never stop doing what you do- you were made for this!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who checks his indicators are still on every 3 seconds.
Zack Courts? KTM Supermoto? It’s a good time to be alive!
I owed 07 950SMR , Loved it ! Burned oil and went through 3 fuel pumps in 9,000 miles. Sold it for a 990SMR and never looked back.
So I've owned 90 bikes in my life and I gotta say my '06 950 SM is one of my favorite all time picks so it was nice to get your view on it ! Thanks Pal ! 🎉
I love playing "the floor is lava" on my bike whenever I can.
Would love to see a "Then vs. Now" type review where you compare a brand new bike to the same bike 10 years or more older.
Im looking for a 950sm and i cant count how many times i have seen this vídeo. Such a nice work, thanks!
Love the older bike review. Can't wait to see more reviews and shenanigans from you guys.
Joseph McClure ....riding around giving one’s impression of a particular bike is generic enough that no one could copyright it or trademark it....and any particular presentation of the genre is going to resemble any other.....guy shows bike, guy rides bike, guy tells us about it.....
supercool bike! I love my 990 SM so much i already put 140.000kms on it. Keep truckin'!
I’ve followed ari and zack from early days of motorcyclist magazine and was sad to see them go. Glad their back on UA-cam and Rev has a new subscriber because of these great entertainers!!! I have an MT07 because of zack and ari and thanks for that!! Can’t wait to see you guys take this channel to the next level.
Wow. Zack and Ari not behind a paywall! Thanks Revzilla!
**Hits the throttle**
Zack: **starts giggling like a kid**
I love it 😂
The fact that you've stuck with your 950 SM despite now having spent time on so many newer bikes says a lot I think. Although I'm surprised that you haven't upgraded to the 1290 SDR given that you've repeatedly said how much you like the engine, and even in this review said how much it just offers more of everything except simplicity. I think you're right about the 950 SM sales though, as they are very hard to find here in Oz. I think even the 990 Super Duke outsold them considerably, and overall KTM sales have grown enormously since then. I'm surprised by the current lack of big twin sports bikes (not just race replicas), the power and packaging characteristics are still compelling. It's put the 1290 Super Duke at the top of my list, with little alternative.
Ducati V2
@@bruderrudiger9574 Strangely enough 955cc twins are now middleweights, and yes there's still quite a few middleweight sporting twins like the Panigale V2, Super Sport, Hypermotard 950, F 900 R, Dorsoduro 900 and Super Duke 890 r. I've had at least one 1000cc sports twin in the garage since 1997 though, and if I'm buying a new bike I would prefer a modern open class machine in either the naked or sports-sports touring categories. That basically comes down to the 1290 Super Duke or the 1200 Monster.
I was looking for my next bike after owning a thou sports bike for 10 years. I test tode many bikes and had to try a 1290 SDR, after drooling over the 990 for years, and unlike everything else, it made me laugh in my helmet. 1-2 years on I plan to keep it until it dies as it is literally everything I want, my bike! I love all of it's flaws/character and its strengths. There really is nothing else like it. I hope you find your bike too.
@@Joric78 Aprilia Tuono 1100 V4 Factory is your answer
@@kmpaton Even though it's a V4 and not a V2 I have considered the Tuono 1100. Unfortunately there's only one dealer/service centre within 700kms of where I live, and they have a terrible reputation.
Awesome review. For those interested in this bike, you should also consider the (2009-2013) 990 SM-T. It has the arguably the same fun factor, has 20ish more horsepower, a better saddle, wind protection, tons of luggage options, and the later models have ABS (that can be turned off). The only drawback is the added complexity of EFI, but for most people this is probably another good thing.This is a very understated bike and it didn’t sell very well in America, but it is a true GEM. One of the best smiles per dollar ratio out there in my opinion. But don’t take my word for it, find one and test ride it.
Cheers
Happy to see Zak holding on to an awesome older bike like this even though he gets to experience so many new and different varieties of bikes. Says a lot of good about ktm and Zak!
Maybe it also says a bit about the fact that moto-journos don't pull in 6-figure salaries?
Arjen Bootsma Not all at least
@@arjenbootsma6881 more so the fact that he tests all the latest bikes and probably rarely commutes on his own
I love how the guy-next-door-looking Zach has a hooligan KTM, and the dreadlocks Ari has a practical Kawi Versys lol
Love this but I’m biased. Of 25 or more bikes in the last 18 years, my former 950SM was the best of them all for me. I miss it.
Zack is one of my favorite moto journalist
I like the fact that this is a used bike for review because people often consider buying used bikes rather than the newest editions and most youtube channels review the newest creme de la creme bikes. Thanks!
Used bikes from dealers demand very high prices if it's half the new price it's usually 7+ years old. Nearly new is no less than a lower spec brand new model. With cars I would just buy a 5 year old car. That's the big depreciation hit gone. Any older and the car just won't last as long. With bikes When you factor in tyres warranty chains MOT's bearing and seals etc. A 3 year old used bike makes very little sence to me.
Ooh! I like the KTM German/Italian analogy 😁👍
So glad you and Ari are back.😁😎🏍🧡
I have waited for this one for a very long time. Love you, Zack - SMT rider.
nothing in this video was more impressive than smoothly picking up that bag with your foot and the seamless transition to putting in your pocket. Well done, man!
I had a 950 Adventure back in 06-08 thanks for the memory of that KTM Vtwin sound.
Loved this episode of Daily Rider. The most interesting part is listening to your history with bikes, jobs, and friendship/work with Ari too.
Zack whispering these intros like he's afraid the plants will hear him motovlogging
He doesnt want to wake up Ari while he's still sleeping!
@@paulmartin1784 they say the plants grow faster when Zac speaks.
Plants love CO2
So cool Ari and Zack are back! Out of curiosity though, is the “other” motorcycle UA-cam channel cool with you guys making similar content even though you guys were the original presenters?
The content itself isn't really unique to the point where anyone can claim ownership. It's similar to a motovlog.
Those other guys suck. They lack personality. Zach and Ari are fun to watch
Adam does a real good job on the morning commute,the other channel. Very knowledgeable
There’s room for everyone. Both channels are great.
Steven Ratner for real, people acting like you can only sub to one of them lol
For more from Zack and the rest of the RevZilla crew, head over to Common Tread for fresh articles daily: rvz.la/2Z7F6Vo
This dude is calling attention to the cop not signaling, when earlier in the day he was riding recklessly and wheeling on public roads. What a hypocrite!
@@BattleBornDmax We've all done it man, in my humble opinion even with the shenanigans Zack is one of the safer riders out there...
@@BattleBornDmax He did that on an empty piece of road not in the middle of some heavy traffic like the cop did!
DAVID RESPECT Are you justifying his poor choices for him? Accountability... he doesn’t need you to save him. That’s what toddlers do. I did that because he did this. SMH. This was supposed to be a bike review as titled, not a bash the police motovlog.
@@BattleBornDmax Come on Battle, it's hardly a bash on the police... Think you are taking that out off proportion slightly.
I can relate to that feeling of direct mechanical connection. I have a 2000 husqvarna 610 sm and I feel the same way, I have done more than 40000 kms and despite lacking any kind of electronic aid the mechanical package is solid: good engine, good brakes and good suspension/chassis is all you really need for a bike to still feel modern
I love seeing reviews of older bikes, I would love to see you add more reviews like this to the regular new bike reviews.
Great review as always. Missed seeing these since “daily commute” went away. Cool factor went to 11 by spontaneously picking up random litter while riding and filming a UA-cam video.
We often get so hyped up on the newest and greatest motorcycle, and can easily forget why we bought a specific motorcycle. Awesome hearing about the history of your ownership and that you still have it. Great video to hear about your own bike.
Bought one of these a week ago on the strength of this. Massive fun and I can see why you've kept it so long. Thanks :)
The 950 is such a fun bike! I sold mine to purchase a 690 duke many years ago, and have regretted that purchase daily! The 690 is tons of fun, but no match for the 950
Is there ANY bike that's as fun as the 950?
Yup, cool to see a fresh fun real world review of a KTM classic. Now I need one. Thanks Zack!
At 21:30 The fact that is doesn't have any electronics is the best part imo. A pure bike, an engine and a frame. No matter how good the electronics are, without them you are much more connected to the bike.
Enjoy it while you still can guys! Within 10 years we're all whirring around on battery operated bikes, full of electrics.
Un-pro tip: LC4 690 Mirrors from around 2005 look a lot nicer.
Upgraded my ktm 640's droopy mirrors with those back in the day.
11 years of ownership and it still makes you grin and giggle, love it.. That Vtwin engine from KTM is a peach.
Yesss one of my favorite bikes ever. Ktm needs to bring this concept back, the 990 smr was this bike's ultimate form.
Maybe if we're lucky well get a 890smc r or a 901 husky
The 690 smc is tons of fun, just pricey for what it is.
@@sarahdell4042 Thing is, you need a fort Knox type security to stop it getting stolen by little shits.
@@SvenTviking That’s any bike sadly :(
As the owner of an '06 Speed Triple, I was always intrigued by this era SM and Super Duke! Nice to see your take on not a new bike!
Man, I own the same speedy as you, and for me this 950sm or 990 super duke were my other options. I love the speedy, but i always find myself checking the ktm classifieds :D
We need a video about your motovlogging setup. The audio is perfect!
I rode a 2007 950 SM for 4 years and absolutely loved it, very smooth ride with it's carburators. Would love to see more reviews of older bikes. Greetings from NL 👍
ik weet niet of je dit account nog hebt maar raad je deze aan als eerste bike?
@@attaradio2724 Hi, ja account is nog actief. Ik zou deze motor niets als eerste motor aanraden. Ik ben begonnen op een 640 Duke 1 cylinder en heb daar 3 jaar op gereden. De 950 is een stuk krachtiger en zwaarder en minder handelbaar.
This video made me go and test ride one of these and after that there were no way back. I bought it and I absolutely love it. Thanks for your review.
I just drove from Detroit to Washington DC last weekend just to buy one of these. 17 hours of driving in a 24 hour period and I cannot wait to get her out this summer!
That 950 / 990 engine is my favorite engine ever. Currently on a 990 ADV
Picking up the plastic bag with your
foot made my day. That was an absolutely joyful moment.
Nice one @JC. Man, cool ride. Got a 2010 SMT here in the UK. Have been riding / enjoying / multiple bikes/ all flavours since 1980 > The 990 s a Blast indeed. Thanks for taking the time to upload/ share.
My brother had one of them, he hit the power so hard it span up and chucked him off, the bike landed on the throttle and launched itself across the road at full speed in to a high kerb and snapped the front wheel in half.
Have a 2009 SMT, will probably keep it for every as there is really nothing quite like them on the current market. Brilliant bike 🙂. It's not surprising that you have hung onto this one ..
Brings back good memories, thanks Zack. Had this bike for 4,5 year and 35000km. It has so much BALLS. once rode 1600km straight with it on one trip, I also used it on track. Really versatile bike and great at alpps and mountain twisties.
I had pretty much same problems with it as Zack. Valves are not a beginners job, but it can be done DYI, just takes some time. Note that I had to adjust them twice (first time on of the intake valves was closed) so i would say that they must be check every 15000km (which is the interval for this maintenance). I did check them pretty much yearly.
I traided it to duke 790, but I still think that this V2 is the best engine and it just sounds so good. Its also more comfy than d790 because leg room and straight riding position. Ill have to disagree some with Zack about torque, you will have to be on the right gear but I think that was great. too low rpm and it will slapp chain allot. Brakes are the best that I have used also. It also power wheelies better than my d790.
All and all it is honest bike. No rpm gauge and nothing else than big V2 under you.
Glad I found Zac riding bikes again! Feels like I just found my riding buddy again!
I own a 2010 690 Duke R and completely understand what you said between 6:10 - 6:30 about the connection, very nicely chosen words!
ktm 950 sm there a blast other problems to watch for is the clutch slave cyl.. as mine went twice when engine gets hot .... quick fix is a oberon guaranteed for life...part from the things you mentioned...the seat ....im 6 ft n if i ride it hard which i normally do it rips ur arse to shreds ...ktm do a gel seat but no longer i managed to pick 1 up off ebay ...very costly as they dont make them anymore but if ya going long and hard id defo recommend ... safe rideing and keep it sunny side up from the uk :)
Thanks for sharing your personal bike with us, very cool! It really made a lot of sense to me when you described KTM like an Italian/German, very good. I think you would regret it if you ever sold it after all this time. It may not be that versatile, but it looks really good at just being fun. And isn't that what we really want from our bikes?
Love your guy’s reviews. Motorcycles in general are fun and that’s how you guys make reviews (fun). Thank you! You guys Rock🤘
Hi I've owned my ktm 950 sm for 11 years she's a 2008. Same bits I've changed . Fuel pump. Rectifier. But also starter motor . It's the last of the carburetted ones. Love the raw riding experience. Nothing to hamper the fun. I also own the 1290 superduke r on a 2014 .first gen. That's a great bike also. But I've done nearly 40k on my supermoto. Been to Spain twice on her and to the isle of man TT. It's my daily ride. Cheers !!
Would love to see you do a Daily Rider episode with an old, venerable favorite: The Honda 919 (aka Hornet 900)
jasper_of_puppets that’s crazy lol I’ve been looking at one on Craigslist for $2,100, hopefully gonna be my second bike
I have one of those with an ohlins rear. Awesome bikes to ride :D
I'm definitely late to the game having just come across this and not sure if you'll ever read this comment or not, but just want to say that I'm thrilled you made this video of your own personal bike! I remember reading earlier on somewhere that you own a KTM 950 SM so this was really neat you featured it. You're one of my favorite motorcycle journalists and have loved your commute series. It was great fun to learn from someone who rides so many bikes why this bike is "you" and why you chose it. The amount of time you've owned it says something too. I have a similar bike, a 2010 Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP, and share many of the same reasons for mine on why you like your KTM so much. Don't ever sell it! Hope to see you feature a 1st gen, air-cooled 1100 Hyper on a future episode of Daily Rider.
"well half of the on ramp was fun" Classic! i try to slow down before sharp ramps so i can rubber band through them!
Love the 950, i always wanted the 990 SMT! But I feel the same way about my XR1200, you feel so connected to the bike and road without all the electronics. There nice if your touring but for your everyday bike this is the way to go.
Had 990 as a commuter for 7 yrs. Trackday, touring, negative temperatures. Miss it so much. Shame the electrics tried to kill me towards the end. Wish they'd put modern Superduke engine in SM form...
Omg I haven't seen that face in a while! Happy that you're back on the tube
Rare commenter here. Love seeing an older bike being covered on DR.
Yes!! So glad to have you back on UA-cam. Awesome you started this new series ranking your bike and Ari’s (essentially). Can’t wait for more content!
Incredible video man, loved everything you had to say and show. You can really ride well too, I really want to get comfortable enough to be able to throw my rear end around like that!
One of my bikes is a silver ST1100 with the front changed to black tupperware. When I lived in Texas, the only place folks didn't pull in front of me on a regular basis was Mansfield, as there was one cop there who rode a BMW with similar colors and wore a HiVis yellow jacket .
A few other motorcops in the greater DFW area do wear Textiles. When it is really effing hot they keep the sun off. Riding all day in 100f+ and killer bright sun in a t-shirt is a formula for heat stroke.
Finally a proper review of a supermoto. Thanks Zack. Can you please review the Moto Guzzi V85TT?
I've been riding sportbikes for 10 years. Then got a KTM Super Duke GT a while back. But I sold the SDGT and got the new 2019 KTM SMC R 690. You know how like, a bike just fits you and clicks with you? The SMC R is like that for me. Easily the most fun on 2 wheels I've ever had. The world would be a better place if everyone rode a supermoto.
Glad your back. MMag isn’t the same without you. Thanks Revzilla. I’ll be catching up on all the Daily Rider vids
Stoked to see older bikes that we can find on the used market at a reasonable price
9:24 Zack is so cool. I wish everyone was like Zack
Had a 2007 950 SM-R for a few years, what an absolute ripper of a bike, loved it and need another!
Best bike I've ever had! Soon or later i will re-buy it! It seems to be direcly connected with your brain and the feeling is that you can do everything! (up to 200km/h...over that speed is not so stable...but on the road that speeds are useless). The suspensions are AMAZING! Perfect on every surface and completely adjustable to match a track or a bad road. The carbs-powered twin is simply perfect.
I would only put on a more comfortable seat.
Never compared with the 990 SMT that should bring ABS and a more comfortble seat...but...I'm afraid i could miss that big carbs!!!
100% agree with your thoughts. As a KTM Duke II SM owner everything your described are spot on. Being 6’2” with a long inseam the bike is so fun and comfortable. One of the few bikes I just enjoy being on it 👍 Great bike review.
Nice to see older bikes get a review. It's good to hear your comparisons against newer bikes in the same bracket.
Shoutout for backing it in too! lol
i commuted a 640 duke for many years, still thrash it in the santa cruz mountains occasionally, but not enough. This review makes me want a 950.
Nice to see you Zack! I raced with you a few times at Loudon, USGPRU Can-Am series on 125s...
I was wooped by one of these in the twisties on my sporty back in the day and have liked them since😂
Cool! Zack ride the same bike as me💪🥳 the 950 SM is great, love it!
Here's a top tip, try to get your hands on a little fly screen. I bought one for the annual holiday ride week. It isn't pretty, but it improves riding above 100 km/h a zillion times. After the holiday I removed it, but had it back on a day later.
Most fun bike I owned, even the fuel mileage with mine wasn't too bad. But it isn't perfect. I sold it after 1,5 years because I got fed up with the short gearing, having to shift all the time (I get wrist aches), and i didn't get the confidence for very fast cornering.
Being able to hear u talking over a bike that caliber is impressive
Zac reviewed my bike, the 650 versys on the first episode. I guess you fall in love with your first bike, but later I considered the KTM 690 enduro so I could go further off-road...however, the kawi has a proper fuel gauge, more wind protection, better range, was cheaper, and my mechanic didn't want to work on the KTM. The 690 would probably be more fun...My regulator did shit the bed though too.
I looked at both of those. I thought the ktm would get stolen (ktm690 £7,995 at the time) kle650 Kawasaki I thought might be to boring £7k on 0% apr this was in 2014. I ended up with a BMW f800gs
@@chrisredfield3240 A BMW is always a great choice. They have certainly proven they'll go pretty much anywhere. I'd also love the range of the Adventure model. I go back and forth between America and Mexico often on the Kawi. There is a bit in Northern Mexico with few gas stations and I always have to slow down and go easy to make the next fuel stop. I'd love not to have to do that.
Got Ktm Duke 2 640 for almost 4 years now, but after 2nd year i started thinking about 950 and it has been my dream bike since then. Great review Sir!
That was pretty slick picking up the bag
Rare to find such a genuine heartfelt and on point review, especially of an older bike, good work!
i sold mine a year ago and man do i miss that thing. there's nothing else like it.
Great review. Thanks Zack. I bought my 2006 in 2009 as well and was the first registered owner as it was the Ktm dealers personal long term demo bike! He loved it as well. Same issues with fuel pump, rectifier and clutch slave. Apart from those well documented issues its been bulletproof. I love the living, breathing feel the carb gives the bike over programmed efi. Sometimes I think about selling it for something with more tech but just cant do it and still have it now. Its such an engaging joy to ride. A bit like comparing a wrx subaru to an old school carbed V8 speedway sprintcar!
Iv had my 950sm 2 years now and use it more or less every day for work and as a plaything at weekends and wow its probaly the best bike iv ever owed and iv owned quite a few, as you say the seat height is high im 5.10 and can get tippy toes down or better just my right foot more or less flat and it is heavy but thats until it gets moving then it seems to loose the weight ! the power og this is just so addictive iv had a few things done to mine and it dynos at 127bhp and more or less the same torque and it is seriously fast i challenge anyone to keep the front wheel down in the 1st 3 gears ! but man its a fun bike and i look forward to getting on it every morning and this is after 50 odd years of riding bikes ! im only 61 now and still cannot get enough of my bikes, if you get the chance of a ride or even buying 1 of these dont think too hard just buy it, reliability wise i would not worry about that either as iv had just as much if not more faults with my hondas/yamahas ect, in the 2 years iv had it the fuel tank sensor dies and thats it so not to bad. good video on this wicked bike...
This is the most philosophical review about the KTM 950 I am aware of.
Find a good non-dealer mechanic that is happy to work on and knows your KTM LC8 machine and you've tackled the major issue with KTMs (servicing costs) - I got a 'major service' (valve shims etc) and water pump replace, coolant flush (burping these things is a PAIN), new cogs and chain, new clutch master, front tyre fitted + more (parts supplied by me) and it was still way less than KTM's starting price for a major service alone (they once charged me $100 to lower the triple clamps 10mm on the forks!!). Having said that, it's been a pain to find such a mechanic - don't take it to corner moto place - bad experience, was not familiar with KTM machines/quirks after assuring me he was OK with it - ended up with a solo mech who left KTM and set up his own shop - a gem of a find.
Lets call it "The blast from the past" series review... love it...
Zack is back on UA-cam / A commute / One of the best bike produced so far / Proper "Back it in test" (chututut). What a good day today ...