How's it going everyone. I've been lurking here for awhile since these bikes came out, and 2 years ago I was seriously considering purchasing one, but it just never happened. I just wanted to say that I'm finally, sort of ready to start seriously looking for a SD. I want to own one within the next year, but knowing me I'll jump at something soon.

I currently have a 02 Ducati MH900e and 75 Norton Commando 850 and now it's time I jump onto a KTM.

My question is when I do look for one, what types of things should I consider? What warning signs, or things I should specifically look for? I sort of know about the original quirkiness of the map used on the bikes when they first came to the states, but want to know if those problems have been eliminated with newer models.

Is there any differences between model years, etc?

As for price I'm kinda looking for something no more than high 9k range. Preferably much lower of course. Basically I'll just take any advice.

Thanks

Brian

Hey Marker, welcome to the forum

I've had my '07 since new but before that the last V twin I owned was a Ducati 900SS Superlight, (lovely bike) but if you think that the Superduke will be similar to a two valve Ducati then start to reassess your opinion.

That would be like giving a WW11 Mustang pilot the keys to a F14.

The Superduke is a totally fantastic bit of modern kit and it will blow you away. But it's aggressive and sharp steering and will encourage you to ride differently - it's definitely a sports bike - just doesn't look like one.

On the list of issues to watch out for and mods to the fueling the best way to find all this out is to browse the threads here. Everything you need to know is here. This is what I did when I joined. Without sounding like a sales person for the Motohooligan airbox - this is the best mod to make - together with the associated mods and a custom map it will liberate more power and torque, solve and low down fueling issues and generally sort out any glitches.

There is very little difference between the pre'06 models and the '07 onwards, radial brakes, revised steering geomertry, bigger tank, instrument change, the rest is cosmetic and styling. The SDR is a different beast though - more engine revisions, revs higher, another 10/15 BHP, single seat, different suspension.

Good luck with your choice when you make it.

Thanks for the replies guys. yeah the fueling in the lower rpm is really the only thing that I'm worried about with this bike. I've heard it can be quite twitchy and that is really kind of something that is putting me off.

I really want something that I can be able to lug around the lower rpm and speeds as well as turn it up for the twisties and backroads.

My Duc is actually decent at that, minus the riding position


But I know that the SD is quite a bit more than the Duc and that is actually what I'm looking for. A bit more power when I want to get on it. I just also want to know that the low end is rideable and streetable enough without being too quirky.

I actually just saw a 09 for $9,200 and I thought that this was a pretty decent deal from the dealer.

Me thinks reading too much about it has made you paranoid about the throttle on the SD. If you're serious ask the dealer for a test ride. All in all it's not that bad and it can be cured easily. Mine was pretty snatchy and as soon as I put the O2 sensor eliminators in (+/-25$) the problem disappeared.