Greetings Duke community! I've been riding for 50 years, mostly supersports. Recent 13 years on a R6 and the last 2.5 on a '13 Triumph Daytona 675R. I truly enjoy track days and the Daytona really excels there, esp. with my extensive track mods. I also have a '08 KLR650 for dirtier needs.

For some time now I've been ichin' for a "litre" bike that will be far more comfy on the street and also feed my need for silly acceleration. I'm seriously eyeing a few options and so far are in this order - SDR, Tuono V4R, S1000R, or a FZ-09 (thinking with all the money saved on the FZ killer mods can be had). If I could get higher bars on the new R1 that bikes reads like nirvana.

Reliability has become a concern for me that I never even thought about with Japanese bikes. My 13 y/o R6 NEVER had a hiccup but this Daytona has seen far too many recalls, leaks and tranny failures all prompting me to spring for a 5 year warranty (a bargain at $650). I read on here that the SDR has its fair share too. Some are as stupid as Triumph's and when you see stupid things you wonder what stupid things you can't see (yet!). One issue with the Triumph is my dealer is 70 miles away, KTM is 17 miles and Yamaha is 25 miles. If I'm going to be in for work often I prefer it close, but not needing it is even better!

So esteemed SDR'ers, what are your thoughts? How sweet is the heavier SDR on the track (I know the S1000RR is a crazy handful for example)? Is reliability really a PITA? What about part availability and KTM customer service (Triumph is excellent)? Other thoughts or concerns?

Oh yeah, how do I change my password, can't seem to find it?

I really appreciate all comments, thanks!

I got mine in Feb this year with 1900 miles and now I have 10000 in all weather in and out off London. It is a great bike; yes there are issues but so far I have all work done under warranty - it is a PITA when anything goes wrong but that's just a fact of life. I would still say it is one of the best bikes I have ridden. (My history is vfr 800 vtec, r6 and diavel)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SDR on track is fantastic. I had a '14 675R as a track bike, BMW GSA & 990SDR and sold them all as I was tripping over them in the garage.

The 1290 really is a brilliant do it all bike. I've done 5.5k miles since March this year on my 1290 including 2.5k trip to Scotland and the TT too for a week, track days (don't bother on the standard tyres), commuted to work, ridden to the shops and generally looned about.

It's just epic to ride on road and track.

All that said if I was to get another bike it would be either another 675R or a 690 enduro (raced enduro for years and do like a green lane).

Jim Aim Motorcycles are my dealer and they are superb. 1290 has not missed a beat.

Get one mate!!