Crystal Springs

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Its been 2 weeks since owning the SD. Swapped out a Ducati Multistrada for this.
+ like how small the SD feels
+ Immediate steering
+ Handling rocks!
- Stuck out in the wind (getting used to this)
- Dumb dash (Multis had Avg MPG, tank levels, range to zero)
- I'm getting 38 mpg w/ Arkapovics Ti-slipons. Is that w/in range

Been reading posts about the water pump and its starting to worry me. I'm going to flush the fluid and see how bad it is. Owner just had it serviced at Scuderia West. I suppose I should have a chat with them on this.

Put in the DB Killers and it sounds much more civil now. I don't know if that's going to change the power characteristics.

Favorite loop.. from RWC, 84 upto Alices (Hwy 35), Down to San Gregorio, Stage Coach to Pescadero, Gazos Creek, Hwy 1 to Davenport (that's the boring bit), Bonny Doon, Empire Grade, Jaimeson Creek, Hwy 9 to Hwy 35 & back to Alices.

Appreciate any advice, dos and don'ts.

Some bikes won't hold a steady speed below 45mph, they search around +/- 3-5 mph. The biggest general complaint about the SD is a snatchy throttle. There are various "fixes" for this, G4 slip-ons, throttle tamer, remove the SAS, new air box, and remap. My bike still has the stock box, with a DNA filter, SAS eliminated, Bazzaz FI system, and Leo Vince slip ons, and it now runs like a champ. I could probably coax a few more HP out with a Motohooligan or DNA air box though.

There are various ways to accomplish the remap. The dealer can install the Akrapovic map (really rich map). Lots of folks are using TuneECU to retune the stock FI system. There is an entire thread on its use here. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12511 Other people are running PCIIIs or PCV's. And, some are running the Bazzaz system - though the speed shifter and TC don't work with the SD.

The next biggest issue is with the regulator / rectifier. This manifests itself in various ways: (1) clocks go goofy; (2) battery dies; (3) bike dies while riding. My first RR died within 3 months of ownership. The replacement is still going strong 1 1/2 years later. I use a battery tender now, and that seems to have made a difference.

Finally, the oil site tubes tend to eat it pretty regularly. The oil site tubes are crap. I never touched mine (literally), but it still developed hairline cracks and started to leak within the warranty period. It look s like KTM changed the tube material now, so we'll have to see how long this one lasts. Lots of SD are running around using model airplane fuel tubes for windows and are doing fine.

It's pretty rare that some one has a water pump issue. I think, the water pump issue was pretty well sorted for the newer SDs.

Anyway, that's about it. Welcome to the madness.

Welcome Twin,
Concord here. Have an 07 myself. Getting quite a group of bay area SDers around here.