I've owned a number of KTM's over the past few years as I migrated away from Ducati and BMW's. I've never been happier. Owned or own an 08 SD which was totaled a couple years
ago in a deer strike crash. It almost totaled me too but thats another story. I also owned an 08 690 Enduro and have an 07 690 SM which is being sold as I have a 690 Duke coming with the full race kit.
As many have noted there is no one perfect bike. If I was a bit taller and a bit younger I'd definitely own a new Adventure as it seems like the perfect all around do everything bike, with the new 1290 Super Duke a near perfect near everything bike at least for me.
My riding days of 400-500 mile days are over. My buds and I will ride usually anywhere from 150-300 days but bear in mind we seek only twisty back roads which often add lots of miles to our destination and avoid the slabs and major roads like the plague.
I'll let you know how I like the new Duke when it arrives in a couple of weeks. Hopefully next year if I'll saddle up on a new or slightly used 1290 SD. Until then we all just have to
learn to get along:)
Steve
UPDATE - Bike has just about 1000 miles on it - so far its pretty much the most fun bike I've owned - this weekend we're taking a trip to our favorite out of the way place in IDAHO (The state of the nut cases) - this is a perfect bike for an old, weak, semi impaired old fart age 74 and anyone younger.
Steve
cdlabate
2014-03-30 23:56:00 UTC
soarsore
2014-03-31 03:20:00 UTC
Ride on!
soarsore
2014-04-28 05:16:00 UTC
Hi Steve,
Did you get the Duke yet? Been eying them too.
Did you get the Duke yet? Been eying them too.
soarsore
2014-04-28 05:33:00 UTC
Soarsore. Yes I got it about two weeks ago and thoroughly enjoy it.
It's a full on hooligan bike that is a kick to ride.
It's not a superduke by any means. Neither a 990 or 1290 but for every day riding
And for the twisties which of course we seek it can't be beat.
It has the full race kit which includes a cam, ecu mod, air box mod, full Akrapovic system
and more. Not cheap but I'm really enjoying it. My two buddies have one also and
regularly go "sport bike hunting." They seek out squids on gixxers and R1's and
royally kick their butt. All good fun. Plus it'll get 50 mpg if you ridit normally.
Steve
It's a full on hooligan bike that is a kick to ride.
It's not a superduke by any means. Neither a 990 or 1290 but for every day riding
And for the twisties which of course we seek it can't be beat.
It has the full race kit which includes a cam, ecu mod, air box mod, full Akrapovic system
and more. Not cheap but I'm really enjoying it. My two buddies have one also and
regularly go "sport bike hunting." They seek out squids on gixxers and R1's and
royally kick their butt. All good fun. Plus it'll get 50 mpg if you ridit normally.
Steve