18 months of owning a KTM Duke 790

[Blackbird]

I've had my KTM Duke 790 for 18 months now. KTM's and other European bikes in particular have a somewhat variable reputation with respect to reliability and servicing costs, sometimes deserved, sometimes not. What we end up buying is a highly personal thing depending on what we look for in a bike. On a wet day, I sat down and detailed my thoughts about owning one. Hope it's not too boring: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-ktm-790-at-18-months-progress-report.html .

Cheers,

Geoff

[Ulsterkiwi]

what are you doing? we can't have things posted about motorcycles on this forum!!!

[Blackbird]

what are you doing? we can't have things posted about motorcycles on this forum!!!

:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

Sorry Paul, what was I thinking? I'll try harder to be obnoxious and irrelevant in future :bleh:

[Gremlin]

Haha, I feature in the first sentence :shutup: It wasn't really affirming KTMs are awesome, more that I simple see 3 levels of reliability. Japs, main Euros, "special" Euros :innocent:

Owning both a BMW and a KTM concurrently (along with a Honda) my eyes are open, but I really enjoy the Euros that much, that I guess I'll suffer some potential issues - like hanging out in Huntly for an hour, playing with my life, because the Aprilia wanted more parts.

[Blackbird]

Haha, I feature in the first sentence :shutup: It wasn't really affirming KTMs are awesome, more that I simple see 3 levels of reliability. Japs, main Euros, "special" Euros :innocent:

Owning both a BMW and a KTM concurrently (along with a Honda) my eyes are open, but I really enjoy the Euros that much, that I guess I'll suffer some potential issues - like hanging out in Huntly for an hour, playing with my life, because the Aprilia wanted more parts.

I laughed my head off when you said that Alan! My best friend in the UK had a Guzzi 1100 Sport. He claimed he was on first name terms with the AA recovery service in 5 counties :killingme.

I know exactly what you mean about Eurobikes though :yes:

[caspernz]

Nice write up Geoff, despite you mentioning your enjoyment of the 790 there's no hint of rose tinted glasses in there :innocent:

Only surprising part was you've had it for 18 months already :blink::eek5:

[Blackbird]

Nice write up Geoff, despite you mentioning your enjoyment of the 790 there's no hint of rose tinted glasses in there :innocent:

Only surprising part was you've had it for 18 months already :blink::eek5:

Thanks , Rob - I try to be impartial :shifty:

Yep, time flies when you're having fun. When I bought it, I remember you saying that you thought it suited me. I'm still not sure how to take that :laugh::laugh:

[caspernz]

Thanks , Rob - I try to be impartial :shifty:

Yep, time flies when you're having fun. When I bought it, I remember you saying that you thought it suited me. I'm still not sure how to take that :laugh::laugh:

No need to be coy...for the same reason I still have a Busa :devil2::innocent:

[Navy Boy]

I've had my KTM Duke 790 for 18 months now. KTM's and other European bikes in particular have a somewhat variable reputation with respect to reliability and servicing costs, sometimes deserved, sometimes not. What we end up buying is a highly personal thing depending on what we look for in a bike. On a wet day, I sat down and detailed my thoughts about owning one. Hope it's not too boring: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-ktm-790-at-18-months-progress-report.html .

Cheers,

Geoff

Thanks for that Geoff - I enjoyed reading it and many of the things you've said strike a chord with me. I do after all have eclectic tastes in bikes... :shifty:

The Euro brand question is a good one and is something I ruminate on regularly. Having a dealer you have a good relationship with really helps as you say and the price you pay for exclusivity and that certain 'something' is usually worth it IMHO. :yes:

[Blackbird]

Thanks for that Geoff - I enjoyed reading it and many of the things you've said strike a chord with me. I do after all have eclectic tastes in bikes... :shifty:

The Euro brand question is a good one and is something I ruminate on regularly. Having a dealer you have a good relationship with really helps as you say and the price you pay for exclusivity and that certain 'something' is usually worth it IMHO. :yes:

Thanks Lee - you of all people would know what was meant :nya: . Some of it is deserved, some not. My Blackbird fried its stator (a known fault up to the 2002 model). The Street Triple had its reg/rec replaced under a world-wide recall, the GSX-S 1000 had the ECM replaced to improve bottom end fuelling so issues aren't solely the province of mainland Eurobikes. I must say that the "certain something" of the KTM has made it the right choice for me though. Absolutely no regrets.

[Moi]

To me, what you ride has far more to do with the "value" aspect rather than the "cost" aspect - if you're all "know the cost of everything but the value of nothing" then owning a bike must be the greatest disappointment you can imagine. Bikes are not cost efficient. However, they offer value beyond belief.

If you get on your bike and worry about the cost of the tyres you need to buy soon, or worry about the licence and ACC fee you need to pay, or worry about some other aspect's cost I believe you're missing the point.

But if you get on your bike and look at the tyres and think they'll need replacing soon cause you've ridden the bike as often as you can and the little hoon in the head is saying "So what, you've had fun!" then there's a value in the bike. And it doesn't need to be the hoon either, the black dog can be a better behaved companion when you get out on a bike...

[Bonez]

To me, what you ride has far more to do with the "value" aspect rather than the "cost" aspect - if you're all "know the cost of everything but the value of nothing" then owning a bike must be the greatest disappointment you can imagine. Bikes are not cost efficient. However, they offer value beyond belief.

If you get on your bike and worry about the cost of the tyres you need to buy soon, or worry about the licence and ACC fee you need to pay, or worry about some other aspect's cost I believe you're missing the point.

But if you get on your bike and look at the tyres and think they'll need replacing soon cause you've ridden the bike as often as you can and the little hoon in the head is saying "So what, you've had fun!" then there's a value in the bike. And it doesn't need to be the hoon either, the black dog can be a better behaved companion when you get out on a bike...Exactly. I couldn't agree more. It's not what you ride but the fact you do ride is what really matters.:scooter:

Just saying...

[Navy Boy]

To me, what you ride has far more to do with the "value" aspect rather than the "cost" aspect - if you're all "know the cost of everything but the value of nothing" then owning a bike must be the greatest disappointment you can imagine. Bikes are not cost efficient. However, they offer value beyond belief.

If you get on your bike and worry about the cost of the tyres you need to buy soon, or worry about the licence and ACC fee you need to pay, or worry about some other aspect's cost I believe you're missing the point.

But if you get on your bike and look at the tyres and think they'll need replacing soon cause you've ridden the bike as often as you can and the little hoon in the head is saying "So what, you've had fun!" then there's a value in the bike. And it doesn't need to be the hoon either, the black dog can be a better behaved companion when you get out on a bike...

That's deep man, deep... :niceone:

[Navy Boy]

Thanks Lee - you of all people would know what was meant :nya: . Some of it is deserved, some not. My Blackbird fried its stator (a known fault up to the 2002 model). The Street Triple had its reg/rec replaced under a world-wide recall, the GSX-S 1000 had the ECM replaced to improve bottom end fuelling so issues aren't solely the province of mainland Eurobikes. I must say that the "certain something" of the KTM has made it the right choice for me though. Absolutely no regrets.

:yes:

I'll be in touch ref coming up your way later this year Geoff. Then we can compare Euro brand bike stories over a cold one. :laugh:

[Blackbird]

......And it doesn't need to be the hoon either, the black dog can be a better behaved companion when you get out on a bike...

Yep, that last sentence is incredibly important and often overlooked. Well said!:niceone:

[Gremlin]

But if you get on your bike and look at the tyres and think they'll need replacing soon cause you've ridden the bike as often as you can and the little hoon in the head is saying "So what, you've had fun!" then there's a value in the bike. And it doesn't need to be the hoon either, the black dog can be a better behaved companion when you get out on a bike...
It's relative though. Normally I don't give it a much of a thought, but the first TKC80 on the 1090R was replaced after 2100km... :crybaby: because it was urgent and mid trip (for the next few days I had almost no tyre options) I also had only one option... another TKC80... :mellow:

[release_the_bees]

Time goes so fast. It seems like just the other day that you were posting on here having just bought the bike.

I'm glad that you're having a blast with it.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Blackbird]

Time goes so fast. It seems like just the other day that you were posting on here having just bought the bike.

I'm glad that you're having a blast with it.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Thanks. Can hardly believe it either. Perhaps that's a sign with respect to how much fun it is! :whistle:

[Moi]

It's relative though. Normally I don't give it a much of a thought, but the first TKC80 on the 1090R was replaced after 2100km... :crybaby: because it was urgent and mid trip (for the next few days I had almost no tyre options) I also had only one option... another TKC80... :mellow:

And how enjoyable were those 2100Km? :innocent:

[Gremlin]

And how enjoyable were those 2100Km? :innocent:
Well the first 1k was running it in, so I was actually quite good. Didn't change out of street, no excessive revs, no gravel, barely got her dirty save for some bugs.

Kinda scares me for the next TKC80... :crazy: It's actually odd wanting to explore the higher revs now, as she really comes alive, exhaust note changes, then you think... uh, the rear needs to last at least a little bit...

[Owl]

An enjoyable read thank you Geoff.

I especially understand the crossed fingers from friends when talking about buying a KTM. Got the same reaction myself back in 2015;). Even after purchase, any warranty issue would be met with a bunch of "I told you so's". However, after fitting 29 tyres, 3 chain sprocket sets, 380+ fuel fills and 115,000km, I kinda think they're keeping quiet now.:yes:

My rotors were replaced under warranty, though it's believed the issue actually lies with poor front wheel casting. Perhaps the 790 shares this?

Overall I've loved this bike and I don't plan on parting with it anytime soon. If I did, I think I'd be looking at another KTM 1290.

[Blackbird]

An enjoyable read thank you Geoff.

I especially understand the crossed fingers from friends when talking about buying a KTM. Got the same reaction myself back in 2015;). Even after purchase, any warranty issue would be met with a bunch of "I told you so's". However, after fitting 29 tyres, 3 chain sprocket sets, 380+ fuel fills and 115,000km, I kinda think they're keeping quiet now.:yes:

My rotors were replaced under warranty, though it's believed the issue actually lies with poor front wheel casting. Perhaps the 790 shares this?

Overall I've loved this bike and I don't plan on parting with it anytime soon. If I did, I think I'd be looking at another KTM 1290.

Thanks Owl! The fun I've had from this bike massively outweighs any of its quirks and delighted to hear you feel the same. One of the 790 forum members had the wheel problem that you described. I'll do an update when I hear back from Boyds as they were liaising with the KTM importer.

[Ulsterkiwi]

An enjoyable read thank you Geoff.

I especially understand the crossed fingers from friends when talking about buying a KTM. Got the same reaction myself back in 2015;). Even after purchase, any warranty issue would be met with a bunch of "I told you so's". However, after fitting 29 tyres, 3 chain sprocket sets, 380+ fuel fills and 115,000km, I kinda think they're keeping quiet now.:yes:

My rotors were replaced under warranty, though it's believed the issue actually lies with poor front wheel casting. Perhaps the 790 shares this?

Overall I've loved this bike and I don't plan on parting with it anytime soon. If I did, I think I'd be looking at another KTM 1290.

its interesting, when I got my first GS there were those telling me it would be hienous to run and have lots of problems, nope!
On the KTM side, not sure if any of you follow Brett Tkacs, he bought a 790 Adventure. His video test riding it is titled "best adventure bike out there" or some such.
From new he has a list of warranty issues including 2 significant rear brake issues (caliper came away from its mount and rear brake on fire/overheating)
He loves the bike, meanwhile lots of comment along the "told you so" lines.
they are machines, machines break don't they?
I like Geoff's measure for telling if you have the right bike or not, do you have a second look or give it a pat when you walk past? If yes, its all good. Wisdom indeed!

[Blackbird]

its interesting, when I got my first GS there were those telling me it would be hienous to run and have lots of problems, nope!
On the KTM side, not sure if any of you follow Brett Tkacs, he bought a 790 Adventure. His video test riding it is titled "best adventure bike out there" or some such.
From new he has a list of warranty issues including 2 significant rear brake issues (caliper came away from its mount and rear brake on fire/overheating)
He loves the bike, meanwhile lots of comment along the "told you so" lines.
they are machines, machines break don't they?
I like Geoff's measure for telling if you have the right bike or not, do you have a second look or give it a pat when you walk past? If yes, its all good. Wisdom indeed!

Hi Paul,

I know Brett's name but must follow up with a looksee now - thank you!

One of our Rotorua IAM members has a 790 Adventure and loves it and a friend of mine down your way has just bought one. I'd probably go for the 390 for use on the gravel up our way (although the urge to get a Desert Sled is also there :rolleyes:). I've just had an email from Boyd's saying that KTM will be supplying new disc rotors under warranty. Looking forward to that.

Yep, staring at your bike or fondling it is a dead giveaway :niceone: