KTM SuperDuke

[madbikeboy]

Measuring tire life using a wristwatch or a week planner is getting old, as is having to sit on the side of the road while the cramps subside, so Scoot is going to a new home soonish. Answering the question unasked, a litre sports bike is too much.

In the dawning realisation that a CBX1000 is possibly the wrong commuting tool (I have video surveilance on the fast garage, and I still worry), and that I can't survive two days in a row in the Mini sitting in tidy queues, ranting - I've been looking at alternatives.

I've narrowed the search to a KTM SuperDuke (well, actually, I keep coming full circle back to the SD), I've discarded the alternatives (k9 GSXR1000 - more stupider, Blade - ugly, R1 - ugly, GSXR750, GN250, too much to handle).

Okay, so here's the crux of the problem. When you take a test ride, you spend 30 minutes riding carefully since the bikeshop owner is probably with you. What I need is 3 days, riding it in the rain, trying to lash a laptop bag to the impossibly small tail, getting someone brave to sit on the bitch pad, a quick ride with the boys on a Sunday to work out if it's too slow. A long ride to see if I'm can live with the seating position, a windy day on the hubba bridge, and a quiet stretch of road to see if scraping the numberplate off gets boring. Is it possible to ride sensibly, or does the bike incite you?

So, it's up to you lot to either enlighten me, or I take an expensive risk.

The other really troubling decision is the adult rating. The SuperDuke R has all sorts of nice bling, Akra's, nicer brakes, wheels etc. But, the dollar difference is huge - I can get a normal one, get some Yoshi's, carbon wheels, and still have enough change for servicing for a few years. Is it worth the extra?


MBB.

[Cajun]

talk to dmntd he had a superduke then had a superduke r, and has brought his duke r back again.

[2_SL0]

I think DMNTD would say the following, Im sure he will chime in. The R is nice very firm ride (almost to firm for NZ), but the standard SD is a very capable machine and more than enough for most people. For the price I recommend standard, money no object go for the R.

[NZsarge]

Go the SuperDuke, fun at slightly more sane speeds.
Warning, could very well bring out the hooligan in you...

[madbikeboy]

Go the SuperDuke, fun at slightly more sane speeds.
Warning, could very well bring out the hooligan in you...

Okay, there's the issue. Being stupid at slower speeds is good, but still stupid...

But, the SD should be much better around town, and in traffic, and it'll still do open road okay...

[NZsarge]

Okay, there's the issue. Being stupid at slower speeds is good, but still stupid...

But, the SD should be much better around town, and in traffic, and it'll still do open road okay...

I said fun, not stupid.

[Gremlin]

If you want to strap stuff to the tail, or take a pillion, rule the R out unless you're going to modify it. Its a solo tail.

Personally, I wouldn't want to use it around town, very snatchy, stiff clutch. Even at motorway speeds, its hunting around, and unsettled until you're having a little fun.

The Supermoto is still snatchy, but a little more practical (taking luggage etc). Probably not quick enough for a "ride with the boys", but more versatile... Bit of a hooligan toy, not too good for servicing since you're on the shore (KTM), you have AMPS (I think they're up themselves) and Triple X (way out east).

I guess you've ruled out Triumph? Perhaps one of the closer contenders, maybe the tuono?

When I get the supermoto back, you could take it for a spin if you were mostly good, but you'd need to be 6 foot plus to be able to handle it.

[chester]

speed or street triple?

[Dazza]

but you'd need to be 6 foot plus to be able to handle it.

Bullshit I'm onto my second Super Duke did 50,000 k's on my 05 & up to 14,000k's on my 6mth old 07 !

[madbikeboy]

Bullshit I'm onto my second Super Duke did 50,000 k's on my 05 & up to 14,000k's on my 6mth old 07 !

Is that your old black on the showroom floor in Newmarket?

[Dazza]

Is that your old black on the showroom floor in Newmarket?

Yep if that's AMPS, it most certainly is.Just speaking to Bruce today & it's still there !

[Gremlin]

Bullshit I'm onto my second Super Duke did 50,000 k's on my 05 & up to 14,000k's on my 6mth old 07 !

I don't have a superduke... they're perfectly normal, and fine for shortarses...

If you're under 6 foot, have a seat on the 990SM. Now try lifting it off the stand on a rough patch of gravel

edit: several short people have had a sit, and their legs swing in the breeze, often with plenty of clearance to the ground.
edit2: hehehe... here's a shot http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...1&d=1230029788

[Dazza]

I don't have a superduke... they're perfectly normal, and fine for shortarses...

If you're under 6 foot, have a seat on the 990SM. Now try lifting it off the stand on a rough patch of gravel ]

I know you don't have a SD, the Bullshit comment was about the SM, needing to be 6 foot to handle it you can be under 6 foot, you just need to be a fat bastard , no worries @ all.Now if you where talking about the 950 SE then I'd definately agree, it has to have the highest seat on any MC I've ever tried to sit on !

[Krayy]

Buell!!!!!!!!!!!

[xwhatsit]

690sm!!!!!!!