Looking to buy 690, what to expect.

fouramdesigns · 04-26-2009, 04:52 PM

I currently ride a Ducati Monster 900 S4, and was in the market originally for a KTM, but felt it was out of my price range. I have a few questions.

What can I expect performance wise from the bike with the standard mods

And what's the usual Out The Door price for these units?

Hope to see some of y'all in the curves soon,

Spencer

Bri690 · 04-29-2009, 10:18 AM

Having never ridden your bike, I would guess the Duke is alot lighter, less powerful and doesn't sound as cool as your Ducati twin.

I came off of a Honda VFR, so I too gave up the power and the cool sound. This bike however is fun, fun, fun. Handles and brakes like a dream, cornering clearance limited by tires and your bravery only. Seems pretty unflappable no matter how rough the pavement is. Very forgiving, it doesn't seem to care how you ride it (knee out, foot down, or bolt upright in the seat) it just does what you say.

These bike are not about top speed, so I have changed sprockets to lower the final drive to take advantage of the torque. That will make it so you won't miss your v-twin so much! The motor has a very wide power band with a suprisingly strong surge on the top end, from 6K to redline. I find I don't have to shift much when running in the twisties. Oh, the bike should still easily top out above 100mph even with the sprocket swap.

The only thing I haven't been able to solve so far is the hard seat. It can get very painful.

I bought my '08 new last fall for $8500 before tax, but I've heard of people getting them slightly cheaper.

cbradford · 04-30-2009, 06:36 AM

speak for yourself.....my Duke sounds absolutely wicked with the Akra system and the baffles out. I rattle windows when I cruise down main st. it turns heads everywhere I go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bri690

Having never ridden your bike, I would guess the Duke is alot lighter, less powerful and doesn't sound as cool as your Ducati twin.

.

Bri690 · 04-30-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbradford

speak for yourself.....my Duke sounds absolutely wicked with the Akra system and the baffles out. I rattle windows when I cruise down main st. it turns heads everywhere I go.

I don't really have any interest in rattling windows, in fact I think the 690 is pretty loud and sounds great for a stock exhaust. Big singles sound cool in their own unique way, but for me I love the sound of a Duc or better yet, a V-4.

Morpheous · 05-04-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bri690

This bike however is fun, fun, fun. Handles and brakes like a dream, cornering clearance limited by tires and your bravery only. Seems pretty unflappable no matter how rough the pavement is. Very forgiving, it doesn't seem to care how you ride it (knee out, foot down, or bolt upright in the seat) it just does what you say.

These bike are not about top speed, so I have changed sprockets to lower the final drive to take advantage of the torque. That will make it so you won't miss your v-twin so much! The motor has a very wide power band with a suprisingly strong surge on the top end, from 6K to redline. I find I don't have to shift much when running in the twisties. Oh, the bike should still easily top out above 100mph even with the sprocket swap.

The only thing I haven't been able to solve so far is the hard seat. It can get very painful.

I bought my '08 new last fall for $8500 before tax, but I've heard of people getting them slightly cheaper.

http://www.superbike.co.uk/news/KTM_...ws_178050.html

Ditto, I have had the exact same experience (and purchase $$) with my 08 Duke 690, However; I have ridden the Ducati and VFR, They are HEAVY! LOL This bike will change your whole outlook on riding. Re-juvenating and liberating to say the least. NOTHING BUT FUN TO RIDE. (and super visibility in traffic & gas mileage of 50-60 mpg!) *********BRI690 sent you a PM on the Tall ergo seat!

fouramdesigns · 05-09-2009, 10:21 PM

Well, I think I'm going to make the move on over. Guy is suppose to buy my Ducati next week, and waiting on the dealer to receive the 690 this month or June. What fender eliminator kit is made for this bike? Also I read a review on KTM-Parts where a guy was having issues with the Akra exhaust. Anyone try the FMF?

Bri690 · 05-11-2009, 11:44 AM

Welcome to the LC4 brotherhood. You're going to love the bike.

Morpheous · 05-11-2009, 12:25 PM

On the pipe, the re-mapping and FI system on this bike can be tricky, its all going to come down to who you can find to do it (dealer, b/c it requires a proprietary cable and software) and how versed the tech is with the 690 platform( which there arent alot of as yet) -Keep it stock for a while it runs strong and is reliable that way. (IMHO)

Best fender eliminator is the DIY working with the stock plastic. Cut, Drill, Re-position light, re-route wires, and viola!

fouramdesigns · 05-11-2009, 02:00 PM

I think I may get the 990, on sale and only a few grand more than a new 690. Any other boards geared towards us? Also any good links for aftermarket parts? I know the usual sites, but any other smaller mom & pop type? I try to support those guys whenever possible.

oldsoggysandwich · 05-11-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fouramdesigns

I think I may get the 990

smart move,,,,, you don't want one of these, they are ****ty !