questions from a new KTM rider

[volpetrolski]

hello,

after two years of riding 25.000 kms on a BMW R1150 R Rockster, for a great part home/work-related, I am planning (after lots of arguing at the home front ) to buy myself a Super Duke. Now, reading the reviews on the net I ask myself:

-can I consider myself skilled enough on this machine? I regard myself as riding at least as confident as other riders when I see them taking corners, filtering traffic jams... It's clear tough that pulling wheelies with a 240 kg beemer was out of the question, nor that I am really planning on doing this one day.
-are they any practical drawbacks I will experience if I compare him my former bike?
-most articles describe the 990 as an exceptional machine. I suppose this guy has his **** up his ***?

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/en...1222&veh=56524


Thanks for enlightening me,

VP from Belgium.

[bajadog]

Hi VP,

Welcome.

I have a friend with the older 640 Duke.
The guys with the jap sport bikes can't keep up with
him in the mountain roads.
If you can find a mechanic with KTM experience to
inspect the bike, I might be worth the $.

bd

[Morpheous]

...He said SUPERDuke. Two different animals. Actaully, I would recommend the Duke 690 to you, its lighter, easier to learn on for bike handling and some of the other things you want learn. The SUPER Duke will be HANDFUL for you. Its not forgiving, nor tame. if you want to progress, go with something a little underpowered(relatively) and agile. JMO.

[Bailer]

I think you will love the SuperDuke. I too was worried about what I was getting myself into. I hadn't ridden street for years, and was getting lots of warnings to be careful from the dealership.

I find the SD so predictable that it really inspires confidence. I have had no problems or complaints as an around town bike, or out on the highways.

The amazing engine which is always in the middle of its torque curve coupled with great handling puts a big smile on my face every ride.

[dumpydad]

Originally Posted by bajadog

Hi VP,

Welcome.

I have a friend with the older 640 Duke.
The guys with the jap sport bikes can't keep up with
him in the mountain roads.
If you can find a mechanic with KTM experience to
inspect the bike, I might be worth the $.

bd

I dont no whos riding the jap bike but i have a 2008 gsxr 1000 and a 2008 super duke 990.if you want to go fast you ride a race bike.if you want an awsome street fighter that handles great and the wp to keep bumps soft and you can ride long distance.Ride the duke.My opp is get the 990 the power is mellow inless you get the rpm up over 7k.you will be fine go for it.