690 Duke on Freeway

Sub · 09-12-2010, 05:39 PM

I'll be purchasing a bike in the spring and it will be either the Duke or the Superduke. I've test ridden them both but didn't get a chance to get on a freeway/highway. I live in the mountains so i'm looking for something that will be fun in the mountain roads, easy to jump on around town, but still able to do 2-3 hour trips 1 way. I know it's not the Duke's strength, just wondering if it gets the job done to a point where I won't be suffering. Thanks.

Duke · 09-12-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sub

I'll be purchasing a bike in the spring and it will be either the Duke or the Superduke. I've test ridden them both but didn't get a chance to get on a freeway/highway. I live in the mountains so i'm looking for something that will be fun in the mountain roads, easy to jump on around town, but still able to do 2-3 hour trips 1 way. I know it's not the Duke's strength, just wondering if it gets the job done to a point where I won't be suffering. Thanks.

Hey Sub,

Before I purchased the Duke I did what most people do these days, I researched the living daylights out of it. I got the impression from my research that the Duke was not well suited to the highway but it didnt bother me due to the fact that it is a second bike for me. So I figured the Harley would be my heavyweight cruiser and I would use the Duke for bombing around town and tearing up the twisties.

Well for my tastes the Duke is great on the highway. No vibration even in the triple digit range and the awesome suspension keeps by butt happy. Getting up to 70mpg keeps my wallet happy too.

You will hear different opinions but thats mine, good luck!

Sub · 09-12-2010, 11:38 PM

I've looked at the cost of ownership of both bikes as well. When you add up the insurance and the gas mileage the Duke comes out way ahead. I agree there will be some guys that hate it, but i'm looking for a general consensus. I'm a cyclist and ride many miles and hours on a road bike so any motorcycle is comfy. I think the buzzing of the engine is the main concern but so far from what I've read it doesn't seem to be an issue. Hopefully some others will chime in.

dutch rc · 09-13-2010, 03:07 PM

i dont do much highway driving, but i can tell you this for me at 70 75 mph, it wasnt as bad as i thought it was going to be, just coming of a 625 smc, i will buy the touring windscreen for the duke, but not for highway use, more bugs than anything else, good luck sub in your decision

Sub · 09-13-2010, 05:05 PM

Thanks. I am aware of the aftermarket wind screen and thought I would wait to see if it was needed before purchasing it. I also have a history of dirt bikes, ktm of course, so i'm comfortable with the seating position on the duke. I guess i have a history of sport bikes also (03 CBR600RR, 04 CBR1000RR) and I really like those bikes but I don't want to go back to a full sport bike. Are you guys really getting 60+ mpg? That is a big plus with this bike.

Duke · 09-13-2010, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sub

Thanks. I am aware of the aftermarket wind screen and thought I would wait to see if it was needed before purchasing it. I also have a history of dirt bikes, ktm of course, so i'm comfortable with the seating position on the duke. I guess i have a history of sport bikes also (03 CBR600RR, 04 CBR1000RR) and I really like those bikes but I don't want to go back to a full sport bike. Are you guys really getting 60+ mpg? That is a big plus with this bike.

As you know the mpg varies greatly in relation to your riding style. When I'm in a mellow mood my around town average gas mileage is around 58mpg. The worst average gas mileage I have gotten was 48mpg with a very heavy hand. On the highway alone you can expect well over 60mpg for sure, if you keep a reaonable speed.

Roadrogue · 09-16-2010, 08:28 AM

I think it's fine on the highway, too. Anywhere around 80 mph is a sweet zone of smoothness on mine. Since it's so light, turbulence from big trucks can be quite noticeable. I get between 50 and 60 mpg in varied riding.

kiwi racer · 09-18-2010, 03:14 AM

Hi Sub,

I have no problem taking the duke on long trips but I have been thinking about getting the softer seat for longer trips, but in saying that my butt is getting used to it and I take my girlfreind on the back every now and then and she has no problem with it.

I do recomend the touring screen tho as it makes a huge differance to the wind and just makes it easyer on your arms to hold on over 130kph (or maybe im just weak haha).

For what I do I love my duke, not only is it a KTM but its a TOY as well and its awsome!!

Hope you get as much fun out of your as I do with mine.

Cheers Kiwi

Morpheous · 09-18-2010, 09:59 PM

Just lean forward into the wind and you can actually support your torso on the breeze. A touring windscreen on this bike is sacrilege. This bike is fine on the highway, it may move around a little more than other bikes, but its 100 Lbs lighter than most bikes. Lets face it you dont buy this machine to ride straight with.

dutch rc · 09-19-2010, 11:08 AM

i agree morpheous, i was going to buy the touring windscreen, but found some front view pics, really takes away from the looks,