Thinking about a 690 Duke

Fishinado · 12-31-2010, 07:17 AM

Hi All,

I currently own a WR250x Yamaha, that I bought as a commuter/scooter for LA traffic, but now it's all I want to ride, especially in the canyons. My Monster 696 just sits, and my other Ducati, Sport 1000 died on the road for a second time the other day. So all of the above being the case, the Duke 690 seems to be the right choice, since I love the supermoto style, and want the quality/reliability without having to go Japanese. Gonna test ride one today, but have a knowledgeable/experienced rider friend who had one and hated it, primarily because of the harsh low end. Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice/expectations about making the jump to the dark side of a big single vs the L twin.

Thanks!

bajadog · 12-31-2010, 09:39 AM

Welcome fish.

Seen this article? Probably not exactly what your asking, still.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fi...uro/index.html

Sidewinder · 01-01-2011, 12:30 PM

I have no experience with either of those Ducatis but I can tell you that there is no comparison between the Duke and the WR250X. I can say for sure that you'll never want to ride that thing again.

Fishinado · 01-02-2011, 12:26 AM

I bought the Duke! Love it!!

bajadog · 01-02-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishinado

I bought the Duke! Love it!!

How about some pixs?

Terrytori · 01-31-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishinado

I bought the Duke! Love it!!

Congrats, Man... it's a great ride.
So for that matter is your WR 250 X.
I've spent a lot of time on the little Yammie and
would consider puttin one in the garage.
My Duke is meant for the tight coastal roads in my neighborhood.
Around town and in heavy traffic, I'd pick the Yammie.

Fishinado · 01-31-2011, 10:15 PM

Thank you! Having a tough time dialing in the Duke. Put a Leo pipe on it, ran great, but WAY too quite with the silencer in, took it out and now it runs like crap! Waiting to load the Akro map, and eventually send it over to Bazazz for a custom map.

The WR is still my favorite all around bike! Nothing puts a smile on my face like IT does! I find it far more interesting to go fast on a slow bike, than slow on a fast bike. Anything under 70mph, and in LA traffic, THAT is the bike!! Makes plenty of low end power, super smooth throttle response (unlike some bikes), 10" of suspension, great riding position. I love taking in the canyons where the liter bikes can't catch me. Oh yeah, I like my Duke too, it IS the king of the canyons!!

Terrytori · 02-01-2011, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishinado

Thank you! Having a tough time dialing in the Duke. Put a Leo pipe on it, ran great, but WAY too quite with the silencer in, took it out and now it runs like crap! Waiting to load the Akro map, and eventually send it over to Bazazz for a custom map.

The WR is still my favorite all around bike! Nothing puts a smile on my face like IT does! I find it far more interesting to go fast on a slow bike, than slow on a fast bike. Anything under 70mph, and in LA traffic, THAT is the bike!! Makes plenty of low end power, super smooth throttle response (unlike some bikes), 10" of suspension, great riding position. I love taking in the canyons where the liter bikes can't catch me. Oh yeah, I like my Duke too, it IS the king of the canyons!!

Hey Fish... last year, 3 of us attempted to drive home the point that you can tour on just about anything. We did a ride we called... "The Big Stupid".... a cross continent ride ... on 250cc scoots. We went from Wesport Washington, to my home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a total of nearly 5000 miles. My friend scooted a WR 250 X and loved it. Thought you might enjoy the ride report.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513116

Fishinado · 02-01-2011, 08:40 AM

WOW! I mean WOW!! When I grow up, I wanna be like you guys! I could absolutely see doing that trip on my WR. Like I said, anything 70 and under is no problem. Mountain climbing may be another story! I thought about adding a 250 Ninja to the harem, do you still ride yours?

Terrytori · 02-01-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishinado

WOW! I mean WOW!! When I grow up, I wanna be like you guys! I could absolutely see doing that trip on my WR. Like I said, anything 70 and under is no problem. Mountain climbing may be another story! I thought about adding a 250 Ninja to the harem, do you still ride yours?

I do indeed.
I have owned some seriously fine hardware over my 45 years of riding, ( most recently, a Monster 1100S, and Ducati Hailwood rep and a BMW Boxer Cup ).

I mention these only so that you might have some reference when i tell you that i believe my 250 Ninja to be among the finest scoots I've owned.
I am currently doing it into a Cafe Racer with completely new seat, tank and dual, reverse megaphone exhaust. I'll post pics upon completion.

Nothing much happens on the bike before 7-8K 0n the Tach but once it builds momentum, it is beautifully handling, scary good in the twisty bits and all day comfortable.

I'm a huge fan of small bikes, Fish.