Curious if anyone out there that has a HS has riden a KTM Super Duke 1290 yet and how do they compare?
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Hoping to ride my coworker's eventually. It looks like a neat bike.
He rode the 2013 Hyper before purchasing it. Said he liked the nimble handling of the Hyper, but the power cannot compare.
He rode the 2013 Hyper before purchasing it. Said he liked the nimble handling of the Hyper, but the power cannot compare.
Joined Jan 2015
330 Posts | 1+
London
I test rode one. It went up against a Speed Triple, Monster, HS & MS. I liked it but it didn't feel like it was worth the price. I found the steering to be quite flighty. The dealer said there's an optional upgraded steering damper which would address this however. Engine was great as one would expect, but I much prefer the 821 for its characteristics, even though it's lacking in the power department.
I wouldn't choose one over an HS. Plus, I don't think they're a very pretty bike. Kinda ugly in fact. In standard trim at least.
I wouldn't choose one over an HS. Plus, I don't think they're a very pretty bike. Kinda ugly in fact. In standard trim at least.
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The ones I have seen have a stock steering damper. Maybe they added that after the first year?
The front is hideous. I quite like the trellis subframe and clean looking engine area.
Joined Jan 2015
330 Posts | 1+
London
The one I rode had one too. Didn't feel like it did anything though. They told me the upgrade was adjustable however.
For all of the great engineering the Austrians put into those motors, you'd think they'd look south and hire a handful of Italian designers. Sorry...KTM's are some fugly looking motorcycles.
KTM pays a lot of money to Gerald Kiska, their Designer 
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the design polarizes, some find it great, some ugly
.the design polarizes, some find it great, some ugly
