This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

KTM 1290 Duke R, Would you?

NewRider said:
However how good, agile and great looking the KTM are I would not spend a second considering it. Customer service is pratically inexistant in my area. I ruled out the KTM 990SM from the potential list last year for this same reason. And when I say 'pratically'; I'm just been very conservative. I'm tempted to say there is none.
Click to expand...

Your concern is understandable and, in general terms, I have to agree. In my case, there is a major KTM dealer 45 minutes from home. :)

Those messed-up combustion chambers look scary though!
 
There is a 'major' KTM dealer 15 miles from my home, and he has the crappiest service department I've ever encountered. Plus I've been told that their parts prices are even higher than Ducati's. So, no Katooms in our garage!
 
zippy49 said:
There is a 'major' KTM dealer 15 miles from my home, and he has the crappiest service department I've ever encountered.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your contribution. My 'major' dealer handles 5 big bike brands in a large, modern facility with a superb service center, manned by mature, certified techs who demonstrate care for my bikes and personal satisfaction (I'm picky too). It's quite the contrast with your scenario.
 
Too much power doesn't exist, as long as you regulate it with the twist grip, and it's especially true today with traction control to assist us.

Did you buy the big Duke, and how do you like it?
 
BlueSwede said:
Too much power doesn't exist, as long as you regulate it with the twist grip, and it's especially true today with traction control to assist us.

Did you buy the big Duke, and how do you like it?
Click to expand...

Explanation is in Post #13. I'm with you about power--bought a new Kaw ZX14R instead. :eek:
 
Thread Conclusion

Dragon Slaying 6/2/14: Big Kaws do twisties too (and surprising well)...when the power isn't scaring the pee out of me. :eek:
ZX14R_Dragon1024_4.jpg
 
BlueSwede said:
Hey, tell me about your experience with the Racetech gold valves, please.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Check my thread in the Mechanical and Tech section - "Fork upgrade for Hyperstrada." It's working great for me. You would have to ship them to SoCal, though.

ZRider, that pic would be less impressive if it weren't tilted....;)
 
ZRider, that pic would be less impressive if it weren't tilted....;)[/QUOTE]:D:D:D

seen more lean angle on the side stand lol
 
I'm the person on the bike, not the person holding the camera. I made no claims about 'lean angles' nor riding prowess. Perhaps you assumed I was trying to impress you with my pro style. Regardless, it's simply a photo of a 70 year old rider enjoying his new bike while approaching a turn during engine break-in. I downloaded it. :rolleyes:

Now that you both have revealed your superiority, it should be a pleasure for you to spare me any future 'benefit' of your omnipotent wisdom. ;)
 
Oh dear, sorry you feel offended, must be my sense of humour.
I'll go and sit in the naughty boys corner...
 
Last edited:
No offense meant! You are only a few years older than I am...and humor is difficult in writing.

I have pics of me on my YSR50 racer that show me much more upright...took a while to learn how to ride it.

And I use Photoshop to straighten up pics all the time.
 
Last edited:
Sure why not..
But it all depends on what deal you get for your Hyper and if the Insurance will be the same (or lower).
I have Heard a lot of good of the KTM.
Lots of Power, good handeling and easy to ride. :)