I've never wanted a KTM

[bloodline]

until now...

KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype

 

[greg the pole]

ktm allways did a bang up job with their videos.
love the bikes, not crazy about: admission price, reliablity...
mean time...I built this thing, my shits and giggles bike...

 

[bloodline]

ktm allways did a bang up job with their videos.
love the bikes, not crazy about: admission price, reliablity...
mean time...I built this thing, my shits and giggles bike...

That's really cool. Tell us more, please.

 

[greg the pole]

That's really cool. Tell us more, please.

Well, it's 4 honda's (maybe 5) put into one. 98 cbr900rr, all fairing removed except tail section and tank.
cbr 954 front end, sssa from a 93 vfr, some tasty welding by Dave 6 (from the forum)
yamaha mt-03 headlight out of germany.
Nice project, turned out well, fun bike, 1st gear, you have to cover the rear brake, or else you will end up
on your ass. ::014::

 

[tomatocity]

That style bike would be nice but being able to ride like that would be better than owning one.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I owned a KTM dirt bike in the past. No doubt they build a top notch, high performance, well thought out bike. The downside is the high performance comes at a price of less reliability than a Japanese built bike, and they do require more wrenching. Out of the box a KTM is a true premium product that has my enduring respect...but Yamaha has my money.

 

[Don in Lodi]

That style bike would be nice but being able to ride like that would be better than owning one.

::026:: on that Tim. ::26::

Sheesh.

 

[20valves]

I had a KTM 300XCW that was the greatest dirt bike I have ever owned. But it was a nice, simple 2 stroke motor. Anyway, the thing was nicely built, dead nuts reliable and was a great handling, lightweight, torquey, fast off roader. Superb brakes too. I have heard their 4 strokes require a little more "involvement." Our KTM dealer here doesn't give me enough confidence to get anything more complicated or maintenance intensive than that 300. That said, KTM does make some very cool bikes for the road and adventure. Those Dukes and Super Dukes would cost me my driver's license within about 24 hours though!

I really enjoy my "ride it hard, put it up wet" Yamahas, they've all been very easy to own and maintain.

At my age, my motto is more like "ready to ride" as opposed to "ready to race." My garage skills have devolved to very light farkling, oil, filter, brake bleeding, steering bearing and tire pressure duties, not much more.

 

[MikeBear]

Not impressed. Bigger rear sprocket on my R1 and I will probably kill myself trying to ride like that.
My point is its less about motorcycle and more about rider. I bet this guy would be able to get on Zuma and make it look just as cool as that KTM.

 

[BaldKnob]

Not impressed. Bigger rear sprocket on my R1 and I will probably kill myself trying to ride like that.
My point is its less about motorcycle and more about rider. I bet this guy would be able to get on Zuma and make it look just as cool as that KTM.

Mike,

I think the point of this bike is the idea of raw power, minimal bodywork, trick-ass spensions and did you hear that engine??! Not practical, pure emotion. Probably the perfect track-day bike. Yamaha's version of this machine is the FZ1 and next to the KTM, it looks like a turd but it will last much longer and cost much less to live with.

 

[sail2xxs]

I owned a KTM dirt bike in the past. No doubt they build a top notch, high performance, well thought out bike. The downside is the high performance comes at a price of less reliability than a Japanese built bike, and they do require more wrenching. Out of the box a KTM is a true premium product that has my enduring respect...but Yamaha has my money.

+10!!!

 

[MikeBear]

Mike,

I think the point of this bike is the idea of raw power, minimal bodywork, trick-ass spensions and did you hear that engine??! Not practical, pure emotion. Probably the perfect track-day bike. Yamaha's version of this machine is the FZ1 and next to the KTM, it looks like a turd but it will last much longer and cost much less to live with.

I didn't say I'm not impressed with motorcycle. I said I'm not impressed with video. I never owned KTM and thus far have no right to comment on performance. It does look good thou.

 

[Swagger]

They are nuts absolutely nuts .... I had an LC4 690 SMC .....
It got me into so much trouble I had to sell it. I took it to the CSS and burned thru two sets of hoops and never stopped laughing all day. Got three cautions in three months for wreckless driving ... they just bring out the hooligan in you. Definitely recommended.

 

[WRW9751]

I retired last September, bought a new Tenere and a new 690 Duke! Haven't had this much fun in years! Didn't have a ticket in 20 years. Had more than my share before that. I've enjoyed three this year, my wife's not all that impressed but my daughter just laughs! I've been trying to set a good example for my grandson, but it's not working out that good! The Duke is a hoot! It's the skateboard of the motorcycle crowd. I've always been Yamaha loyal and still am, but I'm looking at a KTM 500exc. More latter!

 

[JohnB]

I retired last September, bought a new Tenere and a new 690 Duke! Haven't had this much fun in years! Didn't have a ticket in 20 years. Had more than my share before that. I've enjoyed three this year, my wife's not all that impressed but my daughter just laughs! I've been trying to set a good example for my grandson, but it's not working out that good! The Duke is a hoot! It's the skateboard of the motorcycle crowd. I've always been Yamaha loyal and still am, but I'm looking at a KTM 500exc. More latter!

I saw the new 690 Duke at the IMS in NYC. I'm tempted but wish they would have brought over the "R" model as well. I'm spoiled with fully adjustable suspension.