21 hours ago, fabiamk2SE said:

 

 

Yeah ive always run without baffles in the past but its just too much. Shows how much difference it makes though. 

 

Yeah same. Does your head in after a while doesnt it. Neighbours would love it. I get on with most of them quite well atm too  

 

If I get back late I always turn the Harley off and push it down and into the garage, if I'm leaving early in the morning I push it out of the garage and into the street before I fire it up . I've got a lock up garage and I don't want any complaints as garages where I live are like Rocking Horse poo so don't want to lose it!

8 hours ago, Prykey said:

 

If I get back late I always turn the Harley off and push it down and into the garage, if I'm leaving early in the morning I push it out of the garage and into the street before I fire it up . I've got a lock up garage and I don't want any complaints as garages where I live are like Rocking Horse poo so don't want to lose it!

 

I used to do that... turn it off at the road with enough momentum to roll down n up to the garage door  

 

 

Okay so its not mine, obviously... but i test rode this

 

Z1000SX 

 

It was good... a little flawed.. but good... 140bhp and seems to go very well over 7k rpm to the redline. Soon launched itself to 140mph on my own private landing strip which i forget to mention i have sometimes. Proper smooth engine too. 

 

Just not that comfy for a 'sports tourer'. Couldn't do big miles on it. Nice though. 

Edited 6 November, 20178 yr by fabiamk2SE

Put some new bars on and blacked out the upper suspension stantions to bring the front end together more, almost all black ish.

 

With the bars, I had 32" wide drag bars with a 1" pull back, which are comfortable but not on longer journies, start aching in the lower back. So went for some Biltwell Friscos, so a 7" rise, 32" wide and 0.75" pull back. They're very comfortable on initial rides, but yet to do a long ride to fully test.

I hope they’re more comfortable than they look. 

 

The he blacked out look is nice but it’s crying out for a small bit of detail under the seat 

Put a few more miles on the Tiger yesterday, it was bitterly cold with some flurries of snow, thank god for heated grips and seat!

I'll be attempting to take my bike for it's first MOT again tomorrow, last week I had to cancel due to our street being a sheet of black ice and didn't fancy trying to ride a 200+kg bike on it. Fingers crossed tomorrow won't be icy as the dealers has both the KTM Super and Baby Dukes available for test rides  

9 hours ago, CWARD said:

I'll be attempting to take my bike for it's first MOT again tomorrow, last week I had to cancel due to our street being a sheet of black ice and didn't fancy trying to ride a 200+kg bike on it. Fingers crossed tomorrow won't be icy as the dealers has both the KTM Super and Baby Dukes available for test rides  

 

Fingers crossed for you then, I've got a Toy Run that I have organized tomorrow, so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed! 

Edited 1 December, 20178 yr by Prykey

12 hours ago, Prykey said:

 

Fingers crossed for you then, I've got a Toy Run that I have organized tomorrow, so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed! 

 

best of luck with that mate. Hope all goes to plan. 

22 hours ago, CWARD said:

I'll be attempting to take my bike for it's first MOT again tomorrow, last week I had to cancel due to our street being a sheet of black ice and didn't fancy trying to ride a 200+kg bike on it. Fingers crossed tomorrow won't be icy as the dealers has both the KTM Super and Baby Dukes available for test rides  

 

what did they let you loose on in the end? 

Just having a coffee after bringing back the baby Duke. Coming from the 1190 Adventure it felt tiny and very light. I’m 6 foot and I didn’t feel cramped but the beer belly was snug on the tank. I had all sorts of problems with my big adventure boots on so called at home to change them. Then I actually started to enjoy it. Keep in mind that I’ve not ridden a small bike for many years so it took me a while to get used to. Just riding around in traffic it’s got plenty of punch to exploit any gaps and you only need think about turning and it’s happening.  

I took it on the motorway down to my brother. 70-80 is fine, above that you need to tuck in and with peaked helmet it’s hard work but at licence losing speeds it’s very stable. My brother who’s a couple of inches shorter than me found it very comfy and more used to riding smaller bikes thought it was great fun.

Taking it out into the twisties is where it belongs and it’s lots of fun. Not sure if I was faster or not than I am on my bike but it felt like it. The suspension and brakes let you get away with a lot. Had the springs been changed to suit my weight I know I would have been faster as I caught the pegs and my toes a couple of times. It was quite addictive ragging it around and even with the roads a bit slippery in places the lack of weight and not having loads of power really makes it a fun toy. This bike was totally standard and if it’s anything like other KTMs opening the air box and changing the exhaust would really bring it alive. 

Anyway my bike has passed its MOT, I’d die of shame if it failed. I’ve finished my coffee, demolished a bacon butty and I have the fob (keyless) for the Superduke and I’m dying to get on it

The Superduke is fantastic! Anything as good as this is usually illegal.

 

Didn't start fantastic, who ever had ridden it before had set the bars to some odd angle so had to go back and get them adjusted, then had to call in for some fuel and I couldn't open the fuel cap. I called the dealers who tried to talk me through it and I still couldn't open it so had to go to the dealers again.  I did exactly as before and opened straight away, dealer said that sometimes it interference with the keyless fob. Finally got some fuel and time to have some fun.

Riding position was comfy but aggressive, slimmer than mine, controls were perfect, and the TFT screen is top notch. The engine is a larger displacement version of my 1190 and supposed to have another 27bhp. It was noticeable but not as much as I thought it would be, maybe down to mine been tinkered with which made me feel good about my bike. The delivery was different though I think through gearing and maybe valves. It was a bit more keen to lift the front end with the shorter wheelbase and less weight but stopped just as quickly stopped by the electronics. Quick motorway blast and getting to instant ban speeds is very easy but again with a peaked helmet hard work.

Getting away from town and I could start to have a play around. Going to the same twisty roads as I did on the 390 and this bike is frightening quick in speed and change of direction. A couple of flashes from the traction control but not as much as I thought there would be. The reduction in weight, lower C of G with a little extra grunt make it a great deal of fun. Playing around with the settings I find out this bike has the full options pack including Track  but KTM really need to invest some money into user friendly menus. Anti wheelie disabled and off for a little blast. Anti wheelie back on, a £1000 excess on the loan bike insurance and a front wheel thats allergic to tarmac is only going to end with me being in the dog house. Let's try launch control, it should be named hold on for dear life control (but still prey). It really does catapult you off the line but the front wheel comes up time and time again but dropped each time by the electronics. Done it once, don't need to move that fast without run offs instead having hedges and signs posts to stop me. Side Control, how much you want the wheels to slide before the fun police step in. Works quite well and fun too but the tyres on this bike are really good, Metz Racetec's, and even in the cold it took some effort for them to let go on public roads i.e roundabouts with a deliberate handful of throttle whilst still banked over.

Other things I noticed, the front brakes are really good. I've never had a problem with mine but these really dig into the road and you need to grip the tank with your knees. The standard quick shifter works better than mine, which is an aftermarket one, just as smooth going up the gears but works going down the box too, mine doesn't. The TFT screen is great to use although it's not been the brightest of days so don't know how it copes in strong sunlight but all the information is there and very clear to read even at a glance but as I've said already the menu's are just as awkward to use as they are on my bike. The standard exhaust doesn't do the engine justice, it sounds muted. Finally after a day of riding around on naked bikes my neck and shoulders are knackered.

Would I buy one? Absolutely but at the same time my 1190 Adv is more practical as I can have as much fun without taking as many risks to get it and when it comes to touring it doesn't compete. The 1290 GT on the other hand might just tempt me and there is some really good offers on pre reg'd ones at the moment, nearly £5k off and free luggage if you push.

 

 

10 hours ago, fabiamk2SE said:

 

best of luck with that mate. Hope all goes to plan. 

 

Had a good turnout with over 40 motorcycles, a Harley Trike, an Indian Trike, an outfit complete with 3 standard poodles and a couple of scooters with loads of toys donated to a worthwhile charity in the London Borough of Newham, which despite the glitz of the London Arena, the Olympic Park and Westfield is one of the poorest boroughs in London with families that are really struggling to make ends meet.

 

So a few more kids will actually get something from Santa this year which is great  

2 hours ago, CWARD said:

The Superduke is fantastic! Anything as good as this is usually illegal.

 

Didn't start fantastic, who ever had ridden it before had set the bars to some odd angle so had to go back and get them adjusted, then had to call in for some fuel and I couldn't open the fuel cap. I called the dealers who tried to talk me through it and I still couldn't open it so had to go to the dealers again.  I did exactly as before and opened straight away, dealer said that sometimes it interference with the keyless fob. Finally got some fuel and time to have some fun.

Riding position was comfy but aggressive, slimmer than mine, controls were perfect, and the TFT screen is top notch. The engine is a larger displacement version of my 1190 and supposed to have another 27bhp. It was noticeable but not as much as I thought it would be, maybe down to mine been tinkered with which made me feel good about my bike. The delivery was different though I think through gearing and maybe valves. It was a bit more keen to lift the front end with the shorter wheelbase and less weight but stopped just as quickly stopped by the electronics. Quick motorway blast and getting to instant ban speeds is very easy but again with a peaked helmet hard work.

Getting away from town and I could start to have a play around. Going to the same twisty roads as I did on the 390 and this bike is frightening quick in speed and change of direction. A couple of flashes from the traction control but not as much as I thought there would be. The reduction in weight, lower C of G with a little extra grunt make it a great deal of fun. Playing around with the settings I find out this bike has the full options pack including Track  but KTM really need to invest some money into user friendly menus. Anti wheelie disabled and off for a little blast. Anti wheelie back on, a £1000 excess on the loan bike insurance and a front wheel thats allergic to tarmac is only going to end with me being in the dog house. Let's try launch control, it should be named hold on for dear life control (but still prey). It really does catapult you off the line but the front wheel comes up time and time again but dropped each time by the electronics. Done it once, don't need to move that fast without run offs instead having hedges and signs posts to stop me. Side Control, how much you want the wheels to slide before the fun police step in. Works quite well and fun too but the tyres on this bike are really good, Metz Racetec's, and even in the cold it took some effort for them to let go on public roads i.e roundabouts with a deliberate handful of throttle whilst still banked over.

Other things I noticed, the front brakes are really good. I've never had a problem with mine but these really dig into the road and you need to grip the tank with your knees. The standard quick shifter works better than mine, which is an aftermarket one, just as smooth going up the gears but works going down the box too, mine doesn't. The TFT screen is great to use although it's not been the brightest of days so don't know how it copes in strong sunlight but all the information is there and very clear to read even at a glance but as I've said already the menu's are just as awkward to use as they are on my bike. The standard exhaust doesn't do the engine justice, it sounds muted. Finally after a day of riding around on naked bikes my neck and shoulders are knackered.

Would I buy one? Absolutely but at the same time my 1190 Adv is more practical as I can have as much fun without taking as many risks to get it and when it comes to touring it doesn't compete. The 1290 GT on the other hand might just tempt me and there is some really good offers on pre reg'd ones at the moment, nearly £5k off and free luggage if you push.

 

 

 

Sounds like you've had a good time, no raiding the kids piggy banks or spending their inheritance   

12 minutes ago, Prykey said:

 

Had a good turnout with over 40 motorcycles, a Harley Trike, an Indian Trike, an outfit complete with 3 standard poodles and a couple of scooters with loads of toys donated to a worthwhile charity in the London Borough of Newham, which despite the glitz of the London Arena, the Olympic Park and Westfield is one of the poorest boroughs in London with families that are really struggling to make ends meet.

 

So a few more kids will actually get something from Santa this year which is great  

 

I've not done a Santa run yet but donate kids presents through Radio Aire's annual Christmas Toy Appeal, similar kind of thing but with a lot going to care homes and via schools to kids who they'll know wouldn't get anything otherwise. I might have to search a bike ride too.

15 minutes ago, Prykey said:

 

Sounds like you've had a good time, no raiding the kids piggy banks or spending their inheritance   

 

No kids piggy banks to raid and I can't take it with me when I die. Buying a new bike may speed up the later when the wife finds out.

3 minutes ago, CWARD said:

 

No kids piggy banks to raid and I can't take it with me when I die. Buying a new bike may speed up the later when the wife finds out.

 

  

5 minutes ago, CWARD said:

 

I've not done a Santa run yet but donate kids presents through Radio Aire's annual Christmas Toy Appeal, similar kind of thing but with a lot going to care homes and via schools to kids who they'll know wouldn't get anything otherwise. I might have to search a bike ride too.

 

You should do, although it sounds like you are already doing your bit, every little helps though as they say good on yer 

15 hours ago, CWARD said:

The Superduke is fantastic! Anything as good as this is usually illegal.

 

Didn't start fantastic, who ever had ridden it before had set the bars to some odd angle so had to go back and get them adjusted, then had to call in for some fuel and I couldn't open the fuel cap. I called the dealers who tried to talk me through it and I still couldn't open it so had to go to the dealers again.  I did exactly as before and opened straight away, dealer said that sometimes it interference with the keyless fob. Finally got some fuel and time to have some fun.

Riding position was comfy but aggressive, slimmer than mine, controls were perfect, and the TFT screen is top notch. The engine is a larger displacement version of my 1190 and supposed to have another 27bhp. It was noticeable but not as much as I thought it would be, maybe down to mine been tinkered with which made me feel good about my bike. The delivery was different though I think through gearing and maybe valves. It was a bit more keen to lift the front end with the shorter wheelbase and less weight but stopped just as quickly stopped by the electronics. Quick motorway blast and getting to instant ban speeds is very easy but again with a peaked helmet hard work.

Getting away from town and I could start to have a play around. Going to the same twisty roads as I did on the 390 and this bike is frightening quick in speed and change of direction. A couple of flashes from the traction control but not as much as I thought there would be. The reduction in weight, lower C of G with a little extra grunt make it a great deal of fun. Playing around with the settings I find out this bike has the full options pack including Track  but KTM really need to invest some money into user friendly menus. Anti wheelie disabled and off for a little blast. Anti wheelie back on, a £1000 excess on the loan bike insurance and a front wheel thats allergic to tarmac is only going to end with me being in the dog house. Let's try launch control, it should be named hold on for dear life control (but still prey). It really does catapult you off the line but the front wheel comes up time and time again but dropped each time by the electronics. Done it once, don't need to move that fast without run offs instead having hedges and signs posts to stop me. Side Control, how much you want the wheels to slide before the fun police step in. Works quite well and fun too but the tyres on this bike are really good, Metz Racetec's, and even in the cold it took some effort for them to let go on public roads i.e roundabouts with a deliberate handful of throttle whilst still banked over.

Other things I noticed, the front brakes are really good. I've never had a problem with mine but these really dig into the road and you need to grip the tank with your knees. The standard quick shifter works better than mine, which is an aftermarket one, just as smooth going up the gears but works going down the box too, mine doesn't. The TFT screen is great to use although it's not been the brightest of days so don't know how it copes in strong sunlight but all the information is there and very clear to read even at a glance but as I've said already the menu's are just as awkward to use as they are on my bike. The standard exhaust doesn't do the engine justice, it sounds muted. Finally after a day of riding around on naked bikes my neck and shoulders are knackered.

Would I buy one? Absolutely but at the same time my 1190 Adv is more practical as I can have as much fun without taking as many risks to get it and when it comes to touring it doesn't compete. The 1290 GT on the other hand might just tempt me and there is some really good offers on pre reg'd ones at the moment, nearly £5k off and free luggage if you push.

 

 

 

Sounds ace! My kind of bike that. Make an awesome second bike but as you say, not practical enough for an only one. 

 

I know the electronics are brilliant and that, but did you find it takes the edge off the fun? I mean, a supernaked without any traction or trickory just keeps you on your toes n you know if your right hand has a twinge in the wrong place theres nothin to help. Sort of, exciting? If you get me? 

 

Did you find the TFT changing brightness really quick under the trees and things? Seems to do that on TMF’s videos. 

 

Mega bike. Would love a go on one. Might do it.. 

 

certainly couldnt justify the price though  

13 hours ago, Prykey said:

 

Had a good turnout with over 40 motorcycles, a Harley Trike, an Indian Trike, an outfit complete with 3 standard poodles and a couple of scooters with loads of toys donated to a worthwhile charity in the London Borough of Newham, which despite the glitz of the London Arena, the Olympic Park and Westfield is one of the poorest boroughs in London with families that are really struggling to make ends meet.

 

So a few more kids will actually get something from Santa this year which is great  

 Fantastic. Good work fella  

23 minutes ago, fabiamk2SE said:

 

Sounds ace! My kind of bike that. Make an awesome second bike but as you say, not practical enough for an only one. 

 

I know the electronics are brilliant and that, but did you find it takes the edge off the fun? I mean, a supernaked without any traction or trickory just keeps you on your toes n you know if your right hand has a twinge in the wrong place theres nothin to help. Sort of, exciting? If you get me? 

 

Did you find the TFT changing brightness really quick under the trees and things? Seems to do that on TMF’s videos. 

 

Mega bike. Would love a go on one. Might do it.. 

 

certainly couldnt justify the price though  

 

The GT version would be a great allrounder if you'e a solo rider, but I actually enjoy the wife going on the back of the bike again. If my wife gets serious about getting her licence then I'm having one.

 

The electronics aren't invasive like they are some bikes i.e. Honda, but you know in the back of your mind that they are working behind the scenes and you're not really a riding god. Such as it allowing the front wheel to lift but the way it drops it again you don't really notice it cutting the power to do so as you've still got the throttle twisted, the engine is still roaring, all you do notice is the wheel coming back down and weight returning to the bars. You'll still feel a squirm from the tyres on a damp patch etc, no ways does it cut the fun out of it. Turn features off and it gets real exciting but I'm not sure where you want to use nearly 180 aggressive bhp on public roads.

Not sure I totally agree with the electronics though as someone who has just passed their test can buy these levels of bikes and nearly all manufacturers are loading the bikes with these devices, ABS, slipper clutches etc allowing riders to ride well beyond their skill levels. Come the summer and you'll see plenty of these usually evident with entering a bend way too fast, in the wrong gear to exit and only through the bikes electronics able to stand the bike up mid corner and limp out of the bend as you pass them muttering ****er to them. These same idiots can then turn off the electronics on these bikes and suddenly find themselves totally out of their depth with no idea how to detect what the bike is feeding back to them, let alone correct it before they are heading off to A&E in the back of an ambulance. 

 

Wasn't a great deal of variation in the light conditions yesterday, it was more 50 shades of grey. The display changed colour a few time going under bridges etc but only the same as the  auto lights coming on under the same circumstance, nothing to annoy me or become a detraction. There wasn't enough leafs left on the trees to create any proper shaded areas on the roads to challenge the sensors. 

 

They are pricey but with the pre-reg discounts KTM are offering they are a bargain. Go test ride one, just make sure you don't take any means of purchasing one when you do.

 

 

5 hours ago, CWARD said:

 

The GT version would be a great allrounder if you'e a solo rider, but I actually enjoy the wife going on the back of the bike again. If my wife gets serious about getting her licence then I'm having one.

 

The electronics aren't invasive like they are some bikes i.e. Honda, but you know in the back of your mind that they are working behind the scenes and you're not really a riding god. Such as it allowing the front wheel to lift but the way it drops it again you don't really notice it cutting the power to do so as you've still got the throttle twisted, the engine is still roaring, all you do notice is the wheel coming back down and weight returning to the bars. You'll still feel a squirm from the tyres on a damp patch etc, no ways does it cut the fun out of it. Turn features off and it gets real exciting but I'm not sure where you want to use nearly 180 aggressive bhp on public roads.

Not sure I totally agree with the electronics though as someone who has just passed their test can buy these levels of bikes and nearly all manufacturers are loading the bikes with these devices, ABS, slipper clutches etc allowing riders to ride well beyond their skill levels. Come the summer and you'll see plenty of these usually evident with entering a bend way too fast, in the wrong gear to exit and only through the bikes electronics able to stand the bike up mid corner and limp out of the bend as you pass them muttering ****er to them. These same idiots can then turn off the electronics on these bikes and suddenly find themselves totally out of their depth with no idea how to detect what the bike is feeding back to them, let alone correct it before they are heading off to A&E in the back of an ambulance. 

 

Wasn't a great deal of variation in the light conditions yesterday, it was more 50 shades of grey. The display changed colour a few time going under bridges etc but only the same as the  auto lights coming on under the same circumstance, nothing to annoy me or become a detraction. There wasn't enough leafs left on the trees to create any proper shaded areas on the roads to challenge the sensors. 

 

They are pricey but with the pre-reg discounts KTM are offering they are a bargain. Go test ride one, just make sure you don't take any means of purchasing one when you do.

 

 

i do really like the GT tbh. Thats a proper all rounder that is. Might have one at some point. 

 

ah yeah, i imagine its quite refined in the way it stops you from killing yourself. Abit more refined than the Tracers.. which is a bit on/off on the anti wheelie if you really give it the beans off the line. 

 

I agree on the electronics saving people. Such clueless riders about. Get them all the time around here... got an R1 with all the kit, squirting off on the straights but like a 50 pence piece the corners. Had one once on the VFR, some clueless guy on a fireblade on a road i know really well... within 2 corners i couldnt even see him in the mirrors. Parked up and he came over 'what have you done to that then? one of those touring things shouldnt keep up with a fireblade.. must of spent alot on it?' uh, its standard pal..   and im no hero by any means. 

 

Worth looking at then! The KTM twins seem to sound so smooth compared to others. Not sure why? Just dont sound, lumpy? 

The KTM's have got smoother but we're not talking a four cylinder smoothness. A lot of it is due the throttle by wire which has improved control but at the same time taken away some of the aggressiveness of the previous injected V-twins and even the Carb'd ones before that.  My previous 990 was just barking mad and it took a lot of tuning to get it to behave around town as even the slightest movement, such as road imperfections, on the throttle would have it surging in traffic. It really is at its happiest being ragged everywhere. The 1190 in comparison ignores these tiny movements on the throttle as the inputs go to the ECU and the computer says "no, ignore it" as such they are now very civilised and smooth around town. Open it up and it will still take off but you can detect the very smallest of hesitations between hand movement and engine response, probably more obvious to me having had other KTM's than someone coming to them for the first time who will still think it's mental.

They might sound smoother too from the standard exhaust systems fitted which really do muffle the engine noise but that can be cured quite easily

 

Are you seriously looking at another bike as it doesn't seem that long since you got the MT09?

On 05/12/2017 at 09:11, CWARD said:

The KTM's have got smoother but we're not talking a four cylinder smoothness. A lot of it is due the throttle by wire which has improved control but at the same time taken away some of the aggressiveness of the previous injected V-twins and even the Carb'd ones before that.  My previous 990 was just barking mad and it took a lot of tuning to get it to behave around town as even the slightest movement, such as road imperfections, on the throttle would have it surging in traffic. It really is at its happiest being ragged everywhere. The 1190 in comparison ignores these tiny movements on the throttle as the inputs go to the ECU and the computer says "no, ignore it" as such they are now very civilised and smooth around town. Open it up and it will still take off but you can detect the very smallest of hesitations between hand movement and engine response, probably more obvious to me having had other KTM's than someone coming to them for the first time who will still think it's mental.

They might sound smoother too from the standard exhaust systems fitted which really do muffle the engine noise but that can be cured quite easily

 

Are you seriously looking at another bike as it doesn't seem that long since you got the MT09?

 

Maybe its that standard can then. Didnt sound like burbling barking vtwin when my mate fired his Super Adventure up (hes now got a superduke). An exhaust is a must though, obviously   

 

hmm not just yet but im looking at my options. I bought it new in Sept 2016 And ive currently got 9k on the clock. So if i do those miles again in 2018 itll be on 18k and time to shift before the value plumets im thinking. Engines are supposedly bulletproof, but you know what its like.. nobody wants to buy a high miler so the value decreased. Usually around 20k i find. 

Fair enough. Strange how we treat bikes as high mileage when they get to needing their first tappet adjustments, but really not that much mileage and 50k miles plus is getting into higher mileage with plenty that have done double that too.