KTM Super Duke - Yay or Nay

[Speedbag]

The local KTM store has a couple of 990 Super Dukes in stock. It seems one, in white (which I love), is a demo. It was raining like mad today so no test ride, but I think I need to go back and thoroughly check it out. I dig 'em, because they're even more obscure than Ducks around here.

Anybody got any first-hand experience?

Are they maintenance hell like Ducatis? 

[TCK!]

I met a guy at the local hang out spot who only got 2500 miles out of the first set of tires... I guess he really enjoyed riding it... and he was flying around like a bat out of hell in the canyons.

[factorPlayer]

Don't plan on changing your own oil.... 

I hear it's great fun and a great streetbike but I'm biased against it after Motorcyclist mag named it their bike of the year.  Anything out of that rag is like a turd falling into my drink.

[bdfinally]

I rode one last June for about 75 miles on four lane highway. Buddy of mine has a couple dealerships and he was sporting one on a visit. Great bike and it will haul the mail, but they ain't cheap. No wind protection and the ride height is a bit more than my M750. Was plenty of room to move around on it and I remember the stock seat was comfy. Biggest impression I remember was it being too quiet, on both the intake and exhaust side of the equation, not certain if they've got much of  an aftermarket base yet.

[Count Desmo]

My local dealer has one discounted pretty well.  Come pick it up and we'll ride the San Juan Skyway. [moto]

[Speedbag]

Anything out of that rag is like a turd falling into my drink.

Count, how well is it discounted?  The ride sounds like a hoot. 

[Count Desmo]

I was just in there today, and I honestly can't remember.  I'm pretty sure it's $12,995.  I know the owner, and I'm sure he'd be interested in moving it.  I can talk to him if you would like.

[c_rex]

from what I understand (arguably not much even on a good day) the SuperDuke is a wolf in wolf's clothing.  Eats tires for breakfast and inspires many a man-sized diaper change. 

[DRKWNG]

from what I understand (arguably not much even on a good day) the SuperDuke is a wolf in wolf's clothing.  Eats tires for breakfast and inspires many a man-sized diaper change. 

That sir, is an outstanding analogy!! 

[Monsterlover]

I demo'd one and didn't like it nearly as much as I did the 950SuperMoto.  Both bikes have great brakes and engines, but the 950 beats it for handling.

I think if the 950 had fuel injection it would kill the Duke.

My .02

[Speedbag]

Don't plan on changing your own oil.... 

Why is that - did they put the oil filter and sump up under the gas tank or something?   

As far as the maintenance question from the OP, I just was curious if it needed timing belts or valve checks every other time you rode it like our Ducks.....

[factorPlayer]

well I haven't verified for myself but apparently you have to take apart half the damn bike to get at the LC8's filter, a common complaint of the otherwise kick-ass 950 advs.

[55Spy]

I would place it in the top 2 of ADV series bikes

IT looks and rides nice

[JDS 07 S4Rs]

I dont know. It just isnt doing anything for me, apperance wise. If U want to be unique & have a great bike that no one else has. Maybe that's the bike to have.
I cant see it being a bad bike. $12900 is a pretty decent price. Same $$$ as a S4RS.

[Smiling End]

I saw a few at my local dealer today.  They had two black/black ones, two orange/black ones, and I think a white one IIRC.  They really are something to look at.   I had seem them on the cover of that magazine but it was nothing compared to the in person viewing.  Its a pretty crazy looking bike.  It reminded me a lot of the MV Augusta Brutale.