KTM Super Duke for Dirtbiker?

[pilate74]

I have been riding an XR650R on the street for 3 years. I grow tired of changing wheels out evertime I want to ride dirt. I have been riding dirt for most of my life. Started riding street after katrina to save on gas. I took the MSF class in 2005. My steet skills have improved to the point that I can slide corners and run with the supersport bikes in the mouintans. I really want a bike that handles like my XR, just bigger and more comfortable. I see that KTM makes a 690 Duke as well. I have never ridden 100+ horsepower bike like the Super Duke. Should I go for the Big one or the small one? My only concern is the 690 will be to much like my XR650R to be really worth buying. I also like the 990 Adventure. I am also open for suggestions for other bikes that have an upright riding position. Thanks, Rob.

[KickStart2323]

have you look into the ktm 525 its a dual sport bike...one of my friends has one and its a beast.....do you want more of a supermotard look or more dualsport...

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by pilate74

I have been riding an XR650R on the street for 3 years. I grow tired of changing wheels out evertime I want to ride dirt. I have been riding dirt for most of my life. Started riding street after katrina to save on gas. I took the MSF class in 2005. My steet skills have improved to the point that I can slide corners and run with the supersport bikes in the mouintans. I really want a bike that handles like my XR, just bigger and more comfortable. I see that KTM makes a 690 Duke as well. I have never ridden 100+ horsepower bike like the Super Duke. Should I go for the Big one or the small one? My only concern is the 690 will be to much like my XR650R to be really worth buying. I also like the 990 Adventure. I am also open for suggestions for other bikes that have an upright riding position. Thanks, Rob.

The Dukes ARE true street bikes, either the 990 or the 690 will do fine, if you can talk them into demoing them either will do. I'm kicking around the idea of trading my Triple for a 990R they have locally.....it's fricking sexy.

If you are fine in the hills with the XR you'll do fine on those. You may also want to check out the Ducatti Supermotards, Triumph Tiger and Street/Speed Triples as well as FZR series yamaha. There is a pretty good following for the Kawasaki Z1000 around here as well, I never liked them, but I guess they fixed everything that drove me nuts about them.

[pilate74]

Originally Posted by KickStart2323

have you look into the ktm 525 its a dual sport bike...one of my friends has one and its a beast.....do you want more of a supermotard look or more dualsport...

I was looking for more of a street bike with a more upright riding position. I like the way the hypermotards already come with dirtbike handle bars and more suspension travel. The roads I ride are really bad.

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by pilate74

I was looking for more of a street bike with a more upright riding position. I like the way the hypermotards already come with dirtbike handle bars and more suspension travel. The roads I ride are really bad.

Super Duke, Speed Triple, Tuono, Z1000 FZR, MV Brutale, ect

I have no doubt you can handle any of them, just have to find what you like.

[baldheadeddork]

I'd take the 690 - hands down.

The power you get from a 1000cc engine is almost impossible to use on a motard and the singles carry quite a bit less weight.

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by baldheadeddork

I'd take the 690 - hands down.

The power you get from a 1000cc engine is almost impossible to use on a motard and the singles carry quite a bit less weight.

The 990 Super Duke isn't a motard...It's derived from one, I agree there. Looking at the power figures I found floating around the power band is more akin to a Monster S4R. Supposedly you can crank it around corners motard style (straight legged) but just as easily you can rail it.

I got a short demo on one last weekend and was very impressed with the overall feel of it. But, I wasn't going to push my luck on a 14000 dollar bike with new tires that I don't want to pay for AFTER wrecking it.

[VermillionX]

If it counts I have heard that the Super Duke is one of the best bikes to ride. Well I mean wheelie.

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by VermillionX

If it counts I have heard that the Super Duke is one of the best bikes to ride. Well I mean wheelie.

Why yes, it's very short and drags it's stones about 20 yards behind it at 6000 RPM.

Nice machine.