bmac
Active Member
I ride a lot of different bikes. Whenever I have a chance to ride a new bike and jump at the opportunity. Reading and watching videos is great but nothing can replace actually seat time. I am not overly brand loyal but in general prefer Yamaha's due to their unmatched reliability and quality. No bike in my possession is ever guaranteed a spot in the garage. If something better comes along out with the old and in with the new.
I came upon the 890 Duke more by chance than intent. I was seriously looking at another 1100 Tuono and quite possibly the new heavily revised 1290 Super Duke to reside next to my 2019 BMW R1250GS. The 2017 1290 I rode was not overly impressive. For a big twin it was too lumpy at low revs and its chassis was not up to my admittedly high standards. But, the new for 2020 1290 Super Duke R was, at least on paper and videos, an impressive machine. The chassis was 3 times (WOW) stiffer than the previous version and the engine has been significantly revised and will now run smoothly at low revs through town.
I stopped at the dealer to look at the Super Duke and the riding position was a bit tighter than I had hoped for my 35" inseam. It was also 20 grand and was not available for a test ride. I have a great deal of difficulty spending 20 grand for a bike I didn't ride. I have bought and sold too many bikes due to insufficient seat time before the purchase. While there I sat on the 890 Duke and found the riding position to be pretty good and actually a little better than the 1290. I left without deciding anything but when I got home did some research on the 890 Duke R. I came away impressed and started seriously looking for one. The video below from a guys perspective that carries a lot of weight with me provided the push I needed to try and find one.
KTM Duke 890 Super Scalpel review by Bike World
I found a used with low miles a state away and decided to go ahead and buy it and if I didn't like I would just move on and go back to waiting for the 1100 Tuono release.
Fast forward to today. This bike is simply amazing. It is everything I hoped it would be in a second bike for playing around. It has a stout chassis, impressive engine with plenty of torque and power, impeccable handling along with very light weight. And... I FIT ON IT. This to me was the most shocking part. This little bike is actually comfortable for me to ride for several hours. It has firmly established itself as a keeper and it will take something quite special to steal its spot in the garage. I look forward to every opportunity to take it for a spin.
I came upon the 890 Duke more by chance than intent. I was seriously looking at another 1100 Tuono and quite possibly the new heavily revised 1290 Super Duke to reside next to my 2019 BMW R1250GS. The 2017 1290 I rode was not overly impressive. For a big twin it was too lumpy at low revs and its chassis was not up to my admittedly high standards. But, the new for 2020 1290 Super Duke R was, at least on paper and videos, an impressive machine. The chassis was 3 times (WOW) stiffer than the previous version and the engine has been significantly revised and will now run smoothly at low revs through town.
I stopped at the dealer to look at the Super Duke and the riding position was a bit tighter than I had hoped for my 35" inseam. It was also 20 grand and was not available for a test ride. I have a great deal of difficulty spending 20 grand for a bike I didn't ride. I have bought and sold too many bikes due to insufficient seat time before the purchase. While there I sat on the 890 Duke and found the riding position to be pretty good and actually a little better than the 1290. I left without deciding anything but when I got home did some research on the 890 Duke R. I came away impressed and started seriously looking for one. The video below from a guys perspective that carries a lot of weight with me provided the push I needed to try and find one.
KTM Duke 890 Super Scalpel review by Bike World
I found a used with low miles a state away and decided to go ahead and buy it and if I didn't like I would just move on and go back to waiting for the 1100 Tuono release.
Fast forward to today. This bike is simply amazing. It is everything I hoped it would be in a second bike for playing around. It has a stout chassis, impressive engine with plenty of torque and power, impeccable handling along with very light weight. And... I FIT ON IT. This to me was the most shocking part. This little bike is actually comfortable for me to ride for several hours. It has firmly established itself as a keeper and it will take something quite special to steal its spot in the garage. I look forward to every opportunity to take it for a spin.