New Bike, Better Ride To Work

[chix]

Now commuting on a bike seems like a better option! I liked the sitting position of the Grom a lot so decided a bigger naked bike would be fun.

Just picked up this new 2014 KTM 690 Duke that a dealer wanted to clear off their floor plan. It sat there for 2 years and that costs dealers money, great deal for me at least, not for them.

Recorded a vlog today, we'll see if it actually sounds decent since I was on the highway.

 

[lupin]

You need to make them the same color / paint scheme.

 

[Pigs]

I like the perspective of the second photo, makes 'em look like they are the same size

 

[dandoolittle]

Nice photos. I'll post them on Facebook later if you don't mind?

 

[BluePixel]

Really nice photos.

 

[chix]

Nice photos. I'll post them on Facebook later if you don't mind?

Totally cool

Thanks guys!

 

[SighBored]

Dukes are fun, but not for long high speed riding/commuting, they have awesome low-mid range but not so nice top end. Enjoy the bike and totally get an aftermarket exhaust. Barely no sound with the OEM one.

 

[chix]

Already looking into the Fresco mid pipe to remove that ugly cat

 

[BluePixel]

Are you a photographer by any chance? Or taken a photography class at all?

 

[Churchill]

so jealous! awesome bike!

 

[StevoFS]

Very cool!

 

[chix]

Are you a photographer by any chance? Or taken a photography class at all?

I had a small action photography business when I was studying film and documentary in college. Very fun, but ultimately better as a hobby than a way to make a living haha.

 

[Arctic Pride]

been looking at the duke a lot lately but i still think its going to be too much like my 500exc sm

 

[chix]

It is similar to my SXV550 I had, but way more comfortable

 

[FFP31]

Great photos man......some fun bikes you got there....I actually rode a 390 duke and that was heaps of fun

 

[chix]

It's about to get more fun, just installed the shift kit and my performance cam/airbox combo should come in this week!

 

[jthomas]

Great pics. Good looking bikes.

 

[Arctic Pride]

How does this thing do on the highway around 70-80mph? Lots of wind force on your chest/body?

I've seen some people put a small windscreen on but not sure how much that would help.

 

[chix]

You are essentially a sail so it depends on what you are wearing and how wide your chest is haha. When I don't have a bunch of layers on it is fine up to like 80, any more and you do get pulled and buffeted a lot. The Duke's seat is super awesome IMO because you push back into it and lean forward and you can go as fast as you want.

If I started going long distances I might get the Puig windscreen. I know my BFs FZ-09's windscreen helps with the body wind, but your helmet gets buffet.

 

[Arctic Pride]

Thanks for the info, sure looks like there will be a duke in my future all I want is something a bit more refined than my 500exc and this looks like it fits the bill. My other thinking was a Tiger but its just a big ass bike! I think I can make the duke into what I want