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2014 KTM 1290 Super Duper Duke First Look

Hooli said:
I've been told that KTM's are notoriously complicated when it comes time for something simple, like an oil change.
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I've owned 3 ktms (currently 2), 1 of which a 990 SD, and there was nothing overly complicated or difficult about working on them. Parts can be a tad more expensive than japanese bikes, but oil filter kits (the most often purchased item, usually) aren't terribly more expensive than other bikes.
 
Tharkûn said:
When you preorder one do you just surrender your license to the dealer right then?
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They might as well just cut up your license on the spot and put you in jail.

Every KTM I have owned inspires illegal behavior. :teeth
 
In continuing Austrian tradition, I foresee no less than 2 filters and 2 drain plugs.
 
Deftone said:
They might as well just cut up your license on the spot and put you in jail.

Every KTM I have owned inspires illegal behavior. :teeth
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That is a selling point all right :thumbup..

Has a for Pro's aspect to it...Pro's know how to do it.

It's wankers that don't know when Ya can and when Ya can't do the :ride deed.
 
NoobCorpse said:
I've owned 3 ktms (currently 2), 1 of which a 990 SD, and there was nothing overly complicated or difficult about working on them. Parts can be a tad more expensive than japanese bikes, but oil filter kits (the most often purchased item, usually) aren't terribly more expensive than other bikes.
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Exactly, What kind of smutz, whines about whatever it is? Just do the freakin work. See it do it. Nothing to cry about.
 
fawndog said:
In continuing Austrian tradition, I foresee no less than 2 filters and 2 drain plugs.
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Thats not necessarily a bad thing and once you're mucking about in there anyway a couple of filters and screens won't add much more time to an oil change.
 
I have owned 3 KTMs, 1 690SM and 2 690SMCs. Never gave me any trouble, bullet proof engine, superior suspension out of the box unlike the Ducatis I owned that were raw product (Ducati should be ashamed for selling unfinished product that you need to finish yourself).
 
NoobCorpse said:
I've owned 3 ktms (currently 2), 1 of which a 990 SD, and there was nothing overly complicated or difficult about working on them. Parts can be a tad more expensive than japanese bikes, but oil filter kits (the most often purchased item, usually) aren't terribly more expensive than other bikes.
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+1

I've had my RC8 for about 1.5 yr now. Had some problems, but none too bad or difficult to fix. Fixing them myself has proven to be easier than going through the hassle of attempting to get the dealer to fix them under warranty. I've found that the cost of parts are about the same as japanese bikes I've own(ed), IF you know where to buy them.

Oil changes are not that difficult. All the tools required to perform the task are included in the small tool kit they give you with the bike. It's a dry sump system, so there's two plugs with screens to clean, and the cartridge filter to change. An oil change takes about 1 hr., and costs about $75.00. I can't tell for sure from any of the photos, but this new 1290 is probably an LC8, so it'd be a little easier, since there's no lower fairing to pull off like on my bike.

Of course my opinion might change after I have to perform the scheduled valve clearance adjustment.
 
Perhaps, instead of surrendering your license, you can just go to jail now and when these hit the US, you're out. That way, it's time served and you'll only need to pay fees.
 
Oh Please, (Bea) the time it takes to do an oil change..is like no time at all.

I was riding over Ebbetts pass yesterday...What were You doing?
 
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owned duke 2, 690smc, superduke R and now rc8r. they do require a bit more to change the oil. you always have to watch for signs of water pump seal failure(v-twins) as coolant is bad for engine bearings.

IMO WP suspension is valved wrong for CA's bad roads. they work much better on smooth pavement like laguna seca. they really missed the mark with supuerduke R. at least you can fit ohlins to Rc8r....
 
Beauregard said:
Ill just leave this here: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371723
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Is this link supposed to show that it's hard or easy? Looks pretty damn easy to me. It also looks like a very well engineered motor. No wonder they work so well.

My wife removes/cleans/oils/replaces the air filters on our dirtbikes. She always complains about how much harder it is to remove & replace her Honda's air filter compared to my KTM.
 
Y'all KTM fanboys sure do get defensive when I point out that an oil change is a fucking pain in the ass on their bikes. Seriously. If it takes more than two sockets and a wrench to change the oil on something I take a pass. My opinion is that the simplest of maintenance should be simple. Period.

And for the record I've owned six KTM's.
 
Deftone said:
"180 peak horsepower claim rings in at 8870 rpm for the 1.3 liter mill, with peak torque at 106.19 lb-ft. KTM promises plenty of pull down low too, with 73 lb-ft available right off the bottom at 2500 rpm. "

"0-124 mph in 7.2 seconds"

Looks fucking beautiful to me.
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The 1290 is beginning to look like it's too much bike to be fun, and the styling is bulky. Who are they trying to compete with - V-Max?
 
Beauregard said:
Y'all KTM fanboys sure do get defensive when I point out that an oil change is a fucking pain in the ass on their bikes. Seriously. If it takes more than two sockets and a wrench to change the oil on something I take a pass. My opinion is that the simplest of maintenance should be simple. Period.

And for the record I've owned six KTM's.
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When Honda CR-V was being talked about in a post...You said you had one, and never changed the oil once...
during the years of ownership.

Rationalizing passes, :wtf ????
 
mitiasbikes said:
I have owned 3 KTMs, 1 690SM and 2 690SMCs. Never gave me any trouble, bullet proof engine, superior suspension out of the box unlike the Ducatis I owned that were raw product (Ducati should be ashamed for selling unfinished product that you need to finish yourself).
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This, totally, this. The KTM's I've owned, both two stroke and four stroke, have been great. Yeah, the oil change isn't as easy as others, but so what?
 
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