2014 KTM 1290 Super Duper Duke First Look

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So the Brits did a shootout with the new KTM 1290 Super Duke, Triumph Speed Triple, and Aprilia Tuono V4R.

Who do you think won?

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/n...14/january/jan1013-ktm-super-duke-group-test/

That video is interesting. Sucks that you have to stop to change modes.
My old 690 was like that so I bought a switch to move control to handlebar instead of under seat. Then pull in the clutch and kill the engine while coasting and switch modes. Obviously this bike is totally different but just killing the engine to switch modes might be an option.

 

[protokultur]

Ill just leave this here: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371723

 

[Zerox]

While some have obviously done it, the TV4 really isn't a tourer, and it has nothing to do with airflow. I find the airflow wonderfully clean on the Tuono and could ride it for days in that regard. The touring challenges on the V4R are: high pegs, relatively low bars, stiff suspension, awful stock seat, difficult to fit luggage, and poor fuel range. Obviously most of that can be overcome with some mods and $, but you will spend coin and you will change the look of the bike a bit in a negative way. That said, if you go on the forums, some have bolted on luggage systems and done some long rides on them. But there are obviously better options than the Tuono for sport touring.

Waiting on a shootout with the new naked Beemer S1000R because that bike has active suspension damping to soften the ride for the bumpy roads, and firm it up for the smooth roads and track days. I think it's the only naked bike with that feature? (the MultiStrada has it but that's a different niche)

Very cool to have so many choices though: KTM twin, Triumph triple, Aprilia v-four, and Beemer inline-four.

All naked superbikes, but all very different from each other.

 

[dtrides]

While some have obviously done it, the TV4 really isn't a tourer, and it has nothing to do with airflow. I find the airflow wonderfully clean on the Tuono and could ride it for days in that regard. The touring challenges on the V4R are: high pegs, relatively low bars, stiff suspension, awful stock seat, difficult to fit luggage, and poor fuel range. Obviously most of that can be overcome with some mods and $, but you will spend coin and you will change the look of the bike a bit in a negative way. That said, if you go on the forums, some have bolted on luggage systems and done some long rides on them. But there are obviously better options than the Tuono for sport touring.

As for the Tuono, I thought they worked on seat, suspension and added fuel for 14?
And as far as bolt on luggage, that is a non issue for me. Been there,done that. I am perfectly happy with my soft bags which go on easily and securely on my Gsxr. Do you think the TVR is worse than my Gsxr at the rear for mounting soft bags?
I have raised my bars a inch, replaced my seat, modded the suspension and run a different screen. The Zuki comes with adjustable rear-sets (nice!) so I put them in the low position and can ride the bike all day in comfort, no problem.
This set up makes for a vg SPORT touer Get to the hotel, remove soft bags in less than 30 seconds, lock the bike up and trow on a cover and done.

 

[fast4d]

more factors for your decisions.

aprilia and KTM have nylon tanks.

lots of chatter about owners replacing tanks after a year.

KTM has 12 month warranty for 'R' models. aprilia has 2 year and BMW 3 years.

KTM has very few street model dealers.

 

[Archimedes]

As for the Tuono, I thought they worked on seat, suspension and added fuel for 14?
And as far as bolt on luggage, that is a non issue for me. Been there,done that. I am perfectly happy with my soft bags which go on easily and securely on my Gsxr. Do you think the TVR is worse than my Gsxr at the rear for mounting soft bags?
I have raised my bars a inch, replaced my seat, modded the suspension and run a different screen. The Zuki comes with adjustable rear-sets (nice!) so I put them in the low position and can ride the bike all day in comfort, no problem.
This set up makes for a vg SPORT touer Get to the hotel, remove soft bags in less than 30 seconds, lock the bike up and trow on a cover and done.

Well you CAN tour on just about anything, just saying it's not the best platform probably. I haven't heard anything about the '14 having a better seat or a better rear shock, only the slightly larger tank (which looks kinda ass on the RSV4). Now that I had my seat customized, I probably wouldn't have any problem doing a relatively long ride on the T, but I'd still rather take my RT.

 

[Sharky]

more factors for your decisions.

aprilia and KTM have nylon tanks.

lots of chatter about owners replacing tanks after a year.

KTM has 12 month warranty for 'R' models. aprilia has 2 year and BMW 3 years.

KTM has very few street model dealers.

The biggest thing keeping me from buying one of these beasts...it's a KTM. They make awesome stuff but that awesome is often tempered by some pretty high maintenance machines (and that's when everything is going perfectly)