[Metalstorm]

Thank God I can't afford a new bike. Thank God I can't afford payments on a new bike. Otherwise this thing would be sitting in my garage as soon as it became available.

Yes, only 69-70 crank horse power and about 50 lbs of torque but... fully fueled it weights a couple pounds less than the CBR250R. HELLO power/weight ratio!

Looking at the thing, the style, the ergos, it's about the closest thing I can find to my old Buell XB12S. FUN! If it had adjustable suspension and a drive belt it would be absolutely perfect.

It still wouldn't replace the wee bee as a work bike but what an awesome 'me time' bike this would make.

It's time to start buying Lotto tickets

 

[cbr9927]

That is one bad ass bike, if it priced at say 6 to 7k sign me up.

 

[shisoshin]

looks like going for $11-12000aust..
lucky im not lusting for one

 

[MrShadow]

Bit tall for me, otherwise it'd make my shortlist for next bike. There's currently two bikes on that list - Monster 796 (or 696) and the Street Triple R.

 

[Soulbreeze]

~~
I love the look and attitude of the Dukes. When I saw the 1290 Super Duke prototype promo/preview thing, I was drooling. I'd never ride a bike with that much gusto, but something about it just got my blood going.

Here's the link to the promo on youtube:

~~

 

[Metalstorm]

Sweet vid. That 1290 looks EVIL. Me Like!!!
Though I'm 43, I'm not sure if I'm mature enough to own something like that

 

[Metalstorm]

Bit tall for me, otherwise it'd make my shortlist for next bike. There's currently two bikes on that list - Monster 796 (or 696) and the Street Triple R.

A tad tall for me too. I'd be just on the balls of my feet which is good enough. Due to it's super low weight it would still be easy to tippy toe it around.

The older Dukes with a 35mm taller seat height are a definite no go for me. I don't like tri-podding bikes on hills.

 

[Mikethebear]

looks like going for $11-12000aust..
lucky im not lusting for one

SIGN ME UP!

 

[Cracker7]

Not my cup of tea.


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[superfly]

It'll be between this and the Street Triple R for me when I graduate. Hopefully the R version hits the US by then, as well.

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[Metalstorm]

The R rocks. Especially in California where you can't buy aftermarket exhausts (or so I've heard) for 2013 & newer bikes. So it's the only sure way to get a 2013+ Duke (if it comes here in 2014) in modded form and not risk fines.

Even if I had the funds I would have to pass because the seats 35mm higher than the current one.
But to those with the inseam and the funds I say...I hate you! Kidding

The regular one is still plenty fast enough for me. Doesn't matter how much hp you're packing, you can only go so fast on my twisty roads before you break the laws of traction.

I keep doing the math: under 360lbs + exceedingly flickable + Great torque & power in the low & mid range + lots & lots of tight twisty roads - long straight stretches (very few where I'm at) = One hell of a ride.

 

[cbr9927]

My guess is USA msrp will be 8 to 9k. Or the same as the Ducati 696, I would jump all over the KTM between the 2. Cant deny the law of weight and power with this thing, its just crazy.

 

[Clyde]

Funny, After reading all the reviews for the Duke 690, I really wanted it!
So in January I call up all the KTM dealers in our area and I was going to get it. But it wasn't in. I don't think it'll be here for another month or two.
Why so late? They lost my sale because in my impatience, I went out and got me a new Street Triple R. Very much in the same vein. Light, flickable, good power. The Duke 390 is even lighter and still with admirable power.

My DGF just had a CBR250r and we are picking her up from the Honda nursery today. She's beautiful and can't wait to take her for a spin.
As proud Papa, I do get to ride her. I've never had such a small, light
agile bike, so I'm very juiced to pin the throttle and see what's what.
Ride safe, everyone.

 

[Metalstorm]

Congrats on the Striple.
Very nice bike. There will always be a place in my heart for Triumph's brilliant triples.
Top end like a 4 banger, torque like a twin and smooth throughout. What's not to like?

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[Rusty Shackleford]

A Day with a KTM 690 Duke!

 

[may2nd]

wow. bad ass bike.

 

[Metalstorm]

@May2nd
It's good to see you around here again too

Rusty & May2nd on the board. March is looking good

 

[shem1410]

A friend of mine went to a ktm dealership today... he was told that the duke 390 should launch sometime late may... abs as standard. .. and was told that the on road price would be around rs250000/US$4600... for that price I would really have to control myself from getting poorer...

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[1LAryder]

Jesus-that's a [email protected]$$ looking bike...thanks for the vids...

 

[TheoR]

Odd looking bike, but cool bike nonetheless.

Loved the video, too. It's gotta be Street Sniper riding that bike.