2013 KTM Duke 690

scoobyrichuk · 15 Jun 2014 at 13:52

It's been more than 3 years since I had my 1996 CBR600f on the road and whilst I intended to restore it and put it back on the road I basically can't be bothered. I reckon I can get around £300 - £500 for it as a "project" bike and this means I can finally buy something newer and more "interesting". I've always fancied owning a KTM Duke and a local KTM dealer has a 2013 Duke 690 in stock for £5500 (6000 miles, 1 owner, KTM dealer service history) and I'm highly tempted. Does anyone have any experience with these bikes or care to suggest an alternative. This bike is purely for fun, I don't need it for commuting or doing any long distance journeys. The main priority for me is enjoyment, running costs aren't particularly important and I like the idea that it will likely hold its value well. Any advice is appreciated...

scoobyrichuk · 17 Jun 2014 at 08:40

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to view the bike on Saturday and I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying it!

scoobyrichuk · 2 Jul 2014 at 00:29

Bought this beauty on Saturday

Loving it already although getting used to the engine is taking a while after being used to riding a mid-90's CBR600F! I'm finding it hard to control at low speeds as the engine is horribly lumpy below 3000rpm and the throttle is very sensitive and 'snatchy'. I've done a little research and seen that some people are de-catting their dukes and having them mapped which appears to help with low rpm performance. Not sure what mods I'll be going for yet but I know it's going to happen at some point!

scoobyrichuk · 3 Jul 2014 at 00:58

Tefal said:
whats wrong with the cbr, still running or non runing?

(i want a cbr for a project bike lol)

The cbr's a runner but I sold it a few days ago I'm afraid.

Akra Slip-On
Tail Tidy

You know you want to!

Yeah the throttle can be snatchy at low RPM, you'll just have to dip the clutch more at low speeds.

Both will be happening as soon as funds allow, might have to decat it when the warranty runs out

scoobyrichuk · 3 Jul 2014 at 19:10

Scuzi said:
Awesome bike! Is it carb'd or FI? Big singles are naturally less smooth than I4 but after a week or so you'll be used to it. The throttle on my 990SMR is horribly snatchy below 4K RPM which makes riding around town difficult, but after a couple of weeks I had adapted and use the clutch a lot more. Still not silky smooth but I no longer look like the bike is taking me for a ride rather than me, it!

As for mods, I keep getting compliments for the cheap (£60) eBay CNC levers on my bike. They're titanium coloured with a "KTM orange" adjuster knob. I reckon they'd look great on the Duke.

It has EFI, I do love the engine it's just taking a while to get used to it as the CBR had a ridiculously smooth engine. I do love the torque though, just can't pull back full throttle too often as the bike wants to wheelie! I shall be making some cosmetic mods soon, just deciding what I think is worth changing.

scoobyrichuk · 4 Jul 2014 at 08:24

I better order some crash bars quickly then, will be gutted if I drop it without any on the bike.

scoobyrichuk · 15 Jul 2014 at 07:34

I'm afraid to say that I'm considering selling this bike already. I haven't gelled with it at all and it actually makes me feel fairly nervous. My cornering speeds are laughably slow on it as it just doesn't inspire any confidence. I'm not keen on the engine either, it's made me realise how much I love a high revving inline 4. I'm not 100% that I'll get rid of it yet but I think it's likely and it'll be replaced with a sportsbike of some description...

scoobyrichuk · 18 Jul 2014 at 18:18

I've only done around 350 miles on the bike so far so I should give it a bit longer before I make a final decision. It is a great bike it just feels like I'm never going to gel with it like I did the CBR600. Think I need to plan a decent route for a 100+ mile ride that takes in a few different types of roads and see how I feel after. I knew it would be a different experience to riding a sportsbike but I was definitely naive in not realising how dramatically different it is. Still if I do decide to sell it there are very few for sale second hand so hopefully it will sell quickly.