Same thought I had. They are suppose to be a blast in the right locales. Really wanted an SDR 1290, but just couldn't justify another $18K outlay for a hobby.

 

Yea, as some said the KTM is an RC 390. It belongs to a buddy of mine. It's great for this area in Maryland because we have a ton of curvy, hill roads. Same reason I've never gone to forward controls. This area is made for smaller/nimbler bikes vs straight away/cruisers.

 

It's funny, of all the thousands I've spent on upgrades, that little $20 can of spray paint to get rid of the chrome console had one of the biggest effects on my riding experience. The reflection from the console was really bothersome, and I didn't fully appreciate just how annoying it was until blacking it out.

 

Yes! That 1290 is BEAST! I'm waiting for them to bring the tech from that bike to the RC8, then I buy...

 

The salesman that sold me the Duke, said the next step for KTM is to replace the RC8's twin with a V4, like Honda's. That one should be a real HOOT.

 

That would... But, I gotta say, gimme one generation with the motor outta the 1290 Duke, with all its electronic capabilities, before switching over. I'm kinda a stalwart of the V-Twin engine architecture.

 

I agree. Heard they are doing it to be more competitive in Super Bike Racing events. Perhaps they will do like Ducati and build two sport bikes. Duc has the Panigale S 1299, for the general public and the Panigale R 1199, to meet requirements to race in SBK events. Guess we'll see. tp

 

Here's to hoping!

 

Changed the oil and installed the BAD&G left side solo bag:

 

Removed baffles and cat. Installed tti. Runs cooler and sounds better.