Goldilocks: The Story of Me and My New KTM (Updated: Bike is Home!!!)

[R Doug]

Updated:  See Reply # 16 below...

Let's see, how's the story go of Goldilocks and the Three Bears??? This porridge is too hot, this one is too cold, this one is just right...  Well, I just found the bike that is JUST RIGHT for me.

I just finalized the acquisition of my newest bike today.  I’ve been riding ever since my parents purchased me a 50cc Honda dirt bike back in the day.  During college I had a Suzuki GS650 (SJM) and “graduated” to a Harley Sportster for a few years before meeting my (to-be) wife who asked me to get rid of it.

Several years later, I got back into motorcycling and didn’t know what I was missing.  In 2005, A friend of mine had a Sprint ST and told me I should look into sport-touring bikes.  I was looking at Yamaha cruisers at the time and never really thought about sport bikes.  After much research and after a few test rides, I decided on a Ducati ST3.  So, in 2005, that’s what I purchased.  

Not long after having the Duc, I acquired a Honda F4i track bike.  I used to do track days in cars and was even an instructor of performance driving.  So, it was inevitable that I would get into performance riding to improve my skills.  Seeing how much fun a 600 cc was on the track, I had to get one for the street.  So, I sold the track bike and traded in the Duc for a Triumph Daytona 675.  Then, I saved up a bit more to get a bike I could tour on.  That bike ended up being a Yamaha FZ1 w/ hard luggage.  

Perfect, I thought.  I had a garage which would allow for track days (675), fun day-rides in the twisties (675), weekend trips (675), comfortable cruising rides on new roads (FZ1), and extended weekend to week-long touring trips (FZ1).  Add a trail bike later down the road and all my bases would be covered.  Unfortunately, I made the mistake of accepting a test ride on a KTM Super Duke back in May of 2007.  

http:// http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,8424.0.html

Since that day, I have not been able to get the SD out of my head.  I thought maybe someday I would be lucky enough to trade in the 675 for it and still have the FZ for touring.  But, then I found a nice luggage system for the SD by Ventura and it was all over in my head.  I was going to sell both of my bikes and get the SD.  With the Ventura Luggage system, I could have up to 100 liters of storage ability on the tail of the bike plus whatever tank bag I end up getting.  So, I’ll be able to have the best of both worlds all on this one bike.  I absolutely love it!  Where one bike was too big and the other was too sporty and the other was too soft….  I found one that was just right just as Golilocks did in the story of the Three Bears.  

The 675 and FZ1 sold in about a week’s time so today I went back to my KTM dealer where I put a deposit on a demo bike and completed the transaction.  Since it was a demo bike, I got a smok’n deal and negotiated a 48 month KTM Care extended warranty.  

The SD has 1,000 miles on it and it has never seen anything past 7k rpm.  How do I know?  We’ll, there’s actually something wrong w/ the ECM and a second throttle valve on the bike right now that won’t let it go past 7k.  During my test ride I though I hit the rev limiter.   But, it was this ECM issue.  The bike actually has a 2nd valve in the throttle body that opens electronically to help smooth out the power curve.  For some reason, it's shutting off air at just under 7k rpm and not opening.  Right now my local shop has already tried a new ECM sent down by KTM, but it didn’t work.  So tomorrow, they are getting a new throttle body which should fix the problem.  

Finger’s crossed, the bike should be ready for pick up this Wednesday.  Expect a ride report from me soon w/ some pictures.  For now, here’s the picture of the very bike I purchased today.  This picture was taken during my test ride back in May of this year… (since it doesn’t exist w/o pictures)

[garry]

Just curious, but has anyone out there put a pillion on a SD? Wondering if it's wildly uncomfortable (like a sportbike) or a bit more reasonable? The SD is high on my list of potential "next bikes", especially if my wife could suffer through an hour on the back...

[R Doug]

Just curious, but has anyone out there put a pillion on a SD? Wondering if it's wildly uncomfortable (like a sportbike) or a bit more reasonable? The SD is high on my list of potential "next bikes", especially if my wife could suffer through an hour on the back...

Garry, you're more than welcome to test ride mine anytime you want.  But, I'm not going to get get on the back and let you know what it's like.    From the looks of it in person, the seat does not look like it offers a lot of room or comfort.  

BTW, if you do get one, the black ones are the fastest.

[atypical1]

Sweet bike! Man, those things look fun!

james

[DNA]

Cool!
Please come to a NoVa ride and let us drool all over it.

[maddjack]

Sweet ride ,now you are one of us Sport-tour naked folks,I think you'll love it

[R Doug]

Sweet bike! Man, those things look fun!

james

Thanks, it's a hoot!  I must say, if it wasn't for the fact my Duc dealer is 90 miles away, it would have been a close call between this twin and the Multi S.  I like the fact you can still get hard bags for the Multi!

Cool!
Please come to a NoVa ride and let us drool all over it.

Will there be pie!?  

Sweet ride ,now you are one of us Sport-tour naked folks,I think you'll love it

You touring on that Speed Trip is what inspired me.  

[timmybob4]

One word comes to mind: "Wicked"

[SuperHans]

Bike whore.  

[goldylocks303]

You rang?

eD

[MK96xj]

You rang?

eD

This i understand.  

Anyone that knows Doug is still about the Goldiocks thing. For those that do not. This   is what the top of doug's head looks like

Congrats on the purchase. Looking forward to some action shots.

Mike

[AJP]

Awesome bike, Doug.  Looks HOT.

Have any pictures of the luggage system?

[R Doug]

Awesome bike, Doug.  Looks HOT.

Have any pictures of the luggage system?

Thanks.

This is from Ventura's US homepage... (the bags I ordered are black)





When you're not using the luggage system, you put the grab handle bar on it...

[Mr.Awesome]

Very cool Doug Congratulations on the new ride.  

Looking forward to a ride report.

[Brad1445]

I want one!

[FlowBee]

Just curious, but has anyone out there put a pillion on a SD? Wondering if it's wildly uncomfortable (like a sportbike) or a bit more reasonable? The SD is high on my list of potential "next bikes", especially if my wife could suffer through an hour on the back...

The mufflers contains catalysts, so they run HOT!!  Not muffler hot, but damned blowtorch HOT. I got a really nice blister on my pinky the first day of ownership of the SM from slightly brushing against a muffler.   I can feel the heat radiating off of them on warm days.  Some day soon I'll replace them with aftermarket pipes, if only to lose the thermonuclear heat factory.

I would never even think of asking my lovely wife to put her thighs (let alone her fingers!)  that close to something that hot.  Pillions are a NO-NO until aftermarket pipes are installed.  At the least.

[R Doug]

After a few days, my local dealer had a visit from a KTM tech from KTM North America.  He spent three days on it and could not find out why the second throttle valve was shutting.  So, we uploaded some data to KTM (Austria) and too the bike in his van back to KTM North America's HQ in Cleveland, OH.  After one day up there, he found the problem and fixed it.

The bike was shipped back from KTM North America today.  The KTM tech found out that the SD has a broken valve spring retainer on the rear cylinder intake valve.  It was fixed, tested, and is now home.

I picked it up today after work and put a few miles on it before it got too dark. Tomorrow, the wife and I depart for vacation so I'll ride it more once I get back and post up a few ride reports.  But, after today's little ride, all I have to say is... riding this bike is the MOST FUN I have ever had on two wheels.    

The ergos are perfect, the engine is wonderful, the sound is intoxicating, the suspension is smooth, the mirrors actually work, the brakes could stop a train, the torque is addictive, and the handling is spot on.  The only problem I forsee is trying to keep my licence.    

Picking it up at dealer today...





Home in the garage...

[R.Markus]

 

[AV8OR]

looks like you finally took that nekid bike advice!! Still should have waited for that Aprilia demo day next weekend ......nice ride man!

[st2sam]

Good luck with her.
Whats the range on a tank of fuel? Valve adjustments? Will it  wheelee e  e   e eee?

[servicerifle]

Sam, fear not, I test rode one of those in Colorado Springs on my cross country trip and YES it will Wheee-leee!  

[R Doug]

Jon, where are you now?  Did you move from Morgantown?  I plan on attending the Aprilia demo truck weekend in Deep Creek next week.  You know I have to try out the Tuono now.  

Sam, SR is right... the thing does wheelie.  I've already lifted the front wheel off the ground twice when passing cars (and I didn't mean to!).  I can see I'll need to attend a wheelie school.  

[blueridgerider]

 During college I had a Suzuki GS650 (SJM) and “graduated” to a Harley Sportster for a few years before meeting my (to-be) wife who asked me to get rid of it.

I see the words, but I just cannot comprehend...

[SuperHans]

I'm so jealous!!!  

[stefrrr]

My god, that's an ugly bike.





















Just kidding. I'm just jealous. Congrats!

[AV8OR]

Jon, where are you now?  Did you move from Morgantown?  

Im still here for a little while. Ive been gone for a few months for military stuff. As it looks right now, I will be going to the demos on Friday the 28th. Im hoping it wont be busy that day and I can ride the Tuono, RSV, and the sxv. When are you heading over?

[XLR8]

Very cool!

Not sure about that LC8 engine though.  

[R Doug]

Not sure about that LC8 engine though.  

 

I just got back from a week's vacation.  I've only had one day of riding on the SD so far.  But, I'll be on it all weekend this weekend and can't wait!  

[AV8OR]

Went to the Ape demos today. Awesome. 5 RSV's and two tuonos to ride. No control rider either. Went and rode how we wanted. You have to make the trip Doug. Its definatley worth it!!!

[garry]

That's it? 7 bikes? Chad from shop sent me an email this week saying:

There will be 4 Tuonos, 1 Tuono Factory, 4 RSVs, 1 RSV Factory, 2 Caponords, 1 SXV 5.5, 1 RXV 5.5, 1 SR50, 1 Scarabeo 500 I.E. and Sport City 250.

I only care about demo'ing a Tuono, so I guess I'll manage to snag a demo. Hopefully early so that I can spend the rest of the day riding.

[AV8OR]

well lets see.....


1 tuono factory crashed in a truck. 1 scaraboo 500 crashed in a truck. a couple tuonos crashed in the truck. Blown up sxv 550 and rsv 550 in the truck. The only Capanord there was crashed while I was there.  

There are two RS-50s and the sportcity 250.....that what they got. Last demo stop of the year...Aprilia didnt try to fix any of the bikes. At lease they have demo bikes anyway right? Are you really gonna buy something anyway, or just wanting a ride?

[garry]

Are you really gonna buy something anyway, or just wanting a ride?

Shopping. Willing to sell/trade both the Ninja bike and the Wee Strom for  a bike that gives me wood. Haven't found it yet. So I'm shopping... If the Tuono does it for me, I'd probably buy a lightly used one with mods for $10K. I'll let someone else take the huge hit on depreciation.

[XLR8]

Shopping. Willing to sell/trade both the Ninja bike and the Wee Strom for  a bike that gives me wood. Haven't found it yet. So I'm shopping... If the Tuono does it for me, I'd probably buy a lightly used one with mods for $10K. I'll let someone else take the huge hit on depreciation.

Perv
















.









 

[AV8OR]

Well Im excited to hear your response. The tuono is the tits!!

[R Doug]

I don't believe my opinion will matter much because I'm not sure how biased it is.  But, I'll take the SD over the Tuono any day.  

The Tuono is a sweet ride, no doubt.  But, the seating position, the sound, and suspension on the SD is much better (IMHO).

Jon, you'll just have to try it out and let me know what you think.  

[AV8OR]

I would love to. Im actually gonna ride them next week at the BMWPGH demo. Looks like my next bike will either be a tuono, ktm 950 smr, or something in that area.

Good to see you finally got an Ape ride under your belt. Still beats any other bike out there though!!!

[garry]

I came away underwhelmed with the handling on the Tuono. Maybe it was because all the demo bikes had worn out tires, being the last stop of the demo truck. I honestly think my Wee Strom handles better. The Tuono has better power, brakes and suspension, but the flickabilitly into corners was crap. Doug's SuperDuke was another story: super flickable and nimble and what a fun engine. No comparison. Doug's SD stomps all over the demo Tuonos. But I could believe that fresh tires on a Tuono might change things. I know the Ninja bike handled like shit with flat-spotted tires when I was trying to squeeze the last ride or two out of them.

Props to Xtreme Powersports for hosting a nice open house and having the demo truck, but based on my demo experience, an Aprilia isn't in my future.

[AV8OR]

surprising....maybe the only two bad reviews i have really read. I do agree...the bikes had been beat on. The Tuonos suspension was way to soft. If you ever get a chance, take a spin on a non demo unit with pipes and fuel re-map. that might just change your mind.

How were the rides held? Did you have a specific route and ride leader? Great day for a ride for sure!!

[garry]

surprising....maybe the only two bad reviews i have really read. I do agree...the bikes had been beat on. The Tuonos suspension was way to soft. If you ever get a chance, take a spin on a non demo unit with pipes and fuel re-map. that might just change your mind.

How were the rides held? Did you have a specific route and ride leader? Great day for a ride for sure!!

I was surprised too. I wanted to love them and want to throw a big pile of dead presidents at them. Maybe the Tuono needs to be ridden hard to show its stuff. Unlike Friday, the demo rides were group rides led by a shop employee. Pace was relaxed, but over the speed limit. The roads were mostly straight country roads with no chance to really see how they handle. The few corners there were felt very odd to me. Turn-in was heavy and vague. I'm betting it was the tires. Seems a bit short sighted of Aprilia to run shagged tires on a demo. Spend all that money to let people try your bikes, you think you would keep good tires on them and make sure the bikes were in top shape (brakes bled, good pads, etc). An old set of tires may have cost them a sale.  The first Tuono I rode also had a bad interlock somewhere. Wouldn't start in first gear with the clutch in and the kickstand up. Started fine in neutral.

BTW, I heard the guy that wrecked the Capo on Friday broke his arm. The fine print in the release says the demo rider is responsible for all damage to the bike. Given the number of wrecked bikes in the truck, do you think they really enforce that? I treat other peoples stuff better than I treat my own. I would never want to put even a tiny boot scuff on someone else's bike even it is owned by a factory.

I also would have picked a demo route that ran out Sang Run Rd, worked it's way over to Friendsville, then rip 42 back to the shop.  There are some good twisty bits out there plus some less than perfect pavement to see how the suspension does. I'm hoping traffic is light for the KTM demos next Saturday, but being the in the middle of sprawling residential area makes it hard to guarantee a fun demo ride. Plus the area is loaded with cops looking generate some revenue. But you have to play the hand you're dealt...

[AV8OR]

Well I Beleive the shop owner is the one who crashed the capo. A customer crashed the big 500 scooter. I didnt know of any injuries yesterday. Bummer on the arm.

I have a feeling I knwo the route you took and it did suck for demos. I took an RSV on that one and enjoyed the bike, but it didnt show where the bike excelled.

I talked to the head demo rep and he said Aprilia usually just writes the bikes off. He couldnt think of one time they made a customer pay. Its sad they let the bikes get beat like they were, but it only looked liek they have one demo guy. The dealer and aprilia rep are supposed to do most of the work really. Dumb I know, but I dont see the big four traveling around with demo trucks...so hats off to Aprilia.

Im very excited to try the 950 smr next weekend. Ill hit up the SD and see if its as good as you say. But the 690sm and 950smr are the two main ones I wanna try!

Did they have a lot of customers? Did they sell any bikes that you know of?

[R Doug]

I hope they sold some bikes.  I was able to thank two of the shop's employees before heading out.  They were all very nice and I hope to give them some business someday.  

[R Doug]

Anyhow, back on topic...

Now that I returned from vacation, I was finally able to ride the bike this weekend and get 500 miles of seat time on her.  My verdict is, I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!  

I did get my Bags Connection tank bag on it (tank ring type) and I'll install the Ventura tail luggage system later this year.  The thing is so easy to ride, it's very comfortable, and it rails better than any bike I've ever ridden.  In just under 300 miles, I was able to eliminate the chicken strips off the left side of the tire and nearly eliminate the ones on the right side.  That's not a lot of miles for me to be this comfortable on a bike, typically.  But this thing just BEGS(!) to be ridden.  

When Garry handed me back my keys after his test ride, I hope his prediction doesn't come true.  He said to me, "You're going to lose your license w/ this thing."  I can tell you there may be some truth in that.  

Here are some updated pics...

[AV8OR]

looks good doug....see you at the ktm demos next weekend?

[R.Markus]

Anyhow, back on topic...

Thank goodness, I was sick of reading about Aprilia crap.

[AV8OR]

wah........

[USA MEDIC]

that bike is so ugly you should give it to me

[R Doug]

that bike is so ugly you should give it to me

That's the same line I used w/ the dealer.  It didn't work.  

[STalker]

 But, after today's little ride, all I have to say is... riding this bike is the MOST FUN I have ever had on two wheels.    

The ergos are perfect, the engine is wonderful, the sound is intoxicating, the suspension is smooth, the mirrors actually work, the brakes could stop a train, the torque is addictive, and the handling is spot on.  The only problem I forsee is trying to keep my licence.    

+1000
Rode one at Americade, on a whim really. I had some time to kill before my first demo ride so I wandered over to the KTM truck, they were pretty much booked for the day except for the SD. I said what the hell, sign me up.
I've been as giddy as school girl ever since.

I rode a couple other bikes too but for the life of me I can't remember what they were.