KTM Super Duke: Initial Thoughts After First 11,000 Miles

[R Doug]

Now that I’ve finally had a chance to ride the SD for at least 1,000 miles now, here are some bullet point thoughts on her…

11,000 mile update found here:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,16305.msg750655.html#msg750655

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

•   Engine:  Solid.  I forgot how much I love twins.  It can be a little lackluster under 3k but it really comes to life at 4k.  I could do sweepers and twisties on it all day between 4 and 5K.  The mid range is incredible!  And, you can roll on throttle in any gear and find getty-up pretty quickly.

•   Tranny:  I like the hydraulic-assisted clutch.  Plus, it has the LC8s clutchless shifter thingie.  I don’t have to use the clutch lever on up shifts if I don’t want to.  Though all shifts have been positive for me, the some shifts can feel a little notchy.

•   Build quality:  Absolutely wonderful.  This is best made bike I have ever owned.  There’s nothing on it that feels cheap.

•   Chassis / Suspension:  Excellent.  The bike rails in corners with ease and it’s very forgiving.  It doesn’t feel like I’m on a razor’s edge like I did on the Daytona 675 (not that I totally minded that) and it’s not as akward as the FZ1 and ST3 (most likey a weight thing + the fact the SD has higher end suspenders).  Also, this sporty bike takes to bumps very well considering its short wheelbase.

•   Brakes:  Too good.  I’ll need to practice emergency stops w/ this bike some more.  I have a feeling I’ll end up doing a few stoppies on accident.  I just hope I never go over the bars.  

•   Seat.  It’s surprisingly comfortable.  It’s a little narrow, but I could easily spend all day on it w/o a complaint.  Granted, the best stock seat I’ve ever come across was the one on my 2005 Ducati ST3.  The KTM ranks second.

•   Ergos:  Near perfect.  It’s an upright position with a slight tilt forward which gives it a very sporty feel.  The rear sets are not that aggressive but they are high enough off the ground that I’ve not scrapped them despite the fact of not having any chicken strips left on the tires.  In contrast, I would scrape the pegs all the time on the FZ1 and would still have 1/4” chicken strips.  

•   Wind:  I’m not sure if I’ll change my mind on this going forward or not...  But, I’m REALLY digging not having a fairing or windscreen.  With the clean air hitting me first, I experience NO buffeting.  It actually seems more quite than riding something that creates wind buffeting at my helmet.  Also, with the slight forward tilt of the ergos, the wind blast isn’t really that noticeable until you’re between 75 and 80 MPH.  

So far, I believe I’ve confirmed my choice of selling the 675 Daytona and FZ1 for this one bike.  Let me ride it in the rain, in the cold, and on the track before I get back to you.    

[garry]

I only rode it for 30 minutes or so, but yeah, what he said!

[Rincewind]

Looking good.  I'm jealous.  KTM is really impressing me with their street bikes.  Thanks for the review and feel free to post more pics for us.  

What's the range and mileage like on it?  When does the fuel light come on?  And what is the redline?

[R Doug]

What's the range and mileage like on it?  When does the fuel light come on?  And what is the redline?

Great questions.  The darn thing has a 4.9 gal. tank on it and I've been getting about 39 MPG each time I check.  So, I could get upwards of 190 miles on a single tank.  The fuel light comes on a little early.  I've been noticing it coming on between 135 and 140 miles.  

The redline is just over 9k.  I think the highest I've ever had it to date was 7.5K when passing someone.  

Speaking of which, the bike rockets when rolling on to pass. Compared to the 675 and the FZ1, I think the SD gets more done in a shorter amount of distance.  When I get in front of a car that was just passed, I'm noticing my speed is typically between 75 and 90.  But on the Dayton and FZ1, my speeds were nearly always over 90 and sometimes over 100.  I believe they didn't accelerate out of the gate as quickly and I compensated with add'l velocity.  I know this sounds counterintuitive.  But, it's my theory.  

[Yamadog]

Vibration?
Saw an ugly orange one in Franklin NC two weeks ago. Got me interested.

[R Doug]

It has sweet spots where there's little to no buzziness (3-6k).  In the upper part of the revs (6.5 - 7+K), there's a little buzziness.  But, I like it.  

[xbud]

 I recently got a chance to demo the Superduke, I have to agree that the 990 Motor just has unbelievable torque and acceleration (And this is coming from a big guy 280+ Lbs). The suspension just plain works, somehwat firm but definately compliant through the bumps and rough patches. Handles well, very nimble and well balanced. Brembo monoblock brakes, probably about the best you could ask for on a bike.

   I noticed a lot of vibrations through the seat and the bars at a lot of different RPM's mostly above 5K, some were quite fierce especially above 7.5K, I did not like the seat, maybe this is because I have become acustomed to the hard corbin on my bike, but I know a couple of hours is all I could ride with the stock KTM seat. The instrument cluster was easy to read not a lot of confusion, I like the upright riding position and the reach to the bars for someone about 6' was perfect.

I think the angular body work and tapered rear body design and underseat exhaust made this bike look fantastic, I think this is one of the better looking naked bikes out there, but the price.....I scanned e-bay for some bargain prices, the best I found $11998.00  That is some serious dough for a naked bike.

I think I will keep looking, hopefully I will find a used Superduke with low miles that a little old lady used to ride on Sundays to and from Church.

[XLR8]

That bike is stunning.  

I wish I were bad ass enough to ride it but I'm not so I'll stick with the other LC8.  

Congrats again though. Even though the engine on the 990 is different I find many of the similarities you mention.

[R Doug]

I scanned e-bay for some bargain prices, the best I found $11998.00  That is some serious dough for a naked bike.

I think I will keep looking, hopefully I will find a used Superduke with low miles that a little old lady used to ride on Sundays to and from Church.

Since when do Ducati owners go cheap.  

Thanks for the feedback of your ride.

That bike is stunning.  

I wish I were bad ass enough to ride it but I'm not so I'll stick with the other LC8.  

Congrats again though. Even though the engine on the 990 is different I find many of the similarities you mention.

I think you have to be a pretty hard-core bad ass to ride the 990 Adventure.    The main differences in our two engines are cam timing and bore / stroke.

If only I had the inseam, I would love to test out an Adventure.  

[XLR8]

Question... Jeez I sound like Dwight on The Office.

Anyway, does your bike have front running lights? I Was surprised to find out that the 990 doesn't and at first it was a bit of a concern. I hear they aren't common in Europe.

[R Doug]

It has a proximity light that burns no matter what beam is on (high or low).  The proximity light is located at the top of the main headlight unit.  But, unlike my FZ1, the bike does not use the turn indicators (for example) as running lights.  

[Yamadog]

R Doug, I think the SD must be awesome, but it is just too naked for my taste and preferred riding. As I remember you formerly had a ST4 or was it a ST3? Could you make a quick comparo FZ1 to the Duc WRT handling and performance?

I've been wanting an ST3 for some time now, but as I live 200 miles from the nearest Duc store I've been reluctant to pull the trigger. However, with the model being discontinued I need to $h!t or get off the pot. Thx, Don

[R Doug]

R Doug, I think the SD must be awesome, but it is just too naked for my taste and preferred riding. As I remember you formerly had a ST4 or was it a ST3? Could you make a quick comparo FZ1 to the Duc WRT handling and performance?

I've been wanting an ST3 for some time now, but as I live 200 miles from the nearest Duc store I've been reluctant to pull the trigger. However, with the model being discontinued I need to $h!t or get off the pot. Thx, Don

Sure Don.

I had an ST3 w/ the standard Sachs suspension (i.e. the non "s" version).  The Duc was a very good handling bike... especially  for a sports-tourer.  This is not to say the FZ1 was a slouch.  It handled very well too.  But, using the same tires, the Duc had a better turn in, it absorbed bumps better, and provided a little more confidence mid corner than the FZ1.  Also, the Duc provided me with better ground clearance than the Fizzer.  I was constantly scraping pegs on the Fizzer.

I can appreciate the fact naked bikes aren't for everyone.  I'm sure I'll miss some of the fairings I've been used to when the weather gets a little cooler.  I suppose I'll see just how good Gerbings gear is.  

[Yamadog]

Thanks Doug!

[Mr. Whippy]

That bike is AWESOME in black.  I've only seen pics of the orange, which is sorta hideous.  Seriously beautiful piece of gothic type motorcycle art.

[maddjack]

Glad to hear you like your new SD,figured you would.Let us know how you like it on your first seriuos ST trip,without a flyscreen it will be different than my S3

[Flyer]

Random SD beauty:

[Bombauer]

That bike is AWESOME in black.  I've only seen pics of the orange, which is sorta hideous.  Seriously beautiful piece of gothic type motorcycle art.

  Yeah that bike is gorgeous in its ugliness, if ya know what I mean.  It looks so much like a hornet, there really should be a yellow/black striped option.  

[st2sam]

Hey Doug, how's bout a little update now that you've ridd'in in the cold? You must have about 8-10 thousand miles on her by now?
Any major farkles planned, is there anything you don't like???

[R Doug]

I don't quite have that many miles... yet.    There is 5k on the clock right now and I am into my second set of tires for her.

Regarding cold weather riding, it's not bad.  The wind blast is more noticeable at lower speeds due to the density of the air in cold temps.  The touring screen helps more than what it looks like it should.

I now have a complete system of Ventura luggage for it which I've used twice.  It works out very well, even if the bike does look like crap w/ the gear on it.  

The only other thing I've picked up is a set of frame sliders.  It's the best insurance you can buy for $100.  

I just posted a video of me riding it yesterday w/ temps in the low 30's...

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,20625.0.html

[Oilhed]

That is a sweet bike.  Anybody else think a little more ass end and some panniers and it would be one sweet ST!

[xbud]

Anybody else think a little more ass end and some panniers and it would be one sweet ST!

 Definately, I am not thinking it is all that road worthy for two up (Comfortable)....Any comments on this doug??

[R Doug]

Correct, it's not really designed well for two up riding.  But, as Oilhed suggested, if the rear end were lengthened, there could be room for a pillion.

[garry]

The two-up and luggage issues are why I have a Supermoto w/ 46L topcase in my garage. It's a roomier, more versatile bike, but still silly fun on a twisty road. The SuperDuke does have a bit more engine though. Seriously fun bike. It'll be fun this season to swap bikes back and forth with Doug to compare them.

[R Doug]

The two-up and luggage issues are why I have a Supermoto w/ 46L topcase in my garage. It's a roomier, more versatile bike, but still silly fun on a twisty road. The SuperDuke does have a bit more engine though. Seriously fun bike. It'll be fun this season to swap bikes back and forth with Doug to compare them.

Yea, but your KTM is the "R" version  

[garry]

Yea, but your KTM is the "R" version  

Trust me, you're going to be sick of the frequent gas stops I have to make thanks to the small tank on the "R". 120 mile range to empty sucks. I'm ordering some plastic containers that I hope will work to carry spare fuel when I don't where the gas stops are. The different seat and smaller tank on the "R" do make for better ergos though. Feels narrower and sportier than the regular one.

BTW, an "R" version of the SuperDuke is coming this year with even more power, the orange frame and (I think) some CF bling.

[Yamadog]

Speaking of new and of max grins per mile check this out http://www.motorcycledaily.com/14february08_78hp290lb.htm
Very Interesting! KTM are really coming on strong in the street market now. Caveat to all eurocycle and metric manufacturers ('Merican don't even count in my book )

[R Doug]

That's a good bit of HP out of a thumper.  It sounds like a blast.

[AV8OR]

You got any pics of the smr with luggage gary?


how you been doug?

[garry]

You got any pics of the smr with luggage garry?

Here's what the 46L topcase (by Shad) looks like on the bike. A bit bulbous looking (aren't they all), but it might be OK once I put a little wind deflector/extender on it. A guy from Germany makes a 6" tall one that looks pretty good and should take some wind off my chest.

[AV8OR]

Such a badass bike. Are you still liking it? Its number 1 on my list when I get done with flight school. Unless the 990 comes out, thats it!

[Rincewind]

Thanks for that pic, garry.  I was wondering what your top-box set-up looked like.  

[garry]

Thanks for that pic, garry.  I was wondering what your top-box set-up looked like.  

I edited my post to put in a different/better pic that I took yesterday after cleaning the bike up a little.

[Rincewind]

I edited my post to put in a different/better pic that I took yesterday after cleaning the bike up a little.

Thanks, that's a much better perspective.  I will be curious what your pillions think of the provisions, once it warms up.

[R Doug]

What other luggage will you use?  Have you acquired a tank bag?

[garry]

What other luggage will you use?  Have you acquired a tank bag?

I bought a Wolfman "Enduro" tankbag for use on my DRZ and it supposedly fits the SM-R too according to a guy on KTMtalk that has one. It's a small tankbag, but should be good for a camera, wallet and cell phone. I plan on throwing my Cortech soft luggage over the pillion seat for big trips. Note the low pillion pegs (as compared to a sportbike). I'm hoping my wife finds it acceptable for short rides. The seat is narrow and firm, so she's not going to like that much. I did get the backpad for the topcase though.

[garry]

Check this out: the new Super Duke "R" (owned by a guy from the UK with a few mods).

[AV8OR]

thats badass

[DNA]

 

Yup - Badass pretty well sums it up.

[kurtw]

but it might be OK once I put a little wind deflector/extender on it. A guy from Germany makes a 6" tall one that looks pretty good and should take some wind off my chest.

Here's what a guy I know fabricated for his. I think it may have been a BMW windscreen originally   Pretty well done, anyhow...

[Ravyn]

Hello R Doug,

Thanks to your impressions I went ahead and put down a deposit on a SD
I pick it up Sat

I too was looking at downsizing to one bike and had tried  the full spectrum of sport touring, and hooligan bikes.  
I've had the Speed Triple (1050 and 955), various oilhead BMW's, Multistrada, ST2 and Monsters....

I was edging towards the Hyper but couldn't accept the small tank.  It's okay to want a hooligan express, but I need a touch of practicality if it's the only bike
The Tuono was definitely in the hunt as well, but then the Super Duke came up...and it was love at first photo

Who do you use for service?

Are they really every 4500-5000 miles?

Cheers,
Ravyn
Brooklyn, NY

[R Doug]

Ravyn,

Congrats on the bike.  Please post up your thoughts after you've had some seat time on it!

I'll have my serviced by my local KTM dealer in Morgantown, WV.  But, if I start getting bad vibes from them, I'll take it up to Pittsburgh, PA.

The service requirements calls for valve adjustments every 10-11,000 miles.  So, it's not as bad as you heard.  If you plan on doing your own oil changes, be prepared to spend at least an hour doing it.  

Again, congrats and if you don't know yet... your bike WILL NOT EXIST W/O PICTURES!  

[atadaskew]

 If you plan on doing your own oil changes, be prepared to spend at least an hour doing it.  

Pliz esplain

[kurtw]

Pliz esplain

It's a KTM. Austrian engineers take their oiling systems very seriously  

I'm guessing the LC8 is 2x the pain in the ass of the LC4, which would be considerable .... (but worth it I'm sure!)

[R Doug]

YEA... two drain plugs... one paper filter (messy PIA)... two screens to remove and clean!  And, for the Super Duke, you actually have to remove the right-side fairing to access the place where you pour in the new oil!  

Min... one hour oil change.  I may get it down to 45 min. with more experience.  

[Ravyn]

Doug,

Picked up the bike on Sat.

Initial impressions are of an extremely nimble bike.  
It feels like a 600 with the power of a 1000.  
Suspension and brakes are unbelievable, and they are not even broken in yet.  
I can't believe the sound got past the DOT .  Stock it sounds alot more hot rod than I expected.
The stock Dunlop 208rr seem ok, but I will have to see.  I have yet to find a better replacement than the Michelin Pilot Powers.
The comfort is very, very good.

[Rincewind]

Real nice lookin bike, Ravyn.  Enjoy.  

[googus]

+1 on these KTMs  


If I had the $$$ I would look into these for blasting around on!!!
Greg

[Oilhed]

Real nice lookin bike, Ravyn.  Enjoy.  

Damn, that's sweet.  I want one!

[R Doug]

Doug,

Picked up the bike on Sat.

Congratulations on your new bike!  My initial impressions were the exact same as yours.  Thanks for the picture and I very much look forward to reading some riding reports from you on the S. Duke.

[Ravyn]

Thanks, Rincewind, Oilhed, and googus

As a side note I was seriously considering getting the 1050 Tiger - but then I came clean to myself and realized that 80% of my riding is urban slice and dice.

Doug,

I am seriously considering doing the 14t sprocket.
Have you done any mods?  De-restricted the 2 + 3 gear governor (EPA)?

Cheers,
Ravyn
Brooklyn, NYC

[R Doug]

Other than some added touring farkles, I have not completed modifications.  I believe Garry completed the gear modification on his SM 950.

I may have to look into it.

[garry]

Dropping one tooth on the front sprocket is a MUST DO (17T -> 16T). Sixth gear is actually usable now and the bike pulls harder. I may even go up three on the rear (42T -> 45T). Can you say 3rd gear power wheelies? Does the SD have the same gearing?

I put Leo Vince slip-ons on to save weight (about 12 pounds lighter), lose those super-hot cats, and get a bit of sonic bling too. They are verging on too loud (with inserts in) for leaving my housing plan at 5:45am.

I still need to remove the SAS (air injection, required for the cats) and cannister.

I have a jet kit and air pre-filter to install yet too, but am waiting to get more time on the mostly stock setup before messing with jetting. Obviously that doesn't apply to the SD, but I have read about a "let the bike idle for 15 minutes" trick that supposedly makes the FI map better.

The US-specs 950s (carb'd) do not have the EPC thing that limits power in lower gears. Euro bikes have it. Don't know if the fuel-injected 990s have something similar or not.

Luggage (46L topcase) is working out great. Still need to sort out a windscreen to cut the windblast to my body at highway speeds.

[Ravyn]

Garry,

I guess I should have checked the parts manual first - doh!

As far as stock gearing, as per parts manual, it looks like 17t front and 38 rear (ie - some tall gearing ).

So to revise than I would do a 16 t front to start which is a factory option.
The factory options for the rear are 38, 39, and 40.

I also intend on doing a canisterectomy, and also see if I can't vent the crankcase breather directly with a filter pod.  I have done it to all my monster's and helps clean up the bike.

Didn't read about the 15 min. warmup - but it does get more powerful the warmer (engine) it gets

Thanks for the great info, Garry

[R Doug]

I also intend on doing a canisterectomy, and also see if I can't vent the crankcase breather directly with a filter pod.  I have done it to all my monster's and helps clean up the bike.

Oh yea... I did the canisterectomy.  Now I have room for the factory tools under my seat.  

[Ravyn]

Doug re: canisterectomy -

Is it straight forward?

Anything I should watch out for??

-Cheers

[R Doug]

It's pretty easy.  Just disconnect the two hoses on the can and tuck the hoses somewhere out of the way.  Then, if you want, place the very nice KTM tool bag in can's old place.  

[Ravyn]

nice

[R Doug]

Now plan a trip to Clearfield, PA for the Meet and Eat and put some miles on the bad boy!  

[R Doug]

After 13 months of ownership, I finally reached 11,000 miles on the KTM.  It's time for its first major service but I'm going to wait until I burn up the rear tire so I can kill two birds with one stone.

Here are some various thoughts on the bike after my first year with it.

Pros:

   Still makes me giggle everytime I pull out of the garage.
   I still believe the seat and ergos are very comfortable.
   The motor feels like it does get better once it's fully broken-in.  
   Tranny is still spot on
   Lack of wind protection is not bothering me at all.  In fact, for most of my riding, I prefer it.
   Fit and finish is holding up well.  For example, even after 11k miles, I've never had to take slack out of the throttle cable.  
   Venture luggage system works petty good on the bike.  But, I prefer the Bagsconnection tail bag even if it only holds 35 liters of stuff.

Cons:  

   Not a wide range of dealer support out there while you're on the road.
   Naked bikes (especially this one) are a pain to clean after riding in adverse road conditions like rain.  
   Headers are difficult to keep crap off of them and they easily discolor looking like there's a thin layer of rust


Issues with bike:  

   Speedo / tach died the week after ESTN.  Granted, I've ridden in a lot of rain this year.  But, this is the same unit that's used on the 990 Adventure.  So, it should be pretty robust.  

Winter Upgrades:

I plan on adding aftermarket headers and a slip on this winter.  

[sagerat]

   Headers are difficult to keep crap off of them and they easily discolor looking like there's a thin layer of rust

Nah, coloring on pipes shows that you ride it.    My Guzzi and Ural both have blue exhaust pipes that they wear proudly.  The coloring on the KLR header may actually be rust...  

[R Doug]

Update:

I'll be picking the bike up from the shop tomorrow for its well overdue 15K service.  It looks like it will cost between $400 and $500.  I'll report back once I have the final bill.

The better news is the following was inside the my front door when I arrived home this evening.  

   

[R Doug]

^  Winner!

(but, that was kind of an easy guess).  

[R Doug]

Cost for the KTM 15,000 Kilometer maintenance (~10,000 miles)...

Oil change and new brake fluid flush and refill:  $61.10
Valve adjustment:  $410.00

Total scheduled Maintenance cost:  $471.10  

That's pretty fair based on what I've paid for in the past on a Ducati ST3.  

[Oilhed]

That's pretty fair based on what I've paid for in the past on a Ducati ST3.  

Nooooooo!  It's going in this week.

[st2sam]

Doug, were they out of spec., or was that for a "valve check"?
Shims, under or over buckets? How many valves? Would you attempt the next check yourself?
Could you feel the difference in the way it ran?
Initial thoughts after first hosei maintenance?  
Can we have a video and hear those pipes?  
Inquiring minds want to know?

[R Doug]

Doug, were they out of spec., or was that for a "valve check"?
Shims, under or over buckets? How many valves? Would you attempt the next check yourself?
Could you feel the difference in the way it ran?
Initial thoughts after first hosei maintenance?  
Can we have a video and hear those pipes?  
Inquiring minds want to know?

They were out of spec, but I didn't write down by how much.  So, the price was for an adjustment.

The bike uses shims under buckets, it has 4 valves per cylinder, and NO, I would not attempt it myself.  



I could tell a difference and I know it wasn't physiological.  The bike ran much smoother.

Regarding the pipes, I did just video the bike before and after.  I'll post up the video later.  

[R Doug]

Nooooooo!  It's going in this week.

Time for the valve check (adjust) on the Duc, eh?  

Can we have a video and hear those pipes?  
Inquiring minds want to know?

Your wish is my command...

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,36374.0.html

[Oilhed]

valve check, cam belt change, etc.   12,000 miles

[falcofred]

R Doug,
I have followed your instructions and sold my Daytona 675 and purchased a slightly used 07 SuperDuke!
So much more comfortable than the Daytona, especially for me at 6'3".
Came with the touring windshield, Ackaprovic exhaust cans, Motohooligan air box mod, 40 tooth rear sprocket and only 2750 miles
So much fun on the gas the front wheel is just skimming the asphalt, the wide bars and generous ground clearance make for excellent handling. Your correct about the brakes, they are almost too good, I'll have to get used to using one finger. The music from the pipes is intoxicating.

I know, I know, it doesn't exist without pictures, I'll get some on soon.

[R Doug]

R Doug,
I have followed your instructions and sold my Daytona 675 and purchased a slightly used 07 SuperDuke!
So much more comfortable than the Daytona, especially for me at 6'3".
Came with the touring windshield, Ackaprovic exhaust cans, Motohooligan air box mod, 40 tooth rear sprocket and only 2750 miles
So much fun on the gas the front wheel is just skimming the asphalt, the wide bars and generous ground clearance make for excellent handling. Your correct about the brakes, they are almost too good, I'll have to get used to using one finger. The music from the pipes is intoxicating.

I know, I know, it doesn't exist without pictures, I'll get some on soon.

Congrats on the new bike!  I'm almost scared to ask how much you paid, but I am curious.

I can't wait to see some pictures and hear more of your thoughts about it after a few more miles on it.  

Have fun!

[falcofred]

Ok, now it exists that I've posted a photo. I won't say how much I paid, but you can bet it was a great deal  

[FizDog74]

Ok, now it exists that I've posted a photo. I won't say how much I paid, but you can bet it was a great deal  

NICE!!!!  

 

[j1mmyj4m]

Very cool.  

[R Doug]

That is one clean looking bike.  Again, congrats!

[Hotbrakes]

R Doug...you being a seasoned owner of the SD I wanted to ask a few questions.  I just scored a SD on Ebay (half the price of what the dealer is asking for a slightly used model in the same condition  ) but I have to pick it up in Denver and ride her back home in VA.  Today I got the taller windscreen and SD tankbag.

What kind of mileage do you get per tank?
 
Does the factory toolbag live under the seat or is it separate? (mine is an impound so if its not under the seat its not there)

Does the factory toolbag (if I'm so lucky to get it) have the necessary wrenches for a chain adjustment?

And should I be dreading the many miles of freeway between CO and Deal's Gap due to windblast?

I leave in 2 weeks and I've got 7 days total to find my way home.  All I'm bringing is what fits in that 15L tankbag.  I may consider mailing some stuff like my rain gear ahead.


Thanks for the help!

[kendenton]

Hotbrakes - you didn't get a deal, you fracking stole it!  If everything else is OK with the bike you got the deal of the year.

[R Doug]

Congrats on the deal and on a great bike!

I'll try to answer your questions the best I can.  I have an 07 and there are a few minor differences.  However, the differences should have an effect on my answers as I'll base them off my experiences with the 07.

FWIW, the differences between an 06 and 07+ Super Dukes includes a larger fuel tank, upgraded front brakes, and a new design on the front headlight.

1)  What kind of mileage do you get per tank?  I get just short of 40 MPG and with the 4.8 gal tank on the 07, that can get me nearly 200 miles between fuel stops.  I don't know the size of the tank on the 06.

2)  Does the factory toolbag live under the seat or is it separate? (mine is an impound so if its not under the seat its not there).  There is a place under the seat where the tool bag can fit, but on my 07, an emissions canister is located there.  I have to perform a "canisterectomy" to get my tool bag to fit.  I'm not sure if the 06 version comes w/ the canister or not, but I believe it does.  

3)  Does the factory toolbag (if I'm so lucky to get it) have the necessary wrenches for a chain adjustment?  The tool kit has everything you need including a bottle opener (no kidding).  

4)  And should I be dreading the many miles of freeway between CO and Deal's Gap due to windblast?  I find the bike to be very comfortable for long days in the saddle.  However, those are days spent on twisty raods where you move your body around a bit.  I find that when droning on at highway speeds, I find yourself fighting the wind quite a bit.  But, your touring screen and tankbag will go a long way to help ease that pain.  My one suggestion would be to pick up a throttle rocker.  It will help your hand relax more and you can simply lean into the wind w/o needing to keep a firm grip on the throttle tube.  

Good luck and keep us posted!  

R Doug...you being a seasoned owner of the SD I wanted to ask a few questions.  I just scored a SD on Ebay (half the price of what the dealer is asking for a slightly used model in the same condition  ) but I have to pick it up in Denver and ride her back home in VA.  Today I got the taller windscreen and SD tankbag.

What kind of mileage do you get per tank?
 
Does the factory toolbag live under the seat or is it separate? (mine is an impound so if its not under the seat its not there)

Does the factory toolbag (if I'm so lucky to get it) have the necessary wrenches for a chain adjustment?

And should I be dreading the many miles of freeway between CO and Deal's Gap due to windblast?

I leave in 2 weeks and I've got 7 days total to find my way home.  All I'm bringing is what fits in that 15L tankbag.  I may consider mailing some stuff like my rain gear ahead.


Thanks for the help!

[Hotbrakes]

^Thanks Doug.  While reading your response I noticed that you kept referring to my bike as an 06.  That got me thinking...the Ebay listing says 2007, the description says 07 or 08.  But after seeing some pics it is clearly an 06...

So I suppose my new tall windscreen will not fit.    And I was looking forward to radial brakes...

[bikefreak47]

I followed a new '08 orange SD on e-bay until the auction closed yesterday. One bid and it sold for $8,500.00. Somebody out in California scored a real bargain.

[Hotbrakes]

Well I got her and had a wonderful trip.  Tank range SUCKS!  And the little oil level sight tube split in Arkansas.  But she got me home and was a blast at Deal's Gap!  

Right now I'm exploring some touring upgrade options.  Just scrapped a saddlebag bracket project that did not provide enough support to do any real good.  Also discovered Vortex sliders are an inch or two short of doing any real good but was able to custom mount some longer ones.  KTM tankbag is powered with Powerlet accessories to charge GPS (RAM mount on bars) and/or cell phone.  Mounted a Slip Streamer Tombstone windshield that I'll be testing tomorrow along with Cycle Control adjustable levers.  Found an 07 5 gallon tank on Ebay and I'm waiting on time and hopefully some Ebay fairings to upgrade from the puny 4 gallon.

The comfort of this bike has completely blown me away.  The only issues keeping me from selling the VFR and using the SD as my sole tourer are luggage space and bad weather protection (rain and cold).  Connecting accessories like heated grips and aux lights will be difficult with the battery in the chin.  The aux power connections (under the seat for 06 vs. behind headlight on 07+) don't seem to like powering extra lights.  

Wish list right now is FMF Apex exhaust, Ventura Rack, and additional lighting in rear for safety.  The European accessory market seems to be much stronger than in the US.  

[Airsick]

along with Cycle Control adjustable levers.   

Did you go with the shorty or standard?

[Hotbrakes]

Did you go with the shorty or standard?

Shorty.  Most of my bikes have bent or broken levers so the short levers just feel natural to me. The levers feel great but I may move both controls in on the bars so my fingers touch the flat part of the lever instead of the angle.  I'm a 2 finger braker and clutcher BTW.

[R Doug]

Shorty.  Most of my bikes have bent or broken levers so the short levers just feel natural to me. The levers feel great but I may move both controls in on the bars so my fingers touch the flat part of the lever instead of the angle.  I'm a 2 finger braker and clutcher BTW.

I believe shorty levers are the next upgrade for mine.  How do you like yours so far?

[Hotbrakes]

Well for nearly $200 it almost seems like a waste.  But I got a pair of CRG's on the RC51 off Ebay at a much better price and fell in love.  Somehow they have perfected the feel and its like getting a finger massage every time I touch them.  The Cycle Control levers are the same, they were giving a discount to SD.net members, and their customer service is very good.  Mine were somehow looked over when the UPS fairy came and lost for a couple weeks.  Made contact with them and received a fast response that told me what happened, my shipping will be refunded, and the levers would be shipping the next day.

http://www.superduke.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6244&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=cycle+control&start=540

And some pics...

[Hotbrakes]

R Doug- Any issues with water in the oil?  Just noticed mine was doing a magic trick with coolant.  Did some digging on SD.net and turns out the water pump seal fails.  Looked at the oil sight tube on mine and sure enough, the condensation says it all.  Pulled some oil out of the tank and its milky.  Ordered the rebuild kit today from my dealer.  Supposedly KTM recommends rebuilding the water pump every 10k miles.  Gonna be an expensive bike to own for me since I did almost 8k in the last 2 months!

[R Doug]

8k in two months?  I'd say you're enjoying it.  

Fortunately, I've not seen any frothing of the oil, but I'll keep an eye open for it.  Thanks.

[garry]

I've been keeping an eye on my oil/filter and the pleats are still crisp after 3K miles (per oil change). A puffy filter is a sign that you've got water in the oil. I believe KTM changed to a better seal in 2007. The bikes up to 2006 would go bad at about 10K miles. I'm at 23K miles on my SMR and no sign of a leak. But I will probably buy the kit and put it in over the winter. Or maybe have the dealer do it at the next valve adjustment/major service (sometime soon). There are good step by step instructions on ADVrider and/or the Hall of Knowledge. Seems that you can even do it roadside if you have the tools/parts with you on a trip.

[DangerMoney]

Did some digging on SD.net and turns out the water pump seal fails.  Looked at the oil sight tube on mine and sure enough, the condensation says it all.  Pulled some oil out of the tank and its milky.  Ordered the rebuild kit today from my dealer.  Supposedly KTM recommends rebuilding the water pump every 10k miles.  Gonna be an expensive bike to own for me since I did almost 8k in the last 2 months!

Another symptom of water pump seal failure is the oil light comes on even though the oil level isn't low. The coolant in the oil makes the oil fliter swell, restricting the oil flow and lowering the pressure.

Weakpoints of the LC8 engine seem to be the water pump seal and the fuel pump. Many replace the latter with a Facet. Plenty of posts about both issues at http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34

When my bike gets more miles on it I'm thinking I'll make a pre-emptive strike and replace the fuel pump before it fails and leaves me stranded off-road.