Went for It

[Kneedragger55]

When I first met my buddy Jeff 3 years ago we had a few things in common, 1: We both loved dirtbikes, and riding anywhere we could find. 2: We both owned Triumphs. I had a 2007 Daytona at that time, and he had a 2009 Speed Triple. From that day he talked about selling his Triumph because he never rode it. Well, we've been riding dirt ever since, and I never once saw or heard him mention the Triumph. A few weeks ago he asks me, what kind of tires should I put on the Triumph before I sell it? Long story short, I went to check the bike out, he had attempted to bleed the brakes which left the bike with no front brakes and a super weak rear. Otherwise it was bone stock, original owner, with 12k miles. It needed new tires and the brakes to get fixed but was in good working order. I made a friendly offer and he accepted.

Now she's here!! New Dunlop Q3s, brakes bleed with new pads, and this bike is a hoot. I will say though it doesn't have as much power as I thought. No roll on wheelies in anything but 1st,

and I catch myself slipping the clutch to get the instantaneous fun. The seating position is much more aggressive than the smaller Street, which I didn't realize until I rode a friends newly purchased one a few days ago. I can see how the Street is the preferred bike of the two with a more lively power curve, more upright seating position, and better handling. I like the Speed for now but will probably sell it after a mountain trip. It's just a fling, but the hooligan nature is still in me. I just need to sell this thing before I burn the clutch or need to replace 2nd gear. It was the cheapest alternative to the FZ-10 and god awful ugly Super Duke 1290R, neither of which I could/would have purchased anyway. This bike just needed someone to flirt with, and that's me!! Plus it's bone stock original owner who was a friend, so I think I can make a few hundred once I decide to sell....hopefully.

Here's to suiting up in the leathers I thought I'd never wear again!

 

[HelzBelz]

That's a beauty.. nice buy. Good luck with it.

 

[Bugnatr]

I hear you on the SD, too bad as that 1290 must be a kick. Look for a used KTM Supermotto T, great upright seating is just the beginning of a real fun bike. Love mine however I can assure you I would never go hooligan on that 990....

 

[Moman]

Doesn't get much better than owning a Yamaha and a Triumph!

 

[Kneedragger55]

I'd LOVE to ride a SD1290...But money is an obstacle in that respect. I absolutely adored my Daytona, but the seating position and once or twice a year knee drag weren't worth the regular aches and pains. Super motos kind of scare me due to the dirtbike geometry, lack of front end feel, and my race experience in dirt. Talk about being a hellion! I just don't know how I'd contain myself. KTMs and all their weird idiosyncrasies have never been my favorite, but they make quality machines no doubt. Do KTM "supermotos" (the ones sold as such) actually have correct geometry? To me a 450F doesn't really belong on the street, but I know they make all sizes. Again...there's the price point of "dirtbike" vs actual street material. I'd have to lean much more street to fork out KTM money and still feel good about myself.

Edit: Some quick research shows the KTM 690 SMC R as basically the only KTM supermoto. Everything else is just converted dirtbike, which I'm not interested in. Too much work and $$ to do a correct conversion after all the suspension, geometry, etc needs of doing dirtbike -> supermoto

The 690 SMC would likely be fun as hell though.

 

[DiggerDr.]

Nice bike. Can't help but think it looks like a huge dent in the tank. But I'd thrash it a time or two if given the chance.

 

[RacinRay]

Nice bike! I absolutely love myS3. Torque monster!

 

[Powerman]

Don't ride the KTM SD 1290, you will definitely have money problems.

Fines , lawyer, insurance etc....

 

[HotRodZilla]

Don't ride the KTM SD 1290, you will definitely have money problems.
Fines , lawyer, insurance etc....

HOLY ****!! Not to get off topic, but I saw one today at a dealer on Albuquerque. My daughter, who was trying to convince me to be MC shopping was finally saying, "Um....Dad, we have to go." "Dad, we left E in the truck. DAD!!"

$20 Large, but it looked fast as Hell, and super sexy with its bags on. Not gonna happen, sadly enough.

Oh, well...A S3 would be a ton of fun. I was "this" close to buying FUBAR's green '08 a few years ago. That was a fun bike. You guys remember his fishing-lure-green bike??