So I’ve tried the KTM Duke 790, and have test rides set up for the Ducati Scrambler and Monster at the weekend.
Just had a quick ride on a Street Triple R though and wow! Didn’t think I would like the bike at all but was seriously impressed. The bike was lighter than expected and great round corners. Riding position was much more comfortable than I thought and it sounded absolutely incredible.
Will have a difficult decision to make very soon...
Gavin, try the Street RS as well. Its very similar to the R but has better suspension and a few other nice bits. The RS has a few more hp as well, not too noticeable, but its where it is that makes the difference. It loves to be revved like an in line 4. The R actually has a tad more torque low down so is easier to ride in traffic I suppose, but the extras on the RS are all top notch so IMO its a better buy, especially s/h or an dealer ex demo. I bought a demo RS and it had a load of Triumph extras on, love the thing. Both bikes are really superb and I’m sure you wont be disappointed in either.
Stuart
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Agree, stunning looking bike. Managed to see on in the showroom whilst checking out the KTM/Husky enduro range
Another nice looking bike was the 1290 super adventure, it was kitted out with panniers etc and was sold to a customer at over 17k, it also had some engine mods which took it over the 175bhp barrier
Just spent an hour synchronising the carbs. It certainly feels a lot smoother now!
It’s the first time I’ve done it with these dial gauges, I’ve an old set of mercury gauges that I always used previously. Unfortunately the tubes are all yellow now so it’s difficult to read.
These were pretty good once I’d put the damper valves in the tubes.
It is a fiddly job though but as you say, satisfying once done and the difference is very noticeable.
So, after lots of test rides, reviews and changing my mind several times I settled on this;
Felt totally right when I got on it and genuinely rode it with a smile on my face during the test ride.
Picking it up Friday - so excited!!
Got a growing list of potential little future upgrades planned already...
Cant beat smiling during a test ride , looks like you have done your research and found the bike you like, enjoy.
Before you bling it up join an owners club forum , often bits change hands for sensible prices as people upgrade or move on. Quick google brought me here
https://www.scramblerforum.com/forum...rambler-uk.32/
Another test ride (with a strong possibility of a purchase):
I've also ridden the 1290 Super Duke GT which, although it is a more versatile bike if you want to tour and has a few more bells and whistles, is 30lbs heavier than the "R" - decisions, decisions!
Those 1290’s are a proper weapon you know. Last year on my Diavel went out round Wales with a lad on one, mate of a mate, and it was just a serial wheelie machine. Its like the bike hated its front wheel being on the ground at any time. Sounded nice with the Akra on as well. Mind you, heard its done the clutch now, no wonder me thinks.
Stuart
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My mate runs a multi franchise bike shop and the super duke would be his weapon of choice.
Had the worst rain I’ve ridden in for years on the way home last night. Kit was totally waterproof... apart from the summer gloves I was wearing. Any suggestions for drying them quickly without cracking?!
Getting to your destination dry is great.
Well designed gear is the go.
I have Dainese gore tex, and Rukka gore tex touring suits.
Both are absolutely brilliant. (Rukka is better, but not worth the price difference imho)
I've come to the conclusion, that technically, there's no such thing as a waterproof suit.
Sooner or later, water finds it's way in.
The better the suit, the longer it takes...but if you ride long enough, it WILL get in eventually.
I rode 440 miles in torrential rain on an autopista is Spain.
4 miles from destination, one of the cuffs gives way...thankfully not a lot...
As long as you're warm and basically maintaining core heat, a bit of water is no biggie.
Riding in the wet demands a different skill set, and the satisfaction after a long day's slog in the wet can be great.
You feel you really deserve that pint.
Last edited by Tifa; 4th May 2019 at 01:55.
All true about riding on a tour, but remaining totally dry is critical when you’re commuting. It’s a bit embarrassing wandering round the office with a damp crotch or shirt
Cant beat hot hands to warm gloves , remember the Fourier formula
Q = K A delta T
So heat transfer Q is k ( the coefficient of heat of wet leather) eg quite high, A is the area of your palm, delta T is you 37.5 , outside air say 16 deg C . So if its warm you should be dry in 30 mins or less , give or take a day!
Wow
So deep
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Fitted a Sena 10U Bluetooth headset to my Shoei GT air. Really impressed with it so far great for music for long rides and call quality is excellent.
Did about 800 miles in the Peak District and environs with some mates this weekend.
Cold, wet and marvelous.
We're all at an age where we're happy to travel at a speed where we can look at the scenery rather than simply try hard not hit it.
We passed the Cat and Fiddle 4 times in the end. In this photo it was 3C but clear. This morning it was 4C and rain.
My heated grips are brilliant. My supposedly waterproof fabric suit, less so.
.......and for something completely different to the sensible and blingy on this thread....
Another weekend, another dooo.
Bikes, mates, beer, fire and giggles.
You know you`ve had a good weekend when you get home with a few hundred on the odo dazed and fazed, often battered bruised and bloodied, with filthy hands, a tongue like Ghandi`s flip flop, and stinkin` of wood smoke.
And before anyone pipes up, i already know;
Awsome! Love your lafuv!
I did some transplants this weekend to get the bike running.
Just before the thunderstorm.
...
BUBI 0_0
Love the z9... a very faithful tribute to the original..👍👍