Hi all,
Just thought I'd put something in here,, in case anyone is considering the new 2024 990 Duke.
My new to me 2021 890 Adv is currently in the shop for MOT and to investigate an overheating issue.
Was only expecting to be there for the day, but three days have gone by and nothing heard.
But all this time I've had their new 990 Duke Demo bike as a courtesy bike.
Thought I'd share my thoughts so far, in case anyone can't get to see one near them.
Firstly, it looks awesome! Every bit a KTM and all the hooligan reputation that goes with it!
coming off an adv bike, I found the seating position quite leant forward and I have to point my feet to sit comfortably and use the foot controls correctly. But after a day in the saddle, I got used to it and anyone more used to the Duke or naked bikes would likely find the position less extreme.
She absolutely goes like s**t off a shovel! The pull is instant, and it only gets more extreme as you play with the rider modes. After picking her up, I immediately took her for a play around the slightly larger and faster roads surrounding Wrotham / Meopham and Brands Hatch area. I'm pleased to tell you it immediately put a grin on my face like something off The joker! it's wickedly fun and easy to ride, if not a little scary! found myself having to hold on as much as ride her in the faster sections. However, still able to reach three figure speeds with relative ease.
The lean angle display, makes for an entertaining game during the ride.
I'm no where near good or confident enough to wheelie someone else's bike, especially with a £1k excess, but the wheelie control and slip control are all easily available on the fly.
Ultimately, in those early few hours and day, I just wanted to hoon around on it and the characteristics certainly encourage that. However, these past few days I've been commuting along a congested A2/M2 and I honestly can't praise her enough for how well the 990 filters. road manners when being ridden 'sensibly' is excellent, she's a motor that can be ridden with restraint too. her smaller, slimmer size makes the 990 Duke perfect for slipping through gaps and between cars. She's very nimble and has almost EV levels of instant power available to zip through or out of trouble when required.
I wouldn't think she's one to tour serious miles, especially with the indicated 170 mile tank range and lack of any wind protection. however, must say the wind hitting you is 'clean' air and there's no buffering. on this test bike, we have cruise control but no heated grips! The cruise control is better than the one on my 890 and smoother on shut off. The Quick shifter is also more refined, smoother transitions, especially lower in the gear ratios.
I would have this bike if I was commuting regularly, i've even been caught in massive rain storm on way home this week and been ok. And excellent for weekend trips, blasts along fast A / B roads. But really long trips would get difficult soon. Perhaps limited to a weekend away.
anyone considering a Duke and likes the naked set-up, the 990 Duke will not disappoint and you will be rewarded for making such an excellent choice.
Just don't get the Ex-Demo from Laguna Motorcycles in Maidstone, when she becomes available. With currently only 500 miles on the ODO, she most certainly has not been run in properly LOL!
If I get the chance to take some pictures, before she goes back, i'll post some here.
The Orange is amazing colour and THAT new light cluster at the front is easier to look at in real life than press shots / photos.
Only bits I don't like is lack of grab rails at the back, not really the sort of bike to take a pillion on, but it does make wheeling out of the garage and tying down a 10lt drypack tricky. and they have the BMW style combined brake light and indicator set up. which is just not as safe as having a dedicated rear light.
But this is just picky stuff and it's an awesome bike, everyone should have a ride on!
Just thought I'd put something in here,, in case anyone is considering the new 2024 990 Duke.
My new to me 2021 890 Adv is currently in the shop for MOT and to investigate an overheating issue.
Was only expecting to be there for the day, but three days have gone by and nothing heard.
But all this time I've had their new 990 Duke Demo bike as a courtesy bike.
Thought I'd share my thoughts so far, in case anyone can't get to see one near them.
Firstly, it looks awesome! Every bit a KTM and all the hooligan reputation that goes with it!
coming off an adv bike, I found the seating position quite leant forward and I have to point my feet to sit comfortably and use the foot controls correctly. But after a day in the saddle, I got used to it and anyone more used to the Duke or naked bikes would likely find the position less extreme.
She absolutely goes like s**t off a shovel! The pull is instant, and it only gets more extreme as you play with the rider modes. After picking her up, I immediately took her for a play around the slightly larger and faster roads surrounding Wrotham / Meopham and Brands Hatch area. I'm pleased to tell you it immediately put a grin on my face like something off The joker! it's wickedly fun and easy to ride, if not a little scary! found myself having to hold on as much as ride her in the faster sections. However, still able to reach three figure speeds with relative ease.
The lean angle display, makes for an entertaining game during the ride.
I'm no where near good or confident enough to wheelie someone else's bike, especially with a £1k excess, but the wheelie control and slip control are all easily available on the fly.
Ultimately, in those early few hours and day, I just wanted to hoon around on it and the characteristics certainly encourage that. However, these past few days I've been commuting along a congested A2/M2 and I honestly can't praise her enough for how well the 990 filters. road manners when being ridden 'sensibly' is excellent, she's a motor that can be ridden with restraint too. her smaller, slimmer size makes the 990 Duke perfect for slipping through gaps and between cars. She's very nimble and has almost EV levels of instant power available to zip through or out of trouble when required.
I wouldn't think she's one to tour serious miles, especially with the indicated 170 mile tank range and lack of any wind protection. however, must say the wind hitting you is 'clean' air and there's no buffering. on this test bike, we have cruise control but no heated grips! The cruise control is better than the one on my 890 and smoother on shut off. The Quick shifter is also more refined, smoother transitions, especially lower in the gear ratios.
I would have this bike if I was commuting regularly, i've even been caught in massive rain storm on way home this week and been ok. And excellent for weekend trips, blasts along fast A / B roads. But really long trips would get difficult soon. Perhaps limited to a weekend away.
anyone considering a Duke and likes the naked set-up, the 990 Duke will not disappoint and you will be rewarded for making such an excellent choice.
Just don't get the Ex-Demo from Laguna Motorcycles in Maidstone, when she becomes available. With currently only 500 miles on the ODO, she most certainly has not been run in properly LOL!
If I get the chance to take some pictures, before she goes back, i'll post some here.
The Orange is amazing colour and THAT new light cluster at the front is easier to look at in real life than press shots / photos.
Only bits I don't like is lack of grab rails at the back, not really the sort of bike to take a pillion on, but it does make wheeling out of the garage and tying down a 10lt drypack tricky. and they have the BMW style combined brake light and indicator set up. which is just not as safe as having a dedicated rear light.
But this is just picky stuff and it's an awesome bike, everyone should have a ride on!
