Hi All,
Just purchased a new 2019 model KTM 790 Duke while the prices are reduced.
We're all in lock down so the the bike is about 25 miles away and getting hold of it is a logistical challenge and even if I do get it here then won't be able to go out..... But will be able to do mods.
I'm a long time motorcyclist, but realistically a commuter, so good at getting through tight spaces but not so much at going round corners at speed!
After a reasonable series of bikes (Honda CG 125 (learner), Suzuki GS500 (first full licence bike), Kawasaki GPZ900R (first dream bike that I crashed on the A1), Yamaha FJ1200 (long term bike which I had for nearly 20 years)), I sold my last bike about 6 years ago and after some degree of boredom purchased an FJR1300 in 2018 with a view to doing a load of touring in 2019. After a bit of a false start this worked out with a 2 week trip to Morocco in April 2019 which was self-organised and 2-up with Michele my wife riding pillion. The Morocco trip went without a mechanical hitch (other than a broken key) and we did all major cities as well as getting over the Atlas mountains towards the Sahara.
In August 2019 did a manic 5 days in Germany with the FJ (which also covers the FJR) owners club where it felt like I'd joined a 'bikers gang' by mistake, most of the people knew each other and we're very skilled at riding (at least relative to me), the first few days were really tough trying to get the FJR round corners (did I mention I'm really just a commuter motorcyclist), the problem wasn't the bike which is phenomenal, but my ability to manage a very big bike on tight bends at speed (or slowly really). Anyway after a few days of twisties I had improved and was enjoying the trip, although I had been relegated to tail-end charlie which was fine by me as I could progress at my own pace without someone behind me in my mirrors. After that experience I did think I'd benefit from something a bit lighter for less big touring trips.
In September was a week run round the North Coast 500 with a friend that has a Triumph Tiger 1050, we had a really good week with reasonable weather, I was able to learn from my friend, watching him corner and again my riding improved over the week. Had a quick go on the Triumph Tiger and it felt very light and upright in comparison the FJR and cornering seemed a breeze, here I'm thinking again about a lighter bike for less heavily loaded touring.
So my mind was set on something lighter weight than the FJR. From the Germany trip one of the guys had an MT-07 which seemed good but their was also a Duke 790, after some googling and watching Youtube videos I liked the Duke 790 with regard to engine size, performance, technology and all round praise. Decision made the interweb showed that currently the 2019 model is being reduced in preparation for the incoming 2020 (or at least looks like it). So managed to find a dealer that's still selling and put down a deposit on a new 2019 bike.
So at this point I've paid a deposit for a bike and am looking at ways of getting it delivered, worst case is it sits at the dealer until the lock down relaxes. In the meantime I'm going to be looking at mods, my starter list is:
* Handlebar End Mirrors
* Heated Grips (can't imagine not having these)
* Radiator Protector
* Tail Tidy?
* Tail bag / luggge?
Is there anything else that's a must?
Few photos:
My FJR1300 in Germany, stunning, great for touring especially 2-up:
![4179]()
Another photo from the Germany trip with the KTM in the foreground, my FJR is in the back right:
![4180]()
FJR at Nurburgring after I've been round following a KTM 790 Duke ridden by an ex-instructor, the KTM in the background isn't his though:
![4181]()
And lastly the dealer has sent me a photo of the bike I will have in my garage in the near future or thereabouts!
![4182]()
Anyway, would appreciate any advice on must have mods for protection, longevity, sensibleness, etc.
Looking forward to getting out and experiencing what looks to be a phenomenal machine.
Thanks.
Richard
Just purchased a new 2019 model KTM 790 Duke while the prices are reduced.
We're all in lock down so the the bike is about 25 miles away and getting hold of it is a logistical challenge and even if I do get it here then won't be able to go out..... But will be able to do mods.
I'm a long time motorcyclist, but realistically a commuter, so good at getting through tight spaces but not so much at going round corners at speed!
After a reasonable series of bikes (Honda CG 125 (learner), Suzuki GS500 (first full licence bike), Kawasaki GPZ900R (first dream bike that I crashed on the A1), Yamaha FJ1200 (long term bike which I had for nearly 20 years)), I sold my last bike about 6 years ago and after some degree of boredom purchased an FJR1300 in 2018 with a view to doing a load of touring in 2019. After a bit of a false start this worked out with a 2 week trip to Morocco in April 2019 which was self-organised and 2-up with Michele my wife riding pillion. The Morocco trip went without a mechanical hitch (other than a broken key) and we did all major cities as well as getting over the Atlas mountains towards the Sahara.
In August 2019 did a manic 5 days in Germany with the FJ (which also covers the FJR) owners club where it felt like I'd joined a 'bikers gang' by mistake, most of the people knew each other and we're very skilled at riding (at least relative to me), the first few days were really tough trying to get the FJR round corners (did I mention I'm really just a commuter motorcyclist), the problem wasn't the bike which is phenomenal, but my ability to manage a very big bike on tight bends at speed (or slowly really). Anyway after a few days of twisties I had improved and was enjoying the trip, although I had been relegated to tail-end charlie which was fine by me as I could progress at my own pace without someone behind me in my mirrors. After that experience I did think I'd benefit from something a bit lighter for less big touring trips.
In September was a week run round the North Coast 500 with a friend that has a Triumph Tiger 1050, we had a really good week with reasonable weather, I was able to learn from my friend, watching him corner and again my riding improved over the week. Had a quick go on the Triumph Tiger and it felt very light and upright in comparison the FJR and cornering seemed a breeze, here I'm thinking again about a lighter bike for less heavily loaded touring.
So my mind was set on something lighter weight than the FJR. From the Germany trip one of the guys had an MT-07 which seemed good but their was also a Duke 790, after some googling and watching Youtube videos I liked the Duke 790 with regard to engine size, performance, technology and all round praise. Decision made the interweb showed that currently the 2019 model is being reduced in preparation for the incoming 2020 (or at least looks like it). So managed to find a dealer that's still selling and put down a deposit on a new 2019 bike.
So at this point I've paid a deposit for a bike and am looking at ways of getting it delivered, worst case is it sits at the dealer until the lock down relaxes. In the meantime I'm going to be looking at mods, my starter list is:
* Handlebar End Mirrors
* Heated Grips (can't imagine not having these)
* Radiator Protector
* Tail Tidy?
* Tail bag / luggge?
Is there anything else that's a must?
Few photos:
My FJR1300 in Germany, stunning, great for touring especially 2-up:
Another photo from the Germany trip with the KTM in the foreground, my FJR is in the back right:
FJR at Nurburgring after I've been round following a KTM 790 Duke ridden by an ex-instructor, the KTM in the background isn't his though:
And lastly the dealer has sent me a photo of the bike I will have in my garage in the near future or thereabouts!
Anyway, would appreciate any advice on must have mods for protection, longevity, sensibleness, etc.
Looking forward to getting out and experiencing what looks to be a phenomenal machine.
Thanks.
Richard
