I had a similar feeling with my R. Love the engine, but couldn't get it to handle the way I like (like my CBR954
of course I couldn't get my CBR 1000 to handle right either) . The R doesn't have the electronic suspension to sent the forks to superplush for a revalve then dropped them a few mm in the clamps, gave the shock a bit more preload and it's working great now. It does seem to prefer body inputs as opposed to handlebar inputs but that's how I ride anyway so it's not a big deal. I found some KTM bags for it and have done a few 500mile days and now consider it a pretty decent SPORT-tourer.
ps the 16t front works well.
I had a similar feeling with my R. Love the engine, but couldn't get it to handle the way I like (like my CBR954 of course I couldn't get my CBR 1000 to handle right either) . The R doesn't have the electronic suspension to sent the forks to superplush for a revalve then dropped them a few mm in the clamps, gave the shock a bit more preload and it's working great now. It does seem to prefer body inputs as opposed to handlebar inputs but that's how I ride anyway so it's not a big deal. I found some KTM bags for it and have done a few 500mile days and now consider it a pretty decent SPORT-tourer.
ps the 16t front works well.
Yeah, that's it. It responds better to body input than bar input. If you just kinda stay planted in the seat and move your upper body to the inside, you have to use more effort on the bars than I'm used to or expected. If you hang a cheek off a bit, then it does better. Seems to want you to be more physical and aggressive with it. But that's not my riding style. I'm the opposite. I try to be very light and smooth on the bike to not unsettle it. I'm more of a maintain corner speed rider than point and shoot. Some of this could be my left leg being weaker than the right (but getting better every month), so perhaps I'm using less leg/body input than I used to and just don't realize it.
I also wonder how much 1300cc of rotating mass affects the handling. I would think it would make the bike want to stay upright and harder to turn versus say, the 790 Duke.
ooops meant to say I dropped the front, raised the forks in the clamps to the third line. it seemed to help might want to give it a try?
The new tires have made a MASSIVE improvement in handling. It's like a whole new bike right now. Damn. It feels like it's on rails. Can't wait to kill some chicken strips this weekend in southeast OH.
Double R, thanks so much for the update. I am surprised the bike doesn't handle as well as you'd thought it may. To date, my 990 Super Duke has the most sublime chassis of any bike I've ridden. While the Adventure was a completely different animal, it still handled pretty well and had good feedback. I would have assumed the GT would simply be a slightly more comfortable version of my old 990.
As I noodle on a potential next bike, the GT is high on the list.
That said, and not to get too personal, but I'm still not feeling the desire for another bike at the moment. It's fun to bench test ride by reading reviews of different bikes and thinking about where I'd ride it. I'm not sure a bike in my garage is anywhere in my near or distant future. For now, I'm going to stick to fly and rides. I may need to join Coleen and Dan in the Alps next or perhaps knock out that California trip I've been wanting to do.
It's funny, but this year's normal one week "solo motorcycle trip," for me is a four-day French cooking school followed by visiting some family and friends.
I noticed this weekend that the SD is very picky about tire pressure. the front was down to 32 and it didn't want to turn it like usual. pumped it up to 39 and it worked fine??
I noticed this weekend that the SD is very picky about tire pressure. the front was down to 32 and it didn't want to turn it like usual. pumped it up to 39 and it worked fine??
I tried slightly lower pressures as well and it didn't handle any better, so I went back to 36/42 (cold) when I put the new tires on. Plus I get this stupid "Rear Tire Pressure" warning when the rear is < 40 psi. I think the shop can change that setting when I bring it in for the suspension software update.
Okay, Garry, I'm starting to narrow down my choices and the SD GT is on the short list.
With a little more time on it, do you have any additional thoughts?
The suspension and engine software upgrade from the 2019 model made a very nice difference (software was free, install was 30 minutes of shop time). Between that and the Michelin tires, I'm a pretty happy camper. I feel very comfortable and relaxed on the bike this year (with the limited riding I've been able to get in). Kind of almost pre-accident relaxed but with a little less desire to push it hard. Ergos and comfort are good to kill a tank of fuel (~200 miles) without stopping, eat lunch/gas up, then kill that tank on the way home. I still don't think it's sport-bike flickable, but all the nice ST touches more than make up for a little extra weight. If I can get a good week-long trip to the southeast this year, I think we will have properly bonded.
Good to know, thanks.
I loved my Super Duke. My two other most favorite bikes included my Ducati ST3 and BMW GS. I'm looking more for a sport touring bike and less of an adventure bike.
On my short list includes the Super Duke GT, the Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour, and the BMW R1250RS. I may add the R1250R on the list since you can buy a decent windscreen for it.
My biggest problem with the KTM is lack of a good local dealer.
Good to know, thanks.
On my short list includes the Super Duke GT, the Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour, and the BMW R1250RS. I may add the R1250R on the list since you can buy a decent windscreen for it.
Don't forget to add the 790R, Bill wants a deal on one in six months.
Glad to see you may be getting back into the fold Doug.
Good to know, thanks.
I loved my Super Duke. My two other most favorite bikes included my Ducati ST3 and BMW GS. I'm looking more for a sport touring bike and less of an adventure bike.
On my short list includes the Super Duke GT, the Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour, and the BMW R1250RS. I may add the R1250R on the list since you can buy a decent windscreen for it.
My biggest problem with the KTM is lack of a good local dealer.
I'm sure you could twist my arm to make a trip down your way to let you have an extended test ride on mine if you want (meet you where the good roads are).