GARY KTM 790 DUKE
THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN… riding it here, there and everywhere
If you’d read my termer column last month, you’d know that I’d fallen for the 790 Duke after a little bit of a rough start. This meant that the little Duke has been everywhere with me this month – most notably to Devil’s Island for a couple of laps during TT fortnight. It was good to get an eye in the KTM as the trip meant a few long motorway runs which was a good test, and even though the KTM isn’t really built for ‘em it wasn’t that bad to be fair – even with my big frame on board. Saying that though, the protection from the elements is non-existent so keep that in mind when the weather is a bit crap. This trip also meant I had excuse to get some luggage strapped on for the first time, and I always plaster my bits on the seat as I personally don’t like wearing rucksacks.
This proved to be a bit of a faux pas however, as the short exhaust burnt a hole through the bag and my new Hugo Boss shirt inside. Wonderful.
Aside from the minor fire though, things did improve. Riding around the TT course is always good, but I have to say that the Duke was utterly brilliant
– especially across the mountain, and was flat out most of the way. I wish I knew my way round there as I’m pretty sure that the 790 would embarrass some big bikes across the speed limit free mountain section with a more knowledgeable pilot on board, and even though it isn’t overloaded with power, it felt like it had enough go to keep me more than entertained.
There are a few things I’ve found myself fancying though, and a long trip really highlights the need for an on-board charging facility in this modern gadget-filled world we live in, so I’ve got one on order from the Powerparts catalogue. I’ll be trying to fit it myself when it arrives, so next month’s column will no doubt show images of a pile of ashes as the Duke bursts into flames from my dodgy attempt at wiring it. I do hope it’s a simple plug and play item, but then again, it would be payback for the t-shirt!
Aside from the charger, I have managed to fit a new pair of boots to the 790 in the form of Bridgestone’s excellent S22. I’ve really enjoyed using these hoops, and once scrubbed in they transformed the bike – especially in the wet. I’m really starting to gel with the 790 now, and I think it’s time for a track day soon. I race at Mallory with EMRA so it would make sense for me to take it there and see what it’s like on track. I