‘Wobbly knees and palpitations’

To highlight the amazing deals that are available on last year’s models we’ve had a 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R on test. You can read Mike Armitage’s considered verdict on page 66, but here’s my unconsidered opinion; it’s flippin’ amazing. At tickover the raucous clatter and harsh notes from the Akrapovic exhaust sound dangerous. It gives you wobbly knees and heart palpitations in the way that a Honda CR500 motocrosser would. Well, maybe not quite that terrifying. But when you climb aboard the power delivery is smooth, controllable and calm. Until you dial in some revs and then everything goes absolutely hatstand bonkers. I can’t even begin to imagine how much better the 2020 version is but I’m looking forward to finding out. And I’ll join the queue for a ride on the new Kawasaki Z H2 as well.

It’s easy to come over all Victor Meldrew about the idea of a 200bhp naked, especially when the comparatively asthmatic 174bhp of last year’s KTM does such an effective job in the arm stretching department. But back in 1955 old codgers reckoned the giddy-making 32bhp of a BSA 500 was an unnecessary and uncontrollable indulgence. I say, ‘bring it on’. Though I might leave it a year until the price drops before I get really excited. I mean, which is the more impressive number when related to a Honda Fireblade? 215bhp for the 2020 model, or £149 a month for the 2019 version? Enjoy the issue, and look forward to the next one too. When I’ve finished writing this we start work on a revamp that’ll make Bike even better.

Ooh, and one last thing. It’s that time of year. A subscription to Bike makes a perfect Christmas gift for sons and daughters, uncles and aunts. Or tell them to buy it for you.