KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R
THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN…
Right lads and lasses, I want you to picture this for yourselves; close your eyes – in fact, no, scrap that, that’s a bad idea as you won’t get my drift. So, just imagine hitting up some of the finest stretches of asphalt this land has to offer, coupled with some rather uncharacteristically decent weather and some absolutely spectacular landscapes. Add to the mix an utterly mind blowing ballistic missile of the two wheeled variety – one that Kim Jong Un himself would be proud of, and I think you’re probably getting where I’m going with this. If not, don’t worry, I’ve always been shit at telling a story, and all you need to know was that Wales was mega and the Super D was even more so!
So this month myself and my noble steed, accompanied by my dad on his Street Triple R, embarked on a cheeky little three day jaunt to and around the Welsh countryside. And what a hoot we had! Thankfully, only a few days earlier, I had a comfort Ergo seat fitted, along with a set of heated grips to keep my skinny mitts warm. I’m a bit of a fussy fool and insist on wearing my trusty Knox Handroid summer gloves year-round, regardless of weather. For me riding in winter gloves is a bit like wearing a johnnie when getting jiggy with the Mrs. Therefore, as you can imagine, I’m now a happy chappie, as I’m able to retain the feel I want when riding in summer gloves while the heated grips do their thing and ensure I don’t loose any digits due to frost bite when the mercury decides to plummet southward. What’s more is the fact that there’s no need for any additional buttons, it’s all operated directly through the dash and existing toggle switches and provides three levels of toastiness to select from – well worth every penny of the £165 if you ask me.
That paired with the addition of the Ergo seat, featuring 3D structural mesh technology, further elevated the comfort level to make what was an already comfortable bike even more so!
However, if you deem yourself as being a vertically challenged type of chap then you may struggle somewhat with the additional 20mm in seat height that it carries – taking the overall measurement up to a substantial 855mm. I’m 5ft 10in and don’t find the extra height an issue, that is until I’m riding with the rear luggage bag attached to the pillion seat.
I find myself having to adopt a rather awkward manoeuvre in order to cock a leg over, making me look like a clumsy, three footed ballerina – which is not an especially good look, and makes you feel like a bit of a nob (or simply even more so of one). Having clocked just shy of 900 miles over the three days, I can honestly say that I didn’t feel any dire need to stop for a break other than to take a wazz or grab a coffee.
Whether we were bellowing through the valleys, firing out of mountain switchbacks, grumbling our way through sleepy villages or chasing break-neck speeds on some of the fast, flowing, winding A-roads, this big beastie never failed to impress.
I’m now left hoping that the Akra’ system I’ve ordered will be available this coming month – it’s been on back order a while – as I’m flamin’ itching to unleash some true twin tunes and ditch the stock wanky looking pipe for something a little tastier!