First Ride KTM 690, 2012 vintage

[dcarver]

Dodge dually has bad steering wheel shake, time for clean the mud from rims, balance tires, rotate, check alignment.

Tire store says about 3 hours needed.

Sit in shop and wait or..

Load new to me KTM 690 on little trailer, ride while the tire jockeys do their thing?

Of course!

First impressions?

Wheelie Monster!

Runs a bit warm on temp indicator, normal?

Super light compared to other stable mates.

Flick and Flack, Dash the Gap and GO!

At 518 miles on odo, close to 600 mile service

Woo Hoo, this bitch can run!

70 mph no problem, but passing 3 nose-to-tail semis on 166.. NOT.

Tall. Even taller after proper air in tires and Seat Concepts seat.

Side stand is WONKY. Requires tilting bike to RHS to clear stand 'toe' to pavement.. while on tippy toes..
Might have to have my bud Greg 'influenced' to reduce stand length.

So much FUN!

Strafe the corner, hit the gas, lift the front, hmmm... how much traction does a 21" front tire have?

All in all, phucking LOVE this ride.

~d

[El Toro Joe]

...some people have all the bikes.

[Abercrombie FJR]

A 2012 KTM 690 with just 518 miles on it? That's as bad as the 6 year old 2006 Ducati 999 Superbike i bought with 412 miles on it.

[dcarver]

...some people have all the bikes.

Life is short my friend!

[escapefjrtist]

Sounds like fun DC, keep the knobby side down!

~G