Over the years I've owned 12 motorcycles. Started with a used Honda Sport 90 and the upward march of power ended with a Hayabusa, then with recognition of age I moved "down" to a Triumph Street Triple R and then to my present KTM 890R. Of all the bikes I've owned, I can say that the 890R has been, hands-down, the most outright fun to ride.
Perfect, it resembles everyone's thoughts when being honest in an internal dialogue... but the end conviction is you cant ignore those 2 seconds of extreme acceleration capable of changing the mood for the whole day.
I own both and live in northern Californian. I think there both top notch bikes. That said, both of them have the tech pack and full Akra. Both are hooligan wheely machines . Did I say both are my favorite bike to ride. How can that be. Well both do everything well. It’s true the 1290 motor is so thrilling where you can effortlessly do wheelys at any speed. But the 1290 carry a lot more weight where is the 890 is so light that it handles corner better than the 1290. Not saying the 1290 doesn’t handle corner well because it does. The best way to describe why both are my favorite bike is the motor for the 1290 and the lightness for the 890. They are both equally fun to ride. You would not regret owning ether one of these bikes. My hardest decision is which one to take on my Sunday ride. 😊
Very entertaining video Mat's! Today I went to my local KTM dealer and carried out your comparison. Granted the 890r was sold out so it's the base model with 10hp less and inferior brakes etc but it gave me the overall impression of the 890. I really wanted to love the 890, but then I rode the big daddy and well, 95% of the time you are going to want the beast! The scalpel is so light and flickable but unless you live at the top of the Alps might get over it too quickly. The difference in the handling wasn't world's apart like I imagined it would be. The 890's quick shifter was better and the 1290 was a lot more vibey than thought it would be. Still the beast for me though
For me (I own a 1290), it's all about the twisties, and how twisty they are. If you're doing a lot of open-highway sweeping at illegal speeds, it's the 1290, hands down, because you do get to really see what it's capable of. But if I lived in Northern California and rode on those very tight-arc mountain roads all the time, the 890 would be way better.
I do live in Northern California and honestly I prefer the 1290 Super Duke over the 890 R, the V-Twin feels better to me than a Parallel but I’ve owned two V-Twin classics (RSV Mille & 950 Supermoto) so I may be biased lol but overall I know I should just replace my 2003 R1 with a 890 Duke R but the 2016 1290 SDR w/full Akra system was soooo much fun that I rode recently and the price for the 1290 was $11,999 w/ 15k miles vs $12k+ for the 890 Duke r and that doesn’t include the tech pack you have to purchase just to wheelie the bike 🤦🏾♂️
They're actually wrong about the weights. Stock to stock the 890R is just about as heavy as the 1290R (@ 438lbs full of fuel). It can be made lighter (quite a bit lighter) but you have to start pulling and replacing parts for that. YMMV.
Would it be a different discussion for a markedly heavier and larger rider? There is also the aesthetics for we larger chaps - one thing that attracts me to the 1290 as a prominent items on the short list to replace my 17 S1000R is I make a lot of bikes look small, and so I look slightly clown on a mini bike on bikes like the Tuono. Perhaps your colleague in South Africa might have a view?
It’s an interesting comparison. I’m curious to see how people will feel once we get the spied duke 990. If they keep the weight down the extra bump in displacement will probably close the gap quite a bit
I have both of them, and I love both of them for the exact reasons mentioned in this video. I also have a 690 Duke and a Yamaha R6. All of them see the track and streets rides as well.
@@GhostHammerX, For the street & twisties, I like the 890 Duke R best; for track riding, it depends on which track I go to. For the short tight tracks, I like the 690; for the longer but technical tracks, I like the 890; for the faster open-flowing tracks, I like the SDR and R6. However, if I had to pick the best overall winner, the 890 Duke R is it.
Awesome show Matt. Still a difficult choice, the younger me would also go for 1290, but at a much higher cost in SA, maybe the 890 is an good alternative.
Genuinely original. Had a spin on a 2020? Super Duke recently. Vibrated more than a clothes drier with a brick in it. But I did just dismount from my 21 Ape. The Ape also seemed (to my butt dyno) to go much harder throughout the rev range. Mabie my butt dynos a bit odd? Ps. Could you do a vid comparing the 21+Ape and the RS 660.
I've said this in other comment sections. I like the 890 Duke, except the exhaust positioned to melt luggage. I know there is an optional luggage rack, but I doubt it will be available at my dealer. I know there are probably ways to reroute the exhaust, but aftermarket exhaust in the US mostly follows the stock routing. So, to me I really prefer a bike that isn't just fun, but also useful.
This is an interesting discussion, for a motorcycle journalist with a lot of experience. Does the same ring true for the normal Joe Average rider, I believe that most mere mortals riding on a winding would actually be faster on the 890 because it would be a lot easier to ride. Someone who poodles around corners and then hits the throttle when going in a straight line is going to love the 1290. On a more open type road there is no comparison. Riding which one would it be easier to keep your license?
I have ridden both Street RS and 890R, both are in same kinda class, but on the 890R you feels like it's almost 50kg lighter than Street, don't know how..🤔🤔🤔
Trellis frame will always win the weight test lol look at older ducatis and KTM’s 950/990 (fun fact: the Ktm 990 super Duke had the lightest engine in its class when it came out)
Never been on a bike with too much power. The only thing I don’t like is when there is so much power 1st hear goes to oomph and 2nd gear to 140mph and you just can’t get at it (talking about you SFV4). I’d rather smaller lower gears and just manage the front end with my wrist. That’s the feeling of REAL power and adrenaline.
Edit: Well I now own both of them. I was wrong! The 890 is just as fun to ride as my 1290 is. Brilliantly done. Your videos are top notch. Let me add a second opinion. I would love to have the 890r. But I already own the 1290r and I’m hugely spoiled by the smile that the 1290r motor give me(I’m a power junky btw). I’m afraid 890r just won’t check all the boxes like the 1290r does. But who know I haven’t ridden one yet.
I have often made a monkey of superbike riders round Lowveld twisties on a 390 Duke... you can only use so much power and speed when leaning 8nchez off the ground...
It's really about the environment you're in and have access to more often. Tbh, it's a no brianer for me leaning towards the 890 because it's absolutely fast enough and it runs cooler when hot around which is the majority of the time where I stay. Also its more agile and equally good fun. Plus cheaper! It also is the perfect bike to become a very good rider on and chance are will take me a really long time to reach its limits before I need to upgrade for more power!
Good arguments from both of yourselves!!!! I owned a Xr1000 for a while in 2017, did not enjoy it as much as I do now on my recent purchase, a F900XR, while its not got the power, it is far more enjoyable and rewarding and goes round twisty's a lot better, for me anyway!! and the 1000XR isn't worth 8K more !!
Sold my 790 duke for k9 gsxr750 and it's definitely better at everything the 790 wasn't. While I do miss the sound and torque I remained myself there are V4 tuonos out there for less money than 890 duke.
tego mi właśnie trzeba, starszy ode mnie i sport w głowie😅(nie dużo, ale jednak starszy). mam zzr1100, zx10r i zx12r. czas na 1290 gt (bo brzuch mi urósł)🤣🤣🤣 to jedyny teraz porządny motocykl z porządnym zbiornikiem na paliwo a z wiekiem okazało się potrafię docenić zasięg i wygodę zzr1100. zx10r jest electric orange więc nie będzie się gryzło. czuj się muzą 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I tried the 1290 and it was amazing, I had a nervous laugh the first time I opened the throttle all the way in. But I currently have the 790. There is already enough power to have a lot of fun in the twisties, even for a skilled rider. Actually, I've ridden with people having bigger bikes, and some told me they were impressed how I could jump out of the corners faster than they could with 150+hp... Mine "only" have 105hp, but I use all of them because it is manageable. The 1290's power is basically unusable, unless you're on a straight line or on a track. On the road, either you don't use all the power, or you will end up loosing your license, or in the graveyard. None of those options are very exciting. If money wasn't a concern, I would upgrade to the 890R for the better brakes and suspensions, but I wouldn't take the 1290
I used to own a 890 Duke R; then i replaced it with 1290 Adv s. The 1290 Adv is a very powerful and versatile engine. But sometimes I miss the agility and lightness of the 890 Duke R.
Its not a bike show with one host Mat, we need the other characters, you know the super tall guy with the wild hair and wiggling when he talks. Then there is Don who is the adventurous rider who wants to be a racer boy rider who doubles as an off road dirt donker. What happened to those guys? We need them on the job here. Get to it boys get on the job.
Power corrupts your thinking and ultimate power can really currupt your decisions when it comes to a better smaller bike with better balance verses a brutishly powerful bigger bike. I guess it all depends on where you ride. Do you live in the mountains or all around them, or do you live in the wide open spaces where enforcement of speeds is a little slack, let’s say. In America in general, the bigger bike is the choice, the smaller 890 would be left for the California canyons or Colorado rockies. I cant see the logic in the smaller bike over here across the pond. Being Don’s age exactly, i favor the 1200 size bikes. The days of a 750 satisfying my riding have left me. I suppose the reason for that can be the actual size of the bike seems smallish and for those with smaller frames now that i have crossed the 200 lb barrier of ones self size. Getting on a 650 or 850 seems like a mini version of what i expect on a bike, especially a 650 or 500. Maybe its not my age but my feel for a bike that influences me. The last time i “Felt” good on a 650 was when i owned a Honda CX650 turbo. The bike felt just the right size. Power was unlike a 650, the bike was much heavier than other 650s of the day but it had the power to corrupt you. That feeling of the rush and pull on the handlebars from your hands to your shoulders was super satisfying. The protection from the fairing and the low frequency of the V-twin rumbling below, gave you so much satisfaction. Not to mention the anti-dive front forks, comstar wheels, dual twin piston front calipers and discs. THe spot on fuel injection system would allow you to peg the throttle in second gear at low revs and when the engine hit the right rpm the turbo boost would grab hold start the push forward gently lofting the front wheel the right amount and after the peak power started to trail off the bike would set the front wheel down in a gentle controlled manner, the whole while your smile pushed your cheeks into the helmet foam on the sides of your head. Riding the CX650t at night was also a pleasure with its great three piece headlight. I was in MC love. I can still feel it today, 40 years later. No other V-Twin ever satisfied me as much or entertained me with a rush through the power band. The seat was actually wide enough to be comfortable for all day trips. The gas tank was large enough to last the road miles you could cover at speed. Shaft drive, special chrome tool kit, special color matched keys, locking gas cap, the bike was complete. The only flaw was a set of narrow tires that didn’t meet the standard of the day for grip and traction. The 110n front and 120 rear, just wasn’t enough for the 100 bhp the bike produced in 1983. The bike was a great sport touring bike,ahead of its time. I toured on the bike with a tank bag, tail pack and soft bags, no hard bags were available from Honda for the bike. Honda and the motorcycling press misdiagnosed the bike, they called it a Sport Bike, but it was a sport touring bike, not meant to compete with the 900 or 1000cc sport bikes also of the day. I actually traded in a VF1000F Honda for the CX650t. The VF100F being a 1994 and the CX650t was a left over 1983 still in its crate! I was frustrated by the VF100Fs bad camshaft pitting problem ad the replacement Cams lowered the peak HP by about 5 HP and that fact ticked me off. I was also unhappy with the very light feel of the Hondas front wheel at high speeds, the 1000F was not a well balanced bike. The CX650t was a deal with the proper feel. Fore the first time and only time on a bike deal, the Honda Dealer paid me money for a trade in. The VF1000F was worth more than the CX650t being the VF was in demand and the CX was not. Oh, that feeeeeeeling, I miss it!
I would avoid both of them. Stick to Japanese bikes. Japanese bikes have an unmatched "bullet-proof" reIiability. I've heard reliability issues with KTM bikes.
Over the years I've owned 12 motorcycles. Started with a used Honda Sport 90 and the upward march of power ended with a Hayabusa, then with recognition of age I moved "down" to a Triumph Street Triple R and then to my present KTM 890R. Of all the bikes I've owned, I can say that the 890R has been, hands-down, the most outright fun to ride.
You are right..There are many polished and reliable bikes out there .But KTM makes the funnest bikes out there...Period.
Perfect, it resembles everyone's thoughts when being honest in an internal dialogue... but the end conviction is you cant ignore those 2 seconds of extreme acceleration capable of changing the mood for the whole day.
😂😂I have had these types of conversations in my head when looking at buying a new bike!
Bravo! Absolute mega idea and editing!( and informative) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Really enjoyed this format, thank you Matt
Always enjoy the show, thanks Mat
Amazing way of reviewing guys, thanks for this!
I own both and live in northern Californian. I think there both top notch bikes. That said, both of them have the tech pack and full Akra. Both are hooligan wheely machines . Did I say both are my favorite bike to ride. How can that be. Well both do everything well. It’s true the 1290 motor is so thrilling where you can effortlessly do wheelys at any speed. But the 1290 carry a lot more weight where is the 890 is so light that it handles corner better than the 1290. Not saying the 1290 doesn’t handle corner well because it does. The best way to describe why both are my favorite bike is the motor for the 1290 and the lightness for the 890. They are both equally fun to ride. You would not regret owning ether one of these bikes. My hardest decision is which one to take on my Sunday ride. 😊
Love the concept, and the acting!
I've got a new 890r, it's so light and nimble and I could ride it all day, absolutely love the thing
Excellent video!
This was fantastic start to finish, great review and very entertaining
Great idea and review 👍
Very entertaining video Mat's! Today I went to my local KTM dealer and carried out your comparison. Granted the 890r was sold out so it's the base model with 10hp less and inferior brakes etc but it gave me the overall impression of the 890. I really wanted to love the 890, but then I rode the big daddy and well, 95% of the time you are going to want the beast! The scalpel is so light and flickable but unless you live at the top of the Alps might get over it too quickly. The difference in the handling wasn't world's apart like I imagined it would be. The 890's quick shifter was better and the 1290 was a lot more vibey than thought it would be. Still the beast for me though
For me (I own a 1290), it's all about the twisties, and how twisty they are. If you're doing a lot of open-highway sweeping at illegal speeds, it's the 1290, hands down, because you do get to really see what it's capable of. But if I lived in Northern California and rode on those very tight-arc mountain roads all the time, the 890 would be way better.
I do live in Northern California and honestly I prefer the 1290 Super Duke over the 890 R, the V-Twin feels better to me than a Parallel but I’ve owned two V-Twin classics (RSV Mille & 950 Supermoto) so I may be biased lol but overall I know I should just replace my 2003 R1 with a 890 Duke R but the 2016 1290 SDR w/full Akra system was soooo much fun that I rode recently and the price for the 1290 was $11,999 w/ 15k miles vs $12k+ for the 890 Duke r and that doesn’t include the tech pack you have to purchase just to wheelie the bike 🤦🏾♂️
Now the question gen 2 or gen 3 1290? I've heard arguments both ways for that
The 1290 is pretty light for what it is, maybe heavier then an 890 but the extra 60hp is just to addicting ;p
They're actually wrong about the weights. Stock to stock the 890R is just about as heavy as the 1290R (@ 438lbs full of fuel). It can be made lighter (quite a bit lighter) but you have to start pulling and replacing parts for that. YMMV.
I bought a 1290R Evo in part because of this review. I have no regrets.
What a nice and enjoyable way to do a comparison. Reason would say 890 R but with bikes is often irrationality that wins 😂✌
Would it be a different discussion for a markedly heavier and larger rider? There is also the aesthetics for we larger chaps - one thing that attracts me to the 1290 as a prominent items on the short list to replace my 17 S1000R is I make a lot of bikes look small, and so I look slightly clown on a mini bike on bikes like the Tuono. Perhaps your colleague in South Africa might have a view?
It’s an interesting comparison. I’m curious to see how people will feel once we get the spied duke 990. If they keep the weight down the extra bump in displacement will probably close the gap quite a bit
This was an awesome video 😂 these two guys are awesome! ❤❤
The 890 woulkd be more than enough for me.
I have both of them, and I love both of them for the exact reasons mentioned in this video. I also have a 690 Duke and a Yamaha R6. All of them see the track and streets rides as well.
Which is your favorite on the street? Which is your favorite in the twisties? Which is your favorite on the track?
@@GhostHammerX, For the street & twisties, I like the 890 Duke R best; for track riding, it depends on which track I go to. For the short tight tracks, I like the 690; for the longer but technical tracks, I like the 890; for the faster open-flowing tracks, I like the SDR and R6. However, if I had to pick the best overall winner, the 890 Duke R is it.
@@K-Mac_Racing_55 thanks!! 👌
Great. Thank you)
Awesome show Matt.
Still a difficult choice, the younger me would also go for 1290, but at a much higher cost in SA, maybe the 890 is an good alternative.
Now that is a real first world dilemma. If enough is just right, too much must be even better.
That was fun! Can’t remember which one of you said it.. but if I had had the extra gold I’d have purchased the 1290..
Bloody Hell! Where has been Matt's twin all this time
Haha like the editing with 2 Matt's
Genuinely original.
Had a spin on a 2020? Super Duke recently. Vibrated more than a clothes drier with a brick in it. But I did just dismount from my 21 Ape.
The Ape also seemed (to my butt dyno) to go much harder throughout the rev range. Mabie my butt dynos a bit odd?
Ps. Could you do a vid comparing the 21+Ape and the RS 660.
I hate the RS6Shitty so much 🤢 maybe because I work at a ape dealership… 660 customers are the worst especially newer riders 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
I've said this in other comment sections. I like the 890 Duke, except the exhaust positioned to melt luggage. I know there is an optional luggage rack, but I doubt it will be available at my dealer. I know there are probably ways to reroute the exhaust, but aftermarket exhaust in the US mostly follows the stock routing. So, to me I really prefer a bike that isn't just fun, but also useful.
This is an interesting discussion, for a motorcycle journalist with a lot of experience. Does the same ring true for the normal Joe Average rider, I believe that most mere mortals riding on a winding would actually be faster on the 890 because it would be a lot easier to ride. Someone who poodles around corners and then hits the throttle when going in a straight line is going to love the 1290. On a more open type road there is no comparison. Riding which one would it be easier to keep your license?
where is the third funny one with the motorhome ?
I forgot, what were they talking about?
I have ridden both Street RS and 890R, both are in same kinda class, but on the 890R you feels like it's almost 50kg lighter than Street, don't know how..🤔🤔🤔
Trellis frame will always win the weight test lol look at older ducatis and KTM’s 950/990
(fun fact: the Ktm 990 super Duke had the lightest engine in its class when it came out)
@@NudaMan . Ohhh maaan, that old 990 is a monster, a serious widow maker...Hope the upcoming 990 will be a worthy successor...😍😍🥰🥰
Enjoyed the video . You obviously haven't changed a bit.
Never been on a bike with too much power. The only thing I don’t like is when there is so much power 1st hear goes to oomph and 2nd gear to 140mph and you just can’t get at it (talking about you SFV4). I’d rather smaller lower gears and just manage the front end with my wrist. That’s the feeling of REAL power and adrenaline.
Edit: Well I now own both of them. I was wrong! The 890 is just as fun to ride as my 1290 is.
Brilliantly done. Your videos are top notch. Let me add a second opinion. I would love to have the 890r. But I already own the 1290r and I’m hugely spoiled by the smile that the 1290r motor give me(I’m a power junky btw). I’m afraid 890r just won’t check all the boxes like the 1290r does. But who know I haven’t ridden one yet.
You can ride a fast bike slow. But you can't ride a slower bike fast. Going down in power feels like a downgrade.
@Ralph Warom, it's more fun to ride a slow bile fast than it is to ride a fast bike slow
Maan,that Surgery blade scene almost gave me a heart attack..🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
I have often made a monkey of superbike riders round Lowveld twisties on a 390 Duke... you can only use so much power and speed when leaning 8nchez off the ground...
It's really about the environment you're in and have access to more often. Tbh, it's a no brianer for me leaning towards the 890 because it's absolutely fast enough and it runs cooler when hot around which is the majority of the time where I stay. Also its more agile and equally good fun. Plus cheaper! It also is the perfect bike to become a very good rider on and chance are will take me a really long time to reach its limits before I need to upgrade for more power!
I bought the 890R over the 1290, just because the 890R was much more fun for me
Good arguments from both of yourselves!!!! I owned a Xr1000 for a while in 2017, did not enjoy it as much as I do now on my recent purchase, a F900XR, while its not got the power, it is far more enjoyable and rewarding and goes round twisty's a lot better, for me anyway!! and the 1000XR isn't worth 8K more !!
Like the 890.
Sold my 790 duke for k9 gsxr750 and it's definitely better at everything the 790 wasn't. While I do miss the sound and torque I remained myself there are V4 tuonos out there for less money than 890 duke.
Ducati V4 Streetfighter!! One of the great engines and naked bike!!
Yeahh. It's an awesome bike...but it is twice as thirsty as the 1290 SDR...
@@abymathew295 and maybe a MT-10 lmao
@@NudaMan . MT 10 is a great bike, it has everything you could ask for, except it's looks, it's a bit polarizing.
@@abymathew295 it’s not a large SUV so does it really matter?! Fun 🤩
@@Speedracer155 . Large SUV.??? I think it's even worse than that.
tego mi właśnie trzeba, starszy ode mnie i sport w głowie😅(nie dużo, ale jednak starszy). mam zzr1100, zx10r i zx12r. czas na 1290 gt (bo brzuch mi urósł)🤣🤣🤣 to jedyny teraz porządny motocykl z porządnym zbiornikiem na paliwo a z wiekiem okazało się potrafię docenić zasięg i wygodę zzr1100. zx10r jest electric orange więc nie będzie się gryzło. czuj się muzą 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I tried the 1290 and it was amazing, I had a nervous laugh the first time I opened the throttle all the way in.
But I currently have the 790. There is already enough power to have a lot of fun in the twisties, even for a skilled rider. Actually, I've ridden with people having bigger bikes, and some told me they were impressed how I could jump out of the corners faster than they could with 150+hp... Mine "only" have 105hp, but I use all of them because it is manageable.
The 1290's power is basically unusable, unless you're on a straight line or on a track. On the road, either you don't use all the power, or you will end up loosing your license, or in the graveyard. None of those options are very exciting.
If money wasn't a concern, I would upgrade to the 890R for the better brakes and suspensions, but I wouldn't take the 1290
Very interesting and well done. Can we get away from KTM for awhile?
I know a few who've sold their KTM because of poor after sales back up
I wish Kawasaki would make a Z H1
Duke 890 more fun🤙🔥 Superduke YOU only can use half trotle🤪
I reckon that's the same bloke, but done with a split screen..
Shallow ain't the word....
11:23 illusion lost 😕
I used to own a 890 Duke R; then i replaced it with 1290 Adv s. The 1290 Adv is a very powerful and versatile engine. But sometimes I miss the agility and lightness of the 890 Duke R.
But 1290 SAS is a super duper bike.With a proper suspension setting that thing could give nightmare for a dedicated supersport.
@@abymathew295 yes , exactly. Different type of adrenaline😃
What the hell kind of a comparison is that?
KTM Superduke 1290 R is the best
Cutie grandpa rider
Its not a bike show with one host Mat, we need the other characters, you know the super tall guy with the wild hair and wiggling when he talks. Then there is Don who is the adventurous rider who wants to be a racer boy rider who doubles as an off road dirt donker. What happened to those guys? We need them on the job here. Get to it boys get on the job.
Power corrupts your thinking and ultimate power can really currupt your decisions when it comes to a better smaller bike with better balance verses a brutishly powerful bigger bike. I guess it all depends on where you ride. Do you live in the mountains or all around them, or do you live in the wide open spaces where enforcement of speeds is a little slack, let’s say. In America in general, the bigger bike is the choice, the smaller 890 would be left for the California canyons or Colorado rockies.
I cant see the logic in the smaller bike over here across the pond.
Being Don’s age exactly, i favor the 1200 size bikes. The days of a 750 satisfying my riding have left me. I suppose the reason for that can be the actual size of the bike seems smallish and for those with smaller frames now that i have crossed the 200 lb barrier of ones self size. Getting on a 650 or 850 seems like a mini version of what i expect on a bike, especially a 650 or 500.
Maybe its not my age but my feel for a bike that influences me. The last time i “Felt” good on a 650 was when i owned a Honda CX650 turbo. The bike felt just the right size. Power was unlike a 650, the bike was much heavier than other 650s of the day but it had the power to corrupt you. That feeling of the rush and pull on the handlebars from your hands to your shoulders was super satisfying. The protection from the fairing and the low frequency of the V-twin rumbling below, gave you so much satisfaction. Not to mention the anti-dive front forks, comstar wheels, dual twin piston front calipers and discs. THe spot on fuel injection system would allow you to peg the throttle in second gear at low revs and when the engine hit the right rpm the turbo boost would grab hold start the push forward gently lofting the front wheel the right amount and after the peak power started to trail off the bike would set the front wheel down in a gentle controlled manner, the whole while your smile pushed your cheeks into the helmet foam on the sides of your head. Riding the CX650t at night was also a pleasure with its great three piece headlight. I was in MC love.
I can still feel it today, 40 years later. No other V-Twin ever satisfied me as much or entertained me with a rush through the power band. The seat was actually wide enough to be comfortable for all day trips. The gas tank was large enough to last the road miles you could cover at speed. Shaft drive, special chrome tool kit, special color matched keys, locking gas cap, the bike was complete. The only flaw was a set of narrow tires that didn’t meet the standard of the day for grip and traction. The 110n front and 120 rear, just wasn’t enough for the 100 bhp the bike produced in 1983.
The bike was a great sport touring bike,ahead of its time. I toured on the bike with a tank bag, tail pack and soft bags, no hard bags were available from Honda for the bike. Honda and the motorcycling press misdiagnosed the bike, they called it a Sport Bike, but it was a sport touring bike, not meant to compete with the 900 or 1000cc sport bikes also of the day. I actually traded in a VF1000F Honda for the CX650t. The VF100F being a 1994 and the CX650t was a left over 1983 still in its crate! I was frustrated by the VF100Fs bad camshaft pitting problem ad the replacement Cams lowered the peak HP by about 5 HP and that fact ticked me off. I was also unhappy with the very light feel of the Hondas front wheel at high speeds, the 1000F was not a well balanced bike. The CX650t was a deal with the proper feel. Fore the first time and only time on a bike deal, the Honda Dealer paid me money for a trade in. The VF1000F was worth more than the CX650t being the VF was in demand and the CX was not.
Oh, that feeeeeeeling, I miss it!
Hahaha
See first 😀
why is there duck tape on your superduke? that dont look good for a 15k bike🤣
I would avoid both of them. Stick to Japanese bikes. Japanese bikes have an unmatched "bullet-proof" reIiability. I've heard reliability issues with KTM bikes.
Matt, I never knew you'd had plastic surgery (your going under the scalpel comment), I can't see the join mate.
Interesting subject, disappointed with this presentation & stupid format. No actual physical riding of the bikes makes the video boring