I go there all the time. ...but please feel free to gush anywhere you like. LOL This thread is about everything BUT the ZX-14 anyway. Kruz's logic is that if it is general and not specific and it has even the vaguest relationship to a ZX-14, it should go in this section. I think that pretty much includes what you ate last night before you thought about riding your ZX-14 and everything else....as long as it has something to do with the 14.

..generally speaking.

Went to the KTM dealer today to sit on a 1290 Super Duke and the sales guy cranked it up for me on the showroom floor, all I have to say is what a sweet sounding twin! I like this bike, I'm just not sure I like it to the tune of $19,300 out the door. When I balked at the drive out he said he has room to "work with me" on the price. I think these bikes are waaaay cool and would be a blast to ride. He told me to bring my gear next time and take one out for a spin. That could be dangerous!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/17/2015 @ 7:45 AM *

Awesome Kruz!Do it.You want this bike...obviously...so own her...with FULL write up and PICS!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/16/2015 @ 10:57 PM *

Grn you're going to get me into trouble for sure. Yea, I like it a lot but am trying to justify buying one. It is an ultimate hooligan machine, not going to have crazy top speed like the H2 but there's something about it that stirs me. Top speed is just over 160, no faster than my ZX6R but the torque is supposed to be epic. Everyone I've talked to said that to switch off the TC and wheelie control with caution as it is that insane. Rook does not approve though...lol!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/17/2015 @ 7:44 AM *

Kruz, that bike sits at the dealer, as I've seen one on line for less are a few leftover 2014's. They are way overpriced. If I kbb a 2014, trade-in is around 11k. 15k if purchased used. And the crap about the bank using this price as how much they'll loan to float your bike trad-in anshit?... there you go, give it right back. You know that demo is being beat up every time out. You'll slam the steering bearings how many times is that neck stressing on the bounce?

"Justifying the purchase"...well...yeah...you know what it is...what it can do(pretty much).Won't your 10 or CBR do that as well?Top speed is a rush,but not something a guy can do all over,all the time.Lest he wants to die.Midrange is where it's at.Low and midrange.Street wise anyway.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/17/2015 @ 9:35 AM *

Yep Hub, when they speak first and say they'll deal on a '15 before I even ask, they're having trouble moving iron.
Last year they went out as fast as they came in, this year they have plenty. Yes, over priced, $2000-$2500 more than the BMW or Two Juan Oh. Don't know wether it's worth that much. What do you think I can get on drive out on a '15. The bit about the neck stressed, you mean all the wheelies? No, not worried about that at all, frame looks he'll for stout.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/17/2015 @ 8:44 PM *

Grn, my 10R or CBR would probably outgun it, it's a naked, so it tops out around 165 mph, it's the crazy ass torque and hooligan looks that is the USP on this machine. You won't see one of these everyday, they're pricey so kids can't afford them.

You might want to ask this guy about the 1290.

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=E9AE4190-B8F9-B085-6456E262949B839C&show=0

See what they say you start out at 13k before door? Let them make the profit on the trade-in you thin the fleet down. I could run around & goof and see how much they'd bite I waste their time. Right at this moment, I have a [pig trade] 30k miles, 2003 wide glide, with paint an chrome; the guy wants to trade me for the BSA. That's kbb's 5k and change is his trade-in, 7k and change is the used retail price. The guy thinks he can get 10k with all the goodies, very clean, etc. I now trade in the wide glide and juan oh know, [that too], a few grand out of pocket for tax and license; I settle for the 2014 leftover. Or, I sell the wide and the oh know, hardly shell any money out of pocket. That's how I have to work it on this end. Besides, my BSA rises and his lowers in value as the years go by. This was a conversation I had with someone a few days ago. I may decline on the trade. Wadda ya think?

Hub, I don't like to trade in, I like the old bikes, all are useful and fun. I'm guessing they need to knock at least $2000 off the drive out price and I may bite. Everything I'm hearing about the 1290 says it's a really fun bike to own, we'll see where this all goes.

My dealer has only '15s in stock, the '14s are all sold out.

You should read up 'n education at the superduke forum.

I was on there recently getting edu-macated about the 1290 Super Adventure (alot in common with the SD). I came to learn the SD has some unique, ummmm, "issues", regards wheel bearings, and oil filters (crushing).

Eyes Wide Open.

* Last updated by: mebgardner on 5/18/2015 @ 1:24 PM *

... some unique, ummmm, "issues", regards wheel bearings, and oil filters (crushing).

That's a Pass on the beast...

Thanks for the heads up, I have heard of issues due to the single sided swingarm but understood the issues were corrected on the '15s. First I've heard of the oil filter crushing.

I logged onto the 1290 Forum and found exactly one crushed oil filter, looked like a gorilla on the assembly line flattened it but apparently not a widespread issue. I lump this in the same category as my ZX-10R stripped clutch basket screw and over torqued oil filters. These are built by humans and they occasionally have a bad day.

The rear wheel bearing play didn't seem to be much of a problem either, posters on the forum said to have bearing play checked when servicing.

The vast majority of members seem to love their Super Duke Rs, have you heard differently?

Hub, I get the feeling you are not going to like this bike no matter what, am I right?

* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/18/2015 @ 3:33 PM *

I'd take the H2 over the 1290 just for the engineering of it. Too bulletproof is the product.

H2 is too expensive for me and we don't know the issues yet ... and there will be, always is.

They won't always be this price...I don't think so.I don't anticipate any issues with this bike,just as didn't with all my 14's.And there weren't.I should say...mine.Kawasaki just makes great bikes...in all the years of owning and railing on my Kawasaki's,I NEVER had any issues.Well...I did have a couple of fork seal things.But that was my fault entirely.The motors and such ran great straight out the gate...and stayed that way.This H2 feels very well built.The motor feels excellent.If you buy any new 'superbike',and add pipes and flash...you're gonna be close to 25K.There isn't that much difference actually.I think the 25K was a decent price for this bike.Stock factory,she's a great runner.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/19/2015 @ 7:00 AM *

Hope you're right Grn, my 2011 ZX-10R had three recalls and a clutch issue. My '09 ZX-6R had a coolant leak, recall on the regulator/rectifier and has a high pitch gear whine. My '06 ZX-14 has the CCT clatter and rocker cover oil leak. Still great bikes agreed but my Kawis seem to have more problems out of the box than my Hondas. On the flip side , the Kawis are more engaging rides so a mixed bag really.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/20/2015 @ 12:49 PM *

Agreed.Things can happen for sure.All my bikes have been trouble free...but that doesn't mean they're ALL like that.As ya say...time will tell how the new Ninja does.So far,so good...about 1700 miles of cool railing.

Hub, a must read from an Australian roadracer who bought the Superduke, fear this machine!!!

http://www.mcnews.com.au/ktm-1290-superduke-r-first-impression-with-jon-falzon/

This bike is a true "Beast"!

See Kruzer...you want this machine...yes,you do.