[POE]

Interesting atricle:

https://advrider.com...-be-a-good-fit/

[POE]

KTM seems to have come a long way in recent times. I know there's a lot of fans here in MN. And like CBR600F4i (Andy), I'm a fan of the SD1290R and it's on my list of potential street bikes when I'm ready to buy another big street bike. (The Indian FTR1200 is another.) I'm curious if Ducati would change much if owned by KTM. I can't imagine so, but I don't know how KTM corporate handles things like that at all so I can't speculate. But as we know, and the article states, after they bought Husky their bikes are nearly identical to KTM models. I'm sure that's due to being in the same market segment, though. Not as relevant for Ducati's lineup.

[miweber929]

This is an old article, even though it's dated 1/31 on ADV rider.

Ducati isn't looking for a new buyer and Audi isn't looking to sell it, that's been confirmed by Duc brass and discussed to death on the Ducati forums. The KTM CEO just said that would be an interest sort of in passing and it got kind of blown up into something it's not. KTM isn't making true sport bike anymore so why would they want to buy a company that thrives on pure sport bikes? I think it was just talk.

I can say in my experience Ducati quality is better than it's every been, KTM is another good brand. If they keep both going that direction, I'm good.

[POE]

I should have clicked on the link for the original interview. It's from July 12 2018. Oh well.

I thought it was interesting gossip to discuss over winter. I thought any buyout would be a long shot since it was only a couple casual statements from KTM, but it's still fun to talk and speculate about the possibilities and the industry in general.


How about them Ducati girls at IMS??? Oh, wait...

[crakerjac]

I'm still trolling around for a Duke 690. Something like that would be a blast. 1290 would be awesome but it's no fun having all them ponies and cannot use them.

[POE]

crakerjac, on 05 February 2019 - 03:51 PM, said:

1290 would be awesome but it's no fun having all them ponies and cannot use them.

After track days and racing for years, the times of wanting more out of a 600 has come and passed. A more powerful bike would be fun, especially a torque monster. A liter bike would be fun too but my next street machine is going to be a more comfortable/standard riding position. I'll keep the track bikes for the track and get some grunt giggles on the street. My roommate is going to put a new Indian FTR1200 in the garage and he said I have to ride it. I'm very curious how it handles the 120hp and 85tq. I hear good things, but it's still quite a bit shy of the KTM.

FTR 1200 120hp/ 85trq Wet weight: 508 -Pwr/Wgt hp/trq: 0.236hp/0.167trq
SD 1290R 177hp/106trq Wet weight: 472 -Pwr/Wgt hp/trq: 0.375hp/0.225trq

[CBR600F4i]

From the article:
Ducati is the Ferrari of the motorcycle industry.

Not sure I agree with this statement at all. I have always thought of Ducati as over priced and cost of ownership too high to be worth the hassle of saying I own a Ducati. They just don’t have the clout.


As far as the SDR goes that bike is a fucking blast. The weight is so down low on the bike it begs to be dropped into the corners. I was never concerned about too much power because it is so predictable how it comes on. Anything from closed throttle to half it accelerates no faster than my SV but if you open it up past half you better hold the fuck on. It is the most enjoyable and scary bike I have ever owned. Flying back to California in March to ride her some more. I already have a boner thinking about it.

[Torchsport]

Dude. What state do you actually live in?? Lol.

[CBR600F4i]

Torchsport, on 05 February 2019 - 06:59 PM, said:

Dude. What state do you actually live in?? Lol.

My office is based in MN
My job site is in Grand Rapinds MI
I am building a house in three forks MT
My wife’s Ktm 690 duke is in ham lake Mn
My super duke is in Escondido CA

When my house is all built in Three Forks MT. I will move everything there.

My next job might be in Otay Mesa CA so the super duke might stay there until I get down there