Riding onto the new year with Duke 200

Praise be to God. And a happy new year if it still not too late to all.

Thanks to all visitors, and its quite pleasing to now that my article On the Move with KTM Duke is the top read posting, still receiving multiple daily views to now. Hmm I guess there are millions of motor fans out there many on the look or fancy this cute little beast.

So, any update? So far, I had only done a number of things which can be regarded as essential upgrades. I have recently installed Remus exhaust system at Pyoor Cycel (Nam the guy who did it), sounded noisy enough and I think it did the trick of announcing my presence on the road. However, I got some problem when I rode onto places where silence is preferred. My workplace included, since its perhaps better to get in quietly especially if you are latecomer (err I couldnt do that too often with this bike anymore, no excuse now…).

There was once I had great embarrassment amplified by the noisy hose. I rarely ride to Shoppings and not used to the parking system. That day I was supposed to meet the wife and family at Jusco Keramat, to celebrate our daughter’s passing the motorcycle license test. I kept riding up toward the open parking (that is, car parking) till I was met by the barrier, there I was stunned not knowing what to do. Silly of course I could have just taken the ticket and the barrier would be lifted – but you know when you are used to riding anywhere pass barriers without needing any pass or tickets, you are so used with that culture that doing such thing as pressing the button to get ticket is a taboo. Then I turned back, rode down and thought I could park at the basement. On my way down I spotted the dedicated motorbikes parking spot which was way outside the shoppping entrance – not good enough I thought so I proceeded to basement. This time I acted like Mr Bean and waited for cars entering the parking therefore momentarily leaving the barrier behind for me. It did work. But you know once I was in, I was like trapped in a maze, with the bike roaring madly the sound growl stronger as I was riding in an enclosed space. I guessed not long I will be spotted by the security. This did not happen till I was on my way out, when a few security guys approached, they themselves we puzzled as how I got in, the guys on the motorbike escorted me to a narrow motorbike exit at one of the gates….

That was just one occassion, others like coming to a function or mosque when people are praying or having lectures, of course silence is a must at this moment, and its dreadful to ride in with all the noise, of course people will know in an instant who that stranger is! Nevertheless, I enjoy riding to the daily congregational prayers with the bike rather than car, in fact I only drive the car when bringing the whole family for the prayers which I wish to do at least on a weekly basis.

Coming to 3000km so far so good

So far so good, thank God. Not that I have not encountered any problem. As mentioned before more and more reports of cracked brackets have been reported by owners, as for mine it seemed to be fine this far. I thought perhaps one of the reasons for the crack could be excessive revving, especially past the max torque…other users can share their experience. Lan at Pyoor told me that they can install some kind of slider or layers to protect the brackets, may be I will do it on my next service.

I have fallen once, as mentioned in my other posting. Thank God again I was not hurt and the motor had no major damage. I soon brought the motor to Pyoor and get the loose brake pedal fixed, though not completely since I will need a whole new set of brake frame which will cost around RM200, I thought I could wait, so far the brake is still functioning ok. Lan, an experienced and friendly KTM engineer did a few things to tweak the motor then took it for a test ride. He mentioned that there were a few loose things especially the clutches that was supposed to have been done during the first service. I think I will stick to Pyoor for my future services of my Duke.

So, did I do anything else to upgrade. There was the urge to do so but so far I resisted. I think I just want to keep the motor as it is, and do only necessary accessory upgrades. Radiator cover may be needed yes. The other thing, my left side radiator side cover was missing, Lan pointed this out to me, unfortunately he had none in store so I shall get it next time.

Lastly, I had bought a few gadgets that help with the riding, to give basic protection from grazes or accidental fall like what had happened. I had this pair of Hipora leather riding boots, which is waterproof and helped to increase my standing height by a few cms, I thought is great for a better ground handling of the motor. I also got this waterproof jacket (Dainese) which is truly waterproof, though the trousers (bought separately) is not  but will cater for most occasions of light rains.

Thats all as far as accessories and upgrades concern. I resist the urge to spend on all those fancy stuff though a little more colour would be nice, I may give this future consideration. Another essential addition would be Givi box (top box), though I am kind of ambivalent as to the esthetic value of it.