bigpoppa
Well-known member
Traded in the Tuono, back on a KTM 
Picked up a 690 smcr (sales guy parked in handicap spot not me)
Wanted one of these for a long time, it fits my needs for a second bike pretty well… I wanted a light playful hoon around bike that I could occasionally track, one that would not overlap or step on the toes of the AT and this definitely fits the bill.
So far really liking the ergonomics, the weight is not on my wrists, and legroom is much better than the Tuono. Also really like that it feels fun at normal, non jail speeds. being Austrian, it’s agricultural and characterful. Looking forward to putting on more miles, and unlocking the full bike at 1000km
The Tuono by comparison was a very serious bike, that felt like it’s on a mission when you get on, it wanted to go really fast around turns, and anywhere else it feels like it’s bored.
It’s so competent, that on it, fast speeds feel slow, and slow speeds seem bleh.
If I lived near the mountains or spend 80% of my riding time at the track, I would have kept the Aprilia.
In general I like KTM and what they’re all about, so it was only a matter of time before I got on another one.
Had I originally gone with an 890 duke I think I would have enjoyed it, I also considered getting another 1290… but those two being great all around bikes would also mean stepping on the toes of the mighty AT.
Comparing the 1290 and the Tuono, I would say the KTM is def a better street bike, and more fun. It has so much character and torque, wants to wheelie everywhere, It’s a bike you can enjoy at normal sane speeds or at a quicker pace. And 80 km/h feels like 80km/h.
Which brings me to the AT…I have yet to find a better general all around, do it all street bike.
Every time I ride it, I like it more. I replaced the semi knobies with pure conti street rubber and the cornering agility is astonishing. It’s so agile at corner entry, yet feels neutral mid corner, letting you adjust your lines, add or reduce lean angle as you see fit, with minimal effort.
By itself it’s a good bike, but with the DCT, it’s next level.
If the AT didn’t exist it would be a toss up for me, likely between a SDR or duke 890. But it does, and it’s still the King.
Picked up a 690 smcr (sales guy parked in handicap spot not me)
Wanted one of these for a long time, it fits my needs for a second bike pretty well… I wanted a light playful hoon around bike that I could occasionally track, one that would not overlap or step on the toes of the AT and this definitely fits the bill.
So far really liking the ergonomics, the weight is not on my wrists, and legroom is much better than the Tuono. Also really like that it feels fun at normal, non jail speeds. being Austrian, it’s agricultural and characterful. Looking forward to putting on more miles, and unlocking the full bike at 1000km
The Tuono by comparison was a very serious bike, that felt like it’s on a mission when you get on, it wanted to go really fast around turns, and anywhere else it feels like it’s bored.
It’s so competent, that on it, fast speeds feel slow, and slow speeds seem bleh.
If I lived near the mountains or spend 80% of my riding time at the track, I would have kept the Aprilia.
In general I like KTM and what they’re all about, so it was only a matter of time before I got on another one.
Had I originally gone with an 890 duke I think I would have enjoyed it, I also considered getting another 1290… but those two being great all around bikes would also mean stepping on the toes of the mighty AT.
Comparing the 1290 and the Tuono, I would say the KTM is def a better street bike, and more fun. It has so much character and torque, wants to wheelie everywhere, It’s a bike you can enjoy at normal sane speeds or at a quicker pace. And 80 km/h feels like 80km/h.
Which brings me to the AT…I have yet to find a better general all around, do it all street bike.
Every time I ride it, I like it more. I replaced the semi knobies with pure conti street rubber and the cornering agility is astonishing. It’s so agile at corner entry, yet feels neutral mid corner, letting you adjust your lines, add or reduce lean angle as you see fit, with minimal effort.
By itself it’s a good bike, but with the DCT, it’s next level.
If the AT didn’t exist it would be a toss up for me, likely between a SDR or duke 890. But it does, and it’s still the King.
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