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Been thinking about buying a smaller commuter bike to ride back and forth to work and fart around on when I feel like goin for a ride, is the ktm duke 200 something that’s worth looking into? I was thinking about a z125 or a grom but it looks like I can get the ktm for not much more. Would it be worth spending a little extra and getting the 390 over the 200? I was also looking into the husky 401 version.
Light and nimble enough to keep you out of trouble, enough power to be fun. Me thinks 390!
Yea I need to find a dealer that would let me ride both of them. It would be nice if it would go highway speed and from what I’ve been reading the 200 is Wfo at 70-75. The road I ride to work is almost 50mph the whole way so that wouldn’t be an issue on the smaller bike. I saw they upped them to a 250 for 2024.
The KTM/Husky can be found for some pretty good deals, especially previous year models. Do some homework on the different versions and sizes. Dependability has been talked about on a few of them there’s even a FortNine video…or 2 on the matter…
And there’s an ADV version of the 390…but, it gets a bit pricey.
For my money, the Kawasaki that’s gone from 300 to 400 and is now a 500…gets the nod.
I can’t speak to the KTM 200 or the Kawasaki (although I recently acquired a KLR650 and am REALLY impressed with what a fun friendly bike it is!) BUT my son had a KTM 390 Adventure for a while and I rode it quite a bit and I was BLOWN AWAY at how damn good the little 390 was! He could follow me anywhere I went on my 2018 Honda Africa Twin adventure sport and that little single could do 80mph on the highway incredibly well!
IF a KTM 390 (Duke or Adventure!) is in your price range! It’s a fabulous little scooter and I bet you’d be really happy with it! And I bet $$$ the Kawasaki would be a great choice too!
Good luck with your decision! 😎 👍❗️
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Money is not a huge problem but I don’t wanna spend 10k on a bike. I’m starting to lean toward a bigger bike than the 200. It will just strictly be ridden on the road and mostly just short trips. I’ll have to look into some of the other manufacturers models.
At one time we owned several Honda CBR250s, we loved them. Outstanding bikes, I was a dumb ass to sell them. Huge fun, great bikes. I have owned a KTM street bike, an 1190 adventurer though, it was the biggest piece of shit I have ever owned motorcycle, truck, tractor, anything. But I would love to find a nice used CBR250, now they are a 300, or perhaps a Kawasaki Ninja 250, 300. I believe BMW even make a 300 now that might be intriguing.
Left over/previous year models are getting discounted again…
The means the Kawasaki 400 can be found for a good deal now that the “500” is out (‘23 v ‘24).
I saw a KLR 650, that’s the redesigned and re-engineered with new frame…fuel injection…better suspension…KLR, for $4,899. But, they did have some fees on that and in Cali…w/taxes…it ends up being around $6,500 out the door. Still…that’s an ADV that you’ve got for a commuter bike! You can jump on it & “Adventure” on the weekends. I’ve done it. It IS a blast.
Good luck!
KTM 390 ADV is a great bike. At home on the highway or gravel roads.
After decades of riding dirt and always wanting the lightest bike I could find, I found street riding is the opposite. I prefer more power and weight to deal with the speeds and winds from passing trucks or wind n general. I’d go as big as you can comfortably afford and handle. Also you don’t want to be underpowered on the street, you want to have that instantaneous HP to get you out of situations that may arise. I love street riding ….i think you’ll have a blast
That 650 would be perfect and it’s a fantastic OTD price 👍
I' picked up a used 22 KLR 650 , in the "adventure trim" with 4400 miles, a new set of tires not yet mounted, for 4200 bucks a few months ago. Using it for exactly what you mentioned, running back and forth to work and errands. May go fart around on a BDR ride at some point with friends.
Another nod for a dual sport. Good enough road manners for quick trips and if you ever get the itch to drop off the pavement you can. This ol girl is the simplest/most reliable bike I have - and probably only as fast as a Grom anyways lol
It's safe because it's sooooo damn VISIBLE!
The lighting system is the best I've had on a stock bike for under $10,000.
The injection system is perfect and the things simply run really well..stock. It carries 6 gallons of gas an is happy cruising on a freeway, a country road or even out on the trail. It's got a fairly robust electrical system in-case you want to add accessories.
Saddle Bags, ADV goodies & most after-market parts are abundant and very competitively priced for the KLR, too.
Suzuki SV650.
They are bullet proof, loads of cheap spare parts if needed, endless aftermarket options and you can buy them for pretty much whatever your budget is.
They are also a really popular trackday bike as they are nimble, good brakes and nice smooth power. They top out at about 120ish mph so plenty for the road.
I race one, they are great little bikes.
I'm with Kenny, regardless of whether you prefer naked, sport, trail...it's better to have power available for any situation.
Any street bike between 40-80 hp fulfills its purpose well.
Examples like the ones mentioned above, Duke, KLR, XRL, SV...
Cheers.
My ZX12R doesn't seem so big.
Pit Row
My years racing moto has saved my ass more times than I can count. lol
Think that range is kinda the sweet spot- enough power without so much to get you into trouble. 125's just can't really keep up with traffic, and even at 50mph some of the small bikes are working hard and getting pretty buzzy on straight North American roads.
Good news is there's loads of really fun bikes out there in that range. I pine for the 400 sports bikes of yore, felt like a superhero with that sound and weren't actually going particularly fast, they just felt like it. That new ZX-4RR though...
Fees total: $2500.00...
My dad has one of these kicking around. I gotta get it running and take it to the kart track!
CSC is selling new 390 adventure bikes for around 4500. I know they are Chinese, but it is a well-received brand in Europe with good reviews there.
that's a great deal... too bad we are trying to buy a house
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