Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

Picked up a 2016 KTM 390 Duke last week so I can join in on the fun over here now too... Once I drop the engine and rebuild the top end thanks to a blown head gasket . Got it for a steal though and knowing it had overheating problems so I can't be too upset about it.

Don't mind the disaster that is my garage after a spring and summer of remodeling.


It's my first bike so I figured I would go with something a little smaller. Hopefully ride this all summer next year and then maybe look into upgrading to something a little bigger but it should be a fun bike to learn on.

 

https://www.jpcycles.com/countersteer/moto-101/how-things-work-compression-rebound-explained

 

Those head gaskets on the dukes are notorious for that, not so much on the ‘17 and up tho. I’ve ridden one, they’re a blast to ride because they’re super nimble and you can really push them hard. It’s a great starter bike and still fun to ride as your skills progress. Have fun!

 

Sadly, with schools "opening" the nearby school parking lot is seeing a lot more activity, so it's harder to practice.

I'm finding it quite difficult to look where I want to go.

 

I got lucky with my local parking lot. It’s two streets over from my house and the lot is almost always totally empty. The only issue is that it has some small tar snakes, but is otherwise in great shape.

I’ve been practicing there since October when I got the Ninja.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-i_wCHkOn0

 

Yeah I did a fair amount of research and it sounds like the QC on the machining of the heads in India wasn't the greatest so it's kind of a when not if type of deal. Hopefully get it all torn down, let a machinist buddy take a look at it and clean up any imperfections and when I put it back together it will be good to go.

I got to ride it just a little bit and I can't wait to get it all sorted out so I can get back out on it. Sounds like a lawn mower in the lower half of the RPM band but it actually gets a little throaty and doesn't sound too bad when I got on the throttle.

 

Cleaning up the machined areas and a new gasket will do the trick, just keep an eye on it. My next bike will most likely be the 790 Duke. After coming from super sports, the torque on these bikes just make it really fun to ride.

 

So fun to watch MM ride

 

My Bolt.


His Bonneville.

 

Good looking bike, is the '08 FI or carbureted?

I was never big on the C-SPEC model Bolt. They tried to make a cruiser into a cafe racer by adding clip-on bars, rear set controls, and different seat...and from the reviews I've read the riding position is a lot less comfortable. I think the Bonnie better fits that bill.

 

Rode this bike across the country, East coast to west coast and back (17 days) in 2012.

 

Finally bolted up my 4 over front end and replaced the rear motor mount with a Custom Cycle Eng. DMM2014-2 Rides like it’s on rails now, no more rear wheel steer/lean.

 

Nice looking bike. I gave mine up a few years ago. I substituted a boat addiction for it.

 

The '08 models are carbureted.

I can attest that the C-Spec has an uncomfortable riding position. I only bought it to resell. Got such a great deal that I couldn't pass it up.

 

Heard that, and you have like five other bikes to choose from lol

 

Currently waiting for the DMV to call me back on my plates issue. I got a text from the Chicago dealers finance manager yesterday asking if I had gotten the bike registered because HD financial says it’s not still. Told him I’d sent the title and paperwork off over 6 weeks ago. Hopefully I get some sort of update. Absolutely fucking ridiculous that it’s been 6+ weeks and they haven’t processed my shit

 

Its always good to see this sign. Even better when its gravel




Ill hit 1k miles today. Time to sell

 

What a surprise. They haven’t processed my Title or paperwork. They gave me the number for the title processing unit, I call them and get a “we are experiencing a high call volume, please try your call again later” and then I get hung up on. Fuck this useless ass fucking state

 

Oof.