R9T vs Duc Monster vs KTM 890 Duke R

1229 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by DaveSnowPros, 2 mo ago

BHF

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

I was thinking in my fickle little mind what I might replace the R9T with. I’ve lusted after the Ducati Monster just on looks alone and the KTM for its savage performance. So I went out into internet land and started researching. I got totally overwhelmed with opinions and decided to go with specs and data and built a spreadsheet to organize and put it all in perspective. Going in I had the impression that the R9T would be totally outclassed on the performance side of things. It’s rather porky.
Yes the R9T is heavier by 70-75 pounds than the other two and down on hp by 2 and 12, but she is up on torque by 17 and 26 foot pounds over the other two. 1/4 mile times are even more telling. Duc 12.3 @ 119, KTM 11.0 @ 129 and our little porker turns in 11.3 @ 118.
The R9T is not slow. There is a lot of other factors involved like the big one for me would be handling. The extra weight would be evident braking into and then coming out of corners. The KTM I’m sure would be the most “flickable”. But our little girl ridden well would be respectable. Overall I ended up surprised that the R9T is not outclassed and can more than hold her own against the other two, at least on paper.
Realistically I’m old and slow anyway so the R9T probably suits me well and I should just keep her and be happy with the amazing little bike that I already have. Especially since she is paid for and already broken in and ready to thrash to my heart’s content.

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BlitzSchnell

· #2 · 2 mo ago

BHF said:
I was thinking in my fickle little mind what I might replace the R9T with. I’ve lusted after the Ducati Monster just on looks alone and the KTM for its savage performance. So I went out into internet land and started researching. I got totally overwhelmed with opinions and decided to go with specs and data and built a spreadsheet to organize and put it all in perspective. Going in I had the impression that the R9T would be totally outclassed on the performance side of things. It’s rather porky.
Yes the R9T is heavier by 70-75 pounds than the other two and down on hp by 2 and 12, but she is up on torque by 17 and 26 foot pounds over the other two. 1/4 mile times are even more telling. Duc 12.3 @ 119, KTM 11.0 @ 129 and our little porker turns in 11.3 @ 118.
The R9T is not slow. There is a lot of other factors involved like the big one for me would be handling. The extra weight would be evident braking into and then coming out of corners. The KTM I’m sure would be the most “flickable”. But our little girl ridden well would be respectable. Overall I ended up surprised that the R9T is not outclassed and can more than hold her own against the other two, at least on paper.
Realistically I’m old and slow anyway so the R9T probably suits me well and I should just keep her and be happy with the amazing little bike that I already have. Especially since she is paid for and already broken in and ready to thrash to my heart’s content.

Quit debating and get thrashing … and yes … I mean right now ! …. Tempest Fugit ! StayUpOn2 … besides the 9T is SOOO much prettier than a Ducks !
ALL red ? What’s with that, you’d think they’re a frickin Fagarrie I mean Ferry, Ferrari, whatever ! Quack quack … have you ever owned one? They are a maintenance nightmare, if you have a mechanic have at it … otherwise, (as the Italians say “Forgetaboutit” ! …have you noticed they aren’t doing so well at the track these days, read their record. If you like tinkering, twisting bolts …tuning and towing get a Duck. Otherwise get thrashing on yur-BeemerBuddy ! …………………………….. Blitz

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BlitzSchnell

· #7 · 2 mo ago

BHF said:
I’ve owned 3 KTMs. 2 690s (SMCR and enduro) and a 790 adventure. Both 690s vibrated off the bolts holding on the rear fender. The SMCR lost the starter freewheeling clutch and would no longer engage the starter. The 790 broke off the headlight/ speedometer cluster needing to replace the frame under warranty. I still own the enduro but the other two went away.
The Duc is drop dead gorgeous in my opinion. The SP is not all red.
I definitely can’t knock the R9T reliability and I really really enjoy riding it. I think part of the problem is psychological with those huge jugs hanging out the sides. I’m afraid of the lean angles. I just need to get her out for a track day. View attachment 162722

The lower center of gravity more than makes up for that minor cornering handicap … As you can see in @wyoplinker pict … you can get your knee down way before you hit the valve cover …. To practice and get used to those big jugs and those expensive valve covers … I tied a piece of bailing-wire around the cylinder head fins (temporarily) and then twisted it off under the cylinder and cut it so when I lean into a corner I can tell by listening how far off the ground I’m getting. I started off at around five inches clearance and after some practice continued to cut it back to around three ….. when it touches the pavement it puts up a racket and you know exactly how far off the ground that big cylinder actually is …. When you get used to the grip at speed and angle you can feel it when you’re pushing to hard as it starts to drift, ..and not where you want it to go … if you can keep that cylinder off the tarmac and not touch down you’ll have an opportunity to correct and head for that apex ….. if you set that practice wire at what you believe is your point of no return you’ll know the moment you need to return ………… I’m old now and don’t do extreme sh*t anymore … well not near as much anyway … if your serious perhaps crash bars would be a wise investment … some good knee pads too ! … Good Riding is learned behavior and practice moves towards perfect … BeWell and StayUpOn2 ………………………………… Blitz

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BlitzSchnell

· #17 · 2 mo ago

jpaton said:
Owned a Ducati 1100 Monster for a couple of years: I loved it!
The handling was superb, looked great, and was a blast to ride.
But, I travel a lot. Sometimes gone for months; and, although the Ducati was always stored in a garage and the battery was plugged in, she would never start when I returned (usually took 2-days to get her going). I looked at having her serviced, and belts + valve adjustment was stupid expensive.
Then the RNINET came into the picture.
It does not handle as well as the Ducati, but that is a small price to pay for reliability.
It always starts.

You’re spot on @jpaton ! Read some history about the Second World War and what a work horse the BMW R75 (750cc) turned out to be. Much of the reputation for being bullet proof was earned by BMW in those days and came from those stories .. they often referred to the R75/sidecar version as “Rommels Arbeitstier” or Rommel’s Workhorse, it had two wheeled drive as both the bike rear tire and the sidecar were powered ……. Then you add to that the dependability of an aircraft engine in a motorcycle ! The stories are great, and are a very interesting read … Enjoy ………….. Blitz

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