R9T vs Duc Monster vs KTM 890 Duke R

1227 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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BHF

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

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.

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BHF

Discussion Starter · #8 · 2 mo ago

I have put crash bars on already and looking at the knee pucks on my leathers I’ll need to replace them before I go out again. Back in the day I had skills. Not so much anymore. I’ll never be fast and competitive again but I’ll be having fun at reduced speeds and reduced lean angles.

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BHF

Discussion Starter · #11 · 2 mo ago

Well I test rode the Doc yesterday. Rides and sits like a sport bike. Feels taller and more leaned forward. I could definitely feel the lighter weight. Very "flickable". Narrower bars. More hold you in place seating. Noticably less bottom end torque. Nice motor though it just comes on a little higher in the rev range. I'm totally torn between the R9T and the Duc. Out for a leisurely cruise I'd take the R9T. Going for it in the twisties, the Duc hands down.
The Duc's seating position bothers me somewhat. I got rid of my sport bike a few years ago because of the seating position. I have concerns the Doc would put me back into hurting to much to ride mode. I'm going to ride the Monster one more time later this week, but right now I really don't think I want to give up the R9T.

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BHF

Discussion Starter · #16 · 2 mo ago

Well I already have Luigi's number! (At least for the pizza place in town.) And I own a "Chicago Typewriter" So I think I have to buy the Duc !

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