[v12]

After a year, it's now time to move on (to what? I don't know). I bought this motorcycle in pristine condition a year ago and am handing it over today in pristine condition to my younger brother. Cafe Racer plans have been cancelled and he has other plans which will be shared in due course.

All the best and Ride Safe Bro! May the Duke see more miles under your hands than mine!

All over to you now!

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by v12

Attachment 1737610

After a year, it's now time to move on (to what? I don't know).! !

Ha, Congrats to your bro! Btw how many kilometres did you clock in a year?

Regarding your next bike, why not a street triple?

[v12]

Thanks Prasanna! I must have clicked around 2000 Kms in the last one year. I test rode the Street Triple S last year and really loved it. Rode it in traffic as well as on the highway - and no heating issue. Also the bike was so light - it just felt like a more powerful KTM.

I haven't yet made up my mind on "What Next" - will have to wait and see

[v12]

So over the weekend, bro got a top case rack fitted onto the Duke. This modification was mainly to accommodate a top case for the sole purpose of carrying a pillion helmet (Medium) and adding a back rest pad. It would also be used occasionally to carry medium luggage on weekend rides.

Headed off to AH Helmets to enquire about top case and racks. They had this very good rack made by Nexusgears which could accommodate a variety of top cases like Givi, Shad or even Studds. There were 2 types available - 1 which was only a top case rack and the other which was a top case rack with fitments for pannier stays. Panniers was not required so we went for the top case rack only.

Total Damage - Rs. 2500/- (for the Top Case rack only)
The top case rack with the panniers stays cost Rs. 5000/-

The quality of the rack was awesome and it was black powder coated. There were no rough edges on the rack or even the mounting plate. The package contained all the nuts and bolts for the fitting. Although it was not easy to fit it since right side of the rack is a bit smaller than the left. There is a good amount of gap between the left indicator and bracket but hardly any on the right side.

Those who have installed a top case, what is the best and reasonably priced top case available - At the lowest range there is the Studds which retails for Rs 1150/- and then at the higher range there are the local Givi's at ~Rs 3-4000/-. He is mostly looking for the Studds since that serves the primary purpose but if there are other options - don't mind taking a look.

In the meantime, here are pics of the rack :

The gap between the bracket and the indicator on the LHS


The gap between the bracket and the indicator on the RHS


Pics of the rack :

[v12]

It's been almost 5 years now and a lot has happened.

• 2018 - I handed over my Duke to my younger brother.
• 2022 - My younger brother decided to sell the Duke and we sold it to a friend in Hyderabad.
• 2023 - Friend picks up a Super Meteor and

The Duke is now back with us. More updates coming up soon.

[Gordon]

Happy to report, bike is still in good condition mechanically and still packs a good punch. The right stanchion and oil seal was replaced at KTM since the oil had leaked. The footrest brackets are showing some paint corrosion, most probably due to diesel washes and sun exposure, soo will get them repainted soon.

[ebonho]

@Gordon the bike looks lovely.

I note with interest how black and satin shiny all your black panels and plastics are. Could you share the product used please?

That is one area on my babe that needs a facelift.

Cheers, Doc

[Gordon]

Thanks for the appreciation.

Nothing really. Just basic shampoo wash, once in a month probably, a cover and hibernation in the rain. I ride the bike just once a week for very short rides or to the office.

If at all I ever need to polish the plastics, I use the Moto Max sponge, I use the same product for my car dashboard. It serves me well. In the past year, I've probably used it just once on the KTM.

Here is the Amazon link for the product:
https://amzn.eu/d/eGt9Aj8

[Dhruv Shetty]

A small trivia fact, I tried buying it before I got my hands on my bike, I had contacted Gordon when I decided on purchasing a pre-owned bike, I used to ogle at the Duke everytime I pass by it in the society. Gordon and me used to bump into each other and have long discussions on the cars and bikes and the comments on the expenses and work I perform on it , basically Gordon, V12 and me became friends because of the Duke, but it is a wonderful well kept bike, even when it is seen in person. Till date I feel to pick it up as a second 390, but time is the constraint I have, as I am in another country, will mostly add a ADV 390 in the future, maybe.

Rare photo of both bikes together
One is at 14k and the other close to 40k.


Cheers,
Dhruv Shetty.