690 Duke

[Stonker]

Has anybody ridden one? What are they like? Would it be any good as a commuter bike?

 

[jacko63]

I bought mine last year and am loving it.So light and punchy and bloody economical if ridden sensibly but much less than 60 mpg is quite hard to do.
I dont commute on mine but its comfy enough.I've done a 350 mile day without any trouble.
It can be a bit lumpy low down but you can ride round it.If your commute is primarily in a city you might wanna try before you buy.
Cheers

 

[Stonker]

Thanks for that. I'm only along the road from you.

I have a Versys at the moment for commuting. Mind you, that is so much fun I took it to Sardinia 2 years ago.

I have a Triumph Explorer now as my main steed but I'm wondering about a 690 Duke as a second bike.

 

[jacko63]

Never ridden a versys so cant compare but would imagine it might feel slightly more sane than a Duke.But if you've got an Explorer for the sensible you might enjoy the contrast of something not so!
Personally I love the fact that its clever i.e.. very fast for a single ,very economical , comftable , and oh so light.Its a "pure" motorbike just your basic wheels frame and engine.It would make a great basis for building a special in my opinion
cheers
Paul

 

[Stonker]

ok, cheers. I'll have to see if lagun can arrange a demo

 

[Aerochair]

I had a 2012 690 Duke. Terrific machine, great performance, good manouevreability and great economy so good as a commuter machine.

I don't have it any longer as the engine broke a piston ring within 2000 miles and I lost confidence in the machine - shame as it was so much fun!