Author Topic: New side of riding  (Read 250 times)

trailpioneer

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New side of riding
« on: January 11, 2015, 07:10:05 pm »
I've spent the last 45-50 years as a fairly serious enduro and HS racer. Mostly ridden small two strokes. I'm now 68 years old and thought I'd try the DS side of our sport so I bought a used 530 EXC-R. I'll never give up racing, but found that I really enjoy riding this bike and looking around at the scenery while at a nice easy pace. Last summer my son and I went to Colorado for our annual week of trail riding close to Gunnison. I talked him into taking one day from pounding trail and instead go to Lake City to ride the Alpine Loop. It was awesome! He agreed it was the highlight of the trip. It was so enjoyable that I thought I should upgrade to a more roadworthy bike. Went down to the local KTM dealer to look at 690R's. They had a demo on the floor. Soon as they get their first allotment sometime in March I'll be on one.

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Drblackbird

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2015, 07:11:42 am »
So its not true........."You can teach an old Dog , new tricks"
Congrats....youll love it

Rusty Shovel

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2015, 10:09:30 am »
I love the "exploration" aspect of DS'ing.  Welcome to the forum, good luck finding a 690!  You may wanna put some money down; they don't last on the showroom floor.
D==[#)
2014 KTM 690 Enduro R

trailpioneer

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2015, 06:55:21 pm »
Yeah, I found out after doing research on 690's that they are in short supply. The dealer I mentioned where I first looked said he ordered six, but KTM told him he would get two for the whole year. Maybe. This sounded to me like sales hype, but after talking to others that are in the know they confirmed it's true.
    So....... I called up a friend that is a KTM dealer to see what he had. Said he didn't have any 15's, but had a new 2014. Shot me a price that sounded fair to me so told him I'd see him tomorrow to pick it up. I'd really like to support the local guy and the friend's dealership is a 500 mile trip, but I don't want to be left out in the cold with no bike.

Rockitboy

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2015, 05:13:57 am »
Go for the 14' they are exactly the same as the 2015 model. Surprised you found a 2014 model that hasn't sold yet..
Nut up or shut up!

Dashriprock

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2015, 07:18:03 pm »
I have a similar past and I am 67. My 2014, 690 fits nicely with my '06, 450 EXC and my 2011, 350 SX-F. I'm not giving up the SX-F or the EXC but dirt roads have taken on a whole new light. Enjoy yourself.

Alabama Adventurer

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2015, 07:41:02 am »
what coincidences!  I'm 55, have a 2014 690 and a 06 525 EXC!  You guys make my day.  I'm probably going to sell the EXC as the 690 does everything I need.

Drblackbird

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Re: New side of riding
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2015, 09:06:37 pm »
what coincidences!  I'm 55, have a 2014 690 and a 06 525 EXC!  You guys make my day.  I'm probably going to sell the EXC as the 690 does everything I need.
No coincidences.....There's a number of "Baby Boomers" on here that are alot faster than the Young ones on here, give us credit for........
I'm 58yrs Old...14' 690R.....Kaw KX500 smoker....Husky 610 WXC....Then, when I really want to scare myself...Kaw Ninja ZX14R
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So, welcome to the "Over the Hill Gang"..............Over the Hill,..because, we're waiting for the Younguns to get up the Hill............Bring it, you little Ankle Bitters !!
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« Last Edit: January 21, 2015, 10:02:55 pm by Drblackbird »