[Added_flavor]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Just reading all this Van Damme splitting is giving me a splitting ache in unmentionable areas man. Moral of the story - split before you buy.

No doc it isn't as bad you make it sound here! Worst case scenario might lead to a pulled hamstring but surely nothing torn.

On the topic, it's a valid point actually. At 5'7", I am fairly comfortable when both me and bike are on flat ground.

[GreaseMonk]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

If you ride a 390, I take it that in all probabilities you are in a decent physical shape.

Because fat guys don't deserve nice bikes!

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by GreaseMonk

Because fat guys don't deserve nice bikes!

LOL please take this as its meant - tongue firmly in cheek - but a large percentage of fat guys have already found their nice bikes.

They are called Royal Enfields and Harley Davidsons.

A visit to Rider Mania or IBW just strengthens that impression.

P.S. I till some time ago was also in fat boy club at 95+. Now I am a more KTM friendly 80 kilos.

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by GreaseMonk

Because fat guys don't deserve nice bikes!

Oh my God. Not in my wildest dreams I thought it in that way. at least not literally when I mentioned SHAPE. A rather appropriate word could be CONDITION. My apologies if my statement disturbed you emotionally.

but I like the way you think

[Bazinga]

Originally Posted by GreaseMonk

Because fat guys don't deserve nice bikes!

OOPS.. I am fat and I have a 390... Does this mean KTM and Bajaj collection agents are coming to take my bike away from me?

What is the procedure to retain the bike (apart from losing weight)

The only reason I didn't go for the CLAW was the fear of losing the pillion seat, I still faintly hope I will get to drive a supermodel around for a trip...

[preetam_KORG]

Originally Posted by Bazinga

I am fat and I have a 390... I still faintly hope I will get to drive a supermodel around for a trip...

Bazinga!
If you know what I mean!

PS: Really sorry for going OT, couldnt resist!

[sridhu]

Dudes

The only real solution to the luggage on the Duke without losing the pillion is getting a Givi box. It is well engineered and convenient. Doesn't require you to do a split (more a duck like waddle)

So what if it makes you look like a pizza delivery boy (my daughters quote!)?

At least you have a good, ktm approved reason for your shape.

Ps: I am svelte 87 kgs

[Added_flavor]

Most of us Indians are more worried about how we look on a bike more than how practical a bike is for our kind of usage.

From my childhood I have always heard (and even said) the line "Nin personality ge Bullet-ee suit aagadu guru" (For your personality Bullet only suits guru) in reference to a tall and/or fat guy looking for a bike, where as I have seen small guys ride REs and big guys ride KTMs too.

In fact I see a big guy ride a KTM near my place frequently and he does seem to make the bike look puny.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Added_flavor

Most of us Indians are more worried about how we look on a bike more than how practical a bike is for our kind of usage.

Personally never bothered about that. I of course would want to like how the bike looks on its own. And how it feels when I sit on it and how I fit on it. That's all that's really important to me. Others need to deal with the visual torture of seeing me sit on a Duke (Ganpati on his chooha as my friend Sagar would say ....).

[palitrana]

Since theirs a discussion on weight, I have to chip in here. I am all but 5'5" and weight at near 80 (more a recent phenomenon). I do feel like climbing onto the bike rather than sitting on it because of the height and weight.

On the positive side, I think this being a light bike, I think i complement the riding dynamics very well, adding some weight, stability and lowering the Centre of Gravity (since most of my 80 kgs is also quite lowly centred).

The below photo should be self explanatory!

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by palitrana

I am all but 5'5" and weight at near 80 (more a recent phenomenon).

Reverse this phenomenon quickly before the weight gets "set." How old are you? It gets tougher after you're 40. The bike will still pull you, but your body (and heart and joints) wil start complaining.

http://menshealth.intoday.in/bmicalculator.jsp

[nosfreak]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Added_flavor, I too use a Viaterra Claw on my rides (Got it in Goa for some 2800/- if I remember properly) .....

@ashkamath :- Just pm me, i'll be able to help you out with it. Think of me as the guy who works with ViaTerra

Originally Posted by Added_flavor

So every time I mount it, I move a little away behind the bike to see if the bag is properly aligned. The viaterra logo should be in the centre.

Spot on @Added_flavor, the ViaTerra logo should always be in the center. Whenever you stop to for water, piss, clicking pictures. Its always good to check all your luggage system's is intact.

Originally Posted by Added_flavor

In fact I see a big guy ride a KTM near my place frequently and he does seem to make the bike look puny.

+1. It's very rare occasion you might see me riding the KTM

Originally Posted by Added_flavor

I bought the claw at Lets Gear Up in HSR. It's the best tail bag you can have and it's worth the price it comes at.

Advantages:

• Very good build qu.....

Nice review there. Its understandable where you have to chose between a pillion or not. However there is secret underground mission going on developing saddlebag's for the KTM's alone.

[Added_flavor]

Took my Hooligan for second service today. Bike feels much much smoother and refined now.

All 3 filters - fuel, oil and air were replaced. Spark plug replaced.

Had a couple of small issues.

1. There was a little bit of oil weep from the left side head cover. Resolved by tightening some bolts.

2. The trrr irritating noise due to the coolant reservoir cap touching the outer petrol tank cover. This was resolved by a small DIY discussed with the technician Praveen in Kasturba road SVC. Some pictures

The problem: The coolant reservoir inlet pipe/cap touching the tank/tank cover.



Resolution: A double-ended adhesive tape pasted around the inlet pipe.



The remaining tape not needed cut off with a blade after the tank and cover are fitted.



Finally, a healthy gap between the tank/tank cover and the reservoir cap ensuring they don't move and come in contact.




Also, the mud-guard under tray was replaced for free. The stiffer older one was replaced with a much more flexible one.

[Sridutt]

Originally Posted by Added_flavor

UPDATE: 4000 Km!


Some pics taken on a recent ride with black12rr

Attachment 1184409

Attachment 1184410

Missed clicking at 4k again!
Attachment 1184411

I am off on a solo ride, starting on the 1st of Jan! I know - a lovely way to start the new year! Will write about it after I am back.

Er, where.. was the pic clicked? looks nice!

[Added_flavor]

Originally Posted by Sridutt

Er, where.. was the pic clicked? looks nice!

This was in Keretonnur, near Mandya/Pandavapura.