Topic: Test Ride: 2018 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

[DriverJeff]

You still need to try the 690, Jeff! Or have you by now?

Still on my hit list.  In fact, I have my STR listed now and have found a few "next bikes" for me, including a very reasonably priced 690.

Oh....just wanting something different?  STR didn't work out for you?

A couple of things have motivated it...  1) I find whenever I've gone for any sort of long ride in the past few years, I've simply taken a press bike, which I can often choose to best suit the type of trip (spoiled, I know), so I might as well have a cheaper daily rider for commuting, errands around town and the occasional weekend jaunts.  2)  I recently rode/reviewed the Ninja 400 and loved how light and playful it was around town.  When I had my Miata, every time I drove it -- no matter where I was going -- it was as if I was trying to qualify for something.  I loved that you could thrash it and not lose your license.  A smaller, lighter bike is like that (not that the STR is a giant pig by any stretch...)   3)  Your bloody influence about how much you love that damned Duke.  There are a few *very* reasonably priced Duke 690s out there that have caught my eye... 

That said, I've priced my bike pretty high, and won't let it go unless I get my price.  It's a perfect specimen and I really do love that machine.  But there are so many other great bikes to try!

What year Duke?  2016+ might be best for you...(less vibration).

The one that really caught my eye was at the KTM dealer in Cambridge.  It was a 2013 I think, but it's gone now anyway.  There's actually an FZ09 down your way that I've been eye-balling too...