I really really really want this bike......

[vpr80]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6711&item=2448983449

[dpmasunder]

Is that a christmas hint?:banana:

[vpr80]

I wish....I am so tight on cash right now its not even funny.

[ckruzel]

i've been thinking about getting on, probably a yzf426 or 450 and change the wheels, brakes

[suedboy]

Kick-ass bike, but if you actually plan on racing it, you can get a KTM 520 or 525 used for about the same money. Much better bike in every way be it racing or street conversion. I work on 'em every day and the 625 feels like the Titanic compared to KTM's other four strokes. The 525 makes about 15 more ponies and weights much less, on top of having a much better chassis, suspension and brakes.
However, if you want a cool single to commute on & terrorize your neighborhood, the 625 is not a bad choice.

[asg21]

The latest edition of Cycle News has an article about the newest ktm supermoto-style bikes. Apparently the Duke II is no longer offered, but there are 5 new models, only one of which uses the "old-style" LC4 thumper motor (625 cc). I have an '02 Duke II which is lots of fun, but the models with the newer, smaller motors (450 and 525 cc) are much lighter and I'm sure faster. All of the new bikes come with wire wheels, which look cool but require tube-type tires. I owned a '95 Duke for a couple of years and one reason I really prefer my current model is the BBS alloy wheels maintain pressure. (That and I got tired of kick-starting my bike in Colorado winters.) The alloy wheels are also easier to keep clean, and I think they look pretty cool, but I've read reports of their being easily dinged (haven't had a problem myself).

One thing to keep in mind regarding the two types of singles is that the LC4 makes a reasonable street motor - the newer versions are more modern and "racier," but have a smaller oil capacity and aren't really designed for extended street use, (or so I've read).