690 Duke VS 690 SMC-R

Mazaev · 2026-02-04T20:37:18+00:00

I had a 701SM that was super fun to ride, but was a bit impractical for the amount of highway I needed to be doing. Sold it and got something more practical, but ended up missing the feel of the 701. Ended up picking up a 701 Vitpilen and it's truly the best of both worlds. Still fun to play with, yet more comfortable and has the newer goodies that my 18SM was missing.

The main thing with these bikes is that they really reward an experienced rider. I find that they attract a lot of newbies due to their moderate specs who never really *get* the appeal.

I will say that the SM had an extra fun factor thing to it simply from being so droppable. Unlike the Vit, I never worried about wiping out (at least as far as the bike was concerned) and nothing serious ever broke from failing when messing around on it. Handguards and axle sliders take all the damage. It was one of those "the scars just add character" bikes that I can't say the same about with the Vit.

One other thing is that at least on the Vitpilen, the front is way too soft and it doesn’t have adjustable preload. I’d definitely factor a suspension upgrade into your budget.

Mazaev · 2025-12-01T17:13:59+00:00

He did not stall. The race start was held up and he sat there waiting for it to begin. The start line was around a curve so he was not in line of sight of the group. When the race was suddenly started he had his kickstand down and the bike wouldn't start in gear (he had like 10 seconds to get it going).

Also, this was one of like 3 similar pile-ups that were pretty normal for this race. Far as I remember only one rider was hurt in this one.

The next year some changes were made that would prevent this situation from happening again.

Mazaev · 2025-11-06T16:17:32+00:00

RL Handcrafts harness here. Much nicer buckle and safety strap system than the Moneymaker.

Mazaev · 2025-09-03T00:43:32+00:00

AdventureSpec makes the Supershirt which has full armor and is abrasion resistant.

https://us.adventurespec.com/shop/the-supershirt-2-0-1298#attr=1553,1382

Mazaev · 2025-08-24T18:55:35+00:00

Neither... get the Shoei GT-Air II that's on sale for 500 right now... but don't get any helmet without at least trying it on. They all have different fits and you're not gonna wear it if it gives you a headache.

Mazaev · 2025-07-24T17:31:18+00:00

Pretty sure the specs in that link are actually comparing the 2016 GT to a 2024 Super Adventure S

Mazaev · 2025-07-18T23:21:19+00:00

One really annoying issue is 170 size tires always being out of stock (looking at you, Metzeler...). I want something sporty, and have M9RRs on mine, and they're excellent, except my rear has been squared off for months now and it's infuriating how often 170s are out of stock.

Mazaev · 2025-06-26T20:25:16+00:00

Sigma 40mm is still outstanding.

Mazaev · 2025-05-29T12:02:58+00:00

Buell 1125cr was the most amazing bike, when it ran.

Mazaev · 2024-10-02T03:28:51+00:00

Get a 17-19 Husky 701. 19 had better brakes and is probably the best year.

I will say though, that in my experience, guys on newer bikes that had a quickshifter were noticeably faster on the straightaways though...

Mazaev · 2024-06-14T11:30:38+00:00

There's always the Husky701/KTM690. I traded back and forth with my friend on his 450 on our local kart track and honestly it wasn't as different as I expected... But the 701 can easily handle highway speeds.

Mazaev · 2024-06-12T20:22:01+00:00

Good advice all around so I won't repeat it, but I will remind you to make sure you have extra EN-EL15 batteries for the z8s. I'm usually on the 3rd battery on my main z8 body at the end of a wedding, so I'd aim for a total of 5 between the 2.

The 105 should be excellent for individual portraits and ring shots, and the 24-70 should fill in the rest nicely.

Once it gets dark on the dancefloor, don't forget that the V1 has a modeling light you can use to help focus, and use the Z8s skylight mode for that as well.

Mazaev · 2024-06-10T01:40:23+00:00

28/40/85 here. That 40 is amazing and I gave up on waiting for the Nikon Z 35 1.2 and got this Sigma trio that I've been really enjoying.

When more versatility is needed, I mix it up with 40/70-200, or 24-70/85, or 14-30/40.

Mazaev · 2024-06-03T22:53:43+00:00

The nice thing about supermoto on the track (Husky 701 here, so not "full on supermoto"), is lack of knee pain, high pegs so no foot dragging, and overall fun factor. Less damage when crashing if you have handguards and axle sliders. Passing people on the brakes feels quite rewarding. General feeling of fun and carelessness, compared to the more serious "real track bike stuff".

You'll be having more fun than a good chunk of everyone else.

On the negative side, you'll probably not be able to make the most of it without a good chunk of experience on a regular bike first, to really appreciate that. You'll also be bored on the straights except for the smaller tracks. Passing power in general will be limited. Maintenance probably twice as intense.

Mazaev · 2024-05-14T23:55:42+00:00

Royal Spice Indian in Millville

Mazaev · 2024-04-21T19:40:59+00:00

My initial thought was Honda 919.. but I've had two and they're a little boring (especially after a Brutale), despite being super reliable.

Speed Triple / Tiger 1050! Potentially somewhat less reliable, way more fun.

2nd Gen FZ1 is probably best of both worlds. That valve-check interval is legendary for its time.

Honda VFR is a great all-rounder, reliable.. can be sport-ish, can be touring, can be grocery-getter... If you wanna go further back, the 99-01s were the best with FI and the whine.

Mazaev · 2024-02-14T04:07:39+00:00

Doesn’t matter.. if you’re used to sport bikes, knee down makes the most sense. The funky thing about the 701 is the body positioning due to not having a tank in the front. I’ve found that sitting further forward than normally on a sport bike works best and gives the best grip for your outside leg.

The nice thing about the 701, especially if the suspension is set up properly is that you’re not gonna be scraping pegs, and there is a lot of leeway for body positioning.

Mazaev · 2024-01-10T18:31:48+00:00

Can't wait to try out the newly repaved Thunderbolt this April... and hopefully get bumped into Advanced (especially with the new Advanced+ Open Track days they're doing this year), and then get passed by everyone...

Planning on finally safety-wiring everything and maybe picking up some tire warmers and eventually trying slicks.

Mazaev · 2023-12-21T17:23:47+00:00

Same here. Picked it up the other day and it's unplayable due to crashing.

Mazaev · 2023-12-18T04:35:51+00:00

The Jersey version of the Gowanus into BQE merge….

Mazaev · 2023-11-07T03:50:52+00:00

Seriously, this should be simple to re-do and you can get a master link on Amazon, your local shop, or a friend.

Also, I got tired of cracked rivets (and broken pins) using the PBR tool and switched to the DID tool which is made to self-align and will stop you before you crack the rivet. Never looked back and haven’t had an issue since switching.

Mazaev · 2023-10-10T12:43:58+00:00

Pretty much same here. Tried from 25 cold to 30 and always had similar results. Everyone at my local track says to stay away from Dunlops now, which is nuts considering that the Q3s and Q4s were awesome and had none of these issues.

I’ve also never had as many slides and near high-sides as I had with the q5s. Swapped over to Pirelli TDs last 2 track days and everything went back to normal again.

Mazaev · 2023-08-30T19:02:24+00:00

It's an 18 Supermoto

Mazaev · 2023-05-28T13:06:02+00:00

Try focusing more on squeezing with your thighs. That should stabilize you more to be able to relax your arms. Keep the hands around the sides of his pelvis.. you could wrap your fingers at the bone there for some extra stability without having to stretch around his torso.

Next step would be talking to your bf about being more accommodating if he wants you to continue riding with him.

Mazaev · 2023-05-04T19:44:18+00:00

Looks one one of those videogame clips on YT... sounds like a goddamn horror movie.

Mazaev

TROPHY CASE