The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of up to 718 model-year 2016-2017 KTM 690 Duke motorcycles due to a possible leak from the fuel filler cap area of the gas tank.On affected motorcycles, during operation or while sitting still, it is possible that fuel can seep or leak out of the fuel filler cap area. The announcement, posted on behalf of KTM North America, Inc. (KTM), says “During operation or while sitting still, this occurrence may increase the risk of injury and/or damage to the rider and/or property.”2016 KTM 690 Super Duke
The defect report indicates the problem was identified from customer feedback and the cause as well as the solution remain under investigation. The report stated:“Investigation and testing of the the defect and repair is ongoing with KTM AG. All efforts are being made to determine the remedy and protocol to implement the repair. It is expected to take 120 days to complete testing and issue the repair method.”The affected units were manufactured from Dec. 13, 2015 to Nov. 16, 2016. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) range of the affected units in the KTM 690 Duke recall is: Begin : VBKLDV409HM794833 End : VBKLDV400HM702766 (not sequential). The NHTSA Campaign Number is 17V388000.A remedy plan has not yet been determined nor has the manufacturer provided a notification schedule. Customers may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!