I took a look at the flooding in the Thames valley north of Faringdon. Here’s a short clip taken at Radcot.
The good news is that the KTM deals brilliantly with both wading and gravel on the road. Not such great news is that another peak is expected tonight.
Raving to follow later, but for now, let’s just say that this is an improvement over the 640.
Well, alright then.
It’s great in town, super in the cruise and fabulous in the twisties. It rides similarly, but it’s more powerful and it vibrates less. A superb decision, including the heated grips and top case.
(And you can learn more about the state of mind which is set against your freedom here. Wondering why the economy is in trouble? Try this.)
So that’s it: the final commute home on the 640. As ever, it was alright in the city, utterly rubbish on the motorway and a joy in the lanes.
I left late, so it was fairly quiet outside the M25 – is there a rush hour any more? – and deserted on the way up to Wantage. Another superb ride, with the bike running sweetly and pulling strongly. Looking forward to trying that route on its big brother.
I’ll miss the 640, particularly now the gearing is lower, but not its vibration.
Paid the deposit yesterday on my KTM upgrade: a 950 Supermoto, to be collected Friday 
As it’s a London commuter, second hand, two years old. Looks pristine though. I’m having heated grips, hand guards, sliders front and rear, a Scottoiler and a top case. Never thought I’d go for the latter two, but I’m bored of lubricating chains and carrying a rucksack. It comes with the default aftermarket Akrapovic silencers, which are legal.
I’ll miss the 640, which has bags of character, but it vibrates too much for the motorway. I’m leaving the shift lights on it, so we’ll see how long I last without on the 950.
The 950 is light and narrow, so it will be good around Town, but it’s a twin, so it should be much smoother and of course more powerful in the country.
We’ll see.
