A BETTER BUSINESS MODEL

A BETTER BUSINESS MODEL

HULK NOT DONE LONG WINDED DISCUSSION ON HULK SITE IN WHILE, SHOULD BE A SMASHINGLY GOOD FUN!


 ADORABLE FOLLOWERS GOT MAD WITH HULK TODAY OVER A VIDEO POSTED BY JIM STERLING. FOR THOSE TOO LAZY NOT TO CLICK LINKS AND HEAR BRITISH VOICES, JIM TALKS OF THE BIZARRE YET INCREASING FAILURES OF VALVE IN CHECKING PRODUCTS BEFORE THEIR EVENTUAL RELEASE.

SOME FOLLOWERS ARE OF THE OPINION THAT NO PUBLISHER, SITE, OR ENTITY SELLING A PRODUCT SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A PRODUCT BEING A PILE OF SHIT, FURTHERMORE FOLLOWERS BELIEVE THE ROLES OF SMASHING THESE GOOD FOR NOTHING SCUM DEVELOPERS THAT SELL INTENTIONALLY BROKEN PRODUCTS IS INHERENTLY WITH THE COMMUNITY AND NO ONE ELSE.

NOW.... HULK LOVE ALL FOLLOWERS, BUT THESE FOLLOWERS ARE MISGUIDED, AND HERE ARE HULKS UNSMASHABLE REASONS AS TO WHY


1: MONEY HAS ALREADY TRANSFERRED BETWEEN GROUPS.

IF GAME IS RELEASED, BOUGHT, REVIEWED. FOUND TO BE HORRIBLE BEYOND STANDARD BUGS ISSUES AND CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS FRAUDULENT SCHEME TO TRICK PEOPLE.... THEN THE COMMUNITY BASED CHECKING SYSTEM IS ALREADY TOO LATE.

2: REFUNDS ARE NOT FULLY EMBRACED IN INDUSTRY.

TO DATE, THE ONLY COMPANY TO HAVE A GOOD REFUND POLICY THAT HULK KNOW ON PERSONAL LEVEL IS AMAZON ( FOLLOWERS SAID GOG ALSO GOOD BUT DONT QUOTE HULK ON IT) , NOT EVEN STEAM ( WHO DOES EVENTUALLY GIVE RETURNS WHEN SHIT HITS FAN) WILL HANDLE MORE THAN ONE RETURN PER CUSTOMER OR AT LEAST THIS IS WHAT REPRESENTATIVES HAVE PREVIOUSLY STATED.

INDIE GROUPS SUPPOSEDLY ARE MORE TRANSPARENT WITH REFUNDS BUT HULK NEVER NEEDED TO DO A REFUND DUE TO THE GAMES USUALLY BEING EXCELLENT.

MANY AAA SITES DO HAVE A REFUND POLICY IN PLACE, BUT IT INVOLVES JUMPING THROUGH HOPES, PAYING SHIPPING COSTS OR "STOCKING FEES" AND USUALLY IS LENGTHIER THEN IT NEEDS TO BE TO DETER PEOPLE FROM TRYING.
 



3.COMPOUNDING NEGATIVE MEDIA PIECES CAN HARM A REPUTATION.

IN SHORT, THE THEORY IS THAT IF ENOUGH BAD PIECES OF MEDIA ARE RELEASED
YOU TEND TO START SEEING BAD SALES WHEN IT GROWS BIG ENOUGH. HULK CALLS THIS A THEORY BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH EVERY MARKETER ON THE PLANET UNDERSTANDS THE CONCEPT, NO PROPER SCIENCE HAS BEEN DONE SINCE SOCIAL MEDIA IS A NEW INTRODUCTION TO THIS COMPLICATED ISSUE.



4: THE GAME INDUSTRY (LIKE START UPS IN TECH INDUSTRY) DO NOT UNDERSTAND QA.

HULK PERSONAL POLICY IS THAT ALL KNOWN BUGS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE GAMES SHOULD BE RELEASED. THIS MEANS HULK PROJECTS CAN TAKE A LONG TIME AND IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES CAN EVEN BE A DRAIN ON RESOURCES.

LARGER OUTFITS DONT LIKE SPENDING MONEY PROPERLY ON QA (AND INDIE USUALLY REFUSES TO)... OF ALL THE BUDGETS THEY ARE GENERALLY THE TINIEST ( WITH MARKETING BEING THE LARGEST) AND ONCE SOMETHING IS OVER BUDGETS THERES NOTHING THEY CAN REALLY DO..... SO IT WORKS LIKE THIS, A "SHOW STOPPER" WILL GET FIXED, THE MAMMOTH FLYING HIGH INTO THE SKY PROBABLY WONT UNLESS THAT MAMMOTH ENDS UP BREAKING THE GAME.

THEN THERES THE SPECIAL GROUP OF JACKASSES WHO THINK THEY DONT NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO EARN INCOME AND SHIP IT BROKEN TO HOPEFULLY FIX IN A DAY ONE PATCH OR SOME OTHER LAZY PIECE OF MARKETING BULLSHIT.

5: DEVELOPERS SADLY ARE JUST AS LIKELY TO BLAME AUDIENCE THAN BLAME THEMSELVES WHEN THEY SCREW UP.

THEY HAVE ALSO  BLAMED A GRAPHICS CARD UPDATE, FALSIFY MEDIA OR TIRADE ABOUT WORLD BEING AGAINST THEM OVER TINY CODE ISSUES ( HULK HAVE SEEN PROGRAMMERS OVERREACT AND START THROWING DEATH THREATS AROUND BECAUSE OF FREAKING SYNTAX ERRORS.....SYNTAX ERRORS OF WHICH HULK CANT SHARE BECAUSE THEY WERE SCARED OF PEOPLE REACTING AND DELETED TWEETS 10 SECONDS LATER!). THEY ALSO CALL REVIEWERS "SLUTS" , "BITCHES", OR "WHORES" WHEN THEY FIND FAULTS ( EASILY REPEATABLE ONES) WITH THEIR PRODUCTS.

6: THE POWER OF THE COMMUNITY "VOICE" IS NOT A STABLE GROUNDED THING... 

 ITS DETERMINED BY PEOPLE ON RECEIVING END AND ULTIMATELY THE VOICE CAN BE NONEXISTENT IF NO ONE LARGER IN THE COMMUNITY STEPS UP TO MAKE OTHERS KNOW ABOUT IT. THE TERM "SIGNAL BOOSTING" BECAME VERY VERY POPULAR ON TWITTER WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT THIS PHENOMENA AND ULTIMATELY, SOMEONE IN THE COMMUNITY BEING A DICK ( AS THE DEVELOPERS TEND TO SEE IT) DOES NOT MEAN YOUR FAVORITE KICKSTARTER OR MOBILE GAME OR "AAAAAAAAAAAA" NEXT GEN TITLE WILL GET FIXED BECAUSE PLAYER SEE SOMETHING.



SO WITH LINKS IN HAND, BIZARRE STORIES LEADING TO STRANGER STORIES, LEADING TO MISTAKES, AND EVENTUAL SLOWED SALES HULK NOW WANTS TO RETURN TO THE BEGINNING....

THE COMMUNITY *CANNOT* BE THE FIRST LINE IN DEFENSE WHEN SHUTTING DOWN WHAT LOOKS LIKE GET QUICK RICH SCHEMES. GAME SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PLACED UP TO BEGIN WITH.

DUE TO THE REASONS HULK ALREADY LISTED, IF ENOUGH SHIT GAMES ARE RELEASED, THEN THE REPUTATION OF THE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING THE GAME CAN ALSO TAKE A HIT. THEY TAKE THE HIT FOR SHOWING WITHOUT A DOUBT, SEVERE LACK OF COMMON FUCKING SENSE, AND FOR A COMPANY LIKE STEAM ( WHOM HULK RESPECT IMMENSELY) IT IS A TRAVESTY THAT NO ONE STOPPED, SAW GAMES LIKE ALIENS AND THIS 2066 NONSENSE WAS BEING RELEASED AND FIGURED IT MIGHT NOT BE WORTH IT.

IT MAKES THEIR ENTIRE PROCESS OF GREENLIGHTING ( OF WHICH IS KINDA SORTA DEAD BUT NO IN THE GRAVE YET), THEIR PROCESS OF ALLOWING NON GREENLIT DEVELOPERS ON STEAM LOOK LIKE A FARCE AND ONLY ADDS MORE QUESTIONS TO THE FLAME WAR OF HOW THE HELL STEAM IS ACTUALLY RUN. THIS ITSELF IS A CONTINUING ISSUE FOR NEW INDIE DEVS THAT REALLY NEEDS CLARIFICATION.
 


ONE QUICK VIEWING OF THE MATERIAL WOULD HAVE SHOWN THIS WAS A POSSIBLE LAWSUIT WITH POTENTIAL ASSETS BEING STOLEN.


HULK NOT GOING TO LIST LARGE QA METHODOLOGY PRACTICE ADVICE FOR VALVE, THAT WOULD BE STUPID, BUT WITH FAILURES OCCURRING, REFUNDS STILL BEING A PROBLEM,  AND MORE SHITTY GAMES BEING RELEASED ACROSS THE WIDE SPECTRUM OF GAME RELATED DEVICES.....

A QA SYSTEM IS NEEDED, AND SINCE GAMES FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS THAT ARENT HILARIOUS GOAT SIMULATORS, HULK GUESSING VALVE SHOULD HIRE PEOPLE TO PLAY SOME DAMN VIDEOGAMES AND ENSURE THEY MEET SOME KIND OF PRICE VALUE STANDARD BEFORE BEING RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, AND HULK PRAYS TO HULK GODS VALVE DOES THIS WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE XBLIG


HULK KNOW NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES COULD BE HAD FOR THIS KIND OF SYSTEM..... BUT IF VALVE WONT TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY WHILE STILL NOT GIVING OUT REFUNDS.... THEN THEY WILL START LOSING SUPPORT IN THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT MIGHT NOT BE TODAY OR A YEAR FROM NOW, BUT IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES THEN HULK CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE FUTURE HELL THAT STEAM WILL BECOME.

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A che punto è la Tesla Model 3 l’auto elettrica “economica”

A che punto è la Tesla Model 3 l’auto elettrica “economica”

Questo articolo vi arriva gratuitamente e senza pubblicit� grazie alle donazioni dei lettori. Se vi piace, potete farne una anche voi per incoraggiarmi a scrivere ancora. Ultimo aggiornamento: 2017/02/26 00:40.

Avvertenza: prima di fare domande nei commenti, leggete le risposte alle domande pi� frequenti che ho gi� scritto. Grazie.

Molti di voi mi hanno chiesto come sta andando la mia prenotazione della Tesla Model 3, l�auto elettrica che dovrebbe trasformare il mercato con la sua autonomia (circa 340 km), la sua ricarica veloce (circa 40 minuti per un �pieno�) e il suo prezzo non economico ma abbordabile (35.000 dollari nel modello base). Ieri sono stati annunciati alcuni dati ufficiali, per cui vale la pena di tornare sull�argomento e riepilogare quello che � successo dal 2 aprile scorso, quando ho fatto la prenotazione.

L�azienda Tesla Motors ora si chiama Tesla e basta; ha acquisito SolarCity, grande produttrice di pannelli solari, e la tedesca Grohmann, specializzata in automazione spinta della produzione; ieri ha pubblicato i risultati del quarto trimestre 2016 e dell�anno scorso, dichiarando ricavi nel 2016 per 7 miliardi di dollari (+73% rispetto al 2015) con perdite per circa 700 milioni. La strada per il pareggio, insomma, � ancora lunga, e la sfida per trasformarsi da una fabbrica di auto di lusso a tiratura limitata a un produttore di massa � ancora tutta da vincere. Ma i soldi per proseguire, dice Elon Musk, ci sono: ancora 3,1 miliardi di dollari in cassa.

Secondo quanto annunciato da Tesla, la fabbricazione dei prototipi della Model 3 � iniziata questo mese (qui la prima immagine �rubata�) e i primi crash test sono gi� stati effettuati. La produzione �limitata� iniziale di serie della Model 3 partir� a luglio di quest�anno e raggiunger� volumi elevati entro settembre, con l�obiettivo di arrivare a 5000 esemplari a settimana entro fine 2017 (secondo le dichiarazioni di Elon Musk raccolte da Teslarati, 1000/settimane a luglio, 4000/settimana ad agosto, 5000/settimana a settembre) e 10.000 a settimana entro il 2018. Il debutto sul mercato della Model 3 avverr� �nella seconda met� dell�anno�.

Queste stime pongono limiti massimi alle produzioni annuali per il 2017 e 2018: nel caso (del tutto ipotetico) di una produzione a pieno regime dall�inizio, verrebbero fabbricate al massimo 130.000 Model 3 nel 2017 e 520.000 nel 2018. A titolo di confronto, in tutto il 2016 Tesla ha prodotto 83.922 auto, specificamente Model S e X (+64% rispetto al 2015). Questi numeri danno un�idea della difficolt� di ottenere un�espansione cos� rapida. Fra l�altro, gli ordini di questi modelli di lusso vanno a gonfie vele, con il 49% in pi� nel quarto trimestre 2016 rispetto allo stesso periodo nel 2015.

Non si sa quante siano attualmente le prenotazioni per la Model 3: Elon Musk ha preferito non dichiarare cifre specifiche perch�, dice, �la gente interpreta troppo questa cosa�, ma sono oltre 400.000. Oltre diecimila provengono da dipendenti Tesla o SpaceX, che avranno la priorit� su tutti (e faranno da cavie) e potranno cominciare a configurare online il proprio esemplare poco prima di luglio 2017. La presentazione ufficiale dell�auto, nella sua forma definitiva, � ora prevista per luglio anzich� marzo-aprile; dopo la presentazione, il configuratore online sar� disponibile al pubblico generico. Alla luce di questi dati, mi aspetto di poter configurare l�auto a luglio 2017 e di poterla forse ricevere a met� del 2018. Sapevo che l�attesa non sarebbe stata breve e non ho fretta.

Si stima che il pacco batterie della Model 3 abbia una capacit� di circa 55 kWh nel modello base, ed � stato visto un prototipo con doppio motore e pacco batterie da 70 kWh, ma Musk ha dichiarato ieri che si aspetta che la Model 3 abbia in media un pacco da 60-70 kWh.

Nell�ambito della semplificazione rispetto alle costose Model S e X, la Model 3 non avr� le famose maniglie retrattili che escono automaticamente quando ci si avvicina all�auto, ma user� una soluzione differente.

Intanto procede spedita la costruzione in Nevada della Gigafactory, ossia lo stabilimento gigante ad elevata automazione nel quale viene costruita la Model 3 (la �macchina che fabbrica la macchina�, come la chiamano in Tesla). Da gennaio, parte dello stabilimento � gi� in uso per la produzione in massa delle batterie di nuovo formato, le 2170, che vengono gi� installate negli accumulatori per uso domestico (Powerwall) e verranno usate per le Model 3 (la produzione delle Model 3 avverr� anche nello stabilimento �normale� a Fremont). Entro fine anno verranno annunciate le sedi di almeno altre due Gigafactory.

La rete di ricarica rapida Supercharger si sta espandendo e trasformando: per evitare abusi da parte di utenti che lasciano l�auto parcheggiata presso il punto di ricarica anche dopo che � finita la carica, Tesla ha introdotto una �tariffa di occupazione� di 35 eurocent al minuto (con una tolleranza di cinque minuti). Inoltre, come previsto, le Model 3 non avranno la ricarica gratuita a vita, ma la pagheranno se e quando la useranno: lo stesso vale anche per le Model S e X vendute dal 15 gennaio 2017 in poi. Per tutte le auto Tesla ci sono inoltre 400 kWh/anno, circa 1600 km, di carica gratuita).

Le prestazioni delle auto Tesla gi� in produzione hanno raggiunto ormai livelli quasi assurdi: gli esemplari di punta della Model S accelerano da 0 a 100 km/h in 2,27 secondi, stracciando anche le pi� costose supercar milionarie a benzina. Accelerazioni paurose di questo genere sono un ottimo veicolo pubblicitario per togliere dall�opinione pubblica l�idea che le auto elettriche debbano essere mortificanti da guidare, ma non hanno alcuna utilit� pratica nell�uso quotidiano. Invece aumenta l�autonomia, con le versioni 100D che arrivano a 540 km (stima EPA).

La guida assistita (Autopilot) � stata inoltre scagionata per quanto riguarda il ben noto incidente mortale in Florida: le indagini hanno appurato che il conducente non stava guardando la strada e non � intervenuto sui freni anche quando l�ostacolo mortale (un camion di traverso a un�intersezione autostradale) era ben visibile. L�ente statunitense NHTSA ha anzi indicato che l�introduzione dello sterzo assistito (Autosteer) ha ridotto di quasi il 40% gli incidenti delle Tesla.

A proposito di sicurezza, Ars Technica nota che Tesla, senza grande clamore e anzi un po� in sordina, sta introducendo un pacchetto assicurativo, creato insieme ad alcune compagnie assicurative, concepito specificamente per i neoproprietari Tesla, argomentando che se una Tesla � pi� sicura degli altri veicoli grazie alla guida assistita, le assicurazioni dovrebbero tenerne conto. Altre info sul tema sono qui.

La concorrenza, nel frattempo, non � rimasta a guardare: sto tenendo d�occhio la Chevrolet Bolt, o Opel Ampera-e, che � gi� in commercio (in tiratura limitata e solo in alcuni paesi) e ha un�autonomia realistica di quasi 500 km con un prezzo di circa 38.000 dollari. � decisamente interessante, anche se ha il limite di una ricarica relativamente lenta che penalizzerebbe parecchio i viaggi molto lunghi e non ha il software aggiornabile senza visite in officina. Trovate maggiori dettagli qui.


Fonti aggiuntive: Teslarati, CNBC, Electrek.

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Audi new model 2013

New Architecture to Underpin a Plethora of New Models Read More · Audis Future RS Car Plans ... Lighter, Longer: 2013 Audi A6. Audi Applies the A4 Method ...

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Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview

Taking the “Ready To Race” motto to heart, 2012 sees six street bikes in the KTM lineup, headlined by the RC8 R and RC8 R Race Spec models. Here’s the breakdown:

RC8 R
Both the RC8 R and RC8 R Race Spec enter 2012 enjoying a host up carry-over upgrades from 2011. Since the RC8s were late arrivals to the 2011 sportbike party, we’re highlighting the changes and upgrades.
The 1195cc, 75-degree V-Twin remains; enhanced with dual spark plugs for better combustion, and new camshaft timing, the RC8 R now matches the increased power of its club racing kits. A forged crankshaft receives an additional 100 grams of weight for more inertia and when combined with a 25% heavier flywheel the result is a reduction to the abrupt throttle response for which the RC8 was notorious. But that’s not all, the 52mm throttle bodies now have an idle speed control cam to allow smoother airflow in the initial range of movement, like when applying throttle exiting a corner. Of course, this change in airflow required the ECU mapping to be tweaked to compensate.

Heavily revised for 2011, the 2012 RC8 R comes to the U.S. with no technical changes.

The gearbox wasn’t ignored either when going over the RC8 R. Of note is a gearbox sensor that allows the ECU to help control engine braking depending on the current gear. This will help reduce rear-end chattering when diving deep on the brakes for a corner. Other improvements to the tranny include a revised drum and linkage to save weight and provide better shifting.
In the suspension department, the front fork received a larger air chamber (110mm vs. 80mm), while the rear shock’s spring rate is reduced from 95 to 85 N/mm. Both changes provide a better compromise for street riders who want a more comfortable ride, but who still take their RC8 to the track occasionally. Rear ride height now receives a larger range of adjustment, with the rear linkage eccentric adjustable up to 12mm.

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview More inertial mass in the crankshaft and flywheel should help smooth throttle response, while dual sparkplugs promote cleaner, more efficient combustion, resulting in slightly more power.

The rider interface is slightly revised as well, with the gear indicator in both Street and Race mode shown in two places; as a line under the RPM and as a numeric display. Instant and average fuel economy is updated every three seconds, and speaking of fuel, the RC8 R now has an option to switch between two different fuel maps depending on the quality of gas available, with the default 91 octane setting good for a claimed 170 horsepower. The second setting, set for 94 octane, can reach a claimed 175 horses. As far as electronics, the RC8 R doesn’t receive traction control like many of its counterparts, unfortunately, but it still looks to be a worthy competitor in the literbike wars. Finally, its headlight is now surrounded by LED marker lights. Attention was given to not only bump power slightly, but moreso to manage it. Pricing is TBA
RC8 R Race Spec

Upping the ante for the serious trackday or racing enthusiast is the RC8 R Race Spec, which practically throws the proverbial “kitchen sink” of parts from KTM’s performance catalog onto the RC8 R. Specific to the 2012 RC8 R Race Spec are new suspension settings and a new countershaft sprocket with an additional tooth, now 17. To create the Race Spec the base RC8 R is stripped of its street plastics and fitted with track versions instead, with no cutouts for lights or mirrors. Next comes an Akrapovic Evo 4 titanium exhaust system, thinner head gasket, and more aggressive cam timing (a tool to adjust the cam timing is also included). A freer-flowing air filter is installed, while the race ECU is programmed to match the new engine components. This is mated to a racing wiring harness which eliminates all the unnecessary wires (like those that operate the lights), all in the name of weight savings. All told, the Race Spec engine puts out a claimed 180 horsepower and 97.4 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview The Race Spec version of the RC8 R is a trackday enthusiast’s or racer’s dream, as it incorporates practically every go-fast part in the KTM catalog.

Also included in the Race Spec is a slipper clutch and quickshifter for the GP-style (reverse) shift pattern which comes standard. A WP 4618 race shock is fully adjustable, while the WP fork receives TiAIN coating for the slickest surface possible. Both units are tuned specifically for the Race Spec chassis. Forged Marchesini aluminum wheels shave some weight off the stock bikeand are mounted to Dunlop race slicks.
Other notables include machined adjustable footpegs with carbon heel guards, adjustable race brake and clutch levers, 520 chain and sprockets, high-performance brake pads, quarter-turn racingfuelcap, carbon engine guards and a bike stand from Power Parts. Pricing is also yet to be determined for the RC8 R Race.
990 SM T ABS

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview KTM’s interpretation of a sport-tourer, the 990 SM T ABS comes with soft luggage (not pictured) for long-ish travels.

Making a return to our shores is a revised version of the 990 SM, only this model gets a T designation for touring, along with the addition of ABS. It’s powered by the venerable 999cc, 75-degree V-Twin we saw in the Super Duke (which, sadly, isn’t coming here) and comes with soft saddlebags as standard equipment. KTM partnered with Bosch to use its two-channel anti-lock brake system as an added safety feature on the SM. Dual Brembo four-piston, radially mounted calipers bite on 305mm discs and are fed fluid through a radially mounted master cylinder with steel braided lines. Pricing and availability are yet undetermined.
990 Adventure ABS/Adventure R
If you’ve ever seen the notorious Paris-Dakar rally, then you’ve definitely seen the workhorse of the KTM lineup, the 990 Adventure. The 2012 model year sees the Adventure get spruced up with two new variants with the ABS and R models. The former is based on the 2011 Adventure Dakar edition, powered by the same 999cc V-Twin that puts out 115 hp. Only now it receives the benefit of ABS. It also gets a factory racing orange powder coated frame and engine guards, revised wrap-around hand guards, a modified centerstand for easier lifting and new colors and graphics.

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview The go-anywhere 990 Adventure ABS retains all of what makes the Adventure a Paris-Dakar winner while adding ABS. Meanwhile, the Adventure R (not pictured) benefits from suspension tweaks.

The Adventure R model benefits from suspension tweaks that provide 9.8 inches of travel for aggressive riding. A lower seat height of 35.2 inches is almost one full inch lower than the 2010 model. Ground clearance is now set at 11.7 inches.
690 Enduro R/500EXC/350EXC-F
Lastly, a trio of on/off-road models make their way for 2012, starting with the 690 Enduro R, which gets a true 690cc engine due to longer stroke. This increases power to a claimed 67 hp and 49 ft.-lbs. Service intervals have been extended to 6200 miles (10,000km), while suspension settings receive new spring rates, resulting in total travel of 250mm. Seat height now drops 20mm to 910mm, while a new seat adds more comfort. A new tank spoiler, front mask and fender combine to give the 690 Enduro R a new look to go along with the new and improved headlight.
Sadly, the new 690 Duke announced at EICMA apparently won’t be coming to America.

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview For the dual-sport fans out there, the 690 Enduro gets even more power for 2012 and an extended service interval.

The 500EXC and 350 EXC-F are practically completely revised motorcycles. The 500EXC features a new 510.4cc SOHC fuel-injected engine that’s 5.5 pounds lighter than previous the previous powerplant. The 350, meanwhile, sports a 349.7cc DOHC fuel-injected engine. Internally, both engines receive a new balancer shaft, lighter piston and connecting rod and a new single diaphragm spring clutch. A new electric start system has a kickstart backup and is paired with a stronger stator rated at 196 watts. The frame and swingarm are new with a PDS shock in back. Black Giant-brand rims and spokes adorn each bike, and each gets a new airbox, intake boot, silencer and spark arrestor. New bodywork includes a translucent fuel tank and in the rear the taillight and license plate holder is beefed up to be more durable. The 500EXC will retail for $9899, with the 350 coming in $200 cheaper.

Top KTM Street Model Lineup Preview Trail riders out there will enjoy the 350 EXC-F, though some might opt for the more powerful 500EXC (not pictured).

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