If you could be happy with something smaller, why spend the extra cash on a 1k if you aren’t going to use all of the bike? Personally, I’d much rather get the most out of a 600 than putt along on a 1k.
Duc maintenance has gotten better over the last couple of years, I don’t beleive the valve adjustments are as frequent as they used to be nor as costly, but still not on par with the Jap machines yet (in ease or $$$).
As for the Duc dry clutch - it is possible to rid the clutch of the rattle and from what I have been told (by a Duc owner who did it) and it’s not that big of a deal. Apparently, the majority of Duc owners actually like that sound. :nuts:
Basically, go try everything, get what you are comfortable with. If you get something you are happy with (and know the difference) you a more likely to be happy with that bike for a considerable amount of time. You mileage may vary…