KTM Superduke review
 

Forewords: this is my "indulgence" bike a present I promised myself when some kindly driver decided to destroy my knee 3 year ago, Only had two days riding on it so far, but will update over time.

The Review.

What is it.
Make KTM
Model Superduke
Year 2008

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http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._8271259_n.jpg
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Engine:
Engine Type V Twin (75’)
Cylinders 2
Engine Stroke 4-Stroke
Displacement 999 cc (60.96 cubic inches)
Valves 8
Valves Per Cylinder 4
Valve Configuration DOHC
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Starter Electric
Cooling Liquid
Fuel Type Petrol
Transmission:
Transmission Type Manual
Number Of Speeds 6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) Chain
Wheels & Tires:
Front Tire (Full Spec) 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire (Full Spec) 180/55 ZR17
Brakes:
Front Brake Type Dual Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake Type Hydraulic Disc
Technical Specifications:
Top Speed 140
Insurance Group 15


Model History

Release in 2005, updated in 2007 (white available from 2008.)

Interesting info
LC8 engine developed “in-house” by KTM themselves after taking on several engineers from Rotax.
Originally in 950cc for the Supermoto and adventurer and now as the 990 used in the RC8.

Performance
Standard spec
Power 120bhp (on standard pipes)
Torque 75.2/100 Ft Lbs / Nm @ 7000 rpm
0 – 60 3 sec
Top Speed 140/225.3 mph / kph


Handling & Chassis
Frame - Chromium-molybdenum, powder-coated tubular
Rake - 23.9°
Trail - 101 mm (4.0 inches)
Wheelbase - 1,450 mm (57.1 inches)

Engine & gearbox
999cc 75 degree V twin engine, pressurised oil feed type (dry sump), Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically, 6 speed gearbox.

Suspension & Brakes
WP fully adjustable USD 48mm front forks, WP fully adjustable monoshock
Twin front 320mm discs, radial mount monoblock brembo callipers,
Single 240mm rear disc, Brembo calliper.

Instruments
Analog rev counter, digital LCD speedo, “idiot” lights and a multi function LCD screen*
* graphical temp gauge, clock, trip counters**
**changeable between two standard trips, also switches to a count-up trip when the fuel light comes on.

Modifications & Add-on’s
Twin Akrapovic Evo system
P& P rearsets
16 tooth front sprocket
R&G crash bungs
KTM spindle bungs, front and back
Evotech Tail tidy
Touring screen
KTM rim tape
LED ind’s
Quick Throttle with 4 changeable cams (50/200/300/400)
Meta 357t-v2 Alarm
Datatag security marking system

Impressions

An Imposing look greets you when you see this bike, knife sharp edged design is the order of the day, the white panels on the black give a striking appearance.
Physically a talk machine (855mm seat height), throwing a leg over the seat gives a supermoto type riding position, very wide armed/broad chested/straight backed posture, the bike is waisted so your legs are straight as opposed to splayed out (as can sometimes be the case), in front of you is the wide tank giving you that "big bike" feel, the bars are the fat type and fairly neutral and flat, fully adjustable levers help make sure everything is to hand and comfortable.

Lifting the bike off the sidestand you note is doesn't lean over far (so it'll take a bit of extra care when parking to make sure it's firmly down), the bike is surprisingly light, turning the key brings the dash to life, the analog rev counter needle does a sweep around and returns, the LCD screen shows the front wheel diameter (the speedo can be calibrated for different wheel sizes) briefly before showing the clock and trip and large speedo above them, the whole display is back lit orange and the rev counter needle is blue.

The starter button rewards you with a very satisfying deep engine rumble; this is a baritone bike that's for sure, the rev gauge shows tick over to be around 1250 or so, a quick blip of the throttle sends a shiver through the bike and an almost physical wall of noise out the exhaust, wonderful.

On lifting my left leg onto the rearset I note the position is surprisingly relaxed (to the point I won't need to add an adaptor plate to it), I squeeze the front brake and pull in the clutch before selecting first, a bit "clonky" but goes in well enough, I'm wondering if this'll be the case throughout the gearbox?

Increase the revs and let out the clutch and I'm away, this is no sheep in wolves clothing, it's the real thing; "SHARP" is the word that comes to mind, you can almost hear the bike say "respect me or I'll bite", this isn't an easy bike to ride, it'll demand you concentration all the time and punish mistakes.

You sit very much up to the tank, which is just as well as the front wheel would quite happy reach for the skys without to much provocation, the power delivery could be described as "fierce" and a light hand is called for to keep things smooth.

The suspension is excellent; you don't get any better on a road bike, it's firm but compliant, once again the bike surprise by feeling very light in motion (feels like the CCM and that's 119kg), the whole bike is naturally biased forward and tipping into the first corner confirms the razor handling, the wide bars lift the bike equally as quickly as it turned in and a hint of throttle is all it takes to fire you out of the corner down the road, I'd say this is one of the few bikes you could actually justify fitting a steering damper to.

Power is everywhere, not once in any gear did I find the engine lacking; a fairly short stroke I'd judge and free reving, the gearbox just seems to be there as some sort of volume control really (and unlike selecting from neutral it's smooth and light), first gear will see 60mph with ease if you want to, but also pulling away in 4th is do-able, but the cream is 30-70mph it's scary fast, I'm going to have to watch my license with that! (On my private test track....Officer) it'll pull cleanly to 130*, but in all honesty you wouldn't really want to and if you never took it into triple figures I doubt you'd miss much.

Now the bad bits, as mentioned the sidestand is a bit upright and care has to be taken when parking, absolutely no wind or weather protection at all, the engine oil level is viewed easily enough, but topping up requires removing a body panel, which is a bit of a pain, but by far the biggest is economy, now I know it's a play thing and admittedly it's been tuned for power; but the light came on at 92 miles and by the time I filled up at 101 miles it drank 17.5 ltrs...:smt118

In summary, this is one serious bit of kit, not so much difficult to ride; as focused I'd say, doesn't have the top end rush of the Speedtriple or an inline four, but big buckets of power everywhere you'd want, I'd run it against even the most extreme of sports bikes in the real world and would lay good money on it "keeping up" on all but the longest of tracks, it has curb appeal to; nine times yesterday car drivers dropped their windows to tell me "lovely bike mate" or alike. Quality ? well it looks to be well made, it's so new only time will tell but as the new price shows there is nothing cheap on this bike,an awesome machine by any yard stick.

Looking forward to many fun filled miles in the future.

* I haven't had it over that yet, but it did have more to give, just hard work on a naked bike.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

nice review thanks for that mate .... :cool:
Hope you enjoy it ! sounds like you will ....;)
Looks a cool bike :D

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

I've ridden one, they're fantastic and barking mad

PS looks wicked with the akros

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Jeez. Fuel consumption is a bit of an eye waterer innit. I test rode a 990 SM as they didn't have a Superduke. Same engine, different gearing, maybe a slightly different tune, but that was juicy as well. Couldn't help popping wheelies on it. It "made" you do it. When I was taking it back to the dealer I kept leaving gaps between me and the cars in front just so I could loft the front.

Have fun Mark. DON'T CHUCK IT DOWN THE ROAD. Look forward to the update.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Nice write up Mark, and great to see that you're enjoying it! :thumbsup:

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Thats one sweet looking duke:cool:,but i think you'll find the top speed above what you listed:).

Bet those cans sound a bit fruity too:cool:

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Lovely bloody bike, top choice - and well deserved by the sounds of things

Was looking forward to this review, really made me want one - though I don't dare get any quotes. One for the future maybe though

cheers

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

"Originally in 950cc for the Supermoto and adventurer and now as the 990 used in the RC8."

The rc8 is 1148 cc ;)

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

A very conclusive write up, don't thiink you'd get something as informative from a bike mag.Top marks!
Oh and she is a beauty, is it just the way pic's are taken or do the cans stick out along way?

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Now 1190 ;)

Very nice bike there Mark and good write up too, Im sure you'll enjoy :D Would love something like that, just havent got the legs :(

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Top speed on a big naked is more a function of your neck than the bike!

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Indeed. Dont think Id want to be the one to test top end! :rolleyes:

Sounds like a nice piece of kit! Its got to be, its a V twin :D

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

still an LC8 engine :smt102

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Not so much the cans sticking out as the back end being so short, if you look at where the rear wheel axle is you'll see what I mean.

Indeed it is, what makes it so good at slower speeds (wide handlebars), leaves you open to the elements at the top end.

Funnily enough it's a bit different, the corsaro I tried was the same, seems the "new generation" of big V's seem to have all the traditional power expected, and yet feel lighter in the engine and a bit more free reving, I've compared it so far to a tuono, SP1, SV1000 and a monster 1000DS & multistrada, the Tuono was the closes, but still seemed to have more weight in the engine behind each stroke, is the best I can do to describe it, but as I say it's not a power thing at all as both have plenty.

This evening I admitted defeat, the bike is just to sharp, the last 3 or 4 trips have been in the wet, now I know I don't like the tyres, but with the smaller front sprocket and the quick throttle, every ride is a battle of concentration and fine control, a mixture of scary and thrilling, but I find it to distracting to be honest, so I fitted the quick throttle with the 400 cam (same as original spec),it's gone from 050 to 200 and now 400; so in effect I've negated £120 worth of add-on :smt102, I'll take it for a spin in a while and see how it goes, I've left the front sprocket alone for now though.etched all the panels with the datatag and fitted the transponders, along with the Meta fitted last weekend and the Abus lock; I reckon I can do no more security wise anyway.

Cheers Mark.

Also

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

wow nice review :D i salute you on wrighting that :)

only one thing i have never seen usB forks befor :P :D

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Interesting review. Ive been looking at one of these a while now. Currently got a KTM LC4 SM. Since I've owned it I have done more miles than on my other bike which is a Busa. This basically says to me the KTM LC4 is more fun. But would I feel the same about it if it was the 950 or 990 engine?

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Limitations of spell check I'm afraid, edited for you now though...;)

I did have a go on a 2007 950SM, and have previously ridden a variaty of middleweight single (Armstrong MT500/pegaso 650/Honda CR500/DRZ400/CCM R30/CCM 404DS); as well as both the 650 and 690 LC4's, they are all fun; but do lack a bit come the faster roads, oh they will manage, but it's not a natural place for them to be shall we say ?, the bigger engine as I've said above doesn't seem to show the extra weight somehow so feels almost as light and flexible as the LC4 motor but with the topend sort of added on, so whilst it's not going to be a busa or anything like that, just imagine your KTM at say 30-70 and make that 30-110 and you've got the 950 LC8 lump*.




Cheers Mark

* 990 in either the Superduke or SM, will obviously give you a little more, but to be honest it's hardly noticable over the 950.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Ahhh, that's the beauty of mods though isn't it - playing around with settings and fancy bits of kit. If you got it right first time it would be less of an achievement ;)

BTW if you do decide to leave the quick action throttle completely, let me know and I'll buy it off you - a certain person has been hankering after one, and I think it might be OK for the mainly dry weather use.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

haha i was joking, its the only mistake i saw mind im not realy the one to be looking.

whats the seat height like ? say compaird to a xt660x or a MT-03 ?

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

the Superduke is 855 mm
MT-03 is 805 mm
XT660X is 875mm

Cheers Mark

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

hmm i may have to have a look at this when im off a restricted license :)

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

do be warned, it's not for the faint hearted, not an easy bike to ride by any yardstick, just so you know.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

yeh i have been reading a few revies and seems like a live one, im after one of these(ktm) or a gixxer 750 or a speed triple

not sure yet thogh as i like the sports bike look but you carnt beet been upright where as i think the triple is a bit of both

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

I love speed trples had 6 and still got one outside now, but to heavy for my knee now I'm afraid, but it's not as "live wire" as the duke though.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Have a look at some of my previous ones

http://forums.sv650.org/album.php?albumid=390

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

BLOODY hell you have had a "few" bikes :D i quite like the older style one but they do look heavy

im a big fan of these ones http://www.triumphroma.com/wp-conten...iple_08-02.jpg

ps love the supermoto :)

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Not a great deal lighter and make the same power as the old 955 engine, all mine have had tweeked ones the last was 139bhp and the current one is 152bhp, I tend not to leave them standard, all the others done over 100,000 mile each, so they last as well.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

nice :D i have to say you do have good taste when i come to bikes :) and 150bhp is just insane

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

I've had lots of practise.....:D

yeah even more insane is it's only got 17 miles on it....:(

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

lol

and whaaaatttt 17 miles :smt103 is that because of your knee ? if so why not sell it or is it sentimental ?

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

yeah the knee thing happened just as I'd about finished building the thing, alot of time effort and money went into it, it's stood around for 3 years now, I should do something about it, but as I don't have to, I've just left it for now in the vain hope of someday being able to ride it, no way I'd get my money back in any case, the bike is probably worth about £2k, the engine build alone was more than that.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

damn :/ that sucks

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Being on the tall side Mark, how do you find it when you have to stand at lights etc?
I know Peg mentioned yesterday, he had a quick sit on it, being of one of the very wonky knee gang, the height was one thing that came up straight away!

He didn't say it was pretty at all....ohhhh nooo!!

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Yes Lou it is quite tall in a supermoto way and the rear shock (at present) doesn't compress down much when you sit on it, so remains so, but the bike is very narrow at that point so it isn't a problem at all and gives a commanding viewpoint when in traffic, the only ache I've had is the web between my thumb and forefinger as the whole riding position is leaned forwards (Pete mentioned he could see the soles of my boots all the time when going along), stopping at lights is easy as it's almost a perfect standing position, so I don't have any worry there although people of a small leg length would require the "slide of seat" technique to get a foot down.


Hmmmm, lets put it this way; of the black, orange and this one; the white version, it's the pretty one, but not in a conventional way, imagine a landrover defender, never a pretty car, striking, purposeful, compared to a matt olive green one a white one would be pretty-er.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

well a nice benefit of me thrashing around for the last 800 miles or so is an improvement in economy, now getting about 32mpg, which is better than the 23 mpg I first got.

Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

I was being ever so slightly sarcy. He said it was rather pretty quite a few times.:p

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

looks ghey to me.





I'm not jealous at all...

nope, not even a little bit.


giz a go mister ;)

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

No the MV was pretty, as I said; striking in the looks department I think.

whilst I'd love to let you have a go, I wouldn't like to contribute to any erosion of you manly persona, so had better not.


(Oh look at your foot, is that a bullet wound I see....;) ).


Cheers Mark.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

Actually, I do like them.

Your the 4th person I know whos bought one within the last few months.
I rode the superduke R when it came out about 18 months / 2 years or so ago and thought it was a proper hooligans bike.
I just felt a bit vunerable on it due to being able to see all infront rather than the fairing (stupid I know as a plastic fairing isnt going to protect you much in an off!).
Really nice choice of bike though and as you know, I'm a fan of the KTM stuff anyway.

At the rate these things are selling, KTM must have got something right.

Re: KTM Superduke review
 

beaut of a bike and great review...you're in for looaadsa fun im sure!!