News 1 Jan 2009

Quick Test: 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R

Moto Online takes KTM’s '08 990 Super Duke R around the Creek - and it’s a blast!

superduke-r

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine type: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75
Bore x stroke: 101 x 62.4 mm
Displacement: 999 cc
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Transmission: Six speed
Power (claimed): 133hp
Torque (claimed): 75ft-lbs

CHASSIS
Frame type: Chromium molybdenum
Front suspension: WP-USD 48mm
Rear suspension: WP Monoshock
Wheelbase: 1450 mm
Wheels (front/rear): 3.50 x 17″ / 5.50 x 17″
Tyres (front/rear): 120/70 ZR 17″ / 180/55 ZR 17″
Brakes (front/rear): 2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted, 2 x floating brake disc 320mm / Brembo single piston, floating caliper, brake disc 240mm

DIMENSIONS
Weight (claimed): 186kg
Seat height: 850 mm
Fuel capacity: 18.5 litres

PURCHASE DETAILS
Price: TBA
Colour options: Black/orange
Test bike from: KTM Australia (www.ktm.com.au)

What a surprise it was. In between rides on the KTM 1190 RC8 superbike at Eastern Creek, I took the Austrian manufacturer’s top of the line naked bike for a Quick Test and was blown away by its race track capabilities.

The 990 Super Duke R was an absolute blast to ride from the beginning. But I shouldn’t have been surprised. A glance through KTM’s press kit shows that the king of the Super Dukes has been designed to take on the race track, but doubles as a perfect road weapon too.

KTM’s Super Duke R is a step above the standard Super Duke, with high quality fully-adjustable WP suspension at front and rear — 48mm, carbon-coated USD forks at the front.

High-end Marchesini wheels are also featured, along with radially-mounted four-piston Brembo brakes clamping 320mm discs up front and a single 240mm Brembo single-piston set-up at the rear.

The 999cc 75-degree V-twin engine receives a power boost of 16hp over last year’s model, giving it a total of 133hp in standard form. The power of the bike is impressive on track, but the torquey engine’s 75ft-lbs is the real highlight as it stomped off of each corner in exciting fashion.

With that extra power, KTM has placed the R in the ballpark with the Aprilia Tuono R Factory and the MV Agusta Brutale 989 R.

While the power is impressive and raw for a Twin as it lights up in an aggressive fashion on the track, it has a refined feel that would make it a great ride on the street too. It has responsive power from down low, with a solid six-speed gearbox to match.

From 7000-9000rpm, the engine just roars with grunt, forcing the tyres to fight for traction off the tight bends.

You really can feel the extra power over the standard Super Duke.

The suspension handles well on track and is set-up to take on the race track. No matter how hard I pushed it in my time onboard, the WP units reacted with precision and gave plenty of feedback.

Braking is smooth on the R, although they come on in a smooth fashion and don’t have a lot of bite. They pull up gradually, but would be fine on the street.
Its weight of 186kg (claimed) also put it in line with other contenders in the performance naked category.

The sharp styling of the Super Duke R gives it a stealth look that suits its street fighter playground. The black finish of it adds to that character and sets off a perfect image for its use.

If you’re looking for a comfortable road bike that can be taken for long rides out on the open road but also like to ride at ride days on the weekends, the Super Duke R is a serious contender.

It’s a comfortable ride, with brilliant capabilities on track.

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