First Ride: 2008 KTM 990R Super Duke

The new 990R Super Duke has been 'built for the love of it' say KTM. Which suggests there wasn't any need for this uprated Super Duke but we're glad it's here, because it's even better than the stocker.

To be completely honest (it's the only way Jon - Ed) there aren't many differences between the two bikes; owners of the base model can upgrade their bike to exactly the same specification as the R (except the orange frame) via KTM's Power Parts catalogue. All you need is a single seat unit, longer rear shock, a steering damper, smattering of carbon and some new fork springs.

But all the above will cost you around £1500, whereas simply walking into the dealer and buying a £8995 R only stands you £500 more than the ticket on the standard Super Duke. It sure is tempting.

But should you? This is a bike, again by KTM's own admission, that is 'ready to race'. The seat is little more than a very thin bit of foam glued to the plastic unit. Not great for anything other than short hops. Hmm, but when you ride it...

We only rode the R on a racetrack, so can't say with any real certainty how it will perform on the road, but on track it is stunning. The slightly longer rear shock has the effect of raising the rear of the bike, sharpening the steering angle and reducing the trail. Although this does make it less stable in a straight line the steering damper sorts this and the trade off is a quicker steering bike.

Turning into second and third gear corners the front end feels faultless. Trailing the brakes fails to upset it too and even a slightly rough track surface doesn't cause any adverse reaction from the WP forks. Although modest, the changes to the geometry are noticeable, as the R is that little bit more eager to turn and hold a tighter line than the standard bike. KTM set the suspension to its own 'race' settings (see owner's handbook) and I didn't find any need to stray from these.

The R motor has received the same tweaks as the '07 Super Duke. The fiddles to make the fuelling smoother and satisfy EU laws have similarly taken the slightly rough edge off the motor. On track the fuel injection and motor responded in just the way I wanted, no snatch from a closed to open throttle and loads of smooth power. Although it doesn't feel the fastest engine don't be deceived, the lazy nature of a V-twin easily lulls you into going much faster than you'd expect.

KTM UK are bringing in almost the same number of Rs as the base model so if you like your madness with extra madness on top, go for the R over the stock bike. It looks better, is great value and for its 120-mile tank range the seat is fine. Fancy some track action? Well the R is an excellent trackday bike. Check out a BSB round or the Donington MotoGP and see the Super Duke race series if you need any more convincing.

VERDICT 5/5


For the selfish among us this is the perfect weekend toy

SPECS


TYPE - STREETBIKE


PRODUCTION DATE - 2007


PRICE NEW - £8995


ENGINE CAPACITY - 999cc


POWER - 118bhp@9000rpm


TORQUE - 74lb.ft@7000rpm


WEIGHT - N/A


SEAT HEIGHT - 850mm


FUEL CAPACITY - 18.5L


TOP SPEED - 140mph


0-60 - n/a


TANK RANGE - N/A

The new 990R Super Duke has been 'built for the love of it' say KTM. Which suggests there wasn't any need for this uprated Super Duke but we're glad it's here, because it's even better than the stocker.
To be completely honest (it's the only way Jon - Ed) there aren't many differences between the two bikes; owners of the base model can upgrade their bike to exactly the same specification as the R (except the orange frame) via KTM's Power Parts catalogue. All you need is a single seat unit, longer rear shock, a steering damper, smattering of carbon and some new fork springs.

But all the above will cost you around £1500, whereas simply walking into the dealer and buying a £8995 R only stands you £500 more than the ticket on the standard Super Duke. It sure is tempting.
But should you? This is a bike, again by KTM's own admission, that is 'ready to race'. The seat is little more than a very thin bit of foam glued to the plastic unit. Not great for anything other than short hops. Hmm, but when you ride it...

We only rode the R on a racetrack, so can't say with any real certainty how it will perform on the road, but on track it is stunning. The slightly longer rear shock has the effect of raising the rear of the bike, sharpening the steering angle and reducing  the trail. Although this does make it less stable in a straight line the steering damper sorts this and the trade off is a quicker steering bike.

Turning into second and third gear corners the front end feels faultless. Trailing the brakes fails to upset it too and even a slightly rough track surface doesn't cause any adverse reaction from the WP forks. Although modest, the changes to the geometry are noticeable, as the R is that little bit more eager to turn and hold a tighter line than the standard bike. KTM set the suspension to its own 'race' settings (see owner's handbook) and I didn't find any need to stray from these.

The R motor has received the same tweaks as the '07 Super Duke. The fiddles to make the fuelling smoother and satisfy EU laws have similarly taken the slightly rough edge off the motor. On track the fuel injection and motor responded in just the way I wanted, no snatch from a closed to open throttle and loads of smooth power. Although it doesn't feel the fastest engine don't be deceived, the lazy nature of a  V-twin easily lulls you into going much faster than you'd expect.

KTM UK are bringing in almost the same number of Rs as the base model so if you like your madness with extra madness on top, go for the R over the stock bike. It looks better, is great value and for its 120-mile tank range the seat is fine. Fancy some track action? Well the R is an excellent trackday bike. Check out a BSB round or the Donington MotoGP and see the Super Duke race series if you need any more convincing.

VERDICT 5/5

For the selfish among us this is the perfect weekend toy

KTM 990R Duke

SPECS
TYPE - STREETBIKE
PRODUCTION DATE - 2007
PRICE NEW - £8995
ENGINE CAPACITY - 999cc
POWER - 118bhp@9000rpm
TORQUE - 74lb.ft@7000rpm   
WEIGHT - N/A
SEAT HEIGHT - 850mm   
FUEL CAPACITY - 18.5L   
TOP SPEED - 140mph   
0-60     - n/a
TANK RANGE - N/A