KTM Superduke 990II
Two years ago, Superduke was one of the most important turning points in the history of the KTM brand. Namely, we finally drove out of the mud onto the asphalt. The radical roadster has become a hit for many as an icon of the modern streetfighter motorcycle.
The unique KTM Superduk concept remains the same today, only this time the wishes and comments of previous riders have been carried over to the bike. So now not only the goldfish, but also the KTM make wishes come true.
Of course, nothing has changed, which is good in principle. The Superduke 990 was and remains so radical that it is not for everyone, and KTM assured us that it is not for everyone either.
So, you are tired of everyday motorcycles, do you find athletes more alike every day and less and less suitable for the road? Do you have enough heavy, softly sprung and bulky motorcycles? Are you nodding? And if you are still whistling what your colleagues are saying (especially those who swear by 600cc stripped or polucleated bikes), then you are a serious candidate for this beast. Something like a fairy tale, when a person gets tired of white bread, which is not lacking in anything, but still reaches for coarse flour.
But let's not get into cooking tips. Specifically, we want to point out that KTM hides much of that old "tough" bike that most people don't even care about.
However, the new Superduke is more user-friendly. Power in the compact two-cylinder LC8 grows better, smoother and more torque. A lot of work has been done here, as the engine is now cleaner, but at the same time even sweeter while driving. The throttle lever is fantastic and the 100Nm of torque does the trick. The gearbox is well designed and runs precisely and smoothly. Perfect Friday!
Even the sound of the production exhaust system is deeper and more decisive, which they achieved with a new cylinder head and a new electronic fuel injection unit. In addition to the great engine, the redesigned frame and chassis should not be overlooked.
The ultra-lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel tube frame, which weighs just nine kilograms, provides strength, a new frame head tilt angle (formerly 66 degrees, now 5 degrees) and a modified antecedent for greater maneuverability and maneuverability.
stability at high speeds and maximum loads in fast and long corners. New frame innovations and improved WP suspension provide exceptional ease and precision in both cornering and flat handling.
The first flaws only became apparent when we raced it with some damn fast KTMs on the uneven pavement of Spain's Albacete race track. During very hard riding, the Superduke gets a little hectic when accelerating out of a corner with the standard suspension adjustment, but a bit of steering is something an experienced rider would not be able to handle.
In short, it also delivers a full adrenaline-pumping pleasure on the racetrack with the knee rubbing against the tarmac, although it's mostly not a stripped-down superbike as is usually the case in (mostly) Italian races.
A very important part of the overall positive impression was also the excellent Brembo brakes, which are now even improved, as they have lost some of the aggressiveness at the moment when the brake pads hit a pair of 320 mm brake discs. It is also interesting that they do not get tired even after half an hour of driving on the race track - the rider gets tired faster.
With such high quality workmanship and selected components from established manufacturers, it is difficult to find criticism. Maybe the numbers on the new fittings could be a little larger, maybe the mirrors could show a bigger picture of what's going on behind your back, but that's really all. With a new fuel tank, which is 3 liters more, they took away the only real reason to scold us. The range with a full tank of fuel is now a respectable 5 kilometers or more.
For the picky eater who wants more, KTM has prepared a selection of products from the Power Parts catalog that lighten the production Superduk by up to 15 kilograms.
Technical information
engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 999 cm3, 88 kW (120 HP) at 9.000 rpm, 100 Nm at 7.000 rpm, el. fuel injection
Frame, suspension: chrome molybdenum tubular steel, USD front adjustable fork, PDS rear single adjustable damper
brakes: front radial brakes, disc diameter 320 mm, rear 240 mm
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Fuel tank: 18, 5 l.
Seat height from ground: 850 mm
Weight: 186 kg without fuel
Test car price: 12.250 EUR
Contact person: www.hmc-habat.si, www.motorjet.si, www.axle.si
We praise and reproach
+ straightforwardness and excellent communication between motorcycle and rider
+ uncompromising
+ only components of the highest quality
+ ease, manageability
+ great engine
+ brakes
- poor wind protection above 140 km / h
- open bottom of the engine
- the transparency of the counters can be improved
Peter Kavcic, photo: Herwig Peuker – KTM
Basic data
Test model cost: € 12.250 XNUMX €
Technical information
engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 999 cm3, 88 kW (120 HP) at 9.000 rpm, 100 Nm at 7.000 rpm, el. fuel injection
Frame: chrome molybdenum tubular steel, USD front adjustable fork, PDS rear single adjustable damper
brakes: front radial brakes, disc diameter 320 mm, rear 240 mm
Fuel tank: 18,5 l.
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Weight: 186 kg without fuel
