Motorcycle specifications KTMSUPERDUKE 990 2005 Discretion impossible!

By Olivier Quinten - Motoplanete Exclusive

and with an orange KTM Superduke, trying to be discreet is a complete impossibility.

judge for yourself: despite having already tested a few different machines (Buell XB12, MV Agusta Brutale, ...), I've never felt more watched than during this week: between the "spectators" or rather the pedestrians pointing at me when I passed them, and the passers-by calling out to me at every stop, there's no denying that the Katé look is having an effect... The Italians may have found someone to talk to!
What's more, thanks to the color and sound of the short exhausts (scenting your jacket and backpack with a mechanical "perfume"), the "safety plus" is obvious! Indeed, it's impossible to ignore the bike when overtaking a laggard (whoops, it was just a motorist). Especially as the health of the engine often leads you to ride a little above the speed limit!

the Superduke's design has its detractors (I'm certainly not one of them), but you can't help but rave about the attention to detail:
- the controls you have in your hands are adjustable, hydraulic or radial, and for the most part carved out of the mass;
- the sturdy 48 mm (!!) White Power inverted fork is adjustable in all directions;
- likewise the rear suspension (also WP), and the one-piece muffler is a work of art (I can't imagine how much it would cost to replace it!).
- Behind the exclusive Renthal handlebars, you'll find "THE" KTM instrument panel: digital on the left for speed, mileage, 2 trips, engine temperature and time, complemented on the right by a lap counter with black zone at 9500 rpm, the speed at which the rupteur kicks in. The engine is so strong-willed that the breaker is regularly called into action!

contact, the sequential injection system dispenses with choke and prevents the big V2 from knocking at low revs, and the engine starts up with a melodious crackle.
The riding position is typically cavalier. Let me explain: the upright torso and arms contrast with the sporty bent legs. The advantage of this is a clear view of the road and the damping provided by the legs.
Speaking of damping, the rear suspension is fairly dry on big bumps, but does a good job of filtering out small ones. Coupled with a "slightly" plush seat, it provides surprising comfort for this type of machine.
We won't even mention the "space" reserved for the passenger, who, after burning her thighs on the pots and being deflowered by the saddle lock, will be ejected at the first acceleration!

during the 700 kilometers covered during this test ride, I was blown away by the overall comfort of this machine. This is the first time that a motorcycle with such strong looks has proved so pleasant to ride on a daily basis.
Everything is there to make life easy:
- very good clutch, which comes in very handy if you play with the handle regularly (the first one pulls at over 130km/h),
- the gearbox is very pleasant, despite being too long; sixth gear is only there for high speeds on freeways (over 230km/h; my neck didn't allow me to push any further or any faster). Note that at 135km/h, the engine only revs to 4,600rpm.

in terms of day-to-day use, we can complain about :
- a hard-to-find kickstand,
- an inaudible horn (a blast of gas is much more intimidating!)
- and above all, a ridiculous range: the reserve indicator lights up after 90 to 100 km! After discussions with KTM, it would appear that you can get up to 150 km with the reserve. But then you have to push the 184 kg dry (as there's no petrol left!). The problem being known, it would be reasonable to think that a future evolution of the model could erase this defect, especially as the accessories catalog already offers a carbon tank with an extended capacity of one and a half liters; which still represents 10% more fuel!

kTM Belgium is also banking on the Superduke's sporty temperament (and I'm the first to be convinced!), and has decided to offer a track driving course with every purchase of the machine before the end of August.
I envy future owners!

conclusion: - This is an astonishing test where, for once, design meets usable motorcycle. It's like a top model who's also an excellent housewife!
- A fine rider might be able to feel the limits of 120 hp, but believe me, this bike will take you beyond your limits..

Something to think about!

Oli the Belgian
(photo: F. Montero for KTM)