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2008 KTM 990 Super Duke Review (video)

6-20-2008

by Pascal Bastien , moto123.com

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2009 KTM 990 Super Duke Review

With the Super Duke, the Austrian manufacturer is slowly but surely carving its own little niche in the ultra-competitive standard sportbike segment. The modern streetfighter look is instrumental to the bike's success, while the aggressive demeanor is worthy of KTM's greatest creations.

The modern streetfighter look is instrumental to the bike's success.

At first glance, this beast looks quite impressive; the extremely elaborated frame and wheel assembly is a warning that it won't be easy to tame. The first few kilometers indeed reveal an ultra-rigid chassis, a super lightweight steering and a steep fork angle. One could easily be overwhelmed and intimidated, thinking that this motorcycle is unforgiving and requires mistake-free riding.

User-friendly?
Much to my surprise, though, the new 990 Super Duke is quick to get used to. After barely a few twists and turns, my initial fears had completely vanished. True, the high-performance twin-cylinder generates significant torque steer at low engine speed, but when cruising, it becomes a pure delight. The LC8's powerband is exemplary, with easy-to-exploit mid-range torque catapulting the bike into the next corner.

The 6-speed transmission is equally delightful. Shifting through the gears is smooth and the ratios are perfectly calibrated for this 999-cc powerplant. As a result, and also because of its feather weight, the Super Duke accelerates like the most powerful sportbikes out there. It never is too violent nor too scary; on the contrary, I found it highly effective and easy to handle, even on extremely twisty roads. Once the learning process is completed, this KTM can sustain a faster pace than the vast majority of rivals. Having said that, no beginner should try to ride this fearsome steed.

On the road, the high-performance twin-cylinder becomes a pure delight.
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