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Don't let your mum see this one, it's fast, racy, provocative, ...and begging to be ridden hard. This is the 2006 KTM 990 Super Duke.
Other than making all the 2006 debutantes look pale and undernourished by comparison, the Super Duke has traction and power to satisfy the most demanding riders while managing to add more fun.
It's also managed to define another class all by itself, aloof from all the other attempts at Street Fighters, Café Racers, and Super Motos.
KTM took an even further detour in motorcycle design with the Super Duke, and had an even more aggressive launch campaign to further differentiate this motorcycle. The company's achieved that effect with not only the attitude that this bike projects, but also the attitude one gets once on the move.
The LC8 engine is the core powerplant behind the new range of 1,000cc twins that KTM has been introducing (and will be continuing with another racy model-the RC8). The latest generation LC8 used on the Super Duke is a 999cc fuel-injected lightweight engine, with 120 horsepower at 9,000rpm, and an amazing 101Nm of torque at 7,000rpm.
All those numbers mean an instant surge in any gear with careful throttle control, while being careless with the throttle just makes the front wheel redundant.
Coping with the more-than-enough power are the brilliant chassis and suspension. With a fuelled-up weight of less than 190kg, and having the shortest seat height amongst all the 1,000cc-class KTMs, this bike is built to slice common roads and carve racetracks.
Its track prowess was recently testified by more-than-decent lap times in the range of 1 minute 44 seconds at the nearby Pasir Gudang track-all on standard street tyres and components.
Other than making all the 2006 debutantes look pale and undernourished by comparison, the Super Duke has traction and power to satisfy the most demanding riders while managing to add more fun.
It's also managed to define another class all by itself, aloof from all the other attempts at Street Fighters, Café Racers, and Super Motos.
KTM took an even further detour in motorcycle design with the Super Duke, and had an even more aggressive launch campaign to further differentiate this motorcycle. The company's achieved that effect with not only the attitude that this bike projects, but also the attitude one gets once on the move.
The LC8 engine is the core powerplant behind the new range of 1,000cc twins that KTM has been introducing (and will be continuing with another racy model-the RC8). The latest generation LC8 used on the Super Duke is a 999cc fuel-injected lightweight engine, with 120 horsepower at 9,000rpm, and an amazing 101Nm of torque at 7,000rpm.
All those numbers mean an instant surge in any gear with careful throttle control, while being careless with the throttle just makes the front wheel redundant.
Coping with the more-than-enough power are the brilliant chassis and suspension. With a fuelled-up weight of less than 190kg, and having the shortest seat height amongst all the 1,000cc-class KTMs, this bike is built to slice common roads and carve racetracks.
Its track prowess was recently testified by more-than-decent lap times in the range of 1 minute 44 seconds at the nearby Pasir Gudang track-all on standard street tyres and components.
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Premium WP rear suspension and front forks make sure that all that power is put on the road, and with the four-pot Brembo calipers, with the 320mm discs (as specified on the latest Italian Superbikes) the overall control is superb.
The Super Duke's street practicality is exceptional, as well. The lightweight and narrow profile makes riding in urban city traffic a breeze. The immense torque from the engine make the smooth gearbox and effortless-shifting almost superfluous.
Whether you're in a more relaxed upright position, or in a more aggressive forward position, the ergonomics and balance of the bike match the rider's every intention with ease.
The lock-to-lock turning radius is also small enough to make parking easy in tight spots. The pillion pegs and seat are only there if you ever need to carry a passenger, but this is a bike that is really meant for pure solo fun.
The Super Duke's street practicality is exceptional, as well. The lightweight and narrow profile makes riding in urban city traffic a breeze. The immense torque from the engine make the smooth gearbox and effortless-shifting almost superfluous.
Whether you're in a more relaxed upright position, or in a more aggressive forward position, the ergonomics and balance of the bike match the rider's every intention with ease.
The lock-to-lock turning radius is also small enough to make parking easy in tight spots. The pillion pegs and seat are only there if you ever need to carry a passenger, but this is a bike that is really meant for pure solo fun.
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That said, after delivering all the fun and excitement, the Super Duke executes all the mundane details very well, too. The instruments are clearly legible even in our bright tropical sunlight, and the mirrors remain useable whether at city or highway speeds with little vibration and enough field of view.
There is also the lockable 15-litre tank which makes for blasting in and out of Malacca for quick makan trips an easy affair.
Even though self-maintenance isn't a primary concern of motorcycle owners in Singapore, the KTM engineers have also made ease of maintenance an aspect of their design.
The tank flips up for quick access to the engine, with the seat and bikini fairing also allowing quick access to the electrics and battery compartment. If all that mechanical fiddling doesn't appeal to you, the Super Duke is very well backed up with competent mechanics and ready supply of spares at the Dirt Wheel, the brand's importer.
Overall this is one motorcycle that you would not only definitely want to bring home, but is also one that you'd love to keep for the long term. It's one of those few bikes that can only make you younger every time you take it for a ride.
NEED TO KNOW
Model KTM SUPER DUKE
Engine 999cc, 4 Stroke fuel injected twin
Power 120bhp at 9,000rpm
Tyres, front/rear 120/70 ZR 17?, 180/55 ZR17?
Seat Heigh 855mm
Fuel tank capacity approx 15 litres
Price $29,999 without COE.
Contact Dirt Wheel Pte Ltd
Telephone 6783 3063
There is also the lockable 15-litre tank which makes for blasting in and out of Malacca for quick makan trips an easy affair.
Even though self-maintenance isn't a primary concern of motorcycle owners in Singapore, the KTM engineers have also made ease of maintenance an aspect of their design.
The tank flips up for quick access to the engine, with the seat and bikini fairing also allowing quick access to the electrics and battery compartment. If all that mechanical fiddling doesn't appeal to you, the Super Duke is very well backed up with competent mechanics and ready supply of spares at the Dirt Wheel, the brand's importer.
Overall this is one motorcycle that you would not only definitely want to bring home, but is also one that you'd love to keep for the long term. It's one of those few bikes that can only make you younger every time you take it for a ride.
NEED TO KNOW
Model KTM SUPER DUKEEngine 999cc, 4 Stroke fuel injected twin
Power 120bhp at 9,000rpm
Tyres, front/rear 120/70 ZR 17?, 180/55 ZR17?
Seat Heigh 855mm
Fuel tank capacity approx 15 litres
Price $29,999 without COE.
Contact Dirt Wheel Pte Ltd
Telephone 6783 3063