Which Superduke?

[anonymous-user]

I’m thinking of getting a KTM Superduke and it would be good to get owners’ views on these bikes.

Thinking of second hand so will consider a 1290-R or maybe a well looked after 990.

Which is better?

[drunkenmunkey]

I have the 990R, which (for me) was the best comprise between the 1290 and the standard 990.

I found the 1290r too much for the road but maybe I'm a wuss. Conversely I found the standard 990 too soft.

The 2007 990R has stiffer suspension and steeper head angle, the 2008 and 2009 models have had some engine trickery to give the engine a decent boost.

The 1290r is more polished and the 990 more fun (IMHO), sounds obvious but ride them both and see what you think!

[gwm]

Very different bikes imo, you can never have too much power!

Big quality and refinement difference for a 1290 too.

[poo at Paul's]

1290 is stupidly quick on road, motor is like a bomb going off. But brilliant fueling means they are a piece of piss to ride on road, so stupidly grunty you can ride them so lazily, they are immense road bike. But get it up above 6k revs and all hell brakes loose!


Bonkers and brilliant in equal measures. Do it!!

[Birky_41]

I've only ridden the 1290. Felt similar to an MT10 to sit on... Except it was on steroids

I was giggling away in my lid cracking it wide open through the gears - that are, erm, quite nippy

[anonymous-user]

Great replies, thank you. About 20 years ago I had a 955 speed triple which I loved and then an 1130 Benelli TNT which was a deeply flawed bike but hilarious fun when working. I also had a mk 2 Aprilia Tuono which I just never got on with. The poor fuelling made it a pain to ride and I found it uncomfortable.

I’m hoping the KTM is more like the Benelli - big, comfy with flat bars and a bonkers engine. They also look brilliant.

Which are the best mods to go for? It seems a decat, exhaust and remap are needed to get the most of them.

[jock mcsporran]

I swapped my Ducati 899 for a 1290R. Loving it. Easy to ride, power everywhere.