KTM 990 Superduke views?

[Janluke]

I'm considering one of these as a fun bike.
Can any owners or ex owners tell me what they're like to live with?
I believe the later models got a larger tank and the fuelling was better.
I ran a Dorsoduro 750 for a while a couple of years ago and am assuming the Superduke is a "harder" version.
Not worried about mpg but would like reasonable reliability

[Lancerevo]

What did you think of the 750? I am considering one but my commute would be 100 miles and sometimes I can't refill on journey.

[Janluke]

Lancerevo said:

What did you think of the 750? I am considering one but my commute would be 100 miles and sometimes I can't refill on journey.

Great fun, hard seat, fuel light on after about 90 miles, maybe 20 miles after the fuel light if you tickle it. Maybe a bit near the mark for that mileage

[cat with a hat]

I was tempted by one, but opted for a nuda 900 instead

[Ed.]

Lancerevo said:

What did you think of the 750? I am considering one but my commute would be 100 miles and sometimes I can't refill on journey.

I have a dorsoduro 750, I like it but don't have much to compare it to. Fuel light comes on after 60-70 miles of short trips and fun riding so you should be able to get more on a run but 100 miles not sure.

[Kawasicki]

I rode one irresponsibly and it was very forgiving. I know this because I didn't crash. It was not a hard edged bike, more of a punchy softie.

[sjj84]

I've always liked the dorsodora too. Apparently the 1200 has a larger tank and better range. They seem to hold their value a lot better too sadly.

[anonymous-user]

I had a standard 990 for about 6 years which I loved and only traded it when I got a great deal on a barely used 990R which I've now had for just over 2 years. The later ones (with the less boxy headlight/instrument section) have a larger tank which does make a difference. Superdukes like a drink and at best I get about 30-35mpg, but on a hoon this drops to mid 20s and the fuel light coming on after about 80 miles. Fuelling can be an issue and it took me a while to get each bike running relatively smoothly.

I can see why Superdukes aren't for everyone, but for me it is perfect! The suspension is superb, the engine punches right where you need it (4-7000rpm), it is nimble, loud, naughty and laugh out loud fun!

[graham22]

Like Gethyn said.

I've owned my SD for 10 years this year.

Fuelling has always been sharp but bear in mind it's basically 2 x enduro engines, it's never going to be like a VFR. More noticable when you're not using the bike correctly - ie in slow traffic, it's fine when hooning.

Tank range is never good but it's never going to be a tourer - can get 100-120 miles if 'touring'. Significantly less if not.

[old No 1]

Had mine for two years.
As others said harsh throttle at low speeds.
120miles till light comes
servicing is every 4k
Suspension always felt bouncy no matter what I did

But I cured the snatchy throttle by a remap and then it was 140 to a tank and much smoother. See BSD in Peterborough as they have remapped 100+ of these and even KTM rung him to see what he'd done. He says the later the model the better the map. mine was 2008

Also had a revalve of forks and shock by Ktech and this made a good improvement.

Sold it to work abroad and regret it as it was my perfect bike after the mods

[Janluke]

Thanks guys thats all good stuff.

I realise the internet can overplay issues etc but what's your experiences of front brakes seizing due I believe to low tolerances and clutch master cylinders/seals wearing

[graham22]

Janluke said:

Thanks guys thats all good stuff.

I realise the internet can overplay issues etc but what's your experiences of front brakes seizing due I believe to low tolerances and clutch master cylinders/seals wearing

Again internet hype, a recall was done, affects the radial brakes only.

Seems to be a Brembo issue, cars too, just need to keep on top of them, cleaning each year, more often if salty roads.

Bear in mind these are not Japanese bikes, you just need to spend a little more time fettling them. Mine are pre-radial, still pop the pads out each year & clean the calipers with a toothbrush ensuring no crud buildup. Never had a problem, all pads had worn equal when replaced at 15k. Replaced with genuine pads again.

[Janluke]

Thanks that all makes sense.
I'm guessing being a bit niche when new they may of sat in showrooms a bit. Went to view an 08 plate yesterday and I think it was an 06 model

[graham22]

Janluke said:

Thanks that all makes sense.
I'm guessing being a bit niche when new they may of sat in showrooms a bit. Went to view an 08 plate yesterday and I think it was an 06 model

Obvious differences on the 05/06 models was the bigger headlight fairing & non-radial brake calipers.

The newer model also had the bigger tank, slacker steering head angle and integrated clocks, earlier model had 2 separate units, the later ones are prone to misting up.

They changed again a little later with a black swinging arm. Introduced 3 different R models with the last of the R model being just a normal 2 seat SD.

[Janluke]

I've been looking at 08 onwards non R model

[scorcher]

old No 1 said:

Had mine for two years.
servicing is every 4k

A few more! 7500 kms which equates to about 4687 miles. Or yearly if you dont manage that many miles. Services alternate between a oil service and a biggie which should include a valve check. My SMT valves didn't need shimming in 38000 miles. If you live in an area with rough roads consider a SM instead of a SD. I had a SD on loan when mine was in for a service and I was glad to get back on my SMT.

[scorcher]

old No 1 said:

Had mine for two years.
servicing is every 4k

A few more! 7500 kms which equates to about 4687 miles. Or yearly if you dont manage that many miles. Services alternate between a oil service and a biggie which should include a valve check. My SMT valves didn't need shimming in 38000 miles. If you live in an area with rough roads consider a SM instead of a SD. I had a SD on loan when mine was in for a service and I was glad to get back on my SMT.

[rigga]

Had a early 05 for about 3 years, probably the best bike I've ever had for giggles, excellent engine, punchy if not too sharp, good suspension and reliable to boot, had some Leo Vinci's fitted and sounded great.
Actually sold it to a mate who I know does not use it so thinking of getting it back

[Janluke]

Thinking I might head down and look at this one over the next few weeks its not that far away(Durham)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KTM-990-SUPER-DUKE-08-RE...

[Janluke]

Deposit left, all being well collection next week. Many thanks for the advice