KTM Super Duke - opinions
Discussion
once test rode a 620 thinking it would be great on the road. was very dissapointed, vibey and not the kick in the ass i expected. test ride one and see if its for you. i ended up getting a z1000 instead, more comfy and refined. if it ticks all the boxes then go for it havent read any bad writeups on them.
Took a Duke out a couple of years back when my mate was looking to buy one. Nearly shook my fillings out but I don't know anything about the superduke. I've got a CCMR30 Supermoto with the 650 Suzuki engine and full sports system on it. Quite a rarity and always gets looks especially with the race can on it 
KTM have an awesome reputation for dirt bikes though!
KTM have an awesome reputation for dirt bikes though!The KTM V-Twins have next to nothing in common with the single cylinder bikes for vibes comfort etc, should know Ive had both a 950Adv and a ktm 640Duke.
The twin is a great engine, and quite revvy for a V twin. Cant say what the superduke will handle like but it should be pretty good as the 950ADV wasnt bad and that was on on dual sport tyres with a 21" front. Build quality seems to be top notch and my ADV only had new model teething probs to be expected from a brand new release (bought in 2003 sold in 2005). the S-Duke should have most of bugs sorted, though reports of FI jerky response when on part throttle have been reported, others may say its just instant response...
it should be a hoot if a little hard core.
The twin is a great engine, and quite revvy for a V twin. Cant say what the superduke will handle like but it should be pretty good as the 950ADV wasnt bad and that was on on dual sport tyres with a 21" front. Build quality seems to be top notch and my ADV only had new model teething probs to be expected from a brand new release (bought in 2003 sold in 2005). the S-Duke should have most of bugs sorted, though reports of FI jerky response when on part throttle have been reported, others may say its just instant response...
it should be a hoot if a little hard core.
Reviews rave about it - Bike magazine gives it a 5/5, so I think it's definitely worth a look. I am still thinking it is a bit expensive (£8,399) and a bit hard core for a 30 min commute, but it's still calling me. I have also read that the twin engine is a different world to the singles they have historically produced - it is smooth a instant, with a great stock exhaust sound. I'm wondering, was this the bike Charlie wanted, which Ewan overided with the BMW for the round the world trip?
I think a test ride this weekend should answer all my questions...
I think a test ride this weekend should answer all my questions...
I waited its launch eagerly, the spec is good if a little heavy, but the angular looks will bring marmite response; either love it or loathe it.
I love big trailies, and KTM make some great ones; only the detail build quality lets them down a tad, I'd say not as well finished/detail design as say a Honda CRF450.
My guess is it will be bulletproof, KTM can certainly make motors that take big punishment.
I think its a whole world away from the big singles market, which is good performance wise, and it will be upto big distances (unlike singles, although my XR650R gets to central France OK from the East Mids, but my ass and finger ends don't seem so impressed!)but its quite a lump to push around in comparison.
Personally I can't stand the looks, but 'looks' are such an individual thing; only you can decide; but Id never buy a bike I didnt like to look at, so its a non starter for me.
On a practical level, the oil cooler/oiltank position is in an even worse place than my old 916.
You have to admire KTM though, they do stuff the mainstream factories daren't.
Charlie wanted the Super Adventure with the same v twin in it, and Ewan went along with him, but KTM#s 'expert' decided that two riders with a massive multi vehicle support team would fail (it was hardly a two normal Joe's going it alone adventure was it?); anyway either KTM UK had no balls/no imagination, thought that two showbiz types would just fold at the first hurdle, or they thought the bike would not take it..You decide, but I bet KTM have regretted it as soon as BMW GS's started outselling R1's!
Roll on a pared down 'supermono racer' style version of the KTM V twin...hmm now that would be fun...
I love big trailies, and KTM make some great ones; only the detail build quality lets them down a tad, I'd say not as well finished/detail design as say a Honda CRF450.
My guess is it will be bulletproof, KTM can certainly make motors that take big punishment.
I think its a whole world away from the big singles market, which is good performance wise, and it will be upto big distances (unlike singles, although my XR650R gets to central France OK from the East Mids, but my ass and finger ends don't seem so impressed!)but its quite a lump to push around in comparison.
Personally I can't stand the looks, but 'looks' are such an individual thing; only you can decide; but Id never buy a bike I didnt like to look at, so its a non starter for me.
On a practical level, the oil cooler/oiltank position is in an even worse place than my old 916.
You have to admire KTM though, they do stuff the mainstream factories daren't.
Charlie wanted the Super Adventure with the same v twin in it, and Ewan went along with him, but KTM#s 'expert' decided that two riders with a massive multi vehicle support team would fail (it was hardly a two normal Joe's going it alone adventure was it?); anyway either KTM UK had no balls/no imagination, thought that two showbiz types would just fold at the first hurdle, or they thought the bike would not take it..You decide, but I bet KTM have regretted it as soon as BMW GS's started outselling R1's!
Roll on a pared down 'supermono racer' style version of the KTM V twin...hmm now that would be fun...
Edited by dingocooke on Tuesday 1st August 17:51
Edited by dingocooke on Tuesday 1st August 17:53
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff