KTM Superduke R

Bubbs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 May 2009 Karma :

Are these bikes any good? I love the look of them, and fancy something a bit different for my next bike. Was thinking about a blade, or a ZX9R, but fancied something a little different. Fastest bike i've owned is an SV which was great as a beginner but became rather lacklustre. so want something rather special.

Anyone know about these? Or own one?

Any other bikes I should consider?

Many thanks.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/KTM%20990%20Super%20Duke%20R%2007%20%201.jpg
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I've ridden the non-R model and

It is incredibly difficult to ride for that sort of bike. The throttle is extremely sensitive and all the reviews I had read said that the throttle makes you look like a n00b when you're riding under 30mph. I thought this was magazine nonsense, but it turns out to be 100% true.

The suspension is unforgiving and for a relatively light person like me gave virtually no feel. However, when you open the throttle the thing makes a fantastic noise and leaps away like a scalded cat.

They are good bikes, but I suspect you really want a little bit more experience before you go for one. My Buell has almost identical performance but is much easier to ride and less likely to spit me off. The suspension is compliant but works well when I hustle, and the engine has loads of grunt but the instant response won't overwhelm the rear wheel due to the cushioning effect of the belt drive.

I also found the KTM to be a little too tall for me (5ft 5 with short legs) although I could have put up with it, and I found it rather uncomfortable too.

It was mental though, and that wasn't the R version...
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Bubbs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 May 2009 Karma :

Thanks for the reply.

Hmmm.. Yeah I don't really want something that's going to take an age to master. Can't see your sig from this window to see if you buell is listed. If it isn't could you post it so I can take a look.

It's nice being in the market for a new bike. sooo many choices. Like a kid in and online sweet shop.
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Bubbs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 May 2009 Karma :

Just saw the XB12S and it's mental looking. I want!!

How much did that set you back if you don't mind me asking.

sweet bike.
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Silver · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Yes, my mate owns one. He actually went from an sv to one; he said it's a totally different kettle of fish to the sv, different riding style, quite aggressive and meaty.

Sounds brilliant - is very tidy, but needs servicing very frequently... is excellent for pillion too, I spent a fantastic 5.5hrs bombing around Surrey, Sussex, Kent as pillion in recent months... Mr. Green

Grin factor for pillion...imagine what it must be like for the rider in charge!!!
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

strag · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

I have ridden the non R model to, found it very easy to ride and not snatchy at all. I have a Tuono and my riding mate has the KTM. Its not as quick, certainly not top end, as the Tuono, but is a great bike to ride, brilliant fun and sounds nice as well.
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Bubbs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 May 2009 Karma :

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

No Superduke R's have a pillion seat as far as I know - standard superduke does.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

The one I rode was an early (2004 I think) model, and it was very very twitchy on the throttle. If you wanted to ride it fast it was fine, but trying to keep to a 30 limit was very difficult.

I'm sure that I'm not imagining it or anything because I remember at the time it was one of the reasons I chose to go for another Buell rather than the KTM. Maybe the one I rode wasn't set up properly or the earlier ones were worse than the later ones... I dunno. I have however ridden quite a number of bikes, and that was by far the worst for the throttle being so sensitive at low speed...
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Silver · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

CRF_Rider · Spanner Monkey Joined: 07 Nov 2008 Karma :

ridden one at cadwell, great engine, good handling too. sound ace Very Happy

service intervals not as often as ya think, i right enjoyed it and i pulled away from the guys mate on a duc 1100 hypermoto. v.good dealers who are very helpfull (been looking at a 570 SMR to take the place of the CRF) not as common as your reg honyamakawazuki's, WP sus is very good too btw.
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