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Here are a few motorcycle snaps I came across recently.

Ridden: KTM Super Duke 990

KTM has dominated the 2 wheeled dirt scene for many years now and it is only until recently that they have started to venture out to produce road going bikes. Some critics argue that their road bikes have a distinctive MX feel about them however with super machines such as the RC8, KTM have struck a chord with the most hardcore circuit racers.

The 990 Super Duke is a supermoto influenced street fighter as I like to call it. This monstrous V twin has been to anger management and now delivers a very smooth 88Kw’s of power and 100 Nm’s of torque but this still allows eyeball exploding acceleration. The V-twin is linked up to a creamy 6 speed box and a very silky clutch operation. This combined with the comfortable seat means you have the ability to run with Superbikes on Sunday morning but the everyday comfort and practicality to handle rush hour as well. The rapid acceleration is due to the light flywheel which spurs the rider to constantly open the taps. The surge of torque through your body soon becomes habit and one cannot help but lean forward and gear down to 1st as the bike propels through the neighbourhood. The Twin exhaust pipes grunt and grumble reminding everyone else that this naked bike means business.

This V 75° twin also comes with more power and adjusted suspension as an ‘R’ model for more aggressive riders. This model allows for a combination of comfort but enhanced performance, however the original 88Kw standard Duke is more than enough fun for the average rider. The duke also comes with fantastic Brembo brakes (320mm front discs, 240mm rear) that are able to bring you to a very rapid halt whilst crushing your testicles to dust on the gas tank.

The 18 liter gas tank has a realistic range of 230km’s which includes riding in traffic as well as the open road, this is fairly good economy as you can expect superbikes to be worse.

This charismatic naked KTM leaves its entire superbly engineered interior on view to the public which ads a new spectrum to the exquisitely styled fairings and body. The white rear suspension combined with Italian black wheels and the traditional Orange over coat enhances the Super Duke’s very muscular stance. Wherever you ride, there are always onlookers gazing at every angle of this unique design. KTM certainly has shown other manufacturers a thing or two in the styling department. The color combinations have also grown in variety for the 2010 range.

The factory suspension set up on the KTM allows for a smooth ride over uneven surfaces but also allows for good communication through to the rider as to what the bike is doing. Under hard braking over uneven surfaces the suspension copes well to keep the bike stable and the rider grows in confidence with the cornering ability of the Duke. The wide grip handlebars allow for quick turn in and the turning circle is good which helps when splitting traffic.

The analog rev counter teamed up with the digital display is compact and well set out, however I’d prefer a more refined rev counter as this unit seems to be stubby and hard to read when glancing quickly, my only other criticism of the Super Duke is the low RPM shake inherent on any single or twin cylinder motorcycle.

The compact space frame allows for a short body design but elongated black swingarm whilst focusing on mass centralization giving the rider more freedom on a track. I cannot emphasize how much fun the Super Duke is, perhaps it is the combination of Supermoto attributes with a powerful motor and superbike tires. The 990 Super Duke appeals to a wide variety of people and is the most fun anyone can have with their pants on.

his bike combines a very versatile design with a fantastic motor for all conditions and if I were in the market for a bike I could use everyday as well as on Sunday morning through the mountains I would certainly give this KTM a spot in my garage. If you ever wondered what the fastest way is to get from point A to B in the real world, this is it.

Specifications:

Make Model	KTM 990 Super Duke
Year	2010
Engine	Liquid cooling, four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	999.8
Bore x Stroke	101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio	11.8:1
Induction	Electronic fuel injection
Ignition  /  Starting	-  /  electric
Max Power	88 KW 120 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque	100 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Transmission  /  Drive	6 Speed  /  chain
Clutch	Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Frame	Tubular Chromoly space frame powered coated.
Front Suspension	48mm WP Upside down adjustable, 135mm travel
Rear Suspension	WP shock, fully adjustable, 160mm travel
Front Brakes	2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	180/55 ZR17
Seat Height	855 mm
Dry-Weight	184 kg
Fuel Capacity	18.5 Litres

Pros:

Usability

Design

Power

Cons:

Low RPM shake

Ridden: KTM 690 SMC

Its 5:49 on a crisp Sunday morning. The mist rises from the winding asphalt road which cuts a path through the humbling mountain range. Birds are singing amongst the trees in their usual harmonious tone. However, they are soon interrupted as a roaring thunder approaches. Suddenly the mountains awake with a trembling shudder as the new 690 SMC appears around a bend and within a few seconds, all is peaceful again.

Welcome to KTM’s 690 SMC which is built for the adrenalin filled world of Supermoto, characterized by squealing tyres, high performance bikes, and near vertical wheelies and endos. The Supermoto class began by taking MX bikes and fitting them with road going tyres and racing each other around tight twisty tracks. To win requires rapid acceleration and powerful breaks not to mention extreme lean angles. KTM has dominated this segment of the market for years and this has further been cemented into place with their new 690 SMC following on from the successful 660.

The 690 SMC features a single cylinder 654cc engine producing 46.3kw’s and 64 nm’s of torque. This powerful motor revs all the way to 8000rpm and links up to a six speed gearbox. Brembo supplies a 320mm front dist with 4 pot caliper and at the rear a 240mm floating disc with single piston. The slipper clutch is a dream to operate and delivers the power to the super sticky 160 section Pirelli Supercorsa pro. The suspension on the SMC is fully adjustable and provides great feedback to the rider and turn in is also sharp thanks to the MX style wide handle bars. The SMC definitely displays great agility through the twisties leaving superbikes in the dust. Another interesting feature is the fuel tank which is incorporated in a plastic molded rear fender. This is by far the best looking Supermoto on the market in my opinion.

The combination of super sticky tyres and trick suspension make this a fantastic bike to ride on the road or track, and although the seating position is relatively high, this does mean extra ground clearance which is perfect for hoping curbs and ramping speed bumps. The brakes are excellent, and speed is scrubbed off easily which is a requirement as the new LC4 engine accelerates rapidly throughout all the gears with the front wheel often leaving the ground.

However, if there is a criticism, it’s that rider comfort isn’t the best because of the narrow seat but then again this is a purpose built bike, designed to thrash through the Supermoto track. Fun is provided in abundance on the SMC and because its road legal traffic jams are a worry of the past, not to mention the fact that lane splitting is made easy thanks to the compact frame.

The LC4 KTM engine contains a balancer shaft which provides a smooth ride and the exhaust tone is a thunderous symphony awakening all that stands in the path of the 690 SMC. Considering the dry weight is 139.5 Kg’s the power to weight ratio is substantial and fellow Supermoto riders will appreciate the rapid acceleration.

If you are looking for a bike that provides great thrills, inspires confidence and gives most other bikes a damn good thrashing through that mountain pass, then look no further.

Pros: 
Performance
Trick engineering
Thrills

Cons:
Uncomfortable seat (who cares?)
Burnt a hole through my new tracksuit pants

2014 KTM Super Duke 1290 R first pics

The latest Super Duke is only scheduled for its official unveiling in approximately 4 days, however these images have emerged thanks to Moto-Station who have spotted the first 1290 Super Duke R before its much anticipated launch.

As is expected, the official bike doesn't resemble the prototype photos to every last detail, however the 1290 R certainly looks the piece thanks to that orange and white trellis frame. Also the 1290 decals on the underside of the tail make sure that everyone behind you knows exactly what KTM you have.

There isn't much need to speculate about official specification and equipment as the launch is only in four days, however expect to see ABS, traction control as well as a power output in excess of 160hp.

Motorcycle hoonigans unite. (And ask mom for some extra pocket money).

KTM 1290 Super Duke R imminent

The official release of the 1290 Super Duke R is planned for Monday the 30th of September. The highly anticipated naked bike has already appeared in numerous videos and prototype pictures so far.

What we do know is that the 1290 Super Duke R will look menacing, especially with that fantastic Akrapovic racing pipe. See how one pipe exits the belly pan and the other pipe appears out the top of the rear wheel, fantastic.

It is rumored that the latest KTM motorcycle will produce around 180hp. Not hard to believe whilst watching this video below. Yes, the BMW S1000RR isn't on the limit at all, but naked bikes generally can't even compete with superbikes, so the video is interesting nevertheless.