KTM Super Duke

THERE'S a fine line between frighteningly good and just plain frightening, and the Super Duke is one of those bikes that treads it every time. The reason? Well, not only does it have heaps of power everywhere, it goads you in such a way that it‘s difficult to say no. Being slightly rough at lower revs and wonderfully smooth higher up the range, you regularly find yourself pushing speeds you know you shouldn‘t. Fortunately though, everything about this KTM is absolutely bang on, from its razor-sharp handling to its radial Brembos.

Last year, this orange and black beauty was one of the best bikes on the planet. But the good news for 2007 is that it just got even better. Minor tweaks to its suspension, geometry and fuelling have turned an already excellent bike into a nigh-on perfect one, and Fowlers were kind enough to let me put one through its paces last week.

The foul weather spoilt my time with the Super Duke somewhat, but the Bristol area has avoided the worst of the flooding, so I’m hardly going to complain. Besides, if you’re on the right bike, who cares if it’s raining? The KTM is so well set up, I soon forgot about the dampness of the roads and concentrated on getting the most out of this fabulous piece of Austrian engineering. Originally designed to take on the likes of Aprilia’s awesome Tuono and the mighty Triumph Speed Triple, the Super Duke matches them with ease. And that’s a pretty impressive feat from a firm more renowned for dirt bikes and enduros.

Visually, the Super Duke is muscular and hunched up, and you can see it’s been on the spinach. Turn the key and its 999cc V-twin spits into life with a real ferocity. Even with standard pipes it roars, but sadly it lacks the roll-off crackle of its demented half-brother, the 950SM. Who knows what a pair of aftermarket pipes might do though?

Out on the road, it becomes noticeable what a compact machine this is. The handlebar grips are tiny and the mirrors narrow yet functional. As such, it darts through traffic a treat, but the throaty LC8 motor is a bit harsh around town, with all the usual low-rev shakes of a highly-tuned V-twin. Climb above 5,000 revs though on the open road and the Super Duke delivers an almighty belt of power. Wind the throttle open and it's go, go, go, whatever gear you‘re in. The wrist-snapping acceleration just doesn't stop as the Pirelli Diablos bite the tarmac. Nought to 100 comes up in just under seven seconds, by which time hot hatches are just about hitting 60. The thrust is just unbelievable, and after a good few hours of riding my throat was sore from screaming 'aaarrrgh' in my helmet every time I pinned the throttle open. The trouble is, adrenaline being the highly addictive drug that it is, an awful lot of restraint is required to keep anywhere resembling within the law.

So what have KTM done to improve the Super Duke? First and foremost comes a larger tank. Fuel consumption is diabolical at around 30mpg, largely because of the way it begs to be ridden, but 80 miles before the yellow light was no source of amusement. Another three and half litres should now see at least 120 miles before the next pit stop. Still not great, but a lot more manageable. Revised fuel injection mapping sees a higher rev limit and a smoother delivery of power, while firmer springs and changes to the chassis geometry - longer wheelbase and less trail - have sorted out the slight weaving issue at higher speeds. Gearing, too, has been lowered for increased acceleration at the expense of a few mph at the top end. Handling-wise, it’s the most precise bike I’ve ridden since Honda’s CBR600RR.

This bike is now staggeringly good on all road surfaces, and in the right hands its infinite grunt will cane fully-fledged sports bikes on the back roads. If you can take the frantic pace, you’ll adore the Super Duke. But if you’re easily led, or of a nervous disposition, you might wish to look at something a little less aggressive.

Article written: July 24, 2007  

The KTM Super Duke was kindly loaned by Fowlers Motorcycles of Bath Road, Bristol. For more information about test rides, call Fowlers on 0117 977 0466.

OUR STEER ON THE KTM SUPER DUKE

Price: £5,699

Engine: 999cc, 75 deg V-twin

Top speed: 145mph

Power: 120bhp at 9,000rpm

Torque: 74 ft lb at 6,000rpm

Transmission: six-speed, chain drive

Weight: 179kg

Fuel capacity: 18.5

Seat height: 850mm

by Jon Bennett