KTM 990 Super Duke R 2013 — Specifications

A KTM roadster is nasty, period! But if you're the type to add spice to spicy sauce, there's an even nastier version, and it's called R at Katoche. The Superduke was completely redesigned in 2007; the R version does the same. It retains all the evolutions, including engine improvements, and perpetuates the sporty recipe that suits it well. While the standard Superduke has calmed down a bit at the front end, the R is even more tenacious and incisive: with a rake (93.9 mm) and steering head angle (22.7°) reduced, a seat height of 865 mm and masses distributed more towards the front, the roadster is a bundle of nerves at the steering. Fortunately, a steering damper has been installed between the CNC-machined fork stem and the frame to play a bit of diplomacy. Indeed, this orange color on the trellis tubular steel frame is not just provocative. It really means that an R model is even more aggressive.

If the 2007 model, which was extensively revised, hadn't touched the engine, that has changed severely since 2008. The 75° twin spits out 12 extra horsepower - 10% additional power, that is 132 horsepower, 900 rpm more and half a mkG of torque added at the crankshaft. There you have it, the Superduke R is even nastier. But why? Because... it has been fitted with new connecting rods and new pistons, larger titanium valves at the intake (from 38 to 41 mm), plus meaty injectors; and for the voice, the Akrapovic exhausts fitted as standard do the job and are of quality. With its larger tank since 2007, the hooligan part can last longer, and the big, fat braking will allow the new radial brake calipers to calm your forearms.

Exclusive machine? You think so... If the even more aggressive graphics and carbon fiber parts don't dispel your doubts, the single-seat (oops, no, not anymore since 2012 - a new reinforced aluminum rear frame allows a brave passenger), optimized suspension settings, and the prohibition for small builds to get on board will take care of convincing you. Although it costs the price of a hypersport, this machine throws a different type of sensations right in your face.

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