KTM 990 Super Duke 2013 — Specifications

As Oli Le Belge pointed out, being discreet on a Super Duke is impossible. That's actually the Super Duke's primary mission, both in spirit and design – a streetfighter through and through, with an extra layer of virility since 2007.

OK, the identity is preserved and it closely resembles the original version. Evolution would struggle to be spectacular, as the original design really hits you in the face. Approach with your eye and pay attention: a new front mudguard, subtly redesigned flanks with a brighter orange, a more "trendy" rear light, larger mirrors... in short, minor details. But what changes the most is what you see the least and yet is the most important. First, 4 liters more in the tank; that way, you can have much more fun than with the original 15 L. Then, the makeover: the head of the fork subtly revised, meaner, sharper, equipped with a mini deflector (effectiveness close to a laughing fit) and especially containing within it a real dashboard. Bye to the bicycle speedometer adorned with a Bonux rev counter – the 990 Super Duke phase 2 inherits a more beautiful, more readable, less "out of place" and much nicer multi-function instrumentation.

Underneath, we’re adopting the Superbike-style braking trend. The 48 mm diameter WP fork is equipped with radial calipers, each with 4 independent pads. Inside, 320 mm of braking track... to find better, you have to look among the hypersports.

As we've just seen, more fun for the Katoche, terror of the streets. An apparent nonchalance that nevertheless hides a beginning of wisdom. Like all the others, Miss Super Duke had to comply with Euro 3 and becomes cleaner... and less radical with its slightly revised geometry: rake angle more open and trail revised, more stability... Is the big Duke calming down? When you see the profile of the sport tires and its appearance of a bolt-on percussionist, not for a single second can you imagine yourself discreet or calm on its handlebars!