KTM SUPERDUKE 990 2011 — Specifications

Can you really go unnoticed on a machine that looks like a street fight on two wheels? The KTM Superduke 990 asks the question at every red light, and the answer is no. Since its debut, this Austrian roadster has cultivated the art of visual provocation with a confidence few competitors dare to claim. Neither a faired sportbike nor an adventure trail, the Superduke plays in the league of hardcore streetfighters, up against the Ducati Streetfighter and the Aprilia Tuono among others. And in that arena, it's no bit player.

Beneath that sharp-edged silhouette beats the famous LC8, a 75-degree V-twin displacing 999 cc. The KTM Superduke 990 spec sheet speaks for itself: 122 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, 98 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, all housed in a chromoly tubular trellis frame weighing 186 kg dry. The power-to-weight ratio puts this Austrian machine near the top of the class. With a bore of 101 mm, a stroke of just 62.4 mm, and a compression ratio of 11.5:1, the engine loves to rev and delivers its power with a bluntness that catches you off guard in the first few miles. The KTM Superduke 990 dispatches the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a matter of seconds, and the claimed top speed of 230 km/h confirms this V-twin is anything but short of breath. The KTM Superduke 990's range, thanks to the 18.5-litre tank, allows for decent outings without constantly hunting for a fuel station. A real improvement over the early versions and their meagre 15 litres.

On the chassis front, KTM didn't cut corners. The 48 mm WP inverted fork offers 135 mm of travel up front, while the WP monoshock handles 160 mm at the rear. The braking alone warrants a KTM Superduke 990 test ride: twin 320 mm discs clamped by radial-mount four-piston calipers at the front, a 240 mm disc at the rear. Serious hardware, calibrated to reassure when the V-twin is shoving you forward. The 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 tyres round out a package that's sport-oriented without being extreme. The 850 mm seat height suits average-sized riders and above; shorter pilots will have to adapt or visit a suspension specialist.

For anyone looking for a used KTM Superduke 990, the market value remains reasonable and the model ages rather well. The R version, produced between 2007 and 2013, brings sharper suspension and an even more honed temperament for those wanting to flirt with track riding. Whether it's a KTM Superduke 990 R 2008, 2012, or 2013, these variants trade at prices that make them bargains for riders craving raw thrills. On the maintenance side, the KTM Superduke 990's LC8 demands diligent upkeep, particularly regarding the valve train and oil change intervals. Dedicated KTM Superduke 990 forums are packed with owner feedback and practical advice that help keep these machines in shape. The list price of 10,990 euros when new placed the beast squarely in the middle of the segment — neither a bargain nor overpriced.

This roadster is aimed at a rider who wants uncompromising character. Not a beginner, clearly: the torque available from the mid-range and the absence of modern electronic aids demand a skilled throttle hand and sound judgement. The verdict on the KTM Superduke 990 boils down to this: it's a machine that rewards the attentive rider and punishes the careless one. Those who compare it to a Ducati Monster 1100 or a Triumph Speed Triple will find a rawer, less refined temperament here, with that Austrian signature that resembles nothing else. A motorcycle that doesn't try to please everyone — and that's precisely what makes it so appealing.