Who's owned one of these ? Which model year is best, any golden rules, do they have belts ? I've aways fancied one and hear nothing but good reports especially on the R. One thing in the past that has always put me off is the KTM pricing, one minute their £8999 then their £6999. But now they're finished the second hand prices seem quite reasonable... Just fancy trying something different, I'll be keeping the Duc's..
I have always like the KTM's, superduke etc, but being a short ass, KTM's are too tall. Also the dash is bloody nasty, but great V twin engines.
My mate had a 990 for a short period of time and he said it was bonkers. He praised the power delivery and said that it was a fantastic bike to own, didn't have a single problem with reliability or anything like that.
I have 2 mates at work who love them. Was only talking about them the other day told me if i got one both said get 2007 or later can't remeber why though
I have to admit I'm a bit of a KTM nut, don't think there's been more than 10 months in the last 7 years where I've not had one. I'm waiting for the 1290 to come out next year so I can have a practical bike as well as the 996 :wink: The Superduke is an absolute riot, they had a bit of a restyle in 2007 but you can't tell from riding, the real advantage of the later bike is a much bigger tank, I think the early ones have something daft like 9 litres.
I have had my 990 SuperDuke from new in 2008. Go for the standard rather than the R model - they are better on the road and the R's seat is very thin and plank-like. The earlier ones had a smaller tank as previously mentioned, and the fuelling was not quite as good. They don't have belts and they are very reliable. The only thing to watch out for is the front brake binding if they aren't kept clean. Highly recommended - an absolute riot of fun!
I had an 05, mint bike. Sorted the naff fuel range with a bigger carbon tank. Akras are a must to release the soundtrack. Seriously fun bike. Would definitely have another if I wasnt happy with my Dukes.
The new 390 is priced at £4500 which a friend of mine is thinking about selling his RD500 and getting one lol, @150kg wet, 135kg dry, 44bhp they sound good fun, or the 690 is something like another £2000, or there abouts. I see KTM's around quite alot, gotta say i do admire them and they're well priced too.
I've had two of these. They are great bikes. Essential mods are: Airbox. Dump it and buy a Rottweiler - not a DNA it's not worth the extra money. Fit the Akra end cans - they get rid of the cat. Fit a slipper clutch. Get it all set up by Kev @ Projex-uk. He knows his stuff - is something of a KTM LC8 specialist and he is inexpensive to say the least. (he will use TuneECU - no need to buy a power commander) Ride. (Oh and buy my BST Carbon wheels for it!) The forum to go is Superduke.net
I fancy a SuperDuke myself for commuting and running around.also had an RS250 back in the day. Never heard anything but good about the new bikes, but would not have an RC8... Fugly beast!!
I had the 990sm back in 2008 that bike was bonkers. I can remember picking it up from the dealers I didn't think I was gonna make it out of Newcastle with out flipping the thing absolutely loved it but the only downside was it did use a bit of oil, I think ktm said a litre every 1000 mile was normal? And I wasn't impressed with them needing valve clearances checked at the first service and it needed shims. Other than that it was the most fun bike I've ever had
