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Wheels24 has all the details about KTM's significantly improved Duke and all-new Super Duke R, and judging by first appearances both are impressive bikes indeed.
KTM recently caused quite a bit of excitement at the INTERMOT in Cologne with the 690 Supermoto, the first model of a completely new generation of single cylinders.
Now the Austrian producer has launched the 2007 Super Duke and Super Duke R at Milan's EICMA motorcycle show. Wheels24 managed to get all the details of both models.
Super Duke
Improvements to the sporty KTM Super Duke street fighter include chassis modifications as well as a whole range of new high quality components.
Thanks to alterations to the steering head angle to 66.1° KTM says their sporty naked bike is significantly more stable without sacrificing any handling, particularly at high speeds.
Radial screwed high performance four piston brake calipers are fitted to the front wheels of the new Super Duke while riders of these second generation bikes also have at their disposal a completely newly designed multifunctional dashboard.
Fuel consumption of the very light LC8 two-cylinder has been reduced through changes in the fuel injection system and mapping in line with EURO III regulations. A four-litre increase in the fuel tank capacity also improves reach.
The Super Duke, to be released overseas in the spring of 2007, is rounded up with fresh new design elements but doesn't deviate from the overall appearance of the street fighter. KTM designer Gerald Kiska has introduced exciting new elements such as the aggressive front mask.
Super Duke R
In addition to the modified Super Duke, KTM now has announced the Super Duke R to cater for very sports-oriented street fighter fans.
The 2007 model of this bike is only available as a single seater and is superior to the improved basic version in technical and optical nuances.
A fully adjustable, race-tested shock absorber has been introduced for unlimited performance including on the racing circuit. A 10 mm increase in the suspension travel to 150 mm means that the damping is also longer resulting in improved riding angle. The matching geometry, with a steering head angle of 67.3 at 93.9 mm trail transforms the R version into a mean corner-handler.
A serial production steering damper as well as CNC-machined upper triple clamp are further sporty attributes for the uncompromising Super Duke R. Optically speaking, this motorcycle also reflects the unmistakable KTM brand "Ready to Race" philosophy.
The orange lacquered tubular frame, in contrast to the classic black, ensures this bike is also a real eye-catcher.
According to KTM South Africa the Super Duke 990 and R model will be available early 2007. The 2006 Super Duke is currently selling for R99 999.00 (VAT incl.) and it is expected that the R version will sell for about R10 000 to R12 000 more.
