2005 KTM 990 Super Duke
Can a dirtbike manufacturer build a good streetbike the first time out of the box? Nope, not a good one--a great one
Austrian industrial designer Gerald Kiska is responsible for Super Duke styling. Check out
Producing 120 bhp and weighing just 395 pounds dry in production form, the Super Duke is now the lightest 1000cc twin-cylinder streetbike of any kind from any manufacturer. Even the Ducati 999 or Aprilia RSV-R weigh more. But project leader Philipp Habsburg is even prouder that, complete with oil, water and 33 pounds of fuel, the Super Duke weighs just 428 pounds, which compares very favorably with Ducati's Monster S4R and Aprilia's Tuono.
The only downside is the Super Duke's restricted fuel capacity, coupled with the lack of a fuel gauge and an erratic warning light, which surprised many journalists at the launch. The Super Duke is extremely thirsty, with many riders reporting less than 23.5 mpg.Still, the Super Duke's awesome on-road performance makes it the surprise hit of the season--so far. The only problem is that KTM isn't quite ready to bring the Duke Stateside until '06. Which, like the Yamaha MT-01's no-show U.S. status, is a major bummer for American enthusiasts.
| KTM 990 Super Duke |
| PRICE |
| MSRP | N/A |
| ENGINE |
| Type | l-c V-twin |
| Valve arrangement | dohc, 8v |
| Displacement | 999cc |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| CHASSIS |
| Weight | 394 lb. (claimed dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.96 gal. (15L) |
| Wheelbase | 56.6 in. (1438mm) |
| Seat height | 33.7 in. (855mm) |
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