950 Super Motard "R" -vs- 999 Super Duke.... Thoughts?

[garry]

I'm drawn to naked hooligan bikes these days and had opportunity to demo a Super Motard today. They also have a Super Duke in stock, but no demos (already sold). I'm wondering if there are any KTM experts that have ridden both to compare/contrast the two bikes.

The 950 I rode was the "R" model with the orange frame, and (I think) a narrower seat and smaller gas tank. Not sure what else makes it an "R". Big fun to ride. Motor was spunky, but not particularly fast (as compared to ZX14 or liter sportbikes type fast). Suspension was firm but not harsh: rather sporty and the way I like it. Maybe a wee bit stiff for road imperfections, but I'll blame PennDOT first. Brakes were great: very powerful with lots of feedback. Handling was so light it felt like my sportbike (2005 ZX-6R) was a tank. Seems like the perfect tool to rip up a twisty road with less than perfect pavement at 70 MPH. Mirrors were very good. Vibes weren't annoying. Seat was firm but comfy. $14K though. Ouch. Spec-wise, it seems to be a head to head contender against the upcoming Ducati HyperMotard. Two very similar takes on the same idea.

The Super Duke looks better in the flesh, but still doesn't do much for me on looks. I'd love to ride it and compare. Spec sheet says it's got 20 more HP, is lighter, less suspension travel and slightly larger (18.5 L) fuel tank. Hey, I own a Wee Strom, so who am I to talk about riding a funky looking bike. But the Wee cost $5K and the SD is $14K.

I guess I'm interested in how the handling compares between the two bikes and on maintenance on them. I see they spec out a major service at 600 miles including a valve check. Most bikes are just an oil change and fastener check.

[av24me]

I owned a 06 950 supermoto and it was a nice bike for approx 600 miles but, it does have carbs and only makes ok power, other than that, great suspension for the real world, sold it after 3 months though. The Super Duke really is in a league of it's own, FI is the single best improvement and then the extra power is very very nice, no appologies to your sport bike buddies now!! Rider position is perhaps the best feature for me, it's just sporty enough to lean into the wind and keep my feet back on the rear sets but not to upright where you feel like you are going to be blown off the bike over 50mph like the supermoto was. I have put a little universal screen on it now (not very pretty) and in 2 months I have 1,500 miles so that says alot, have also sold my 954 CBR as well since the SD is almost as fast and have some wind protection now. The sound from the stock muffler is very good with excellent tone, infact I had a hard time deciding to replace it with aftermarket mufflers, but in the end the odor and heat from the cats made the decision easy, so Leo Vince Ti mufflers went on, had Akrapovics on the supermoto and really wanted to save a little money this time, they sound just a little bit louder, but very sweet. The bike is a little pricey but considering most dealers are discounting the price and the level and quanity of equipment it's a pretty good deal, I'm happy and would buy another one. I do my own service work (have to with my fleet) and on both bikes nether one has needed a valve adjust at 600 miles, kinda like my aprilia come to think of it.

[garry]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I need to get a demo ride on the Super Duke then...

[1KPerDay]

The supermoto is one of the sexiest bikes out there right now, IMO. The R version in particular. The superduke's styling doesn't do it for me (not much for the 'stealth'/origami look) but is very comfortable. I may have to buy one someday.

[av24me]

The supermoto is one of the sexiest bikes out there right now, IMO. The R version in particular. The superduke's styling doesn't do it for me (not much for the 'stealth'/origami look) but is very comfortable. I may have to buy one someday.

I agree, the 950 supermoto was sexy enough it talked me out of my 04 aprilia Tuono  

 

[AV8OR]

morgantown honda/ktm has a demo...ride on down

[garry]

morgantown honda/ktm has a demo...ride on down

The one R Doug demo'd? Isn't that the owners bike and he wasn't supposed to tell anyone that he rode it?

[AV8OR]

I stopped in the other day and they said its now a demo. any serious person can take it out. They tell me that can get another in pretty easy.