Today I rode the Super Duke R...

[Aussie_imp]

I would love one but I also need my licence for work!

[HikerToo_imp]

I was thinking of this KTM or the BMW S1000R, which out did the KTM in cycle worlds reviews… I've always liked inline 4's , never ridden a v twin…how does the feel compare?

[pechorin75_imp]

I was thinking of this KTM or the BMW S1000R, which out did the KTM in cycle worlds reviews… I've always liked inline 4's , never ridden a v twin…how does the feel compare?

I rode one recently at a KTM demo day. Riding in a group I was never able to get past about 2/3rds throttle (with all the electronic nannies on), but even so the thing pulled very, very hard. No comparison with the CB. I really liked the sound and character of the engine...there's a raw "mechanical" feel that, to me, sets it apart from four-cylinder bikes. I definitely had the feeling that the "real" power started lower in the RPM range than most fours also...which is no surprise, I guess.

The bike looks "normal" size, but felt very light and small when I was on it. Oddly small, in fact. That was one of the things I wasn't too thrilled about: Apart from the mirrors, it almost entirely "disappears" below your visual field. I remember feeling like I had to physically tilt my head to see the speedo/tach. Granted, I'm pretty long in the body, so others might not notice this as much.

My only real problem with the bike--and this is probably the only thing (apart from the price and unknown reliability) that would keep me from buying one--is the vibration through the bars. It seemed like it was always there, regardless of RPM. Vibration tends to be a subjective thing--and I was probably gripping the bars harder than I normally do--but my hands were tingling within 5 minutes, and pretty much numb in 15. I'm not sure I could get used to that.

[Henrik_imp]

The new Super Duke R is impressive, but I find the chassis and general setup a little too radical. As far as great v-twins go, in my opinion the greatest one so far is the bialbero corsa corta 1200cc fitted in the Moto Morini Corsaro. This bike and gem of an engine came out in 2006, some 8 years ago, and delivered 140hp with over 90 lb/ft of torque. That is a similar torque figure to the new Super Duke R, but delivered in a chassis that is much more comfortable and rideable.

Unfortunately Morini has suffered from being a very small Italian factory, going bankrupt a couple of years back. But, they are still around, and since two years they have new financing and are again producing great bikes. If you ever have a chance, you must try what is the most amazing twin ever.

[Stary Motocyklista_imp]

I recently sold My KTM Super Moto R with 998cc LC8 motor. This and the Super Duke are not motorcycles for old men to tour around on and relax. They are great fun when you are focused and understand what your doing. Every thing about the SMR was about a very light touch. A hand full of anything was trouble. I loved the bike. The CB1100 is just in a different universe. You can just relax and ride and any overdone control input is so smooth and gradual there is plenty of time to correct, unlike the the hyper bikes, and no the CB1100 is not anywhere near as fast anyplace no how no way if the SD is in the right hands. Hale, a lot of 600s will blow the CB1100 in the weeds, that is not what it’s for.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

I would love one but I also need my licence for work!

True. I have a mate who has a very quick, exotic and expensive piece of European machinery, four wheels of course. Fortunately he has a large extended family. Many of them have taken the hit for him. Lucky man.

Cheers

[Offroad]

I agree, looks like fun, but it's like the CB1000R I test rode before buying the CB1100, my fat belly and that gas tank just didn't mesh very well ;-) I decided I was too old to be riding wheelies anymore anyway.

[Novice_imp]

I want one, but I won't give up the CB. So now I'm left dreaming and, after just buying the CB, looking for change in the washer hoping to get 17 large before I die.

[gossman_imp]

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Cycle World ran a 10.2 on it I believe and it's 0-200kph in 7.2 seconds!! The engine is just amazing feeling too. I felt like the Terminator driving it. You are an instant badass.

Funny, that's exactly the same feeling tens of thousands of Harley riders get on their 66hp Twinkies.

At least you don't have to wear a pirate outfit on the Duke.

Funny, that's exactly the same feeling tens of thousands of Harley riders get on their 66hp Twinkies.

At least you don't have to wear a pirate outfit on the Duke.

[HondaJon_imp]

I have been following this bike for a long time. Did KTM have a demo ride? I simply refuse to spend that much $$$$ on a bike without a demo. (Learned that the hard way with a V-Rod).

Kind of leary of all the electronics as well. Bought the CB because it was simple.