Completely original, and deranged at that too! Every inch of its fairing and tailpiece integrate beautifully, while the tank protrudes like a sore thumb between the bars. Twin exhausts emerge from beneath the tailpiece, joined by a jagged rear brake light too. Put straight it hosts its own design, in which manfacturers like Yamaha and Honda have attempted to follow, though fail ultimately. Despite its completely on road characteristics, the Superduke carries an off-road come streetbike feel, part of its extreme success both here in Ireland and on the mainland in recent years.
Powered by a firy 990cc twin, the Daddy Duke will scorch from a standstill to 100kph, in a mere 3.8 seconds! Boasted engine output sits at 118bhp, though power is slightly bogged down by its 200kg weight. Thankfully its twin torque will punch up the rev scale however, meaning wheelies and burnouts become a regualr pastime of many a Superduke owner. Throttle response is strong, if not a little scary and the exhaust note equally petrifying! Fun with a capital FU!
As well as the light, quick and very accurate steering which helps with the bike’s agility and composure, the brakes and suspension have a big influence over the bike’s impressive composure. The WP forks and shock generate a smooth and user friendly feel, though when required will hold its own through bends at faster speeds. In fact, the control and predictability offered by the KTM chassis is so good you feel as though you couldn’t ever crash it! And it underlines the fact that it’s obviously been designed and built by a firm with a lot of competitive experience.
The Superdukes radical design can be the bearer of discomfort on those longer journeys, as the high risen tank and flat back seat demand a sat straight riding position. Handlebars are low slung, thus offering increased leverage on turning, though also end in you stretching over the tank in order to reach them. Stock suspension setup is exceptional, and pillion comfort surprisingly reasonable.