Loony UK bike mag FastBikes did a comparing test of what they call 'Super-nakes'. The bikes on test were the Ducati Monster S4RS, Kawazaki Z1000, Benelli TNT 1130, Aprilia Tuono R, Triumph Speed Triple and the KTM SuperDuke 990. Quite a bunch...
Since there's nothing online from FastBikes I'll post some quotes from this extensive 18 page test. Basically, the SuperDuke whipes the floor with all of them and wins the test hands down. The verdict of the SD:
Once ridden, forever smitten. The SuperDuke is almost impossible to fault. It's the whole pakage, it's damn near perfect and able to embarrasse pukka sportsbikes. If we only had 8 grand... PLUS: Everything. MINUS: Nothing. Final Score: 10/10.
The battle for the crown is between the Triumph Speed Triple and the SuperDuke (as in a lot of other tests too BTW). Both bikes have the lowest power output of the bunch, each measured at 116HP. The Triumph triple puts out more torque but the LC8 has a better spread of power and it's lighter, outperforming the Triumph easily. Some snippets from the test:
"You've got to hand it to KTM. With their first ever effort at a big road bike, they hit the nail so squarly on the head it could be along time before they need to bang in another one."
"We know looks are all subjective, but the SuperDuke is defo the best looking bike of the lot. Proving you can have great looks and somewhere nice to sit, the SuperDuke offers by far the best ergonomics as well. Comfort is never an issue. The riding position is so well engineered that once you realise just how natural it feels you never think about it again, just the road."
"The real masterpiece is the chassis though. The suspenders stike a perfect balance between soupleness and mass control that's only rivalled in the upper echelons of the race replica class. Combine that with the trackable barking motor and you've got one of the fastest real world bikes on the market."
"If you ever get bored of embarrassing supposedly superior machinery on the SuperDuke, you can always have a go at a spot of stunting. You won't find a more willing or capable partner. It'll wheelie with exquisite balance until the 15 litre tank runs dry, and we defy you not to pull a huge rolling stoppie every time the opportunity arises. On either end, very few bikes give you more feel and confidence."
And finally:
"Unsurprisingly, the SuperDuke takes the crown. It was always likely thanks to the remarkable lack of faults. Any new entrant in this class will now have to be specifically developed, gorgeous, high-spec, and packing at least 125HP. Bring on all the challengers, the SuperDuke's waiting..."
The final ranking:
1. KTM SuperDuke
2. Triumph Speed Triple
3. Aprilia Tuono R
4. Monster S4RS/Benelli TNT 1130
5. Kawasaki Z1000
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