Ktm Superduke 990 Review

Item: Ktm Superduke 990
Rating: 8
Author: Motoryk

"Raw, rewarding, and ruthlessly unforgiving of neglected maintenance history."

Experienced riders craving analog, visceral naked performance $4,500-$8,500 used 2005-2013

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Key Specs

speed

Top Speed

220 km/h

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Power

115 hp

@ 9,000 rpm

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Torque

100 Nm

@ 7,000 rpm

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Fuel Economy

13.3 km/L

31 mpg · 7.5 L/100km (approximately 13.3 km/L, real-world average)

timer

0–100 km/h

3.5 sec

build

Service Every

7,500 km

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Weight

189 kg

(wet/curb weight)

settings

Engine

999cc LC8 75° V-twin

height

Seat Height

835 mm

cog

Transmission

6-speed

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Engine Lifespan

100,000+ km with proper maintenance

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Used Buyer Review

The 990 SuperDuke is basically a street fighter that never got the memo about being civilized. That LC8 V-twin is an absolute animal — raw, torquey, and loud enough to rattle fillings loose. It rewards experienced riders who want involvement over comfort, and punishes anyone who treats it casually. The ergonomics are aggressive but not punishing for medium-length rides, and the handling is razor-sharp even by modern standards. Buying used, you need to be ruthless about maintenance history. The LC8 engine eats cam chain tensioners if owners skipped services, and that repair gets expensive fast. Check the throttle bodies for synchronization issues and inspect the frame for stress cracks around the steering head — these bikes get ridden hard. Suspension components wear quickly on thrashed examples, so budget for a full service regardless. Avoid anything that's been tracked without receipts proving the work was done afterward.