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KTM 990 Super Duke R Alpha Animal 2012 Review

2012 KTM 990 Super Duke R

The KTM 990 Super Duke R sets itself apart from its Super Duke sister model not only with 9 kW (12 hp) more power, but also with so many prestigious components, such as the Akrapovic titanium manifold system, the WP steering damper and the double-butted, perfectly angled aluminium handlebars. If there's ever been an uncompromising riding machine in its purest form then it's the ultra-sporty 990 Super Duke R with mono-seat. With its muscle-flexing V2 and perfectly controllable power, it can be regarded as the ultimate scourge of the superbikes. Its equally manoeuvrable and precise chassis is equipped with the most exclusive components - from the CNC-machined triple clamp to the finest titanium exhaust manifold. In short: the 990 Super Duke R is the hottest street-legal naked bike around.

2012 KTM 990 Super Duke R

The Super Duke R's V2 sets the benchmark for free-revving twins. A lighter-weight crank drive than the Super Duke, lighter pistons, larger diameter titanium intake valves and larger throttle valves push the power up to 97 kW (130 hp). The engine impresses with explosiveness and spontaneous throttle response. Aside from optimum combustion chamber design, the major factors behind the outstanding performance of the 990 Super Duke R's V-twin with 75° cylinder angle are the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads, each with flow-optimised ducts and two overhead camshafts.

2012 KTM 990 Super Duke R
Particularly lightweight pistons and connecting rods bestow the 990 Super Duke's V2 engine with reduced reciprocating weight and hence a decidedly spontaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics. The electronic Keihin engine management system regulates the modern fuel injection system on the 990 Super Duke R, focussing on maximum power and spontaneous responsiveness. The twin throttle valves have been enlarged by 2 mm (0.08 in) compared with the Super Duke, in order to increase performance.

2012 KTM 990 Super Duke R
2012 KTM 990 Super Duke R
The 201 KTM 990 Super Duke R orange, powder-coated tubular space frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe provides a steeper steering head angle in the "R" setup than the Super Duke and less trail for even greater manoeuvrability. The 575 mm (22.64 in) swingarm ensures plenty of mechanical grip. Thanks to a great variety of setting options, the upside-down telescopic fork with TiAIN-coated sliding surfaces and the directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension with a TiAIN-coated piston rod allow optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit load, riding style and course.

More than adequate deceleration is ensured in the 990 Super Duke R by Brembo® brakes with the very finest components. On the front wheel, two radially-mounted monoblock four-piston brake calipers, pressured by a radial master cylinder, bite hard into floating 320 mm (12.6 in) discs.

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