2006 KTM 950 SuperMoto and 990 SuperDuke
While everyone we know of continues to wait for the release of the exciting new KTM RC8 Superbike (see picture below) which was revealed at the Cologne International Motorcycle Show 2 years ago, in Europe KTM has gone ahead and instead released 2 new production bikes using the same new 2-cylinder V-75 degree DOHC engine that is scheduled to appear in the RC8.

The new KTM 950 SuperMoto (above) and 990 SuperDuke below, share the new basic engine and chassis, with noteable changes for their different markets. Suprisingly the SuperMoto gets a smaller displacement 950cc engine fed by carburetors, with a mild state of tune around 72 HP that would have it trounced by Ducati's Monster Quatro, Aprili'sa Tuonos or Triumph's Speed Triple, it's principal competitiors. It's also not EPA approved, so don't look for it in the USA any time soon.

From all a marketing, performance and production cost standpoint you would think the SuperMoto would get the same 990cc higher horsepower, electronically fuel injected V-75 used in the new KTM 990 SuperDuke. Or at the very least, they might switch engines with the SuperDuke getting the lower power 950, and the SuperMoto getting the 990cc 88HP mill to try to match it's competition. The 990 SuperDuke is the dual purpose version of the same basic bike with different body work, longer travel suspension and wheelbase.

Specification wise, the 990 SuperDuke is confusing in that it doesn't have a front windscreen or optional luggage system so it can compete in the multipurpose touring mode with popular BMW's GS1200R or the Ducati Multistrada. It just seems that KTM placed both new models at the bottom of their respective classes in the market to begin with, rather than come in at the top knowing what they were competing against.

Engine 950 SuperMoto / 990 SuperDuke
Engine double-cylinder 4-stroke V 75°
Displacement (cc) 942 / 999
Bore / stroke (mm) 100 / 60 (3.94 x 2.36") / 101 / 62.4 (3.98 x 2.46")
Performance (homologated) 72 kW @ 8000 rpm / 88 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max. torque 94 Nm @ 6500 rpm / 100 Nm @7000 rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Starter E-starter
Transmission 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Mixture preparation 2 Keihin constant pressure carburetors CVRD 43
/ Keihin indirect intake port injection
Control DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication
Engine oil Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W50
Primary drive 67:35
Final drive X-Ring chain 5/8 x 5/16"
Cooling liquid-cooled
Clutch wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Transmission ratio 17:41 / 17:38
Battery 12 V 11.2 Ah
Main silencer Twin stainless steel with catalytic converter / Stainless steel with controlled catalytic converter

Chassis 950 SuperMoto / 990 SuperDuke
Frame tubular space frame, chromium-molybdenum, powder-coated
Subframe aluminium
Handlebar aluminum Ø 28/22, conified
Front suspension WP-USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP-Monoshock
SuperDuke Suspension travel front 200mm / 210 mm rear (7.87/8.27")
Front brake 2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted, 305 mm disc, floating (12") / 2 x Brembo 4-piston caliper, 2 x 320 mm disc (12.6")
Rear brake Brembo twin-piston floating caliper, 240 mm disc (9.45")
Rims, front/rear 3.5 x 17" / 5.5 x 17"
Tires, front/rear 120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"

Steering head angle 66.5° / 64.6°
Wheel caster: 103 mm (4.06") / 110 mm (4.33")
Wheelbase: 1438 mm (56.61") / 1510 mm (59.45")
Ground clearance:) 165 mm (6.5") / (unloaded) 190 mm (7.48")
Seat height: 855 mm (33.66") / 865 mm (34.05")
Fuel capacity approx. 17.5 liters (4.62 gal) / SuperDuke 15 liters (3.96 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 191 kg (421.8 lbs) / SuperDuke 405 lbs.


Above: The KTM 990 SuperDuke looks interesting, but can it compete with the competition? Below: The RC8 Superbike we still have to wait another year for. Hopefully the V-75 engine will be able to produce twice the power it has now, which will be need to be competitive in the Superbike market and on the track.

Below: KTM plans to race the R8, still a year away from production, in World Superbike in 2007. But they should have brought it out in production this year to race it now. Ducati has the 4-cylinder Desmosedici to switch to in WSB if they need more power in 2 years, but KTM won't have that backup option when they finally release it after a 4 yeaar delay. They should reconsider using their MotoGP engine instead.

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