2008 KTM 990 SuperMoto vs 990 SuperDuke vs Triumph Speed Triple

[Gremlin]

Comparisons on the new big naked bikes seem to be thin on the ground, so I feel obliged to help out those that may want to know the difference, how they are etc. Unfortunately, I possess none of the writing talents of a pro, or even the likes of madbikeboy etc, so just be happy I’m comparing them

It’s a hard life going to a bike shop (AMPS) one Saturday morning, and proceeding to ride three bikes in a row, until they close, but how else are you going to compare them properly? Luckily, I have such determination.

The bikes in question are all 2008 models, all stock except for the micron pipes on the Triumph Speed Triple. Other two bikes are the 990 Supermoto (SM) and Superduke (SD).

BTW… I didn’t take any pictures. That would have required a camera. I couldn’t be bothered taking one, and I was kinda riding them instead. Search google, they won’t look any different (maybe dirty).

I’ll divide the bikes up into separate posts (and even then, they have got long)… I hate reading long posts, short attention span and all that.

[Gremlin]

First up was the SM. I was asked which one I wanted to ride first, but frankly, having waited since December 2007 to ride the new model, I didn’t care. The SM is a bike that is marketed as being at home in the city/highway/country/off road but is obviously a road biased bike from tyres to suspension setup. It does have longer suspension travel than the SD. Perhaps it is trying to be that mythical do-all bike we seek?

First impressions: I know it looks good, I have been drooling over videos for months. It’s a tall bike, with a seat height of 875mm. I’m 6’3 and have reasonably long legs. Flat footing was no problem, but legs were not bent much. Minimal under-seat storage space, but juuuust enough space for the pouch that holds my smartphone.

Features: The 08 model now has FI, tank has increased to 19L, the display has more features (like a rev counter) and some minor geometry/suspension changes. Having ridden a 950 SM R, the addition of the rev counter and FI, IMHO, are excellent changes. Bigger tank is obviously better. Glad KTM listens to at least some of the suggestions.

Start her up, and you get a reasonably soft v-twin rumble as it comes to life. Stock pipes are ugly, but they get replaced anyway. Do NOT touch them after a ride, they get seriously hot. A quick touch got a yelp out of me.

Brakes/Suspension: Being a KTM, you get brembo brake calipers and WP suspension standard (honestly, I would say its reflected in their price tags anyway). Brakes are not harsh and can be modulated easily, but still have plenty of bite, should you wish to launch yourself into the bars. Suspension is firm, but compliant and pushing it into corners is easy work. Drive out is just as easy, with it pulling from around 4k without much complaint. Despite patchy drizzle, I was a couple of mm away from the edge of the tyre, so it would appear that it easily inspires confidence.

Handling: With all the nice goodies, you could expect great handling, and you wouldn’t be left wanting. Bars could be unexpectedly narrow, but they don’t have to be wider. Steering is light and quick, without being nervous, past the speed limit. At license loss it does feel overly sensitive, but it just makes it more exciting to me. Dropping the bike into a corner is easy, it feels planted and then you drive out of the corner. Hard huh?

Comfort: It has been criticised that the seat is uncomfortable, but I didn’t find it an important issue (ie, I felt ok afterwards). An added advantage is that the seat is quite flat, so if you don’t have a pillion, slide back a bit, and the seat is a different shape. Obviously, the bike is naked (screen options are available) so hours on end of open road touring is not going to be a forte, but there is minimal buffeting from the upright riding position.

[Gremlin]

After an hour of taking it through a route I planned out, comprising of almost every situation, it was time to change to the SD.

First impressions: While not quite as good looking as the SM, its still an edgy looking bike, and a damn site better to look at than most things on the road. The seat is lower, feeling more similar to a sportsbike at 850mm, albeit a tall one. Under-seat storage space? Don’t bother looking, it doesn’t really exist.

Features: Like the SM, the new model (from 07 onwards) has a larger tank and has undergone some minor changes to geometry and suspension. The old model suffered from snatchy fueling, and apparently this has been sorted for the new model. Clocks are exactly the same ones as the SM (KTM does this with a lot of parts across their model ranges – I love it).

Start her up and you are welcomed with a bark. Stock pipes are ugly, but as before, you replace them don’t you? While the SM and SD have the same FI LC8 engine, they have been tuned slightly differently, with the SM having more torque lower down. What I can’t figure out is just how different they sound. The SD sounds more like the Aprilia SXV550 than the SM. Akrapovics or the like will be the stuff of wet dreams

Fueling: Having been an issue on the old model, I was interested to see what it was like on the new one. First thing that hit me was just how stiff the clutch is. Using it constantly around town is not going to be enjoyable. If the old bike was snatchy, I would hate to think how bad it was, as the new one is snatchy and rough when punting through traffic. I think my 04 ZX10 and the SM had a great night together, and the SD was the byproduct, as it is a vtwin and naked like the SM, but has the manners of the zx10. I know now why it’s called a hooligan toy. I felt like it was always hunting in the revs unless you were giving it some. Just like the zx10, but not hell bent on killing you. The issue resolves itself completely once you open her up on the motorway or in the country. Then it just plain old sings (and rather addictively too )

Brakes/Suspension: Brembo and WP of course *yawn* (fantastic to think of it as being the “norm” init?). Brakes are much sharper and more like a light switch on the SD, but again, big stopping power if you want it. Suspension is slightly stiffer on the SD (it’s a road bike, not a comprise after all) but remained very settled, especially when getting on the gas indecently hard out of corners or through sweepers.

Handling: Like the SM, the goodies help give fantastic handling, but it is not quite as quick. This means it isn’t as much of a cake walk around town, but driving through sweepers, the SD is definitely in it’s element, feeling planted and wanting to go faster (even when it’s just passed all the available cars).

Comfort: After the SM, the pegs felt high, but if you think of the bike as being a naked sportsbike, it’s all logical. Riding position is more leant over the front and the seat is moulded to have different heights for rider and pillion. This means you can’t slide backwards easily like you can on the SM. My arse hurt by the end of the ride, so this one probably needs the gel seat for constant day rides (unless you’re a hard bastard).

[Gremlin]

They both have Brembo and WP, and good quality components at that (not like Kawasaki’s 06-07 zx10 Ohlins damper imitation). They both feature the LC8 engine, but in different states of tune. This is where it gets interesting. You would be reasonably hard pressed to find a straight line performance difference between them.

Some have asked why is KTM offering the SD and SM, when they are so similar. It is my belief that those people have not ridden both as I found they are very different bikes. The SM has the torque, kicking you backwards on the seat making you feel like you are hauling ass, whereas the SD is biased towards revs, with more power higher up.

As you might expect, this translates into the SM being better suited to tight twisties, being a menace around the city etc, whereas the SD better suits fast sweepers and generally higher speed country riding. If your mates are still thinking sportsbikes are the king, the superduke will be better suited for embarrassing them in the country.

For me, with the SD and it’s fueling, its like the zx10 all over again. Fine for the country (fantastic even) but I don’t have the luxury of being able to head deep into the country every weekend, so the SM beats the SD for me as it is a bike capable of town and various trips, but still able to head into the country and scare anything you find

Compare the stats of the two

[Gremlin]

Speaking to my tame salesman (Greg), we touched on the Speed Triple while discussing the KTMs. Having had several people tell me I should try it, who am I to refuse a test ride? I’ll keep this one a bit shorter, I’m getting bored of typing it up (just go test ride the damn bikes k?)

First impressions: mmmm, not exactly got a hard on from looking at it. Just looks weird to me. Dual shiny headlight covers are going to be a bitch to keep clean. About as much storage space as the SM, for my phone.

Out onto Khyber Pass Rd, past a group of Hardleys (hehehe), wow, this thing is smooth. No wonder so many rave about this triple configuration. For the rest of the test ride I try to come up with one word to describe the engine. Two minutes from returning it, I think I found the best one. Spiffing.

Brakes/Suspension: Front are Brembo, despite my best hunting, no idea what the back are (zrxer, who upon seeing the Triumph wheeled out, tootled over, and wasn’t sure either). Suspension, unless someone screwed with it, is sadistic. Front brake usage in corners results in the bike excessively standing up and its all round stiff. Not like the feeling you get from expensive suspension where it feels stiff, but its soaking up everything correctly, no, this Speed Triple just abused me. Brakes in a straight line are powerful (the previous model had some catching up to do, compared with KTM).

Handling: It’s a naked bike, and handles like one, but certainly not in the league of the KTM’s when going through a series of corners. Filtering lanes on the motorway is fun, as the gorgeous engine is involved.

In summary: Throw the engine into a decent chassis, brilliant. Otherwise, as a package, the engine is a saving grace. Words cannot really express the enjoyment of the engine.

I might see if I can source the best of the vids for the KTMs for the next post.

[Gremlin]

Favourite Video Review of the 990 Supermoto - Chris Moss from Superbike UK riding it
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYXmhOaxJQ[/YOUTUBE]

Nicely cut/edited and enjoyable clip of the 990 Supermoto
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMLxA6rEIJA[/YOUTUBE]

[onabimble]

In my humble opinion the Triumph is a pile of shite, oh and i agree the suspension is just bloody awful.

Buy the SM and smile from here to-----------------------------------------------------here :0)

The most fun bike i have rode in years and you can do distance work too, just get the newer model with the larger tank in black, throw on some acro's and start toasting 10R's on bumby roads... Wheely good bikes....

[Gremlin]

Buy the SM ...

The most fun bike i have rode in years and you can do distance work too, just get the newer model with the larger tank in black, throw on some acro's and start toasting 10R's on bumby roads... Wheely good bikes....

3.5 months down the track, the SM has about 14,800km on it. One FI error, which turned out the fuel map was loaded in the place for the VIN... Otherwise, its been super reliable, and handled everything thrown at it (1.6 - 30+ degrees, very twisty roads to beaches, and anything in between)

Avoided akras due to the crazy cost, Wings were fitted instead. Bigger tank is good (19L), but it can consume fuel in crazy amounts, with worst economy being 7.5L/100km. Advanced software from KTM allowing adjustment of the fueling isn't available yet. Also has handguards, heated grips, luggage, gps, radar, bike to bike comms etc. It changes from touring to hooligan just by re-adjusting your brain.

Only improvements it needs is a bigger tank (simply put, I can't find a single aftermarket tank), and a more comfy seat. I've come across softer bricks.

[Gremlin]

Well, 12 months have passed in what feels like a really short space of time... Just over a year ago I was nervously riding my first brand new bike away from the shop.

Time for another update I guess. She's done 25,500km in the 9 months she's been on the road (rest was workshop for servicing and repairs), no major reliability issues, used up 3 sets of Scorpion Syncs (expensive, but fantastic tyres), and pads etc are still original (with this kind of engine braking, and mostly country riding, who needs brakes?)

Did have issues with the fueling on the bike, learnt some hard lessons, but an ECU reset and new fuel map have definitely improved fuel economy in leaps and bounds.

Finished the mods hopefully and the list stands at:
KTM Axle Sliders (front and rear)
KTM Handguards
Oxford Heated Grips
KTM Fitment Plate (to mount Top box)
Givi Fitment Plate (to mount Top box)
KTM Touring Screen
Scottoiler
KTM 990 SMT Seat
Wings NOS CEC Exhausts
Givi Custom Pannier Racks (givi don't make for my model, so another set was taken and modified)
DNA Air Filter
GME TX4600 UHF Transceiver (hard wired into bike) and aerial
Baehr Verso XL (with associated cables for GPS, Radar, UHF Radio)
Radar Detector, Garmin Zumo 550

I really couldn't imagine a better bike for NZ road conditions, it tackles gravel to twisty sealed roads with ease.

The 990 SMT seat finally arrived, and this has made the endurance riding much easier.

This weekend, another 1500km ish in the lead up to my 2nd Grand Challenge, the following weekend, the Grand Challenge itself at 2500km ish, a few more km, and back into the shop again for its 5th service, 30k (the 4th was end of August). The 7500km service intervals are definitely a bit easier than 6000km intervals

The suspension is fantastic, smoothing ripples in the tar in ways other bikes can only dream of, and while some complain the long suspension travel creates too much pitching, thats the fun of riding. Backing it into corners is possible (bit hard without a slipper clutch tho), wheelies are effortless and she loves being a general hooligan. She has created a bit of a rep of leading bikes to their doom on beaches, corn fields and gravel roads, but it sure is entertaining.

The downside to all the fun is that I have somehow managed to dent my front rim (Guys at Triple X say wheelies couldn't have done that level of damage) so trying to sort that ASAP. Here's to thinking KTM should cover it under warranty, its only a year old, and crashing into a kerb aside (which I haven't done) I can't see how the rim got dented. Worst case scenario is $1300 for another front wheel.

[Dazza]

You should be able to get it straightened alright. So the SMT seat fits no worries then ?

[vifferman]

Unfortunately, I possess none of the writing talents of a pro, or even the likes of madbikeboy etc, so just be happy I’m comparing them

I think you're too modest, Sir!
A most excellent bit of writing.

[James Deuce]

What he said. Exactly what any motorcycle report should be. Short, emotive, as factual as you can bear, and completely biased in favour of your own genius in picking the perfect bike.

[vifferman]

What he said. Exactly what any motorcycle report should be. Short, emotive, as factual as you can bear, and completely biased in favour of your own genius in picking the perfect bike.

Hmmmm.....
Hmmmmmmmm.....

Perhaps I should go do some test-riding (haven't had a leg over another bike in nearly 5 years). Then Mr Gremlin could see how badly words can be strung together by someone who's paid to do just that.

[Gremlin]

You should be able to get it straightened alright. So the SMT seat fits no worries then ?

Waiting for Triple X to hear back from a good place they know, re the wheel. Yes, the SMT seat fits, but some minor modification of the seat is needed. Some extra tabs underneath (plastic) need to be cut off, then it fits on no problem.

What he said. Exactly what any motorcycle report should be. Short, emotive, as factual as you can bear, and completely biased in favour of your own genius in picking the perfect bike.

I've found that you can get a lot of satisfaction from knowing you have THE bike for you, all factors considered. Easy when you're a newbie, and have ridden very few bikes, but I've ridden cruisers, motards, sportsbikes and most types in between. Hand on heart, I can't see anything else currently on the market satisfying me more.

[Flynn]

Hmmm interesting read, had my full about a month and looking round for a bike, was pretty set on something like a xb12x but now buell is no longer I've got the gitters so to speak, was interested in your speel, could you post a pic of the screen you have on your bike? How good is it? I will be doing a 14km 100km/h commute to work on what ever I buy and want to do things like the southern cross and 4 points etc, etc, was interested to read you've done the GC and stuff on yours.