&width=72&height=72&bgcolor=rgba_39_42_44_0&mode=crop "Author: nastynils")
KTM 990 Duke, Yamaha MT-09, and Triumph Street Triple RS – sounds like the lineup for a rock concert, doesn't it? But instead of guitars, we've got throttles, and instead of drumsticks, we've got pistons. And trust me, they create just as much festival atmosphere!
Before we go full throttle, let me ask you something: What the hell do you actually plan to do with your motorcycle? Yeah, I see the puzzled faces. But seriously, if you don't know where the journey is headed, how am I supposed to tell you which bike is right for you? Think hard while I tell you what these three powerhouses have to offer.
KTM 990 Duke - The Austrian Powerhouse
Let's start with the KTM 990 Duke, the wild child from Austria. This bike is like a schnitzel with extra spice - hearty, powerful, and not for the faint-hearted!
Schaaf, our sensei of sporty cornering, was quite taken with the seating position. He said the 990 Duke had a stronger front-wheel orientation, which pays off especially in wet conditions. The modern electronics ensure smooth throttle response, making you feel like you're riding on a cloud - a very fast, orange cloud, mind you.
Martin Bauer, our track guru, was in love with the new chassis. He raved about the feedback and stability as if he were talking about his dream woman. The engine also received high praise for its grunt in the lower rev range. However, he mentioned that the gearbox is too clunky. According to him, the blipper function could use a bit more throttle blip - apparently, the KTM likes to be given the beans.
Kurt Rubik, our stunt maestro, was so thrilled with the 990 Duke that he probably wanted to pop a wheelie right away. He praised the extreme fun potential with the switchable electronic aids like wheelie control, traction control, and ABS. For him, the 990 Duke feels sportier than other models - as if KTM had packed a stunt rider's spirit into the machine.
Marek, our speed junkie from Poland, was so impressed with the suspension's performance that he probably wanted to head straight to the nearest race track. He praised the precise steering and the confidence the chassis conveys in corners. For him, the 990 Duke is a pleasure both on the track and on the road - like a Swiss Army knife, but with more horsepower.
Adam Child, our British guest tester, was very enthusiastic about the torque and agility. He compared the 990 Duke to the legendary old 990 Super Duke and said it was incredibly fun. The only criticisms? The design and the price. But hey, quality comes at a price, right?
Yamaha MT-09 - The Japanese All-Rounder
Next up is the Yamaha MT-09, the all-rounder from the Land of the Rising Sun. This bike is like a well-trained ninja - agile, powerful, and always ready for action.
Kurt Rubik was so taken with the MT-09 that he probably wanted to practice his stunts with it right away. He praised the seating position with the wide handlebars, which is a dream for stunt riders. According to Kurt, the bike really helps when leaning into corners - as if it had a built-in corner magnet! He called it "crisp and corner-ready," which in stunt rider language probably means "damn awesome"!
Martin, our tech guru, confirmed the maturity of the MT-09. He praised the comfortable yet sporty seating position - the perfect middle ground between a sofa and a racing stool. The suspension also received good marks for feedback and stability. Martin was so impressed with the triple engine that he called it the perfect choice for a naked bike. It's as if Yamaha had found the holy grail of engine configurations!
Zonko was this time taken with the new front design. He praised the improvements in front-wheel feel and seating position. For him, the MT-09 is the perfect bike for a whole day of riding pleasure - relaxed yet sporty. It's like an all-purpose suit that looks good both on the couch and on the dance floor!
Schaaf, our detail detective, liked the new front better than the old one - a visual upgrade, so to speak. He praised the engine for its great grunt from the lower rev range. However, he noted that the brakes and suspension can't quite match the Triumph Street Triple RS. It's like a competition between a sumo wrestler and a ninja - both are good, but in different disciplines.
NastyNils, our all-rounder, had an exceptionally positive test ride. He praised the good feel for traction and grip - as if the bike were glued to the road. However, he found that the seating position is not quite as dynamic as on other sporty naked bikes. It's like driving a sports car, but with a slightly too comfortable seat.
Adam Child called the MT-09 a "great street bike." He praised the sportier geometry and handling as well as the "beautiful" engine. However, he noted that the brakes are not as strong as on other models and the standard suspension is not ideal for track days. It's like an all-rounder that excels on the street but still has some room for improvement on the track. But that's what Yamaha has the MT-09 SP for.
Triumph Street Triple RS - The British Precision Artist
Finally, we come to the Triumph Street Triple RS, the gentleman among naked bikes. This bike is like a well-tailored British suit - elegant and precise.
Schaaf was so enthusiastic about the Street Triple RS that he probably wanted to serve his herbal tea on it. He praised the fine responsiveness of the suspension and the sharp but controllable brakes. For him, the bike feels "incredibly valuable" - as if you were sitting on a rolling crown jewel.
Kurt Rubik was surprised by the front-wheel-oriented seating position. He said the bike is more suited for long, fast corners - perfect for those who like to get a taste of racing air. According to him, the stiff suspension needs more pressure to work properly - so it's not for the faint-hearted!
NastyNils (yes, that's me!) was so thrilled with the Street Triple RS that I declared it my favorite bike. I found it rides like a real race bike - precise, stable, and with an amazingly soft saddle. However, I found the joystick control on the left handlebar a bit awkward - like trying to type with chopsticks.
Martin Bauer was so taken with the tires that he almost forgot to talk about the bike. He praised the sporty setup, the precision of the chassis, and the calmness in the suspension elements. For him, the Street Triple RS is the perfect bike for sporty street riders - the dream partner for all corner junkies.
Adam Child was impressed by the sporty but not too hard suspension. He praised the characterful engine and the strong brakes. However, he found the switches and display not quite as convincing - apparently, even in a British gentleman, there's still room for improvement.
&width=60&height=60&bgcolor=rgba_39_42_44_0&mode=crop "Author: nastynils")
