KTM 990 Super Duke 2006 vs. KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO 2024

Zwischen 2006 und 2024 hat sich unsere Welt dramatisch verändert. 2006 war ein Jahr, in dem Smartphones gerade erst ihren Durchbruch erlebten, soziale Medien in den Kinderschuhen steckten und die globale Vernetzung noch nicht das heutige Ausmaß erreicht hatte. Der technologische Fortschritt hat seither nahezu jeden Aspekt unseres Lebens revolutioniert, von Kommunikation und Arbeit bis hin zu Freizeit und Mobilität.

These rapid changes have also profoundly impacted the motorcycle industry. Innovations in engine technology, chassis technology, and electronics have made riding safer, more efficient, but also more predictable. While motorcycles in 2006 had to shine through mechanical finesse, developers in 2024 have an entire armada of high-end systems and technologies at their disposal, making the absurd performance levels that naked bikes achieve safely rideable. Can both worlds coexist in parallel? Do they both have a right to exist? Against this backdrop, Zonko and I embarked on an exciting comparison test.

KTM 990 Super Duke 2006

The KTM 990 Super Duke was a true powerhouse in 2006 with its 999cc V-twin engine and 120 hp. The engine still stands out with its raw and unrefined character at lower RPMs, but it showed a surprisingly smooth throttle response and impressive pull even by today's standards when riding spiritedly on country roads. Even after 18 years and over 36,000 kilometers, the engine still impresses with its performance. This is complemented by the distinctive, but over time too loud, sound of the aftermarket Mivv exhaust system.

KTM 1390 Super Duke R / EVO

The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO takes performance to a new level. With an enlarged LC8 V-twin engine and 1,350 cc displacement, it delivers an impressive 190 hp at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The variable valve timing and the new Cam-Shift system provide 10 hp more compared to its predecessor while complying with the Euro 5+ emission standards. Despite the enormous power, the engine remains remarkably refined and accessible at lower revs, offering a pleasant riding experience even in towns. Cruising along the busy lakeside at 50 km/h in 4th gear? No problem! This task is not as easy for the 990 Super Duke from 2006. In terms of fuel consumption, the 1390 Super Duke R EVO makes its ancestor look literally old: while the 999 cc V2 engine of the 990 Super Duke gladly consumes 10 liters per 100 km, the 1,350 cc V2 usually manages with 5 liters. This is likely where the most significant development step has been made, both in terms of emitted gases and pollutants.

The chassis of the 990 Super Duke still performs flawlessly by today's standards. The fully adjustable WP components offer a clean responsiveness and a successful balance between comfort and performance. The first Super Duke is clearly designed for the demands of spirited riding on country roads. The braking system, consisting of Brembo calipers and 320 mm discs at the front, provides very solid delay, but it must admit defeat in a direct duel with the fine equipment on the 2024 Super Duke.

During our three-day test program, we had the opportunity to ride both variants of the KTM 1390 Super Duke, the R and the R EVO. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R utilizes the latest generation of WP-Apex components. The front 48mm upside-down fork and the rear central shock absorber are both fully adjustable, with the rear shock even offering separate settings for "high-speed" and "low-speed" damping. The suspension travel is 125 millimeters at the front and 140 millimeters at the rear.

The EVO variant of the 1390 Super Duke R features a semi-active suspension, recognizable by the blue fork gaiters. It offers the latest, third-generation WP Semi-Active Technology with five suspension modes: "Auto," "Comfort," "Rain," "Street," and "Sport." Optional modes include "Track" and "Pro," with the latter additionally providing an automatic load leveling feature. The EVO suspension also includes an anti-dive function and a factory start option, which lowers the rear for increased traction during starts.

The differences between the standard 1390 Super Duke R and the EVO version are significant. While the standard version offers a traditional but high-quality fully adjustable chassis, the EVO variant elevates performance to a new level thanks to semi-active technology. This allows the rider to adjust the chassis to various riding conditions directly from the saddle with the push of a button. The additional modes and functions of the EVO version, such as automatic load balancing and the anti-dive function, offer flexibility and performance that one quickly comes to appreciate in practice and soon doesn't want to miss. The standard version also offers a great chassis, but as is often the case, the better is the enemy of the good. Compared to the old Super Duke, however, both 1390 models offer a massive improvement in terms of chassis. Those who like to leave the twisty road behind for a few turns on the race track are clearly better off here.

The 990 Super Duke offers an upright and relaxed seating position, thanks to the off-road heritage of its frame. The wide handlebars and relaxed knee angle invite longer rides. However, the seat height of 855mm can be challenging for shorter riders. The soft saddle is a matter of taste; for some, it might be the pinnacle of comfort, while for others, it might be too much. During more spirited riding, compared to the new Super Duke, you miss the secure grip, as the old saddle is made of very slippery material.

The ergonomics of the 1390 Super Duke R (EVO) combine comfort with a sporty claim. The seating position is significantly more front-wheel-oriented, and the wide handlebars ensure good control at low speeds. The seat height makes the beast accessible to shorter riders as well. The modern seating position and the advanced chassis of the 1390 Super Duke make it more versatile than the 990 Super Duke.

The 2006 KTM 990 Super Duke remains a challenging bike designed for riding pleasure. When you give it the beans, it reveals its true character. It can still be ridden sportily, although its design shows limitations at very high speeds: The flip side of the comfort medal awarded above: The front can become light in fast switchbacks, causing a loss of feel for the front wheel. This lack of transparency makes it a difficult task to keep up with the new Super Duke.

The 1390 Super Duke R (EVO) offers incredible dynamics on the road. While the maximum power of 190 hp only kicks in at higher revs, the massive V-engine delivers an incredible amount of torque even at lower RPMs. When switching to the sharper camshaft at around 6,500 RPM, the bike really takes off. Despite this huge engine between your legs, the 1390 feels light and nimble. Minimal rider inputs are immediately translated into movement. The semi-active suspension ensures a firm and direct riding feel in every situation. Dynamically, KTM is hard to beat here. The handling is agile, and the Brembo brakes offer excellent modulation and stopping power. The overall setup of the bike is brilliantly executed.

In 2005, the 990 Super Duke was launched in Austria at a price of 13,890 Euros. At first glance, one might conclude that the 1390 Super Duke R (EVO) is twice as expensive as the Super Duke 990 was back then. However, when adjusted for inflation, the sum of 13,890 Euros in 2005 corresponds to around 23,200 Euros in today's purchasing power. Offers on the 1000PS marketplace for new KTM 1390 Super Duke R vehicles start at 21,990 Euros, thus below the introductory price level of the first Super Duke. Well-maintained examples of the 990 Super Duke still fetch impressive sums. A Super Duke is never a cheap thrill - a beast indeed comes at a price.

In all nostalgia and personal appreciation for the original Super Duke: Objectively speaking, the 1390 Super Duke R EVO surpasses the 990 Super Duke in all dynamic aspects. From the advanced suspension to the powerful braking system, the grunty engine, and the low fuel consumption, the 990 has no chance here. The ubiquitous electronics of the 1390 suggest a superior riding feel and offer more safety in every situation. The two decades of development were not in vain. Nevertheless, the first Super Duke still offers a great riding experience in 2024. You can now get it for a reasonable price. If you come across a well-maintained example, you can certainly enjoy many more years in the saddle. For those who disdain modern aids, the 990 Super Duke is a fantastic choice.

Note: The conclusions for the individual models were taken from the respective last individual test.