Long-Term Test Update: 2007 KTM Super Duke

Leak tweak.

By the CW Staff | Photo by Brian Blades

January 2009

Adding the KTM 990 Super Duke to our long-term fleet has put the Austrian-built V-Twin's reliability to the test. With several staff members piling on miles, we've found the bike to be a solid performer with only a minor engine oil leak to report to date.

That leak went unnoticed until enough oil residue accumulated on the bottom and sides of the engine. Tracing the source was as simple as searching the www.superduke.net forum, where we learned that the culprit was an under-torqued oil-pressure sensor. Unbolting the left-side engine-mount wishbone allowed access to the threaded sensor on the rear of the front cylinder head. Sure enough, tightening the sensor stopped the leak.

While we are not entirely convinced that the orange-skinned, gel-insert accessory saddle ($160) has yielded an appreciable improvement in comfort, there's no doubt as to the benefits of installing the handlebar risers ($30), also available from KTM's Hard Parts catalog.

Besides creating a more relaxed riding position, the .7-inch spacers provided additional clearance between the handgrips and the fuel tank, in turn allowing increased steering lock. Before retightening the lock nuts on the adjustable steering-stop bolts, we made an impromptu feeler gauge from a strip of cardboard, sliding it between the fork leg and top frame tube to ensure adequate clearance.

Total miles:	8450
Next service:	9300 miles
Maintenance costs (including tires):	$504
Repair costs:	$0
Average fuel mileage:	36 mpg
List price (2007):	$13,998