The machine that is always spoken about quite fondly in the motorcycle industry is very much a feared machine. Well, this is what the first generation was but over time, everyone started to feel that the Super Duke had lost its “fear” factor. However, this is not the case, it is more about keeping up with the modern trend of technology first, excitement second! Saying this, the Super Duke is still quite a serious machine and by a small flick of the switch, and turning all the rider aids off, the machine will immediately become a bike that you will need to tame. You will leave teeth marks on the seat and it won’t be from your mouth!
Now, roll on the 4th generation. Surely the bike has become a bit more refined and a bit more lazy? More power but heavier. More torque but more rider aids keeping you safe. New styling that reminds you of a predator. I tell you what, and this is not a blowing up KTM’s trumpet, but they have pushed the level to the absolutely next level!
More power? Well, let’s start with the new Shift Cam. It is quite something. Around half way up the rev pattern, the beautiful LC8 motor that has just become more, kicks onto a new level. How it works is quite easy? VTEEEC! It is a simple process but there are 2 sets of cams. One is a standard one and the other is the more aggressive one. Under the set rpm, the bike will be a tame kitten. Once the new cams kick on, it says the following and I quote… “is your seatbelt on?” and it is away! The second kick comes in and it is like a complete new machine. It does not run out of revs and it will leave every single Super Duke before that in its wake.
More torque? Easy. The new euro regs on the modern day motorcycles has meant that they are heavier, sometimes less powerful and run hotter. We all know that no one would buy a Super Duke if it has less power. It makes no sense. They somehow have not just pushed power up but more torque and redefined the term “moving your house” because this bike could potentially make the world go backwards and rotate on its own axis! From virtually zero rpm, it immediately feels quick. Alive. Ready to go crazy. Ah… rider aids… they keep you safe and from having fun. Surely this is not what we want? However… it has everything there to keep you safe from the monster machine! A wheelie control you can set which can make people like me look like the most capable wheelie king around. A setting to set your engine braking and so so much more. This really has pushed the buttons!
The suspension. The brakes. The frame. Why change the recipe? The suspension was already so good on the previous generation, same with the brakes and frame. However… they did. They have sorted the potentially trail braking solution by adding a radial master cylinder on the brake system. The frame? Slight change to accommodate the new airbox and new motor. This is definitely the recipe that has been turned up a notch. Some secret formula I tell you!
Then the last… the Predator. The ugliest bike around. What were KTM thinking? I have a very different opinion. It is very eye catching and captures you in very special ways. It is not a bike you will see every day. It is different. It is futuristic and a Super Duke or any Duke for that fact has always been different. Angular. Special. It grows on you and once you have seen it every single day, you will think it is breathtaking and one of the most beautiful machines on the market as we speak.
Verdict? If you ever have a chance. Ride it. Trust me. It is a bike that every single person needs to experience. It is not perfect but no bike is. What it is, it is a machine that will keep your heart racing. Make you feel younger. Keep you on your toes. Strive to the next corner. Strive to the next ride. Just do it, you won’t regret it!