[Super8]

Lots of Super Dukes for sale around here...
View attachment 2133

Yes there are quite a few, but I've only ever seen 07' & 08'. I was told KTM has a knack for discontinuing parts for unpopular models(read: didn't sell enough). SD990 did well in Europe but for whatever, timing, marketing or some other reason they only made it to our shores for 2 years. I'm still blown away by the bike, but from a practicality POV it just didn't suit my needs. In the words of another SD admirer "it's a modern classic." Wish I could own both, maybe later... But for now it will be the FZ, which is a great bike in its own right.

 

[B_palmer22]

I had a 08 Superduke R. Now the R is set up for the track, stiff suspension, 10 more hp. The 09 feels a lot lighter. The superduke r felt like a track bike and the fz felt like what it is. The SD definatly has more motor. With out a doubt hands down. The suspension and brakes are better to be expected. The SDR was one of those bikes that I never jived with. I was never 100% comfortable on it so it got sold. I'm now in the process of buying a FZ! As far as ktm parts goes...Anyone who says parts will be hard to get is full of it. My local parts store who isn't a KTM dealer got me a new seat pan for my SDR in 3 days...They only imported 50 of them to the US. Id say that's not bad. I've never had an issue getting any KTM part for any of my bikes.

 

[beardog]

I had an 07 bought it new and liked it I also had nine other bikes at the time. I traded the sd for a moto guzzi got sideswiped on the freeway by a lady not paying attention and the bike was totaled as well as me almost. Tne new fz reminds me of the sd but at a smaller out of pocket exspense, I would assume the sd more power have not got the fz delivered but has been bought. Either I would suspect to be a real good bike. I took all the carbon fiber of my sd before trading it in if there is anyone on here that has one and wants some cheap carbon fiber send me a pm. Can't wait to ride the FZ.

 

[B_palmer22]

I think that had I bought a regular super duke and not a r I'd probably still have it. If you buy it, 3 things for you. Motohooligan air box,tune ECU,and any slip on exhaust.


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[B_palmer22]

This was my superduke before I sold it. Cans are FMF Apex. Theyre obnoxiously loud.

 

[Speedo007]

I have the FZ9 and am considering the Superduke 990, I miss the character of my Monster 1100 evo, love big twins...but don't miss the maintenance or reliability. And it seems KTM is in the same boat with the maintenance requirements...I guess my next bike doesn't exist yet...

 

[Steve101]

I guess the riding position and overall feel. The SD felt larger and I guess it is. I'm not saying the Duke is a bad bike quite the contrary and I think I could get use to its feel very quickly. The best way I can differentiate the two bikes is the Super Duke is serious, all business. The FZ is a bit more playful and relaxed, especially with the adjustable modes that you can change for conditions or experience level. If you want it to be the FZ can be, "Game On!" Or you can just putt around town and it won't complain. I wish I could own both.

Maybe you'll add this next year:

KTM RC 390 lightweight sportbike inspired by young racers | Dealernews

 

[Speedo007]

Tried a superduke 990 yesterday, doesnt have the low end torque of the fz, but does pull strong from mid to top end. Great handling, slightly stiffer suspension, and the seat and legroom is awesome. Not to mention the sound (even stock). If I get a great deal I might make the switch just cause Im such a fan of big twins. If I could Id keep the FZ too. If I dont go for the duke, Ill just have to wait for yamaha to launch a new MT-01.


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[JM123]

excellent..i just turned 57 and am lusting terribly over the FZ....my whole life I have been able to learn-up quickly and feel excited about learning the FZ...or is it too late for me?

 

[Torque09]

I started out focused on getting the FZ-09, I went to check it out and was impressed by its simplicity and weight balance. However at my dealer they have a 2007 SD 990 and I'd never seen one before, it struck a chord with me. Now I'm torn between the 2 bikes. What I want is a daily commuter bike that isn't gutless and performs well. I also hope to enjoy it some on weekends. I'm 43 and won't be doing wheelies in traffic or any other tricks for that matter, but performance is important. I grew up riding motocross bikes and prefer light and nimble machines with good power but don't care for riding position of a sport/GP style bike. In 2001 I got my first street bike, an HD Sportster 383 Hugger, it was okay, not to heavy but LOW on power and VERY uncomfortable on any trip over 20 mins or on the interstate. So I sold it after less than a year and thought that'd be my last street bike. Then I noticed the street fighter/naked bike movement and that got my attention but I was waiting for something to inspire me. The FZ looked exactly like what I wanted, but then came the SD 990 and now I'm torn. Any input, experiences or comparisons are welcome. On paper they seem similar, weight, height HP, but I here the Mpg is less on the SD and the upkeep is higher. Lay it out for me, which should I choose?

Same age here!....I tested one Super Duke some years ago, and I liked it, BUT it didn't make me crazy like the FZ/MT09. The KTM turns very well, brakes very well, but I am always afraid about their maintenance, parts availability, reliability....
Please, test both first. I LOVE MY 09 :eagerness:

 

[Speedo007]

Sold the FZ-09, going to get the 2007 Superduke 990 later today. Wish I could keep both but one has to go...I really loved the FZ-09 but missed my Monster 1100's engine (not it's reliability). So hopefully I get a bit more reliability then the Ducati, but with the big v-twin character I love and I think it aged quite well for a 7 year old bike and the one I found only has 14000km on it, my 2014 FZ-09 is already at 10000km hehe.

Still love the FZ-09 and would recommend it to everyone, awesome bike, tank-like reliability, good ergos (though bad seat), low maintenance, just cheap simple fun

 

[Torque09]

Sold the FZ-09, going to get the 2007 Superduke 990 later today. Wish I could keep both but one has to go...I really loved the FZ-09 but missed my Monster 1100's engine (not it's reliability). So hopefully I get a bit more reliability then the Ducati, but with the big v-twin character I love and I think it aged quite well for a 7 year old bike and the one I found only has 14000km on it, my 2014 FZ-09 is already at 10000km hehe.

View attachment 9433

Still love the FZ-09 and would recommend it to everyone, awesome bike, tank-like reliability, good ergos (though bad seat), low maintenance, just cheap simple fun

Ok Speedo007, enjoy that nice big twin! :eagerness:

 

[W. Greg]

I started out focused on getting the FZ-09, I went to check it out and was impressed by its simplicity and weight balance. However at my dealer they have a 2007 SD 990 and I'd never seen one before, it struck a chord with me. Now I'm torn between the 2 bikes. What I want is a daily commuter bike that isn't gutless and performs well. I also hope to enjoy it some on weekends. I'm 43 and won't be doing wheelies in traffic or any other tricks for that matter, but performance is important. I grew up riding motocross bikes and prefer light and nimble machines with good power but don't care for riding position of a sport/GP style bike. In 2001 I got my first street bike, an HD Sportster 383 Hugger, it was okay, not to heavy but LOW on power and VERY uncomfortable on any trip over 20 mins or on the interstate. So I sold it after less than a year and thought that'd be my last street bike. Then I noticed the street fighter/naked bike movement and that got my attention but I was waiting for something to inspire me. The FZ looked exactly like what I wanted, but then came the SD 990 and now I'm torn. Any input, experiences or comparisons are welcome. On paper they seem similar, weight, height HP, but I here the Mpg is less on the SD and the upkeep is higher. Lay it out for me, which should I choose?

If you go

I started out focused on getting the FZ-09, I went to check it out and was impressed by its simplicity and weight balance. However at my dealer they have a 2007 SD 990 and I'd never seen one before, it struck a chord with me. Now I'm torn between the 2 bikes. What I want is a daily commuter bike that isn't gutless and performs well. I also hope to enjoy it some on weekends. I'm 43 and won't be doing wheelies in traffic or any other tricks for that matter, but performance is important. I grew up riding motocross bikes and prefer light and nimble machines with good power but don't care for riding position of a sport/GP style bike. In 2001 I got my first street bike, an HD Sportster 383 Hugger, it was okay, not to heavy but LOW on power and VERY uncomfortable on any trip over 20 mins or on the interstate. So I sold it after less than a year and thought that'd be my last street bike. Then I noticed the street fighter/naked bike movement and that got my attention but I was waiting for something to inspire me. The FZ looked exactly like what I wanted, but then came the SD 990 and now I'm torn. Any input, experiences or comparisons are welcome. On paper they seem similar, weight, height HP, but I here the Mpg is less on the SD and the upkeep is higher. Lay it out for me, which should I choose?

My FZ-09 is awesome. When street riding the twistiesI normally use B mode or rain mode with a throttle tamer. You may want a new 2021 MT-09 with the slipper clutch. Be sure if you get the Yamaha you get one with a slipper clutch. My FZ-09 Yamaha riding consecutively is getting 55 mpg plus. If you could ride the SD990 conservatively it has a larger tank may get good gas mileage. I installed the FZ-07 Yamaha rubber foot pegs with the FZ-09 drag screws. An old SD could be a maintenance nightmare and parts for the Yamaha are easy to find. I prefer the lighter Yamaha MT-09 to the heavier, wider, hotter, MT-10 in the Smoky Mountains. If you like the big roads buy the MT-10.

 

[shamrock]

Welcome to forum Mr Greg.

 

[W. Greg]

Thanks. What was wrong with comfort? Seat to high or Hard? I tried the FZ and thought the seat was harder than I'd like. I know it's replaceable item but... The FZ is $7990 right now and the SD is $6990 but 7 years older with 14K on the clock. However the SD already has the good brakes and suspension, which I've read the FZ is dangerously soft... Any opinion on that?

Simply adjust the front and rear suspension of the FZ-09. It is factory set very light for a 150 # factory lightweight rider. All of the reviews I read the testers complained about the terrible light suspension that they should have adjusted for their weight. My stock FZ-09 suspension after adjusting is almost to stiff for anything except racing and I weigh 200 # plus. As for the seat, get a Seat Concepts foam and cover for less than $200.00.

 

[Spyder]

In the past year and a half I've owned two KTMs.. one of which was a brand new 2019 690 smcr out of the crate. Both bikes put fairly large metal chips on the drain plugs.. I went back to my roots and bought a Yamaha