Tiff of the Twins : KTM RC8 vs Ducati 1098 vs Buell 1125R

Buell 1125R vs KTM RC8 vs Ducati 1098!

Moto Revue recently pitted three twin-cylinder sportsbikes – KTM RC8 1190, Ducati 1098 and Buell 1125R – against each other, and while you’ll have to buy the mag for the full story, here are a few quick impressions.

The Ducati 1098, with its hard saddle, stiff suspension and very racer-centric ergonomics, is the least comfortable of the three bikes here. The RC8, with its adjustable ergos, and the 1125R, with its softer suspension, are more suited for longer journeys.

The KTM runs it close, but we think the 1098 still looks the best...

The RC8 steers very precisely, while the 1098, more physical to ride, feels more rigid and stable. Compared to the other two, the Buell feels less confidence-inspiring in the curves. The 1125R also displays inconsistent fit and finish, and build quality is poor for some parts.

Of course, the Buell is also the cheapest of the three bikes here, retailing at 12,695 euros, while the KTM is available for 16,250 euros and the Ducati for 17,350 euros.

KTM Presents The First ATV Models In The USA

KTM introduces the brand new ATV models 450 XC and 525 XC to the media.

With the presentation of these new ATVs, KTM extends its range of products to include a completely new model family. And just like the two-wheeled KTMs, the brand philosophy "Ready to Race" was also firmly in the foreground when developing both the 450 XC and 525 XC ATVs.

The world leader in the production of offroad motorcycles has invited the international media to Providence/USA to test these four-wheeled sport machines that represent pure objects of desire “made in Austria”. Riding on a challenging course, the journalists at the launch can decide for themselves about the quality of these innovative and sophisticatedly constructed sport ATVs. And to suit this brand new area of business activity, both of the innovative new ATVs are driven by a powerful and extremely reliable KTM single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The stand-alone and extremely light-weight chassis, exclusive use of highest quality components and the typical, purist and fascinating KTM design has already transformed these new models into the most dependable sport ATVs of all time.

And the rest of the world also has reason to celebrate: After the introduction of the new KTM model family on American soil, the all-terrain vehicles will be available via through the entire KTM sales distribution network from the summer of 2008.

KTM RC8 Superbike To Go Into Production

KTM is to launch the production version of its RC8 sports bike next week a whole four years after the first concept machine - a litre-class V-twin was shown.

The company has released the pic of the new dashboard which looks like no other from this angle.
The other pic is an early prototype.

Of most interest is whether the company is taking advantage of new superbike class rules which allow a 1200 twin.

It seems logical the company would, leaving the door open to go racing.

Superbikes may be coming in for a bit of a resurgence, with BMW and MV Agusta also expressing interest in the class.

Paris Motorcycle Show: KTM Concept 690 Stunt

From time to time on Autoblog, we run stories featuring KTM's new X-Bow roadster. Color us orange with anticipation at the prospect of an open-air performance machine from the Austrian company normally known for generating excitement with fewer wheels by two. Case in point: the new KTM Concept 690 Stunt. Using their new single-cylinder LC4 engine displacing 654cc's, this machine features an awesome single-sided swingarm, Renthal handlebar, orange crashbars and a 12 o'clock bar aft of the single seat. If this law-breaker-to-be is too over-the-top for you, consider the bike on which it's based: the 690 Supermoto.

Also receiving the new LC4 engine is the 690 Duke. If you prefer your cycling to be done after the pavement ends, KTM has you covered with the 690 Enduro. Each of the new 690 models features a steel trellis frame and an USD fork. No matter what your taste in riding is these days, KTM has a bike to cater to you. Rest assured, even though KTM is testing the sportscar market, they haven't forgotten their orange and black roots.

One more thing... you didn't think that KTM had forgotten you superbike folks did you?

2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

• 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

The 990 Adventure S is impressive proof of just how sporty a street enduro can be. The chassis is even more extreme than the sister bike, the 990 Adventure, while the new engine has more displacement and electronic fuel injection. The “Dakar” design is a clear signal that the 990 Adventure S comes directly from rally sport.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine type Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 999 cc
Bore x stroke 101 / 62.4 mm (3.98 / 2.46")
Performance (homologated) 72 kW / 8500 rpm
Max. torque 95 Nm / 6500 rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Starter / Battery E-Starter / 12 V 11.2 Ah
Transmission 6 gears, dog clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation Keihin electronic fuel injection
Control 4 V / DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication
Engine lubrication Motorex, fully synthetic, SAE 10W-50
Primary drive 67:35
Final drive 17:42
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Motor Management Keihin EMS


Frame Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated
Subframe Aluminium 7020
Handlebar Aluminium, Ø 28 / 22 mm (1.10 / 0.87"), tapered
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP mono shock PDS with hydr. spring preload
Suspension travel front / rear 265 / 265 mm (10.43 / 10.43")
Front brake 2 x Brembo two piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc Ø 300 mm (11.81")
Rear brake Brembo two piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc Ø 240 mm (9.45")
Rims, front / rear 2.15 x 21"; 4.25 x 18"
Tires, front / rear 90/90-21"; 150/70-18"
Chain X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Battery 12 V / 11.2 Ah
Main silencer Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Steering head angle 63.4°
Trail 119 mm (4.69")
Wheel base 1570 ± 10 mm (61.81 ± 0.39")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 316 mm (12.44")
Seat height 915 mm (36.02")
Fuel capacity approx. 22 Liters / 4 litres reserve (5.81 / 1.06 gal)
Weight (dry) approx. 199 kg (438.7 lbs)

2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

• 2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

2008 KTM 990 Supermoto

With its self confident, bull-like appearance, the KTM 990 Supermoto manages to put on a show - even when on its stand. Set it in motion, and you’re practically unbeatable.

What’s the magic formula that makes our bikes so much fun? It’s no secret. Take the 990 Supermoto. No other manufacturer comes even close to being as consequent as KTM. The extremely compact LC8 engine weighs only 58 kg, making it the lightest Twin in the 1,000 cc class. The stable chromium-molybdenum frame, weighing only 11 kg, is a real lightweight. The short, 1,510 mm wheelbase together with the radical 64.6° steering head angle guarantees an extremely sporty riding experience. The finely tuned WP chassis is as convincing on country roads as it is on the motorway.

In a word: The KTM 990 Supermoto feels as light as a single cylinder and goes like the devil.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine type Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 999 cc
Bore x stroke 101 / 62.4 mm (3.98 x 2.46")
Performance (homologated) 85 kW / 9000 rpm
Max. torque 97 Nm / 7000 rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Starter / Battery E-Starter / 12 V 11.2 Ah
Transmission 6 gears, dog clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation Keihin EFI, throttle valve Ø 48 mm
Control 4 V / DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 pumps
Engine lubrication Motorex, fully synthetic, SAE 10W-50
Primary drive 67:35
Final drive 17:41
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Motor Management Keihin EFI, throttle body Ø 48 mm (1.89")


Frame Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated
Subframe Aluminium 7020
Handlebar Aluminium, Ø 28/22 mm (1.10/0.87"), tapered
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP mono shock
Suspension travel front / rear 200 / 210 mm (7.87 / 8.27")
Front brake 2 x Brembo four piston fixed-caliper, radially bolted, brake disc Ø 305 mm, floating
Rear brake Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm (9.45")
Rims, front / rear Cast aluminium wheels 3.5 x 17"; 5.5 x 17"
Tires, front / rear 120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"
Chain X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Main silencer Twin stainless-steel silencer with regulated catalytic converters
Steering head angle 65.1°
Trail 110 mm (4.33")
Wheel base 1510 ± 15 mm (59.45 ± 0.95")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 195 mm (7.68")
Seat height 875 mm (34.45")
Fuel capacity approx. 19 liters (5.02 gal) / 2.5 liters reserve (0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 191 kg (421.8 lbs)

2008 KTM 690 Duke

2008 KTM 690 Duke

2008 KTM 690 Duke

• 2008 KTM 690 Duke

2008 KTM 690 Duke

The exotic outsider just a few years ago, the Duke has long since created its own domain, including its own values. Or better said: performance values. If superathletes feared the Duke then, now it’s practically unbeatable.

To ride the Duke you need skill, courage and of course: style!

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine type Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 999 cc
Bore x stroke 101 / 62.4 mm (3.98 / 2.46")
Performance (homologated) 88 kW / 9000 rpm
Max. torque 100 Nm / 7000 rpm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Starter / Battery E-Starter / 12 V 11.2 Ah
Transmission 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation Keihin electronic fuel injection
Control 4 V / DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Engine lubrication Motorex, fully synthetic, SAE 10W-50
Primary drive 67:35
Final drive 16:38
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Motor Management Keihin EMS


Frame Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder coated
Subframe Aluminium 7020
Handlebar Aluminium, Ø 28 / 22 mm, tapered
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP mono shock
Suspension travel front / rear 135 / 160 mm (5.31 / 6.3")
Front brake 2 x Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm (12.6")
Rear brake Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm (9.45")
Rims, front / rear Cast aluminium wheels 3.5 x 17"; 5.5 x 17"
Tires, front / rear 120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"
Chain X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Battery 12 V / 11.2 Ah
Main silencer Stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Steering head angle 66.1°
Trail 100,7 mm (3.96")
Wheel base 1450 ± 15 mm (57.09 ± 0.59")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 150 mm (5.91")
Seat height 850 mm (33.46")
Fuel capacity approx. 18.5 liters / 2.5 liters reserve (4.89 / 0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 186 kg (410.05 lbs)

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke Weiss White

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke Weiss White

• 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke Weiss White

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke Weiss White

Sorry, no information available, mystery 2008 model? Just an official 2008 Press/Media photo of the bike from the KTM press site... Looks simular to the 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R model so I included the 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R specifications below.

SPECIFICATIONS:

990 Super Duke R
ENGINE
DISPLACEMENT
BORE X STROKE
PERFORMANCE
MAX. TORQUE
COMPRESSION RATIO

2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
999 cc
101/62.4 mm
97 kW @ 10,000 U/min
102 Nm @ 8,000 U/min
11.5 : 1

STARTER
TRANSMISSION
FUEL MIXTURE GENERATION
CONTROL
LUBRICATION
ENGINE LUBRICATION

E-Starter
6 gears, claw-shift
Electronic fuel injection
4-valve /DOHC
Forced oil lubrication
Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W - 50

PRIMARY DRIVE
FINAL DRIVE

67 : 35
16 : 38

COOLING
CLUTCH
MOTOR MANAGEMENT
CHASSIS
FRAME
SUBFRAME
HANDLEBAR
FRONT SUSPENSION
REAR SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/ REAR

Liquid cooled
Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Keihin EMS
Chromium-Molybdenum tubular frame, powder-coated
Aluminium
Renthal Aluminium, tapered
WP-USD Ø 48 mm
WP-Monoshock
135/150 mm

FRONT BRAKE
REAR BRAKE
RIMS FRONT/ REAR
TYRES FRONT/ REAR
CHAIN

2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper,
2 x brake discs Ø 320 mm
Brembo single-piston floating caliper,
brake disc Ø 240 mm
3.5 x 17"; 5.5 x 17"
120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"
X-Ring chain 5/8 x 5/16"

BATTERY
SILENCER
STEERING HEAD ANGLE
TRAIL
WHEEL BASE
GROUND CLEARANCE (UNLOADED)
SEAT HEIGHT
TANK CAPACITY
WEIGHT (READY TO RACE)

12 V/11.2 Ah
Stainless steel with catalytic converter
67.3°
93.9 mm
1,450 mm
140 mm
865 mm
approx. 18.5 litre
approx. 186 kg (no fuel)

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R

• 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R

The 990 Super Duke R has to be the hottest bike available manufactured in series. In this case, the KTM engineers did their upmost to develop a "machine" that would exploit to the fullest every last inch of leeway in road traffic certification.

SPECIFICATIONS:

990 SUPER DUKE R
ENGINE
DISPLACEMENT
BORE X STROKE
PERFORMANCE
MAX. TORQUE
COMPRESSION RATIO

2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
999 cc
101/62.4 mm
97 kW @ 10,000 U/min
102 Nm @ 8,000 U/min
11.5 : 1

STARTER
TRANSMISSION
FUEL MIXTURE GENERATION
CONTROL
LUBRICATION
ENGINE LUBRICATION

E-Starter
6 gears, claw-shift
Electronic fuel injection
4-valve /DOHC
Forced oil lubrication
Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W - 50

PRIMARY DRIVE
FINAL DRIVE

67 : 35
16 : 38

COOLING
CLUTCH
MOTOR MANAGEMENT
CHASSIS
FRAME
SUBFRAME
HANDLEBAR
FRONT SUSPENSION
REAR SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/ REAR

Liquid cooled
Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Keihin EMS
Chromium-Molybdenum tubular frame, powder-coated
Aluminium
Renthal Aluminium, tapered
WP-USD Ø 48 mm
WP-Monoshock
135/150 mm

FRONT BRAKE
REAR BRAKE
RIMS FRONT/ REAR
TYRES FRONT/ REAR
CHAIN

2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper,
2 x brake discs Ø 320 mm
Brembo single-piston floating caliper,
brake disc Ø 240 mm
3.5 x 17"; 5.5 x 17"
120/70 ZR 17"; 180/55 ZR 17"
X-Ring chain 5/8 x 5/16"

BATTERY
SILENCER
STEERING HEAD ANGLE
TRAIL
WHEEL BASE
GROUND CLEARANCE (UNLOADED)
SEAT HEIGHT
TANK CAPACITY
WEIGHT (READY TO RACE)

12 V/11.2 Ah
Stainless steel with catalytic converter
67.3°
93.9 mm
1,450 mm
140 mm
865 mm
approx. 18.5 litre
approx. 186 kg (no fuel)

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke

• 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke

2008 KTM 990 Super Duke

When riding fun becomes an addiction. All-consuming passion.

You can barely ?nd words to express the riding fun and the feeling that the KTM 990 Super Duke gives you when it’s in motion. Just as KTM re-invented the Street?ghter, you try to invent new words for what happens beneath you curve after curve. The KTM 990 Super Duke sweeps through curves – ultra-precise, radical and agile. The landscape ?ies past fast, faster, much too fast. You feel the road, the centrifugal force and want more.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 1148 cc
Bore x stroke 103 / 69 mm (4.06 / 2.72")
Performance (homologated) 113.8 kW / 10000 rpm
Max. torque 120 Nm / 8000 rpm
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Starter / Battery Electric Starter / 12 V 11.2 Ah
Transmission 6 gears, dog clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation Keihin EFI (throttle body 52 mm (2.05"))
Control 4 V / DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Engine lubrication Motorex, fully synthetic, SAE 10W-50
Primary drive 40:76
Final drive 17:37
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Motor Management Keihin EMS


Frame Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated
Subframe Aluminium 7020
Handlebar Aluminium stump handlebar
Front suspension WP-USD Ø 43 mm
Rear suspension WP-Monoshock
Suspension travel front / rear 120 / 125 mm (4.7 / 4.9")
Front brake 2 x Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliper, brake disc 320 mm (12.6")
Rear brake Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc 220 mm (8.66")
Rims, front / rear Cast aluminium wheels 3.5 x 17"; 6 x 17"
Tires, front / rear 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
Chain X-ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Main silencer Stainless steel underfloor silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Steering head angle 66.7°
Trail 90 / 92 mm (3.54 / 3.62")
Wheel base 1430 mm (56.30")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 110 mm (4.33")
Seat height 805 / 825 mm (31.69 / 32.48")
Fuel capacity approx. 16.5 liters / 3.5 liters reserve (4.36 / 0.92 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 188 kg (414.5 lbs)

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

• 2008 KTM 1190 RC8

2008 KTM 1190 RC8

Sharper and lighter than anything that calls itself competition: 120 Nm torque, 155 HP at 10,000 rpm and withs less than 200 kilos fully tanked.

Nonetheless, thanks to innovative solutions and meticulous detail work, we've achieved unsurpassed rideability - on the street and on the racetrack, in every situation - of life or riding.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Displacement 1148 cc
Bore x stroke 103 / 69 mm (4.06 / 2.72")
Performance (homologated) 113.8 kW / 10000 rpm
Max. torque 120 Nm / 8000 rpm
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Starter / Battery Electric Starter / 12 V 11.2 Ah
Transmission 6 gears, dog clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation Keihin EFI (throttle body 52 mm (2.05"))
Control 4 V / DOHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Engine lubrication Motorex, fully synthetic, SAE 10W-50
Primary drive 40:76
Final drive 17:37
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Motor Management Keihin EMS


Frame Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated
Subframe Aluminium 7020
Handlebar Aluminium stump handlebar
Front suspension WP-USD Ø 43 mm
Rear suspension WP-Monoshock
Suspension travel front / rear 120 / 125 mm (4.7 / 4.9")
Front brake 2 x Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliper, brake disc 320 mm (12.6")
Rear brake Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc 220 mm (8.66")
Rims, front / rear Cast aluminium wheels 3.5 x 17"; 6 x 17"
Tires, front / rear 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
Chain X-ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Main silencer Stainless steel underfloor silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Steering head angle 66.7°
Trail 90 / 92 mm (3.54 / 3.62")
Wheel base 1430 mm (56.30")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 110 mm (4.33")
Seat height 805 / 825 mm (31.69 / 32.48")
Fuel capacity approx. 16.5 liters / 3.5 liters reserve (4.36 / 0.92 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 188 kg (414.5 lbs)