Market Segment:
High-performance naked sportbike / supermoto segment.
Key Competitors:
Ducati Monster series, Aprilia Tuono V4, Triumph Speed Triple, Yamaha FZ1.
Performance Focus:
Emphasizes raw power, agile handling, and aggressive styling.
Design Philosophy:
'Ready to Race' ethos, Austrian engineering with a focus on rider engagement.
Rider Profile:
Experienced riders seeking a visceral, powerful, and track-capable street motorcycle.
Systems Covered:
Operation, Safety, Maintenance, Specifications, Troubleshooting, Accessories, Riding Techniques, Legal Information
Page Count:
Approximately 100-150 pages (estimated based on typical owner's manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English (standard for this model's primary market)
Format:
Printed Booklet (original), likely available as PDF
Engine Operation:
Engine start/stop, warm-up procedures, engine break-in recommendations, general engine performance characteristics.
Fuel System:
Fuel requirements, fuel handling and safety, fuel tank capacity, fuel pump operation (overview).
Cooling System:
Coolant type, coolant level checks, radiator operation principles, fan operation.
Lubrication System:
Engine oil type and specifications, oil level checks, oil change intervals (general recommendations).
Ignition System:
Spark plug specifications, ignition timing (overview), basic troubleshooting related to ignition.
Electrical System:
Battery specifications and maintenance, fuse box layout and identification, lighting system operation, instrument panel indicators and their meaning, horn operation.
Transmission Operation:
Gear selection, clutch operation, transmission fluid type (if applicable for maintenance checks, though often sealed).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork operation and adjustment (pre-load, compression, rebound for R model), rear shock absorber operation and adjustment, wheel and tire information (sizes, pressures), brake system overview and usage.
Braking System:
Brake fluid type and level checks, brake lever and pedal adjustment (if applicable), proper braking techniques.
Controls And Instruments:
Handlebar controls, foot controls, instrument cluster explanation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights), dashboard functions.
Safety Features:
Riding safety guidelines, protective gear recommendations, general safety precautions.
Pre Ride Inspection:
Checklist for ensuring the motorcycle is safe and ready to ride, including tires, brakes, fluids, and controls.
Basic Maintenance:
Chain lubrication and adjustment, checking and topping up fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure checks, air filter inspection/cleaning (general guidelines).
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on identifying and addressing common issues like starting problems, engine running issues (based on dashboard indicators).
Cleaning And Storage:
Recommendations for washing, polishing, and long-term storage of the motorcycle.
Accessory Installation Guidelines:
General advice on installing approved KTM accessories and ensuring proper integration with the motorcycle's systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage for the owner on understanding and maintaining their motorcycle. Focuses on day-to-day operation, user-level checks, and basic care. Does not delve into detailed engine disassembly, transmission rebuilds, or advanced electronic diagnostics which are typically found in service or workshop manuals.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC V-twin
Displacement:
999 cc (999 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
98 mm x 66 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1 (typical for this engine generation)
Horsepower:
Approximately 115 HP @ 9,000 RPM (Super Duke), 125 HP @ 9,500 RPM (Super Duke R)
Torque:
Approximately 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 7,000 RPM (Super Duke), 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) @ 7,000 RPM (Super Duke R)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies per cylinder, multi-point injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Cooling Type:
Liquid Cooling
Oil Type:
SAE 10W/50 or 15W/50, JASO MA certified synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil.
Engine Code Prefix:
LC8 (KTM's V-twin engine family)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1450 mm (57.1 inches)
Seat Height:
Approximately 850 mm (33.5 inches) for Super Duke, 870 mm (34.3 inches) for Super Duke R
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 183 kg (403 lbs) for Super Duke, 181 kg (399 lbs) for Super Duke R (claimed dry weight)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15 Liters (3.96 US gallons)
Front Tire Size:
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size:
180/55 ZR17
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycle safety is primarily based on rider skill and adherence to safety guidelines. No formal NCAP or equivalent ratings apply.
Braking System:
Dual 320 mm disc front brakes with 4-piston radial calipers, Single 240 mm disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper. ABS was an option or standard depending on market for later models, but less common for early 2008 models. *Manual will detail proper usage.*
Frame Construction:
Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, known for rigidity and strength.
Ergonomics:
Aggressive riding position. Manual will advise on safe posture and control inputs.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for this model). *Manual will specify exact interval.*
Air Filter Cleaning:
Inspect every 5,000 km, clean/replace as needed. More frequent in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 10,000-15,000 km (dependent on spark plug type). *Manual will detail replacement.*
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate every 500-1000 km and after riding in rain or washing. Adjust slack as needed.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mix 50/50 with distilled water. KTM recommends specific coolant (e.g., MOTOREX Coolant M3.0).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some early models experienced occasional fuel pump issues. *Manual may offer basic troubleshooting tips.*
Voltage Regulator:
The LC8 platform has been known to have voltage regulator issues over time, leading to charging problems. *Manual will not detail this complex repair.*
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Potential for leaks or failure, though often addressable with aftermarket parts.
Brand Focus:
KTM is renowned for its off-road heritage, transitioning aggressively into street motorcycles with a focus on performance and rider engagement.
990 Super Duke Lineage:
The 990 Super Duke and its 'R' variant represent the evolution of KTM's large-displacement V-twin naked bikes, building upon the Duke series. The 'R' model typically features higher-spec suspension, brakes, and engine tuning for enhanced performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Austria (KTM's primary manufacturing base)
Production Years:
The 990 Super Duke was produced from 2005 to 2013. The 'R' variant was introduced as a higher-performance option during this period.