It is (obviously) quite old by super naked standards now, but how does the old KTM 990 Super Duke R really compare to the current super naked, the 1290 Super Duke R?

Question

The KTM 990 Super Duke R and its newer sibling, the 1290 Super Duke R, are two very different eras in the KTM naked bike lineup. Sure, they’re both 'Super Duke,' share a focus on high-performance street riding, yet unlike the RAP, they are worlds apart when it comes to technology, power output, and riding experience. The 990, with its 999cc V-twin, is more raw, more analog, while the 1290 has a larger 1301cc V-twin engine and a whole host of modern electronics. In this comparison we consider the strengths and weaknesses of each model in terms of power delivery, handling characteristics, technology integration, and rider satisfaction.

@abhinav-gu · Accepted Answer

The 990 is more like a big supermoto; the 1290 is more like a stripped-down superbike. Depends on what you're after.

@agha-saqui · Answer

I went from a 990 to a 1290, and while I miss some things about the 990, the 1290 is just on another performance level.

@bhramita-r · Answer

They're different animals. The 990 is a hooligan bike; the 1290 is more of a refined super naked. Both have their place.

@abhay-sing · Answer

Objectively, the 1290 is better in every way, but that doesn’t mean it’s more fun. Sometimes less is more.

@saket-jha · Answer

I’ve ridden both, and I have to say I prefer the 990. It's more engaging and more special. It’s almost too easy to ride the 1290 fast.

@abhinit-ku · Answer

Performance-wise, no contest. The 1290 is a beast. There is something about the 990, though, that the new bike can't compete with.

@sana-ifran · Answer

It’s a pure, analog experience. All the electronics make the 1290 feel more sanitized, but it's faster and more capable.

It is (obviously) quite old by super naked standards now, but how does the old KTM 990 Super Duke R really compare to the current super naked, the 1290 Super Duke R?

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