So. There is all this banter/debate/getting your nickers in a twist between all the new 1290 model owners that have bought one and all the rest of us who have had a 990 for however long, some since 2006.

This excellent website was created by a great man, sustained by enthusiasts of the 990 in all its guises and, I think, probably the best single-model forum on the web. There's always been a bit of banter and competition between the owners of the original pre '06 Superduke and the latter '07 model but really it's the same bike and most has been in jest.

The new 1290 has been a long time coming, a lot of people have been speculating and debating what this will be like when it finally made reality. It's all because we are all passionate about the bike and what KTM would do to make it relevant for modern expectations and to compete with other manufacturers. This forum opened up new threads about this bike a long time before new 1290 purchasers bought their bikes. It's a long running debate that a lot of people have contributed to.

I think we should all accept that there is a new kid on the block. The 1290 is a far superior bike compared to the original 990. It should be. KTM have had six years and all the experience of the RC8 and adventure bikes to get it right. Most of the existing 990 owners are a bit jealous that there is a new model and that their pride and joys are relegated to, "the old one", but they also have the right to judge and comment on what KTM have delivered after so many years of waiting. It's mostly not sour grapes but calculated and considered response to the bike KTM have launched.

So. I think everyone should stop taking things personally, just accept that there is now another model of Superduke and all get on with enjoying the kind of bike it is. It seems to me that the new 1290 is fundamentally not that different in spirit from all the previous models, just got a massive 1300 engine!

Eventually we will all just become "Superduke owners" again and the difference between years and models will pale into insignificance compared to the comradeship of us all enjoying this marque of bike.

I'm content with my 990. It's a great bike! I'd rather keep my 08 SD and add another stable mate of a different discipline. When that other stable mate comes the mods will again begin to my liking and become MY bike.

Cheers!

After forking out A$25k or GBP14 I spose people dont like to hear that there are faults with the 1290.
Sure somethings on it are cheap, the indicators for instance are the same os on the 390 Duke so quite probably made in India and look like it too but on the whole I am happy with the build quality.
Things like this dont worry me too much because sure as shit in two years time it wont be anything like it was when I got it. Thats part of the fun making it your own,
As we all know all models of SD have had their share of issues the 1290 being no different (mine more than most) so a lot of guys here are somewhat qualified to comment.
Some of the newer guys need wash the sand out of your vaginas, put your toys back in the cot and harden the fook up, no one is having a personal dig and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
As I am starting to find myself riding the 1290 more and more I will probably get rid of the 990 and get an ADV bike. The 990 is far more raw and has an edge that the 1290 lacks, so that will be a sad day when it comes.
Maybe I should have got a black one?

Fook the new 1290 owners

"As I am starting to find myself riding the 1290 more and more I will probably get rid of the 990 and get an ADV bike. "

He said......^^^^^^

I say......>>>>

Your 1290 will keep in better shape and last longer if you get an ADV bike.

hmm you could always put TKCs on the 1290 (scratches chin and stares thoughtfully into space...).

myself? im not jealous at all, i will have a 1290 at some point, just not ready to give up on my 990 yet, i still enjoy it that much, maybe in a couple of years.
thing is people seem petty about small things that wouldnt bother me at all pertaining to the 1290.
i havent read anything yet that would make me consider another brand, i really like KTM.

now the Hayabusa is one hideous motorcycle. they are everywhere here and i never did get used to its looks, its just awful to my eyes!
the 1290 is like a beauty queen next to that thing!

I'm just a simple old Superduke owner and love them all. Got two 2006 models and a 1290R.

I didn't realise that I had to be in one camp or the other. I thought I was just a Superduke enthusiast or as I call myself "a true believer".

You all suck.

this is all very interesting but what we all want to know is which one is faster

orange or black??