SD (>07) or SDR?

Hi there,

I know I want a Superduke but I'm not sure whether I should go for the standard 07 and up model or the upgraded R version.
I like the idea of extra ponies from the R and suspension/brakes upgrades but the R versions are a lot harder to find and more expensive as well.
This is why I wondered how much 'better' the R version is over the standard and what exactly is the difference between the two.

If you do trackdays go for the R.

If you dont, get the standard.

That simple?

I mainly do road trashing and a few (2 or so) trackdays a year but I pick track-focused machines over comfort anytime

To bad there are only a few SDR's for sale but a lot of standard version SD's...


Is the SDR frame (besides color) different from the SD one or did they just lift the rear shock?

Pretty much that simple yeah and sound you have made your mind up............SDR

Rear shock is slightly longer on SDR.

Hold out and get an SDR FYI only 08> have some extra ponies, can be identified by the Akrapovic logo on the downpipe.

I thought the R version did 500-1000rpm more then the standard so that's not true?

Besides the Akra downpipes there is no difference in performance between the 07 and >08 SDR?

Sounds like I'll have to search longer and pay a little extra then...

downpipes are different, bigger valves, higher rpm limit. Maybe even different camshafts, but I'm not sure about that.

Thanks for the info, guess I really need to look for the SDR and see if there is a steal for a 08 and otherwise it'll be an 07

But the 07SDR has less power just to clarify, its the same as stock SD's........

As Superdan said.....SDR for Track SD for road

You will note that every body who has a SD is trying to turn it into A SDR ....and every body who has a SDR is trying to make it street friendly (read SD)

The truth is the SD does track better than 95% of all bikes (Standard) and the SDR is hard work on the road but better on track.....(spoken by a SD owner)

Thanks for all the help so far, much appreciated! I'm the kind of guy that wants to know exactly what the options are so he can get the best bike his money can buy

It's a tough choice considering the different price tags since the SD is around 600 quid cheaper compared to the 07 SDR (and I'd have to buy a dual seat conversion for my girlfriend as well) but I'm affraid I'd keep wishing for the R's sussies (different internals and longer shock) and offcours the better looks
On the other hand, the 1000 quid saving allows the suspension upgrades to get SDR geometry and release some extra power as well... (Motobox ) or is the frame itself different on the R?

Is it easy to raise the max RPM using tune-ECU because sometimes I see dyno graphs where the before run ends at 9500rpm and the after run ends at almost 10500rpm, that would be very interesting...
Besides that, is there a difference in mapping (if so, cheaply fixable?) and gearing (normal vs close ratio?) between the 07 SD and 07 SDR?

Lots of questions I didn't manage to google the answer to, I hope the experts on this board can help me out

9500 rpm = max rpm superduke 05-06
10250 rpm = max rpm SD-R 08-...
I'm not sure but I thought the superduke 07-... was 9750
I ride a 06. My max rpm is set to 9800 (via TuneECU) without any problems.

With the questions you are asking I guess you will be better off with an SD-r (with seat conversion).

Setting the rev limiter shouldn't be a problem and if it's just a matter of raising the tail a bit I guess It's a matter of searching a good deal rather then specifically for the SDR/SD

I am pretty new here.I went thru the same thing.I could have bought the R or the std.I ride mostly on back roads. To and from work and on hwy's. I want to do track days as well.but those won't be that regular. I got a smoking deal on an 08 std. It was like new only had 200 miles still had over a year of warranty.The R new comes with only 12 months the std 24.Like the others said if you track it all the time do the R.A good friend who has had several dukes.He also raced them.He told me the R seat is a killer on long rides.The std is very comfy.I love my std duke I am doing all the mods that make them better motobox pipes maps etc.The power is fun stock. I should have all the mods installed in a week.For me I ride long rides so I want a seat that is not going to kill me after 50 miles.I do have to say the R looks so bad ass.I need a bike that I can ride for a couple of hundered miles.I don't think the R's seat is good for that.At first I was bummed that I did not get the R now I am glad.I saved a ton of money which I can spend on all the mods.My std handles great is fast and after the mods it will be perfect.If you need to ride two up all the time then you will have to do some changes.My ego wanted the R but if I am honest the std is a better bike for me.I won't race it.The std is plenty of bike for me.So just ask yourself do you really need the extra hp even after all the hp you can add to the std.Will you ride this bike to the limits so you need the extra.I know I can't.I can ride fast been doing it for a long time.I can't wait to get it done.115-120 to the rear is plenty for me.What ever you get you will love this bike it is so easy to ride fast.Hard to ride slow.When I ride this bike it does something to my head that my other bikes just don't do.This bike is my prozac.I can never be in a bad mood after a ride. Good luck enjoy every minute I know I do.

Because of all the replies I'm thinking more and more about buying the standard version since the engine is the same as the 07 SDR.
I rode 10 minutes or so on my friends 07 SDR (16/41, full akra, airfilter etc.) and that bike already had 132bhp at the wheel
A completely different experience compared to my current 05 ZX636R with 125bhp SAE at the wheel.
Made me realise big numbers aren't all that important, it's the mental way it comes out just like my (ex) Husqvarna SMR450 with just 50bhp SAE at the wheel

If I can get a great deal on a SDR 07 or 08 I'll do that but I think I'll end up buying a standard SD with Akra's, lift the rear with 10mm, throw in the Motobox, maybe even a full-system and get the thing mapped asap

If you can get a 07 SDR for the right price,Get it.
Then just get a gel seat and get either a 160/170x185 spring to match ya weight.

I have an 07 std and my friend rides a newer R bike. I find his bike harder to drive on twisty back roads. I find mine easier to drive, its more sloppy but easier. With the R I have to think about everything I do. I am sure that would go away the more I road it if I owned it. I do love the look of the R much better .

I just read the used nakeds test in an old fast-bikes magazine and it looks like the normal version will be good enough as wel since its already firm compared to the competition. Just too bad I can't find the FB test where the SD is tested against the newer version SDR, if anyone could help me with that one it would be great!

I'm perfectly happy with my '08 std bike on road and track! It's a phenomenal machine..

These are the differences KTM claim! Klinck's SD may embarrass a few SDRs though.

SDR differences

The Engine
The Super Duke R's V2 sets the benchmark for free-revving twins. A lighter-weight crank drive than the Super Duke, lighter pistons, larger diameter titanium intake valves and larger throttle valves push the power up to 97 kW (130 hp). The engine impresses with explosiveness and spontaneous throttle response.

Cylinder Head
Aside from optimum combustion chamber design, the major factors behind the outstanding performance of the 990 Super Duke R's V-twin with 75° cylinder angle are the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads, each with flow-optimised ducts and two overhead camshafts.

Crank Drive / Pistons
Particularly lightweight pistons and connecting rods bestow the 990 Super Duke's V2 engine with reduced reciprocating weight and hence a decidedly spontaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics.

Engine Management
The electronic Keihin engine management system regulates the modern fuel injection system on the 990 Super Duke R, focussing on maximum power and spontaneous responsiveness. The twin throttle valves have been enlarged by 2 mm (0.08 in) compared with the Super Duke, in order to increase performance.

Frame & Singing Arm
The 990 Super Duke R's orange, powder-coated tubular space frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe provides a steeper steering head angle in the "R" setup than the Super Duke and less trail for even greater manoeuvrability. The 575 mm (22.64 in) swingarm ensures plenty of mechanical grip.

Suspension Elements
Thanks to a great variety of setting options, the upside-down telescopic fork with TiAIN-coated sliding surfaces and the directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension with a TiAIN-coated piston rod allow optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit load, riding style and course.

Steering Damper
The Super Duke R sets itself apart from its Super Duke sister model not only with 9 kW (12 hp) more power, but also with so many prestigious components, such as the Akrapovic titanium manifold system, the WP steering damper and the double-butted, perfectly angled aluminium handlebars.

Worth remembering that the corporate speak mumbo jumbo spec that Schnauzer has posted is for the 08 and newer SDR.

The 07 SDR is, as stated earlier, exactly the same engine as the standard 07 SD. This is not automatically a bad thing though. When I bought my SDR I wanted the orange frame and single seat and liked the look of the SDR. I dont carry a pillion or commute, tour or pootle about so didnt need SD comfort. I liked the idea of a larger fuel tank and radial brakes although the brakes were fine on my 05 SD and I was used to the poor fuel range.

I bought my SDR in 2008, So would an 08 SDR have been better still than my 07 SDR? Not sure of that, firstly I couldnt get one. There were very few about and some shit dealers were actually taking deposits for bikes they had no hope of getting. Lagunas, THE WORST DEALER IN THE WESTERN WORLD, took deposits off Weeksey and me and then had to give them back when they couldnt supply. Also, some of the regular posters on here at the time that did get 08 SDR's experienced build quality issues with them. Couch Commando in particular was very vocal on here stating that he wished he had stuck with his 06 SD. Particularly when it dumped all its coolant on the rear tyre, which Schnauzer's 08 just did as well. My 07 SDR hasnt and neither has Sabre's as far as I know.

Maybe the extra power is worth a few build quality issues? I am not sure. All you are talking is about 10 bhp at the top end. Having ridden an 08 SDR It seemed a bit more powerful than my 07 SDR but I didnt feel it was any stronger than my thrashed 05 SD. Klincky's bike left my 07 SDR for dead along the straight at Cadwell and that was before he had all that TuneECU trickery. The 06 battle bikes, standard SD's were putting out about 130bhp at the top end so tuning a 5 grand 07 SDR may be cheaper than paying 7 grand plus for an 08/09 SDR.

Luke's comments are spot on. My SD and SDR both had very good reliability, except for the coolant hose coming off as mentioned. They are a niche small manufacturer bike - it comes with the territory. Which is better? they are both great bikes, buy either & you will be happy.

The reason I ask all those questions about geometry and suspension is because I think the track-based setup from the SDR will suit my riding style (and 95kg geared up) on the road better then the more road-friendly SD setup, based on the fact I like to push fairly hard or at least I like to think so when looking at the crazy paving pattern on my tyres (Racetec K2 at the rear)
Because my riding itself has gotten a lot better over the last few years (studied Twist of the wrist, CSS like training and a few trackdays) I realised the importance of sussies.

I'm not thinking about the power improvements of the R since I think I could only afford a 07 SDR and my friends 07 SDR already makes 130+ horsepower, although in my book theres no bad thing about more power and revving easier

I guess I'm just thinking too much about this so can somebody just tell me how much better the suspension and setup from the normal SD 07 is compared to the 05/06 ZX6R?

WP Suspension is on par with Ohlins (and much better than the standard fitment Ohlins fitted on most bikes)

Changing my suspension (to ohlins) was normally one of my first changes on my past bikes.....I have no intention...or even thought about changing my WP for Ohlins on my Superduke (apart from longer 'SDR' WP shock that I am fitting....... im happy road & track)

...The best thing you can do is test ride one.....you will not know untill you do

I test rode a SDR 07 from a friend but the suspension was set for his 110+ kg so this was rock hard
Felt strange (especially how he turned the handlebars forward) but very nimble and fun!
He has got his SDR for 2+ years now and uses it for commuting as well, says it's a perfect all rounder.
He later on also test rode the normal SD and he says he didn't like it at all compared to his own R.

............with his 110kg this would suit the SDR springs ...if you found it rock hard....you would need to change springs, preload only adjusts where the springs start in their range ...not the stiffness

I would go 160 rear (I am actually .......just got SDR rear shock ..I will be swopping springs with my standard shock) I think the front would be to soft

I will swop you a go on mine and you can see for yourself if you like

For what it's worth, this is my experience/opinion.

I have an '07 SD. Over time I've done the usual mods - Full Akra system, Motobox etc. and I've been out riding with Klinks, (legendary '06 bike with very high milage and high dyno figures) and Shade, (SDR with way more power, (in his own mind and enthusiastic reprts ) than his previous SD. But everything all comes down to how fast you are willing to open the throttle. They ride fast. All the time. Me....I'm older and a bit lazier. I think that I worry about the consequences of crashing more. (I've had a few bad ones over thirty years, ha ha). I know that at times they leave me and I have to catch up. But that's not down to engine performance. It's me. Sometimes I have been able to catch them up on straights - just through hunching down more and nailing the throttle. Is that because I have a faster engine? Or just because I happened to nail it for 300 metres longer when they backed off a bit because of a rabbit running out of the hedge? I don't know. And don't think it matters that much. In the real world we are all limited by other factors rather than BHP and torque charts. Really.

And a few years ago my SD in standard suspension set up professionally with Racetec K1 tyres was brought back to the Bracken workshop by an enthusiastic Paul, (yes, the cynical, miserable Paul who is hard to get a good word out of), and I was told that I had the best handling, best set up SD he'd ever ridden. He was really impressed and told me to never change it. Must say, that period was when I was doing my first serious track days and I was really getting into it. Confidence very high.... and I never worried about set up and handling, just a few extra clicks of preload and rebound for the track. Then I thought I'd get more serious and get an SDR shock and start "improving" things by messing with the forks in the clamps and stuff. But ever since I'm not sure if things are better really. Still set up well by the guys at HMRacing for me but on track I have never felt the bike was a neutral and, well just effortless, to ride. Like all you lot...we want to believe that the mods we make always make a better bike. But maybe it's not so. Just because it's an 'R for racing" shock doesn't necessarily mean that you will like it better.

Anyway, rambling over.

I don't worry about the engine performance at all, just the handling.

From what I've read the SD and SDR's suspension is balanced beautifully but this doesn't mean they're compatible.

Sounds like you'd be better off with the STD if you want to carry pillions ! Price difference For an SDR and then pillion stuff will buy all the susy upgrades your gonna need for the track.

Dave woods the original winner of the Superduke battle only changed the front spring and oil weight to get it working properly ! Send your new bike to MCT or similar and your good to go.

If you buy an SD with most of the bits, akra's, crash bungs etc then sounds like a better option !

Just as others have stated, I set out to buy an 08R (I wanted that orange frame)... Long story short and I bought an 08 STD in black. I compromised because I lusted after a superduke for many years. And I added a few mods to my bike, and now I can't imagine having the R version.. My bike is so fast and nimble, and it'd super comfy. I'm glad I did not but the R.. It's been nothing but a grin factor since day 1... And I'm turning into a hooligan.

Hehehe.... I am

I've made my decision (again) and it will be a normal SD '07 or newer unless I can get the R model for almost the same price

I test rode an 07 SD but then bought an 07 SDR and i'm glad i did it suits my riding style exactly road/track/touring.
I've got akra end cans with map,MH air box,GB racing cover's,TWM fold up brake/clutch lever's and RnG upper/lower crash bungs. I run 16/38 gearing the suspension is set for track riding as per instructions under the seat (90kg)
I've own'd it from new and still get the horn every time i ride it i try not to get tempted to fiddle with it too much and just ride what i've got as it is more than capable. If i got offered a very cheap 08 SDR with more BHP to replace my 07 with, in all honesty i would'nt swap as i doubt i'd be able to exploit the extra BHP unless i was riding in a boring straight line.
The extra power is meaningless unless you are a good enough rider to do something with it,we've all heard the pillocks down the pub/bike meets bragging about BHP figure's catch em on the road/track and it's a different story
Ultimately i'd say it depends on where you'll be doing most of you're riding,if it's in a city then an SD would be fine,if like me out in the sticks the SDR is the perfect tool as you can stretch it's leg's every time you ride

I tried both a 08 Sd and a 07 SDR.
Best thing i did was buy athe SDR.I changed to a 170/185 rear spring and got a gel seat.Sorted.
Mine came with only 2400mls,mint condition,Remus carbon hexagon cans,Ackra map and new corsa 111s. cost me £5700.
Ive since fitted the moto hooligan tuning kit,sliders,and R&G tail tidy and am about to play with the Tune ECU.
I love this bike.

This saturday I can test ride a mates STD SD (somehow most KTM riders don't mind letting others ride their bike) so I'm hoping this can clear things up for me.

Yes id of thought the 180 is correct for your weight.
Have you had the sag set up right for you ?

Mine is still hard for me even with the 170 spring and gel seat but im used to the suspension being hard.
Ive had a couple of Kwak ZX10Rs and one had Ohlins on.
Alot depends on what your used to and how you ride,the firmer suspension helps for fast riding and tracks.
The best thing you can do is try it.

Today I test rode a standard version SD from a friend. Bike had Leo exhausts and titanium downpipes.
I have to say I was pretty disappointed by how it rode. The riding position was a lot less 'over the tank' and the (ergo) seat felt lower as well. Still, however, I didn't manage to lock my knee well enough to feel stable. My feet were simply placed a bit too low while I didn't
The original handlebar however felt great, much better width and shape then the Rizoma although the wide bars didn't make the bike turn in as fast as I wanted it to.
Somehow the main thing going through my mind was: this bike feels tilted backwards a bit
The suspension and setup just didn't feel to work right. The front wheel didn't feel like gripping the asphalt so this didn't inspire much confidence on the twisty road my friend and I met.

To be completely honest, I didn't expect the bike would disappoint but it actually did. I hope this is down to the weird suspension setup so I'm planning to test ride a dealer bike as well to see if it's just the suspension or whether it's just not the bike for me and I need to get an R...

Anyone else got a similar experience or do you guys disagrees completely?

I think that you will feel more up-right on a std, cos on the sdr the rear shock is longer which will push you forward over the front.

Also, the bike might not have had a good set up suspension for yourself.

Jermo: You don't like the STD SD... Go and buy the R version..
It sounds like you want the aggressive seating position down on yr wrist more.. That's the R version. And if that's not aggressive enough for you, then it's time to look elsewhere. Go ride an R soon to find out...

+2

By the sounds of it, you've pretty much made your mind up plus the SDR will suit you better as you want the aggressive positioning.... But, you wont be able to take your missus on the back if you still want to.... But, should you get the R and want to take your missus, you could get a dual seat/subframe from somewhere.... But after a while using the R you may not want to have an extra bod on the back

In summary, the R will be the best option for you due to your riding style/prefered postioning, though you will have to sacrifice taking the missus out on it (pretty sure once you're on it, that last factor won't uspet yourself too much )

Just imagine what our roads are like then

Looks like I'll have an unique pair of end cans when I get my SDR, exactly the way I want them!

Hello guys, It's me again

Since I work with motorcycles 5 days a week I realised even more how much I miss owning one so I'm back thinking about a standard SD (simply can't afford a used SDR 08).
I decided to give the standard another chance and test rode a dealer model, completely stock as far as I could see, hoping the suspension felt better then my mates bike.
Since the dealer is almost around the corner I knew a lot of back roads around there, good and bad surface, great for some testing.

1 word: WOW!
I was really impressed. No ergo seat meant the seat felt higher and much stiffer, I got the feeling leaning over the bars a lot more. Everything felt much firmer and the whole bike felt lighter with better turn-in and more stability through sweepers. Still not as much feel/trust in the front as I'd like but I'm sure thats fixable with some set-up fiddling.
Wheelies were sweet as well, loads of feel and control, lifting the front everywhere I wanted. Top power was just 'OK' (little less then my previous ZX6R '05) but a much wider spread of torque, very usefull on the road.

Bottemline: Standard SD it'll be!
I think I'll buy a UK bike this winter so I'm set for next season. Already saw a few '07 / '08 's under the 4500 GBP mark!
I'll probably build my own exhaust system front till back and will do most of the dyno work as well ( ) which I'll share by then.

I've set myself a deadline for getting a SD by buying my first trackday this august for Spa (Belgium) with a massive group of friends (30+ nutcakes)

My last post was actually a massive bump to say I will buy a SD soon