Superduke vs Tuono v twin - gearing

It is so very easy to flick it up in 2nd with the standard 16-38 gearing. I am still running that gearing and can loft the front anywhere in the rpm range in 2nd.

Sounds like you just need more practice/confidence with the KTM.

From avatar the pic. its SDR which picks up enormous torque much lower than standard black
-frame SD. Please keep in mind - Austria is highly regulated European Union... Have not seen driving much orange-framed masterpieces live over there - so enjoy while you can Seems really that in some parts of world this fun is banned, giving us black-frame a bit restricted substitute instead

Don't forget that the tuono and sd probably don't use the exact same gearbox and ratios. Which makes comparing the final drive ratio a bit useless.

Yep it depends on the primary drive and gearbox ratios more than the final drive ratio and of course the maximum RPM.......

My SD and my TLs actually wheelie better off the throttle in second gear on higher gearing, 17/40 on the SD which is almost the same as 16/38

Did you turn off the power limiter in the first couple of gears? (if you have the akra mapping this is sorted)

I do agree the SD needs some getting to know first but all the sudden you realise you're flicking it up on demand without thinking

Having had both bikes, the SD is a lot more punchy and goes through the gears quickly, Tuono revs for longer with equal punch.

Engines are quite different.

If I remember correctly from my RSV days, both the rsv and tuono benefit from a smaller front sprocket. Same story as the SD...and others..