KTM 990 Supermoto R, Ducati Hypermotard and Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS in the test

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Ducati Hypermotard, Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS and KTM 990 Supermoto R in the test

Two-cylinder supermotos

Tea KTM 990 Supermoto R has dominated the two-cylinder supermoto segment for years. Husqvarna is now retrofitting the Nuda 900 R with ABS as standard, and Ducati has designed the Hypermotard from scratch.

AT.Even if you can no longer hear it: this winter is over. And you seem to be able to feel the energy that has built up in nature over the past few months. Every ray of sunshine is given an inaudible starting shot to make trees and grasses explode. No gentle awakening, instead a quick start.

Ducati Hypermotard, Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS and KTM 990 Supermoto R in the test

Two-cylinder supermotos

KTM 950 Supermoto drives, either. He angles the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R as if all the spring fever had overtaken him in one fell swoop. Suddenly, one of the omnipresent remnants of this winter, a damp trickle of earth and gravel, snakes across the long curve. Klaus has to straighten the Italian raggedly. Lucky, take a deep breath. A few kilometers further we roll to a street cafe. We sit outside. To cool Klaus’ little cap and to be able to admire this trio.

Because they look good, these three fun bikes. Anyway, the Ducati Hypermotard presented at the beginning of the year. Its predecessor was showered with design prizes at the premiere in 2007. And the new one has not lost a bit of its elegance – although technically it has virtually nothing to do with its predecessor. The technicians inconspicuously integrated the water cooler of the four-valve 821 cm³ engine, nestled the silencer close to the rear wheel, minimized the rear frame with an aluminum casting and applied ABS and the latest engine management (ride-by-wire).

Design and equipment

Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS, Ducati Hypermotard and KTM 990 Supermoto R in comparison test.

Edgy, cheeky, even provocative, the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R shines in the spring sun. It’s hard to believe that behind the spaceship enterprise look is the technology of the F 800 series from BMW. The tubular space frame, rocker arm and the parallel twin, which has been increased to 898 cm³ and modified with a 45 degree crank pin offset, come from the Bavarian parent company.

Ohlins strut, monoblock brake calipers, adjustable Sachs fork, flatter seat and shorter gear ratio distinguish the R model from the basic edition. The extra charge: after all, 2000 euros. An ABS is now standard on board. But uncertainty threatens from another side. After the sale of Husqvarna to the holding of KTM boss Stefan Pierer, the future prospects for Nuda are bleak. After all orders for the 2013 models have been delivered, production will cease.

The KTM 990 Supermoto R sails in much calmer waters. Since 2005, the year the Superduke and the 950 Supermoto were born, the men in orange have been polishing the two-cylinder fun bike concept. With success. The Vau-Zwo with a displacement of 1000 cm³ is housed in a homogeneously coordinated chassis.

The fact that the once expensive ensemble has been 1700 euros cheaper since 2012 – despite the standard ABS – and now lies between the Ducati Hypermotard (11495 euros) and the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R (12290 euros) at 11.695 euros, makes the Austrian even more attractive. The benchmark in this segment is it anyway, with a few victories in MOTORRAD comparison tests.

Enough of the advance praise, no more prices, dark future prospects and noble model history. Away with reason. Especially with Supermoto machines. Klaus takes aim at the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R again and swings his long leg over the seat with verve. He must too. The seat heights of the supermoto racers demand the pilot’s sporting spirit. At 89 centimeters – higher than all current travel enduros – the Husky marks the top value.

The seat of the Ducati Hypermotard is only five millimeters lower. The KTM 990 Supermoto R is 87 centimeters high. Numbers again. Important goal. Because every millimeter counts here. But once this hurdle has been overcome, the stride length remains moderate thanks to the sporty, narrow benches, and people around 1.80 meters can still reach safe ground with both feet.

One push of the button and the trio is already babbling to itself. What a soundscape! The Husqvarna Nuda 900 R gives the star tenor. Unbelievable what a few degrees of crank pin offset can change. The modified parallel twin hisses like a V2 from the slim Lafranconi silencer. And the unit pushes just as greedily. The 900 presses off practically from idle. No bucking, no chain whipping, just propulsion.

engine and gears

The new one hardly has a screw in common with the previous Hypermotard. The engine, chassis and optics have been fundamentally changed.

The virtual V2 directly implements the gas commands. He doesn’t even seem to care about the speed level. Whether the highly cultivated pressure in the said lower speed range, the powerful acceleration in the middle, yes even the revving that is sufficient for this concept – the 900 is enthusiastic all along the line. The combination of the early onset of punch, a rarely experienced liveliness and the excellent smoothness makes an impression. Especially since the shorter gear ratio (16 instead of 17 teeth on the chain sprocket) compared to the basic version also supports the hustle and bustle. And with this brilliance, the fact that the twin locks off quite early at 8800 rpm. But nobody will long for even a single additional rotation, but will be happy about each of the 108 HP measured on the MOTORRAD test bench.

But no matter how impulsive and fresh the engine of the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R is in the limelight: Winnie, also a buddy and a versatile motorcycle freak from crosser to super sportsman, stays on Klaus’ heels with the KTM 990 Supermoto R. And definitely with less adrenaline in the blood. Just through the acoustics. The two overhead silencers discharge the gentle rumble of the 75-degree V2, well muffled. But the cautious appearance is deceptive. Although the one-liter engine, which has been finely adjusted over the years, jerks in the speed catacombs, it starts off with power and decent manners from 3000 rpm.

A selection of mappings is never missed for a second. Even the sharpest sprint is child’s play. Tap the clutch (one finger is enough), zap gears (the slightest tap on the gear lever is enough), and the KTM 990 Supermoto R ignites the afterburner, with an impressive 127 hp (factory specification: 116 hp!) Shows the competition not only on paper the barriers. The fact that she does it in her very own, unexcited way gives the Austrian a great deal of sovereignty, especially in this wild environment.

Wild environment? Correct. Because the new 821-V2 from Ducati Hypermotard is one of the cheeky boys in the supermoto segment, with electronic engine management (three driving modes and traction control) using the latest technology. It is therefore all the more surprising that it is precisely the engine with the smallest displacement that has to behave bumpy in the lower rev range, i.e. below 3000 rpm. But sponge over it. Because afterwards the Bolognese engine is rehabilitated in every respect. The Testastretta-V2 takes on the gas sensitively, then clicks away in a lively manner and can be turned off as the mood takes you.

The Hypermotard driver involuntarily uses a wide range of speeds with this nimble characteristic, dispenses with some gear changes and lets the L-Twin cheer. The fact that this fine character makes the moderate driving modes "Touring" (gentle throttle response) and "Urban" (from 107 to 78 PS reduced peak power) superfluous and especially in "Sport" mode shows its spontaneity, speaks for the qualities of the Desmo power plant.

Handling and ergonomics

KTM 990 SM R: KTM has been polishing two-cylinder supermoto concepts since 2005. The finishing touches should be noted on the 990 SM R. Pleasing: Last year, their price was reduced by 1700 euros.

It’s gotten warmer. The dirt spots on the road that were still damp in the morning are almost all dried off and turn into small clouds of dust when driven over. The mood rises. Especially with Winnie on the KTM 990 Supermoto R. Because when it comes to the chassis, she does not show the slightest nakedness. Whether braking, bending, turning, holding in line or standing up, the KTM conveys the pleasure of two-wheeled locomotion in its purest form. Perfectly coordinated, comfortable spring elements, excellently controllable brakes, relatively relaxed seating position, neutral turning and first-class feedback, every character trait of the Austrian to be committed to the goal of underpinning the sovereignty conveyed by the engine.

Tea KTM 990 Supermoto R is mature through and through. Perhaps that’s why, at 208 kilograms, it is a bit fuller than the hunger pegs of the competition (Ducati Hypermotard: 200 kg, Husqvarna Nuda 900 R: 198 kg). Nevertheless: It is quick without being agitated – yes, with this efficiency in this circle it almost seems a bit conservative. Maybe on purpose. Finally, with immediate effect, the KTM 990 Supermoto R also replaces the tourist-oriented 990 SMT, which has been removed from the model range in favor of the new Adventure.

If you like more emotional, please. Should he swing on the Italian duo. Pin-straight handlebars, a narrow seat, a super slim knee joint and minimized instruments – the ergonomics of the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R already suggests attack. Slowly? Does not have to be. At a slow pace, the Metzeler Sportec M5 tires in particular provide little feedback.

Elbow up, head forward, accelerate, and the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R is in its element. Then the suspension setup is still sufficiently comfortable for a sporty motorcycle. Nevertheless, she cannot build up that last bit of trust. For that she seems too indifferent in the steering.

Landing gears and brakes

Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS: With a distinctive design and proven technology, the Nuda offers an interesting combination.

The Ducati Hypermotard takes the same line. The combination of the seat position, which is also far forward, and the standard Pirelli Diablo Rosso II does not suit the Duc. In tight bends the front wheel tilts towards the inside of the bend and has to be brought on course with counter pressure on the handlebars. In the top test of the Hypermotard (MOTORRAD 10/2013), Conti Road Attack 2 clearly neutralized the steering behavior. But the rules are based on series tires. But even with Pirelli tires, the fun bike shines in alternating curves and can be easily thrown from one lean angle into the next.

At least as long as the asphalt is level. Here, on undulating country roads, the taut rear also brings unrest to the chassis. Even when the rebound is fully open, the Sachs monoshock still looks overdamped.

Nonetheless: it’s simply great how much fun the supermoto squad is. When the upright sitting position allows a relaxed overview and a demanding curve twist can be danced even at a legal pace. And when things get tricky, ABS is also on board. Top: the blocking preventer of the Ducati Hypermotard, which can be individually adjusted in two stages.

After 41.9 meters, the Duc, which is also finely regulated in everyday mode (level 1), is significantly earlier than the KTM 990 Supermoto R (44.3 m) and the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R (45.4 m). Exceptional situations? Assuredly. In normal operation, all of the stoppers supplied by Brembo can be used to brake brutally into corners with the force of a single finger.

Only the combination on the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R shows itself to be overly sensitive, grabs quite bitingly even with gentle pressure and lets the already nervous front plunge unnecessarily hard. The reserve lamp lights up on the KTM. We turn off at the next gas station. With the equivalent of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers, the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R takes over the pleasing stinginess of the F 800 engine, with 5.8 liters the KTM 990 Supermoto R is the hardest to drink. The Ducati Hypermotard is about halfway with 5.1 liters.

Later on on the highway, the engines will hardly swallow any more. Highway? Every drop of fuel would be wasted with these machines. Without a windbreak, with poor lashing options for luggage, with a range of less than 300 kilometers. No thanks. We leave this field to others and turn around.

Surrender to the spell of the supermoto world again, let us be fascinated by the beguiling and – each in his own way – powerful engines and turn on the handy chassis. And find that the cultivated, powerful and handy two-cylinder supermotos are anything but unreasonable, indeed, in the totality of their qualities, they are among the most attractive that the motorcycle market has to offer. Where are Klaus and Winnie? Long gone. With a lightning start. Like this spring.

MOTORCYCLE points evaluation / conclusion

KTM 990 SM R, Ducati Hypermotard and Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS.

engine
With this engine, Husqvarna hit the mark. The twin bewitches with sound, smoothness, formidable liveliness and elasticity. The competition is fierce against it. The V2 of the KTM is also highly cultivated, only remains a little guilty with the somewhat crude load change behavior. And the new Ducati engine has only one weakness: the rough running smoothness below 3000 rpm.
Winner engine: Husqvarna Nuda 900 R

landing gear
Well balanced, the KTM’s chassis is impressive. Very good stability, steering precision and feedback instill confidence. The suspension is also tailored to meet practical requirements. Handiness is the strength of the Ducati. The wobbly steering behavior and the tight hindquarters cost the Hypermotard sympathy. The similarly oriented, but somewhat more moderately tuned Husky therefore pushes ahead of the Duc.
Winner chassis: KTM 990 Supermoto R

everyday life
Times are changing: Because with the most modern electronics and the greatest range, a Ducati secures this rating. In addition to its comfortable ergonomics, the KTM only rises above average with its workmanship. The Husqvarna hardly falls off despite its sporty orientation. The low engine vibrations ensure that there is hardly any distortion in the mirrors. The Nuda must fit with luggage.
Winner everyday life: Ducati Hypermotard

security
Ducati has the ABS tuning under control. Control behavior and braking distances are first class. The aggressive husky stoppers cause unrest in the chassis when braking in an inclined position. The strength of the KTM: its sovereignty when braking and over bumps.
Safety winner: KTM 990 Supermoto R

costs
Low consumption ensures the Nuda victory. Just behind the Duc. Somewhat short: the KTM 7500 service intervals.
Winner cost: Husqvarna Nuda 900 R

Price-performance
Stalemate at a high level: the Ducati Hypermotard and the KTM 990 Supermoto R share victory.
Price-performance winner: Ducati Hypermotard / KTM 990 Supermoto R

Max. score

Ducati
Hypermotard

Husqvarna
Nuda 900 R KTM
990 Supermoto R Overall rating 1000 662 648 667 placement 2. 3. 1. Price-performance note 1.0 1.8 2.1 1.8

KTM 990 Supermoto R.

Conclusion

1. KTM 990 Supermoto R
It was the top dog in the supermoto segment – and still is. The strengths of the KTM are its homogeneity and the fine-tuning. No other supermoto is so easy to have so much fun.

2. Ducati Hypermotard
The easy-to-turn 821 cm³ V2 and the handy chassis have significantly shortened the distance between the Duc and the KTM. But the wobbly steering behavior challenges the driver. The Hypermotard needs the attack.

3.Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS
Third place? So what? The upbeat twin is certainly one of the most emotional motorcycle drives. And what a sound! The periphery can be a little more puristic.

Technical specifications

Husqvarna Nuda 900 R ABS, KTM 990 SM R and Ducati Hypermotard.

Ducati Hypermotard Husqvarna Nuda 900 R KTM 990 Supermoto R. engine 
type design Two-cylinder four-stroke-
90 degree V engine 		 Two-cylinder four-stroke-
In-line engine		 Two-cylinder four-stroke-
75 degree V engine
injection Ø 52 mm Ø 46 mm Ø 48 mm
coupling Multi-disc oil bath clutch
(Anti-hopping)		 Multi-disc oil bath clutch  Multi-disc oil bath clutch 
Boron x stroke 88.0 x 67.5 mm 84.0 x 81.0 mm 101.0 x 62.4 mm
Displacement 821 cm3 898 cm3 1000 cm3
compression 12.8: 1 13.0: 1 11.5: 1
power 81.0 kW (110 PS)
at 9250 rpm		 77.0 kW (105 PS)
at 8500 rpm		 85.0 kW (116 hp)
at 9000 rpm
Torque 89 Nm at 7750 rpm 98 Nm at 7000 rpm 97 Nm at 7000 rpm
landing gear
frame Steel tubular frame,
Motor supporting 		 Steel tubular frame,
Motor supporting 		 Steel tubular frame,
Motor supporting 
fork Upside-down fork,
Ø 43 mm 		 Upside-down fork,
Ø 48 mm		 Upside-down fork,
Ø 48 mm
Brakes front / rear Ø 320/245 mm Ø 320/265 mm Ø 305/240 mm
Systems assistance ABS, traction control SECTION SECTION
bikes 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17
tires 120/70 ZR 17;
180/55 ZR 17		 120/70 ZR 17;
180/55 ZR 17		 120/70 ZR 17;
180/55 ZR 17
Tires Pirelli Diablo Rosso II,
forehead "D"		 Metzeler
Sportec M5		 Pirelli dragon
Supercorsa Pro
Dimensions + weights
wheelbase 1500 mm  1495 mm  1505 mm 
Steering head angle 64.5 degrees 65.5 degrees 65.6 degrees
trailing 104 mm 101 mm 109 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 170/150 mm 210/180 mm 160/180 mm
Seat height ** 885 mm 890 mm 870 mm
Weight with full tank ** 200 kg 198 kg 208 kg
Payload ** 206 kg 193 kg 197 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 16.0 / – liters 13.0 / 3.0 liters 15.0 / 3.7 liters
Service intervals 15,000 km 10,000 km 7,500 km
price 11,190 euros 11,990 euros 11,495 euros
Additional costs 305 euros 300 Euro 200 euros MOTORCYCLE readings
Top speed * 220 km / h 215 km / h 220 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h 3.3 sec 3.3 sec 3.4 sec
0-140 km / h 5.5 sec 5.4 sec 5.3 sec
0-200 km / h 13.7 sec 12.4 sec 11.0 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h 3.7 sec 3.3 sec 4.4 sec
100-140 km / h 4.2 sec 3.7 sec 4.2 sec
140-180 km / h 5.1 sec 4.5 sec 4.8 sec
Consumption highway 5.1 liters / normal 4.5 liters / super 5.8 liters / super
at 130 km / h 5.7 liters 4.6 liters 5.6 liters
Reach country road 314 km 289 km 259 km
* Manufacturer information; ** MOTORCYCLE measurements

Interview: What will happen to the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R?

Bmw

Liane Drews, BMW Motorrad Communication.

"The Nuda was enthusiastic"
After the sale of Husqvarna to Industrie AG by KTM boss Stefan Pierer, the Nuda will most likely no longer be built. Liane Drews, Communication BMW Motorrad, on the future of the supermoto bike.

? In addition to its larger displacement, the Nuda 900 engine differs from the F 800 drive primarily in the crank pin offset of 45 degrees. Both the smoothness and the performance characteristics have improved enormously. Where was this drive developed??

! The engine was developed in Munich. The engines were delivered ready-to-install for Husqvarna in Varese.

? The new owner of Husqvarna has already announced that they will no longer build the Nuda. Does this fun bike have a future at BMW?

! No.

? So the nuda didn’t sell well?

! Goal. If you take into account the general conditions, i.e. shrinking markets, the short offer period of just one year and an unfamiliar concept for Husqvarna Motorcycles, the Nuda fulfilled our sales expectations.

? Will your engine at least be used in future BMW models??

! There is still no decision on this.

? Nevertheless, it is deleted from the model range.

! I can only say that the bike is very popular everywhere. With customers, in retail and in the media. It seems that everyone who drove it is really excited.

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