For naked streetfighter enthusiasts, KTM’s Duke series of bikes is definitely worth experiencing. While the brand’s ultra-futuristic and sharp styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that the performance and tech these bikes bring to the table. Indeed, from the smallest 125 Duke to the fire-breathing 1290 Super Duke R, KTM has always aimed to be at the top of its class.
KTM unveiled the 1390 Super Duke R Evo, surpassing the 1290 Super Duke R range of hypernakeds. The new bike reportedly offers better performance, more power, and more high-tech features than any of its predecessors. This new flagship hypernaked machine is set to excite fans with its improved capabilities and advanced technology.
KTM states that the 1390 Super Duke R Evo embodies raw power and evolution in the naked segment. From a styling standpoint, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo exhibits sharper and more athletic looks than its predecessor, the 1290. It features a completely restyled headlight, which is expected to divide opinions among enthusiasts. Despite personal preferences, the new design is anticipated to grow on many enthusiasts of high-performance naked bikes.
The entire structure of the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has been revamped to provide improved performance with an aggressive aesthetic. A lowered profile, more compact chassis, and the use of lightweight materials contribute to a more aggressive stance while keeping the weight at a fairly modest 467 pounds. The exposed orange frame, massive engine, and one-piece subframe make for a distinctive look, accentuated by angular lines and loud orange paint.
The 1390 Super Duke R Evo is powered by the updated LC8 engine, bored up to 1,350cc, and integrated with a cam shift for improved performance and efficiency. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, V-twin engine produces 188 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a refined airbox and a redesigned fuel tank with a larger capacity contribute to enhanced performance and extended range.
On the technology front, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo features various tech upgrades, including multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and electronically adjustable suspension from WP. Optional upgrades such as engine brake control and enhanced suspension modules are also available for riders seeking improved performance.
BMW M 1000 R Released In India At Eye-Watering Price Of $40,000
Naked bikes are becoming increasingly popular due to their comfortable on-road experience and impressive performance. For me, personally, I have always been drawn to this category and have owned several standard and naked bikes in the past. Their versatility and enjoyable riding dynamics make them my top choice.
However, naked bikes are now pushing the boundaries of performance, with some boasting over 200 horsepower. While this may be excessive for everyday street use, it’s hard to ignore the engineering marvels in the world of hyper-nakeds, such as the BMW M 1000 R. These machines redefine what’s possible in terms of power and technology, even if they may be a bit overkill for everyday riding.
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The recent launch of the BMW M 1000 R in India is quite intriguing. India is known for motorcycles with much lower horsepower, so the question arises: what’s the market for a 205-horsepower powerhouse like the M 1000 R in India? However, as the largest motorcycle market globally in terms of volume, India has a significant enthusiast base that is eager to embrace high-end machines like the M 1000 R. This shows the diverse and evolving motorcycle landscape in India, where even extreme performance bikes find their niche.
There are certainly many well-heeled enthusiasts in India who would appreciate the allure of a high-performance marvel like the M 1000 R. However, the price tag of Rs 3,300,000 (approximately $40,000 USD) is significantly higher than its US counterpart, which is priced at $26,945. The high import tariffs and luxury taxes in India contribute to this substantial markup. This highlights the cost challenges faced by motorcycle enthusiasts in the country who desire top-tier machines like the M 1000 R.
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The BMW M 1000 R can be seen as a high-performance version of the already powerful S 1000 R. It is equipped with a 999cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four engine that produces an impressive 212 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. Its six-speed manual transmission, assist slipper clutch, and up and down quickshifter ensure a dynamic and engaging riding experience. Technologically, it’s well-equipped with ride-by-wire, cornering ABS, Traction Control, and various ride modes. The fully adjustable suspension and super lightweight carbon fiber wheels further enhance its agility and performance.
In the Indian market, the BMW M 1000 R is available in two versions: the standard model and the Competition version. The Competition variant offers a range of premium accessories, including the M rider footrest system, various M Carbon parts, and more. However, all these enhancements come at a price. The Competition version retails at Rs 3,800,000 (approximately $45,600 USD), while the standard M 1000 R is priced at Rs 3,300,000 or $40,000 USD. This shows that high-performance motorcycles in India are far from being budget-friendly options.
Suzuki Introduces Updated Naked Sportbikes for 2024 Model-Year
Suzuki has unveiled the refreshed GSX-S1000 and GSX-8S naked sportbikes for the 2024 model-year. While both models maintain their mechanical and performance features, they now come in new color options. Previously criticized for a lack of innovation, Suzuki’s introduction of the middleweight models with the new 776cc parallel-twin engine has garnered attention. Let’s explore the updates made to these two bikes.
The GSX-S1000 is equipped with a 999cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-four cylinder engine derived from the K5 GSX-R1000 for the 2024 model-year. The engine has been tuned to enhance road performance, delivering 150 horsepower and 80 pound-feet of torque. On the technology front, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 features multiple ride modes through a throttle-by-wire system, all accessible via the bike’s TFT instrument cluster. The bike is equipped with ABS-equipped Brembo brakes and rides on 17-inch wheels. Suspension consists of fully adjustable KYB equipment.
For the 2024 model-year, the GSX-S1000 is available in the popular Metallic Triton Blue colorway with white accents. Additionally, there is a new Metallic Matte Sword Silver option that gives the bike a sporty look thanks to red accents on the front fairing and tail section. The manufacturer suggested retail price for the bike is $11,699 USD.
The Suzuki GSX-8S is a lightweight and agile streetfighter option. Unveiled in the global market for the 2023 model-year, the bike has undergone minimal changes for 2024, primarily cosmetic enhancements. The middleweight naked bike is now available in a new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray paint scheme, in addition to the previously offered Cosmic Blue and Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black options.
The Suzuki GSX-8S has an MSRP of $8,999 USD for the 2024 model-year. This middleweight naked bike was purpose-built to meet the demands of riders seeking a versatile and sporty option. It is powered by a 776cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft, delivering the power and sound reminiscent of a 90-degree V-twin engine. The bike is equipped with various technological features, including multiple ride modes, traction control, and ABS, all accessible through its large five-inch TFT display.
The CFMoto 800NK is Now Available for Sale in the Philippines
CFMoto Philippines has made a significant announcement on its social media pages regarding the launch of its groundbreaking naked bike, the 800NK. This new model for the country is based on the 800 platform and comes with an incredibly attractive price tag of 458,000 PHP, which is approximately $8,200 USD.
The NK series has been in CFMoto’s lineup for some time now, and prior to its international announcement, the largest bike in the NK line was a 650cc model. Following the global unveiling, the 800NK became the most powerful bike in the NK series, and now, with the official announcement from the country’s distributor, it’s also the most exciting NK model to date.
The CFMoto 800 NK shares its engine with the KTM 790 Duke, which is also manufactured locally in the Philippines. These two models are expected to compete for dominance in the Southeast Asian market in the near future. While many comparisons will be drawn, there are both similarities and differences worth noting after experiencing both bikes in person.
First and foremost, the frame on the 800NK is a bit different. Although it uses the same LC8C engine, the frame built around it has some variation. The swingarm, for instance, is not the open-lattice design found on KTM bikes; instead, it features an aluminum swingarm that is shorter compared to Team Orange’s rendition. The 800NK has a wheelbase of 1,465 millimeters, while the KTM 790 Duke measures at 1,475 millimeters. This means that the 800NK will provide a more agile and nimble riding experience, although its rake is less aggressive than its Austrian counterpart.
As for engine specifications, the 800NK is powered by the same motor as the KTM, but the CFMoto has made slight adjustments. The model produces 94 horsepower and 81 Nm of torque, which is slightly lower compared to when the 790 Duke was first launched in 2017 with 105 horsepower. The decrease in power figures is mainly due to emissions regulations, as KTM also experienced a reduction in power when it released the Euro 5-compliant version of the 790 Duke.
The bike also features fully-adjustable separate function forks and pre-load on the suspension front, 17-inch wheels with Maxxis tires, 320mm brake discs in the front, and a 260mm disc at the rear with J.Juan calipers. It also comes with dual-channel ABS as standard.
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The weight of the 800NK is only 189 kilograms or 416 pounds, and its seat height is an accommodating 795 millimeters or 31.2 inches.
The NK also boasts an interesting tech package. While it lacks the KTM’s six-axis inertial measurement unit, it compensates with a larger gauge cluster and keyless ignition. The bike also offers ride modes, including Rain, Street, and Sport.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the CFMoto 800NK is its launch price of P488,000, or about $8,750 USD. This special sales price places the bike in an extremely competitive position in the market.
The 2023 Triumph Street Triple 765 Lands In Malaysia
Naked bikes in the middleweight category are incredibly versatile, especially when it comes to performance-oriented machines available in the Asian market. These bikes are small enough to easily navigate city streets while being powerful enough to provide an exhilarating ride on open roads, twisty roads, and even race tracks.
The Triumph Street Triple is a perfect example of such a versatile naked bike. It is built on the highly capable and sharp Daytona platform, making it a popular choice in Triumph’s lineup for over a decade. The 2023 version of the Street Triple takes its capabilities to a whole new level. Triumph has recently launched the 2023 Street Triple in Malaysia, with prices starting at RM59,900 (approximately $12,961 USD). For comparison, the 2023 Street Triple is priced at $9,995 USD in the United States.
The 2023 Street Triple range is divided into two versions: R and RS. The R version is more affordable but still performs impressively. It is powered by a 765cc liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder engine that produces 118 horsepower. On the other hand, the RS version stands out with its improved tuning, resulting in a maximum output of 128 horsepower. It also features a fully adjustable Showa front fork and an Ohlins rear monoshock. However, the RS model is pricier at RM73,900 (approximately $15,990 USD). In the United States, the Street Triple RS retails for $12,995 USD.
In terms of technology, Triumph has upgraded the Street Triple for 2023. Previous models lacked the comprehensive suite of technology now found in the 2023 versions. Both the Street Triple R and RS are equipped with a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), providing advanced rider aids such as cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control. Multiple riding modes, including Road, Rain, Sport, and Rider, offer customizable riding experiences. The RS model even features a performance-focused Track mode.