son of a gun

There's nothing easier than going off like a shot on a motorcycle. The merciful rider took the

KTM 990 Supermoto R for a spin.

Yesterday, I went to Mattighofen to pick up a Supermoto R. Today I'm sitting in my garage on a red plastic stool that once belonged in the bedroom of my long since grown up child. This stool lets me look at motorcycles from a lower level, which gives you far better perspectives than when you're standing up in front of them.

I used four fuel tanks before I got home due to the twin treacherously bewitching me. I left vapour trails on bendy roads and even did wheelies. As a well-behaved tour rider, I now know how simple yet electrifying it is to ride a Supermoto. Vehicle dynamics that feel like you've been shot from a gun. What a thrill!

A cool drink in my hand, music floating out of the radio, from my position on the stool, the details jump out at me. The orange plastic-coated tubular space frame. The radially bolted Brembo brake calipers on the upside down fork. The refined, ultra-light forged Marchesini rims. The fine alu-cast rear swingarm. The sophisticated carbon exhaust covers. The perfectly welded joints on the silencers.

A motorcycle that's like a good sponge cake – inviting and a delight to enjoy. The KTM is a light and airy 1000 cc bike that you can see through from almost every angle. Not only through the frame triangle but also through the hollow front and rear wheel axles. Even the swingarm axle that passes through the crankcase at the rear and the connections on the frame have been hollowed out to minimise the weight.

Many motorcycles are screaming out for their minor details to be optimised. But not the Supermoto R. What is there to change or improve? Everything is already perfect as standard. It already has steel brake lines, small enough indicators, the finest multiple adjustable WP suspension components and even a special coating on the front fork.

You don't even need to contemplate changing the handlebars. The chunky, tapered aluminium bar fits perfectly and looks great. It isn't even necessary to replace any of the levers or fittings. KTM has already installed a premium-quality radial Brembo master cylinder. On the left, a refined clutch lever on a Magura fitting. Small wheels can be used to simply adjust both levers in line with their use; perfect!

The longer you study the Supermoto R, the clearer the idea: less weight, good performance, only the most refined components. The entire bike is beautifully designed in white, black and orange. The idea here wasn't to save money but to delight in designing and constructing a motorcycle. The result: pure temptation on wheels; a divine bike.

Riding the Supermoto R is great fun. It's so light and nifty, and goes like a bullet from a gun. The robust V-twin-cylinder cuts through the air with 116 HP (85 kW). With sporty characteristics, the V-twin revs happily and without effort. Little pressure is needed on the clutch, which can be smoothly engaged when setting off. The gearbox shifts cleanly; moving between the six gears is a pleasure.

Accelerate, break, accelerate, break. The riding dynamics of the light-weight bike are wonderfully lively. Its cornering ability is awesome. Find the line, lean into the corner and the bike seems to do the rest itself. These light rims are a godsend. And the Pirellis Supercorsa tyres grip the road like glue, giving you confidence when leaning the bike or accelerating. The ease with which the R shoots rounds bends is striking.

As expected, the seat position is typical of the Supermoto. Upright behind the broad handlebar, quite high up, relatively near the tank. The firm seat upholstery gives you direct contact with the motorcycle so you can really feel the ride. But how long can you last? I reckon you can power along the road for up to two hours without getting saddlesore. After that, you'll start to feel it. If you dismount or go to pay for fuel, you'll walk with your legs apart like a descendant of John Wayne.

The KTM also gives you that gun hero feeling when you stop next to another motorcycle at the lights. Most other riders cringe and not one of them tries to floor it. It's as though they all know that they've no chance against the 'son of a gun'. It's also possible that they all want to admire the mighty machine's rear end with its double silencers.

The Supermoto R is a definite powerhouse that looks amazing and represents dynamic riding pleasure. You're barely back from a ride and you can't wait to get back on. When I chauffeured the motorcycle back to Mattighofen a few weeks later and returned it to the factory, I said 'Bye Orange', but what I obviously meant was 'See you again soon'.