Photo: Winchester Creatives
From a cosmetic standpoint, the KTM Duke isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and it never was to begin with. Few would argue with its performance capabilities, though, especially when it comes to the larger variants of KTM’s long-running lineup. Such machines are extremely popular in the custom bike community, providing an excellent canvas for builders to throw their wildest ideas at.
In 2022, the Dutch specialists over at Outsiders Motorcycles did just that, aided by the unrestrictive design criteria received from their client Julian. The project started with a beat-up 990 Super Duke from the model-year 2006, whose cracked bodywork, subframe, and suspension components were promptly ditched. With the 120-hp beast taken apart, Outsiders looked for ways to raise its seat height and overall stance.
This was mandatory since Julian is one very tall individual, standing at over two meters or around 6’ 7” for those who don’t speak metric. A bespoke chromoly subframe has been TIG-welded at the back, and the original fuel tank got replaced with a boxy aluminum substitute built from scratch. The Outsiders squad installed a floating aluminum seat pan nice and high over the rear section, so as to meet the owner’s height requirements.
Supported by four metal rods, the saddle comes with generous padding and a mixture of standard leather and suede upholstery. The bike’s suspension was the next thing to get the custom treatment, which involved fitting a Hyperpro shock absorber out back and transplanting the longer forks of a KTM 990 Adventure up north. Having lowered the foot pegs by around eight centimeters (3.15 inches), Outsiders were mostly done with the ergonomics.
Just as they had done with the fuel tank we’ve mentioned earlier, the guys used cardboard mock-ups to figure out how the rest of the bodywork was to be formed. Starting with the tail section, it took them three attempts to shape the final part, but the process proved a lot easier when it came to the fuel tank cover (surprisingly). This module turned out just right the first time, as did the fairing and fender combo found at twelve o’clock.
Front-end lighting comes by way of vertically-stacked LED headlamps and minute aftermarket blinkers placed a little lower down. In the cockpit, you’ll find a digital Motogadget speedometer and a new handlebar from Neken’s inventory. Outsiders chose to retain the OEM switchgear, though, topping off the cockpit equipment with a pair of bar-end mirrors.
As far as the creature’s powertrain is concerned, the guys sent its 120-hp, 999cc V-twin for a comprehensive service at a local KTM dealership. Meanwhile, they fashioned a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system featuring a two-one-two configuration and twin Spark silencers. Pirelli’s MT 60 rubber made its way onto the rims, while the outer bodywork got cloaked in a dark shade of gold. Black powder coating predominates elsewhere, but the gas tank was left unpainted for contrast.
This was mandatory since Julian is one very tall individual, standing at over two meters or around 6’ 7” for those who don’t speak metric. A bespoke chromoly subframe has been TIG-welded at the back, and the original fuel tank got replaced with a boxy aluminum substitute built from scratch. The Outsiders squad installed a floating aluminum seat pan nice and high over the rear section, so as to meet the owner’s height requirements.
Supported by four metal rods, the saddle comes with generous padding and a mixture of standard leather and suede upholstery. The bike’s suspension was the next thing to get the custom treatment, which involved fitting a Hyperpro shock absorber out back and transplanting the longer forks of a KTM 990 Adventure up north. Having lowered the foot pegs by around eight centimeters (3.15 inches), Outsiders were mostly done with the ergonomics.
Just as they had done with the fuel tank we’ve mentioned earlier, the guys used cardboard mock-ups to figure out how the rest of the bodywork was to be formed. Starting with the tail section, it took them three attempts to shape the final part, but the process proved a lot easier when it came to the fuel tank cover (surprisingly). This module turned out just right the first time, as did the fairing and fender combo found at twelve o’clock.
Front-end lighting comes by way of vertically-stacked LED headlamps and minute aftermarket blinkers placed a little lower down. In the cockpit, you’ll find a digital Motogadget speedometer and a new handlebar from Neken’s inventory. Outsiders chose to retain the OEM switchgear, though, topping off the cockpit equipment with a pair of bar-end mirrors.
As far as the creature’s powertrain is concerned, the guys sent its 120-hp, 999cc V-twin for a comprehensive service at a local KTM dealership. Meanwhile, they fashioned a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system featuring a two-one-two configuration and twin Spark silencers. Pirelli’s MT 60 rubber made its way onto the rims, while the outer bodywork got cloaked in a dark shade of gold. Black powder coating predominates elsewhere, but the gas tank was left unpainted for contrast.
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