How to make a Superduke less twitchy

Q. I’ve just bought a 2007 KTM Superduke with 5000 miles on the clock after owning a 2005 Kawasaki ZX-10R.

All the reviews say the handling is perfect and near superbike level, but when I up the pace a little in fast, sweeping bends the front end feels nervous and very twitchy. If the road is uneven it’s even worse to the point where it won’t hold a line.

Accelerating hard to 100mph plus and you get a slight weave that takes a while to settle down. I’ve fitted new tyres and the suspension is set to “sport” as per the manual.
Simon Ford, email

A. One man’s “fast steering” can become another’s “twitchy” and the Superduke’s agility would be a contrast after the ZX-10R, so I’m not surprised you feel it’s nervous at the front.

A good place to start is by getting some more weight on the front so that it feels more planted.

The easiest way of doing this is by firming up the rear end (by adding a bit more preload and compression damping) to prevent the bike from squatting so much under power.