Cornering manners are impeccable, no doubt
thanks to the fitment of Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV
rubber in place of the Maxxis units.
while maximizing rigidity. Frame stiff-
ness has been carefully tuned to preserve
the Duke's famously direct steering feel,
but the bits surrounding that frame have
evolved considerably.
The most obvious structural change is
the new one-piece cast aluminum sub
-
frame. Besides looking significantly clean-
er, it integrates the airbox into the casting,
improving airflow, centralizing mass and
reducing overall weight. The redesign
also contributes to the Duke's claimed
wet weight of approximately 408 pounds,
around four pounds lighter than before.
That's a funny-
looking name
on those brakes,
right? This is the
first model we
will receive in the
U.S. with full WP
brakes, and they
work brilliantly.
VOLUME ISSUE JULY , P101
