Florian will be the first to tell you that he’s new to the world of ‘Big Bikes’. Having only had his full motorcycle license since 2022, he’s cut his teeth on mopeds and scooters for most of his life. But, he's a Naked fan through and through and now has to get to grips with the meanest Naked of them all – the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R!
By Shane Oosthuizen
KTM: Firstly, congratulations on the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R. Let’s start with an introduction. Who are you, where do you live, and most importantly – what do you ride?
Florian: My name is Florian Kloen, and I just turned 29. I have also just moved to Stuttgart, Germany for my new job. Before that, I was working in Bonn doing technical Inspections for vehicles of all kinds. I got my full motorcycle license also rather recently in October 2022. Before that, I was only riding scooters. Last year I got a 2023 MT-09 as my first big bike and managed to put 20,000 km on it, riding through the beautiful landscapes of Rheinland-Pfalz. In January 2024, I sold the MT-09 and am now eagerly waiting for the delivery of my KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R!
KTM: Awesome! Do you have any trips planned with your new KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R?
Florian: Due to just moving to Stuttgart I am lucky to still have a lot to discover about the region. I want to ride along the Neckar, and also visit the cities and mountain ranges next to Heidelberg, Würzburg, and Freiburg im Breisgau.
Maybe I will also go on a trip to Monaco with one of my friends. But we haven't planned it out yet.
KTM: Do you have any modifications or enhancements planned for your KTM?
Florian: Plenty! I already ordered some KTM PowerParts and am waiting for delivery. I also got Crash Protectors and tempered glass for the display, which both will be mounted as soon as the bike arrives.
After that, I am planning on mounting the KTM Handlebar End Mirrors and levers for the clutch and brake. Then I want to install the slip-on exhaust. Also, I want to get the tech pack after the first inspection.
After all, the BEAST needs to look and sound like a BEAST!
KTM: If you had a teleportation device, where would your ultimate riding destination be?
Florian: I once rented a scooter in Thailand and got around there. The mix of beautiful beaches and also steep hills did it for me. So basically, everywhere where I can have this. Thailand, Hawaii, Philippines… Give me a tropical paradise with windy mountain roads and I’m happy.
KTM: Have you ever ’Got Duked’ before?
Florian: I’ve never got Duked before. When I chose my first bike, I wanted to test ride the KTM 890 DUKE R – but the dealer sadly didn’t have a demo model available yet. I think had it been the case, I would’ve 100% ended up on a DUKE.
The DUKE is a perfect match for my riding style. I like agile bikes with buckets of low-down torque. The 990 and 1390 have even more torque. And the 990 was also more agile. So, I very much appreciate the technical concept or idea of the DUKE range.
KTM: Having joined the 30 YEARS OF DUKE media event, what was your "stand-out" moment?
Florian: There were a few, to be honest.
Having never attended such an event I was blown away by how much time and effort have been put into details, from the logistics to the DUKE-themed hotel decorations.
But if I had to choose one particular moment, I would say the second day at the Almeria track. We arrived and were given a small presentation for the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R from Gareth Davidson and Jeremy McWilliams in the pit box on the track.
The moment the presentation ended the roller shutter to the track was opened and the perfectly lined up SUPER DUKE engines were started one by one and made an insane sound. It was a true no-bullshit moment.
KTM: Right, our last question; What does the DUKE mentality mean to you?
Florian: DUKE means raw power to me. I don't think that I am a perfect example of the DUKE mentality though, as I like to keep both wheels on the ground.
Maybe that will change with the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R though…
KTM: Nailed it! Thanks for speaking with us and enjoy your new DUKE!
Florian: Thank you KTM!
If you'd like to discover more about this and other models in the KTM DUKE range, click here.