The Problem With KTM Power Parts Triple Clamps (And How We Fixed It)
When upgrading the front end of a Superduke, many riders default to the KTM Power Parts catalog. But when you are chasing the perfect chassis geometry on the track, you quickly discover the limitations of mass-produced factory upgrades.
The 4mm Trap
There is a critical, rarely discussed detail about the Power Parts triple clamps: Unlike the OEM top triple clamp, which arcs downward 6mm reaching out to each fork leg, the Power Parts top clamp is flat. That means if you install your forks with the same two lines showing above the Power Parts triple clamp, you just raised your front ride height 6mm. This is crazy because that ADDS trail to your Superduke, which arguably already has too much.
This might sound insignificant, but the consequences of handling performance and feel are real. 1mm of trail is something most good riders will feel immediately. Remember, on a Superduke 5mm of ride height, front or back, equals 1mm of trail difference. This is why folks like Sportlinks so much. By raising the rear, for instance just with a +10 Sportlink, you reduce your trail 2mm. I have +10 Sportlink customers who glow about how different their bike feels. How much better it handles. And that's just 2mm trail difference. So the Power Parts triple clamp can add 6mm of front height without you even knowing it!
How We Fixed It
When designing the Superclamp, improving geometry was our priority. We engineered the top clamp to match the exact height of the OEM unit, which maintains the same range of adjustability that your OEM triple clamps have. You can raise or lower the front of the bike precisely to your liking — no height differences from the settings that were baked in from the factory. You can see how the Superclamp design here matches OEM heights perfectly.
Everything You Need, Nothing You Have to Hunt For
We also wanted the kit to be entirely comprehensive. Every Superclamp ships with a completely redesigned steering stem, fresh bearings, races, and seals (your choice of ball or tapered roller bearing), two different steering damper perches to accommodate the full range of insert options, headlight mounts top and bottom (different for each model year), all the bolts needed for assembly (and now even special made titanium bolts designed just for the Superclamp), a complete set of Superstops, a bottom clamp, and the top clamp.
Most importantly, it includes up to 7 full sets of machined offset inserts to dial in your trail: OEM offset, plus +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7 and -1, -2, -3. Everything to go from box to track or street without sourcing a single additional part.
In my experience the Power Parts clamps flex a lot, giving you less accurate feedback and feel. This affects my confidence entering turns while trail braking, and while flicking the bike side to side through tight switchbacks. I believe the unwanted flex comes from two sources - the very thin wall design of the Power Parts triple clamp, and that it seems to be made of the softer more flexible 6061 aluminum. Superclamps are made from a stronger, more expensive 7075T6 aluminum alloy.
The Power Parts triples look great, but the Superclamp is built for more than just looks. Superclamps completley transform the way your Superduke stears, responds, feels, and tracks into and around corners.
