ULTIMATE DUKE RIDERS: CARDOSO TWINS, PORTUGAL

Liliana and Patricia Cardoso attribute their love of riding to two things – cycling, and their father. Having put over 90,000 km on a pair of KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE Rs, this twin-sister biking duo has earned their spots in the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER standings.

Instagram: @superduke.twins | YouTube: SUPERDUKE TWINS

Liliana and Patricia Cardoso started riding motorcycles in November 2014, with Patricia picking up the DUKE baton early. What everyone thought would be a passing phase, saw the quick succession from KTM 125 DUKE, to a KTM 690 DUKE and almost 2 years later, a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R.

Liliana took the plunge right into big bike ownership, with a 650 cc machine, and two and a half years later, also bought a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R.

At first, many people scoffed at the thought. The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is no pleasure cruiser. This is a proper, hardcore NAKED machine with a reputation of being THE BEAST. Little did they know that Patricia and Liliana would grab the challenge with both hands.

Since then, these ladies have racked up over 180,000 kilometers on their SUPER DUKEs, touring all over Europe, making a yearly effort to hit the road and cover some ground. That’s a whopping 90,000 km each!

“We travel throughout Europe every year on our SUPER DUKEs and it’s always a different experience. Most of all, it is a lot of fun, and this year we will go out again, already thinking about the 2021 Europe trip,” says Patricia.

They say it is the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R’s versatility that has kept them riding for so long.  “The ability to strap on some luggage bags, and simply hit the road is great,” says Patricia. But, she’s also quick to point out, that when the road gets twisty – or when another rider appears in the distance – BEAST MODE is activated.

“The rush of winding on the power and knowing that you’ll quickly catch up to anyone ahead of you is addictive,” she says.

When asked what they think the DUKE mentality entails, both say it’s about being a little bit crazy, and mostly being adventurous. It’s also about having a great deal of respect, both for the machine and your fellow rider.

Although, as Patricia is quick to point out, it’s not always easy to keep feelings mutual when the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is on the hunt.

To that we say “Welcome ladies” – you’ll fit right in.

Go check out all ULTIMATE DUKE RIDERs on ktm.com and watch the video featuring Brad Binder announcing the winners:

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