KTM 1290 Super Duke R breaks cover

After months of speculations, scoops and rumours, KTM finally removed the wraps off its naked monster and unvieled the 1290 Super Duke R. The new offering would be launched at the up-coming EICMA show in Milan, Italy; where incidentally the concept bike was shown for the first time a year ago. In terms of design, the Super Duke R lives to the Austrian firm’s edgy, wild and minimalist design language. Visually there is hardly any difference between the production version and the concept, which is a good thing.

The major differences are the headlamps and the exhaust. The funky headlamp design is a love or hate it affair though personally I like them. The chunky looking exhaust pipe has been retained from the one seen on the test mules and is in sync with the aggressive design language of the machine. Coming to the mechanical front the bike would be powered by a 75-degree V-twin mill which has been bored out to displace 1,310cc. Power figures stand at 182.5PS @ 8,870rpm and peak torque is a meaty 144Nm, while the bike just weighing just 189kg. These incredible numbers endows the Super Duke R to posses a power-to-weight ratio of an impressive 965.5PS/ton. 

The Austrian bike manufacturer has provided all the necessary electronic nanny to help the rider from being bitten by the beast like adjustable ABS, traction control, stoppie and wheelie protection. But if you like being a hooligan and do some stunts, well no worries as you can disengage stoppie and wheelie protection on your will. The R is equipped with a specially developed Keihin engine management with three throttle-response modes which include Rain, Street, and Sport. Stopping responsibilities would be taken care of by Brembo 320mm discs with Monobloc radially mounted callipers. 

In the international market the Super Duke R would be pitched against the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter, MV Agusta Brutale, BMW K 1300R etc. It is doubtful whether KTM would bring the 1290 Super Duke R to our shores but if they would, be ready to shell out a hefty premium, since the bike would be brought in via the CBU (completely built unit) route.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specs

Engine: 1301cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 75° V-twin

Bore & Stroke: 108 x 71mm

Power: 182.5PS

Torque: 144Nm

Chassis: Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated

Front suspension: 48mm WP, fully adjustable

Rear Suspension: WP monoshock, fully adjustable

Front Brake: 2 x Brembo M50 four piston radial calipers, 320mm discs, with Bosch 9ME Combined ABS

Rear Brake: Brembo single caliper

Seat Height: 835mm

Petrol tank: 18 litres

Dry Weight: 189kg