2016 EICMA: 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Breaks Cover

KTM launched the 1290 Super Duke R back in 2014 and as the naked bike entered the market, it just blew us away. Since then, the super naked market has become one of the most aggressive motorcycle segments, and KTM does not have any plans to be step down. Moreover, now, the Austrian bike maker has revealed the revised version of the Super Duke R at the ongoing EICMA show in Milan. This revised version from KTM will make the beast even more aggressive.

Here's a list of changes that KTM has made in the Super Duke R. Apart from new LED headlight and daytime running lights (DRLs), it's got a new bodywork. KTM has further sharpened the bike's already sharp lines with tank spoilers and new air intakes. The handlebars are slightly wider and lowered, to improve the handling. The forks are a new 48 mm upside down WP unit that features stiffer fork springs and sportier settings. Additionally, the rear WP shock is also new and gets a heavier spring. The motorcycle stability control (MSC) has been strengthened and now offers multi-stage and lean angle-sensitive ABS and traction control as well as a "supermoto mode," which should disable ABS at the rear. Also, it now has a full-color TFT dispplay that provides all the information. Finally, cruise control has been added to the bike and a new keyless system.

Mechanically, thanks to the updated 1,301 cc LC8 twin-cylinder engine, the 1290 Super Duke R pumps out 179.45 PS of power and 141 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. If these figures are not enough to float your boat, then, there is the "performance pack" which includes a quick shifter, motor slip regulation, and KTM MY RIDE, which helps connect your phone to the bike's display. Additionally, there is a "track pack," which includes a track mode rider setting, allowing you to kill wheelie control, traction control slip adjust, and adds on launch control.