Launching the new 1290 Super Duke R, KTM turns 2014 into its next historic milestone, crowning the reconstruction and expansion of its naked bike range heralded in 2011 by the launch of the 125 Duke. At the first glance, the aggressive design of the 1290 Super Duke R makes abundantly clear: the KTM development engineers have put together a comprehensive package that outshines all previous streetfighters and naked bikes – including those made by KTM itself. The 1290 R is the most extreme Super Duke ever and more radical than any of its predecessors. At a max output of 180 hp and only 189 kg of weight, it realises a power-to-weight ratio previously reserved for maxed-out supersport racers. And with a load of the latest electronic assistance systems, it defines new benchmarks for streetfighters and naked bikes in terms of controllability and safety.
Breathtaking Performance
As a baseline for the 1290 Super Duke R’s engine, the KTM engineers chose the highly potent LC8 engine of the KTM Superbike 1190 RC8 R. They then placed the focus of development not so much on increasing maximum power, which is plentiful anyway, but on achieving a matchless torque delivery and maximum usability of the engine output. In doing so, they managed to pull off the seemingly impossible by raising the V2’s elasticity to previously unattained levels without even slightly impairing its almost proverbial spontaneity and response. The 75° V2 engine with electronic engine management and ride-by-wire function brings breathtaking performance, convincing real-world practicality and straight-razor precision into such perfect harmony that its applications range from urban commuting to the race track, where it has all the makings of a potential superbike terror.
Absolute Predictability
The chassis of the new 1290 Super Duke R copes easily with the challenges that result from its unique riding dynamics. Besides the ultra-lightweight but extremely rigid chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame with its excellent geometry and bolt-on aluminium rear subframe, the credits for this go largely to the top quality and widely adjustable WP suspension components. The front wheel is guided by a pair of 48mm upside- down forks with separate damping circuits. Mounted within an extremely solid and ravishingly beautiful single-sided aluminium swing arm, the rear wheel is controlled by a central pressurised monoshock with manually adjustable spring pre-load. Forks and monoshock offer wide ranges of adjustment from very comfortable to extremely sporty, so the chassis is easily adjusted to the rider’s individual preferences.
Unlimited Riding Enjoyment
The unique package of a throaty engine and perfectly balanced chassis delivers boundless riding fun and high levels of safety under all conditions and at every pace. Absolute predictability and top safety are guaranteed, not the least by the unsurpassed Brembo brakes, the newly developed Dunlop SportSmart2 tires and the assistance systems of the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R developed in close collaboration with Bosch. These groundbreaking assistance systems include ABS, the ride-mode-technology and the lean-angle sensing traction control MTC (motorcycle traction control). Besides its breathtaking dynamics, the 1290 Super Duke R therefore delivers captivating rideability, convincing everyday practicality and top safety. This means the 1290 Super Duke R is a complete, brand-new package developed without compromise, destined to convert optimum performance into ultimate riding fun. The 1290 Super Duke R will write motorcycle history.