KTM Super Duke 1290 R Revealed In All Its Glory

We are mighty glad to see that the production spec Super Duke 1290 R has retained its mean, raw looks. Maybe not as aggressive as the prototype that was displayed at EICMA last year, but beastly enough.

The Super Duke 1290 R has retained its angular, sharp edged headlight units, as well as the aggressive side cowls from the prototype.

And yes, those are daytime running lights which come as a standard feature on the 1290.

The racing bike style underslung exhaust and the Akrapovic overhanging pipes are (not surprisingly) missing, instead making way for a more conventional side slung, single can setup.

At the heart of The Beast is a massive 75 degree, V-twin, 1,300 cc engine. Peak power of 180 HP is reached at 8,870 rpm. Meanwhile, there is 144 Nm of torque to play around with, 100 Nm of which will be available right from 2500 rpm!
Also, dry weight is just 189 kg, which gives the bike a near 1:1 power to weight ratio.

Complete performance numbers will be revealed in the days to come. But for now KTM wants to wow fans with a single impressive one. 0-200 km/h or 124 mph is reached in a mere 7.2 seconds!

KTM describes the Super Duke 1290's braking as 'racing level'. In terms of specs, there are twin 320mm discs at the front that will be held by twin four piston Brembo calipers.

Doing duty at the rear is a single Brembo two piston caliper, pressing against a 320mm disc.

Those who were expecting Bosch's newMotorcycle Stability Control to feature in the 1290 will be sorely disappointed. However, KTM could make it available as an add-on later.

Regular Bosch 9ME Combined-ABS system appears as standard. This will be aided by ride-by-wire from Keihin. The electronic throttle control will make sure you do not twist (the throttle) more than you can chew. Thus, keeping things wild, yet safe. This also ensures a smooth throttle response. KTM says the rider will not even notice the electronic intervention.

KTM Super Duke 1290 R comes fitted with Dunlop Sportsmart tyres which have been specially developed for the bike. This means the tyres will wear evenly and offer optimal grip and ride stability.

KTM Super Duke 1290 R will feature four driving modes that vary traction control and engine power delivery accordingly. Specific details about each have still not been revealed yet.

Rain: Lowest power delivery from the engine, with constant inputs from the traction control; Street; Sport: Complete engine power at rider's disposal, with active ABS... (Cont..)

Supermoto ABS: The ABS is engaged at the front, but turned off for the rear wheel. Perfect for those who want go tail happy drifting.
The fourth 'mode' is just the where all the electronics are turned off, giving the rider complete control.

48mm upside down front forks from WP and WP monoshock at the rear.
The bike uses Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame
Tank capacity 18 liters
A service interval of 15,000 km