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1290

KTM has unveiled its latest offering for super-naked bike enthusiasts: the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR. This limited edition machine is the second version of the popular 1290 Super Duke RR, which sold out in under an hour after its initial launch in 2021.

  • Only 500 examples being produced.
  • The bike boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, with a weight of just 180kg.

KTM has focused on making the 2023 version even lighter and more track-ready than the first iteration. The bike boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, with a weight of just 180kg, 11kg lighter than the stock bike, and a claimed power output of 180 bhp. Torque output is equally impressive, with 140Nm (103lb-ft) claimed from the 1,301cc machine.

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR features a carbon fibre subframe and seat, as well as extensive use of lightweight materials in the bodywork, including the front mudguard, rear hugger, fuel tank cover, and engine protectors. The bike’s suspension is handled by WP, who have equipped the bike with their WP APEX PRO 7548 closed cartridge forks and WP APEX PRO 7746 shock, both of which are fully adjustable.

For those looking to take the bike to the track, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR comes with pre-equipped Track and Performance riding modes. And for those wanting even more power, the bike is compatible with the Akrapovič Evo full-system exhaust, which can lower weight, increase volume, and release even more horsepower.

The most noticeable change from the 2021 model is in the styling. The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR features a darker, moodier look with a gloss black and mat-finished carbon colour scheme, white graphics, and orange accents like the frame, subframe, and headlight.

KTM is only producing 500 examples of the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR, and those interested in purchasing one should contact their nearest KTM dealer. With the success of the 2021 model and the improvements made to the 2023 version, these limited edition bikes are sure to sell out quickly.

KTM dilaporkan sedang membangunkan transmisi semi-automatik bagi barisan model 1290 yang membolehkan pertukaran gear dilakukan tanpa bantuan klac. 

Pendedahan itu dibuat berdasarkan paten yang telah difailkan syarikat motosikal Austria itu. 

Meskipun transmisi semi-automatik telah pun diperkenalkan Honda menerusi sistem DCT sebelum ini namun sistem yang dibangunkan KTM adalah berbeza. Ini kerana transmisi semi-automatik KTM mengguna pakai klac sentrifugal, ‘rocker arms’ dan unit kawalan gear berasingan bagi menukar gear. 

*nombor bahagian jelas merujuk pada enjin KTM LC8. (sumber: Cycle World)

Menariknya, paten tersebut juga mendedahakna bahawa sistem transmisi semi-automatik KTM itu juga merangkumi ‘parking brake’ yang berfungsi dengan menghalang motosikal daripada bergerak ke belakang sewaktu di permukaan berbukit. 

Bagaimanapun, paten tersebut tidak memaklumkan sama ada sistem semi-automatik KTM itu membolehkan penunggang menukar gear secara manual sepertimana yang ditawarkan DCT dengan bantuan butang naik dan turun gear. 

Buat masa ini, tiada info terperinci bila sistem tersebut akan mula diperkenalkan pada model 1290 namun pastinya ini adalah perkembangan yang menarik daripada KTM. 

CFMoto has successfully utilised its partnership with KTM in the last few years mainly by employing the same LC8c parallel-twin mill into its range including the 800MT and the 700CL-X. 

  • CFMoto working on a KTM-powered 1250NK. 
  • The 1250NK is a naked-style motorcycle powered by KTM’s LC8 1,279cc V-Twin engine. 

The same powertrain will also be powering the upcoming 800NK naked motorcycle. Not to mention, CFMoto also builds the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure for the Austrian OEM. 

Nevertheless, CFMoto plans to expand its naked bike range by introducing the 1250NK. 

According to reports, CFMoto intends to used KTM’s LC8 1,279cc engine – which currently powers the Chinese brand 1250 TR-G grand tourer – for the 1250NK. 

Currently, the LC8-powered TR-G makes 140hp but it is likely that the V-Twin mill will be revised for a higher peak power to feed the 1250NK.

Borrowing much of the design concept as KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R, the 1250NK also sports single-sided swingarm. 

While it may share some design traits including a similar steel trellis frame, the 1250NK features its own unique identity. More importantly, the 1250NK borrows much of its design from the firms’ upcoming 800NK which is set to debut soon. 

With that in mind, the 1250NK might not hit the road anytime soon therefore we expect some design change between then and now. 

(source: Bennetts)

Back by popular demand, KTM has announced the return of the 1290 Super Duke GT alongside the 790 Duke. 

  • KTM 1290 Super Duke GT makes a comeback for 2023.
  • Features the powerful LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 175hp. 

Based on the potent 1290 Super Duke R EVO naked motorcycle, the GT is fitted with the proper equipment to make it suitable for touring. 

That said, the 1290 Super Duke GT features the same 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine that makes 175p and 141Nm.

Similar to the Super Duke R EVO, the GT trim gets a ride-by-wire electronic package that includes the following:

Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Supermoto mode, Hill Hold Control (HHC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and cruise control.

Riders can also add the (optional) bi-directional quickshifter. 

Spec-wise, the Duke GT is fitted with WP Apex semi-active suspension that is tuned for sport touring. Riders can select from four modes that electronically adjust the suspension according to different payloads.

Meanwhile, the bike’s information can be accessed via a new 7-inch TFT display that also features a new Turn-by-Turn Plus navigation system powered by Sygic.

In addition, the 2023 1290 Super Duke GT gets lighter wheels that are shod with Continental ContiSportAttack4 tires.

KTM is yet to announced the price and availability. 

New KTM 1290 Super Duke R-based touring bike coming very soon.

(more…)

The cat is out of the bag as KTM releases the first official image of its upcoming 1290 Super Adventure. (more…)

Not too long ago, ex MotoGP ace Jeremy McWilliams showed how to let the beastly KTM 1290 Super Duke R loose around the Sepang International Circuit during the bike’s Malaysian launch. (more…)

There has been a lot of hyperbole surrounding the launch of this, the fourth iteration of the Super Duke; from KTM themselves (see ‘The Beast’) and, from the journalists who have ridden it, with one even giving it an 11/10 rating! That amount of hype cannot help but generate interest, anticipation and for us keen motorcyclists – expectation. (more…)

Malaysian KTM bikes importer and distributor Motonation Sdn Bhd last weekend marked the arrival of its latest offering, the highly anticipated KTM 1290 Super Duke R naked. This marks the bike’s first ever launch in an Asian market. (more…)

The new KTM 1290 is one of the most anticipated new bikes from the Austrian bike builder in recent months. By the sound of it, and the way it tears up the streets of Malaga in Spain and the smooth tarmac of Ascari, it seems to be very much worth the wait as well. Click the jump and turn up your speakers. (more…)

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