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KTM 1290 Super Duke R

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.

It’s that time of the year where EICMA should’ve taken place but thanks to COVID-19, that’s not happening this year. However, that doesn’t mean that manufacturers won’t be introducing some new models for 2021 and KTM is currently hot on the list with the possible 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR. (more…)

  • The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R was launched at EICMA 2019.

  • Power remains at 177 bhp, but torque is up to 140 Nm.

  • Lighter components bring weight down to 189 kg dry.

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R was launched at EICMA 2019.

KTM had teased us with three videos leading up to this launch. We were imagining a bike that’s not only more advance, but of course, more powerful than its predecessor.

The 1290 Super Duke R was a game changer in the supernaked segment, utilising brute power to blow everything else away and came to be known as “The Beast.” Some came close for 5 years since its launch in 2014, but it still ruled the roost as the King of Supernakeds.

Until the Ducati Streefighter V4 which debuted this year.

It’s because the 1290 Super Duke R’s 1301cc, 75-degree V-Twin still makes 177 bhp. But it’s torque is the highest at 140 Nm.

But as beastly as it is, that power is held in check by some really smart electronics and chassis combination. KTM was the first manufacturer to utilise the inertial measurement unit in the 1190 Adventure, and the component is in The Beast, as well. As such, there’s all the cornering traction control, cornering ABS, cornering lights, and so forth. But KTMs have one extra “supermoto” ride mode which allows the rider to power slide the rear wheel.

The new bike has a new subframe which is made of aluminium and carbon composite (gone is the steel trellis). Some weight is also shed through lighter wheels, brakes and the new swingarm. The revisions bring its dry weight down to 189 kg.

Suspension is now WP APEX front and rear, with 48 mm forks. The front brake calipers are now Brembo Stylema. 

The Beast may not longer be king on paper, but we are certain that it’s still an entertaining/scary thing to ride.

  • KTM has released the third #GETDUKED teaser video.

  • It shows a motorcycle being blatted around on a racetrack.

  • It should be the new 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

KTM has released the third #GETDUKED teaser video for what should be the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

The previous two videos showed a motorcycle being built then prepared for a test on the racetrack in this video.

It shows a motorcycle blasting around a track interspersed with the typical seizure-inducing flash cutting footages of the bikes parts, including what we saw as Brembo Stylema front brake calipers, fitted to a Showa BPF-like fork lowers at 0:14. Does this mean the new Super Duke R will be more track-focused? KTM has no plans of building another fully-faired sportbike since axing the RC8 years ago. 

But while the rest of the video is your standard new bike teaser fair (which is too many these days, by the way), it’s good to hear the glorious roar of the V-Twin engine.

A noteworthy feature of the 2020 bike is the aerodynamics. Taking a cue for their MotoGP efforts and also that of upcoming supernakeds, the it’ll have winglets on the radiator flanks. There were spyshots earlier and the prototype uses the kind of aluminium seat subframe first seen on the 790 Duke.

The new Super Duke R will have some stiff competition to dethrone it as the King of Supernakeds.

The video ends with the date 5th November 2019, which is the opening day of EICMA 2019.

  • KTM released a teaser video for a new Duke.

  • We are inclined to believe it is the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

  • Will we see a power increase in the face of upcoming new supernakeds?

Before we continue, we’d like to say, “Here’s another teaser video.” This time it’s from KTM with the hashtag #GetDuked. But certain frames in the teaser got us to believe that it’s going to be the new 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Eagle-eyed viewers freezes certain frames in the video and pointed out that there were glimpses of a bike with a single-sided swingarm. That’s the dead giveaway for a 1290 Super Duke R, since a revised 1290 Super Duke GT had been introduced for this year.

The prototype 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R was spotted on a number of occasions. If the pictures are anything to go by, the new bike will have a new frame and subframe. The new bike’s frame looks more sparse, rather than taking on the appearance of a ladder. As for the new subframe, it resembles the aluminium one used on the 790 Duke.

We were thinking of either the rumoured 490 Duke or 890 Duke initially. But there’s still no confirmation if KTM is indeed working on these two.

This new bike will be unveiled on 5th November 2019, the opening day of EICMA.

But the most important question is probably whether we’ll see a power increase for the new 1290 Super Duke R. The model has held the title of the most powerful supernaked for many years. However, Ducati is set to introduce the Streetfighter V4 while Kawasaki has teased with a supercharged “Z” model which is a naked H2 in essence.

Let the arms race begin.

Some spy shots of the 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have made their way onto the Internet.

Apart from a few styling cue updates, the new 2019 model can be seen sporting a reworked chassis and exhaust system.

Expect the new 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R to be launched at the end of the year during EICMA.

KTM’s top of the line super naked machine that is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is heading towards some serious upgrades set for its next upcoming generation. For 2019, it’s more than just styling updates for the already “Super Hooligan” 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R. (more…)

  • KTM MY RIDE telah memperkenalkan kemaskini navigasi serba baru bagi model 2017 mereka yang dilengkapi dengan skrin TFT.
  • Penambahan terbaru bagi aplikasi MY RIDE mereka kini boleh dipaparkan di atas konsol bagi model KTM 1290 Super Adventure S/R.
  • Dengan kemaskini terbaru ini, pemilik KTM kini boleh menikmati muzik, menjawab panggilan telefon, dan pandu arah tanpa menggunakan sebarang peranti luaran.

(more…)

KTM MY RIDE has introduced a brand new navigation update for their 2017 models which come with their TFT screen.

The new addition to their MY RIDE application can be displayed on the dash for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S/R models.

With the new update, KTM owners can enjoy music, answer calls and get turn-by-turn navigation without any external devices.

Fancy a super nifty and handy navigation system for your new 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and/or R? Well, KTM has announced that they’ve released a brand new update for their MY RIDE application which will allow riders to have turn-by-turn navigation shown on their TFT screen display of the bike. (more…)

Artikel oleh: Wahid Ooi Abdullah

  • Rangkaian KTM 1290 Super adalah rangkaian utama untuk KTM.
  • Dijana oleh enjin 1301cc, DOHC, sejukan cecair V-Twin 75 darjah dengan beberapa talaan yang berbeza, motosikal-motosikal ini adalah jentera yang amat mengujakan untuk ditunggang.
  • Keluarga 1290 Super terdiri daripada motosikal lumba naked, sport-tourer, dan adventure-tourer.

(more…)

  • The KTM 1290 Super family is the flagship range for KTM.

  • Built around the 1301cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 75o V-Twin in different tuning they are exhilarating to ride.

  • The 1290 Super family consists of a naked sportbike, sport-tourer and adventure-tourer.

KTM’s 1290 Super family represents the pinnacle of motorcycling, not only in terms of engineering but also in design. But most of all, it’s the thrill of being on two wheels that they provide, never straying from the Austrian giant manufacturer’s “Ready to Race” philosophy.

Apart from a fully-faired sportbike, the 1290 series consists of the types of stupendous motorcycles that not only provide entertainment and smiles every kilometre, but also practicality in virtually any situation.

With the assistance of KTM Malaysia, we’ve assembled the power family for Christmas and the new year.

1290 Super Duke R

The 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R broke new grounds in providing a real kick to any rider, be they new or seasoned ones. Even veteran motojournalists who have ridden hundreds of bikes in their careers and lifetime swooned over it.

This was the start of “The Beast” and the “super naked sportbike” category.

But as if the 1290 Super Duke R could not be improved further, KTM went ahead and bettered even themselves. For 2017, the 1290 Super Duke R was built from the ground up.

The first thing anyone notices about the 2017 model is the fierce and distinctive split headlamp. The channel which splits the two sides actually performs as a cooling duct to reduce the temperature of the LED headlamps. Additionally, the main beam will come on automatically when the motorcycle is coming to a stop during daytime running.

The 1301cc, 75-degree, V-Twin engine was reworked and retuned for more power, yielding a horizon-bending 177 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. Specs on paper doesn’t reflect on the true character of the new 1290 Super Duke R, however.

While the 2017 model is faster than ever, it builds its speed in a smoother and controlled manner. Riders will not find a sudden burst of speed as if the bike has a hidden NOS injection system. This encourages confidence and smoother riding for even greater enjoyment. KTM did this by designing resonator chambers on the cylinder heads to smoothen the torque output.

The frame, chassis and riding position of the new 1290 Super Duke R have likewise been revised. The new frame is stronger yet lighter, the state-of-the-art WP suspension is fitted for total control. The brakes are Brembo all around, with M50 Monobloc four-piston calipers up front for maximum safety.

The new handlebar is 20 wider, 5 mm lower and 18.5 mm more toward the front. It also features a 22mm adjustment range to fit riders of any physique. Such placement puts more weight onto the front wheel for maximum control, besides provided better wind protection.

What’s a powerful motorcycle if not to be enjoyed in safety, correct? The KTM 1290 family are technological wonders and the 1290 Super Duke R is no exception. Gracing the bike are a plethora of electronic aid including Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), Ride-by-Wire throttle, Ride Modes, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), ABS, Race On System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Cruise Control, among others.

Owners can also upgrade the bike with the optional Quick Shift +, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), My Ride connectivity suite, besides the Performance Pack and Track Pack.

1290 Super Duke GT

The 1290 Super Duke GT is KTM’s answer for a big bore sport-tourer that not only gets you places but flies to your long-distance destination while blasting other sport-tourers into the paddy fields. Yes, a bike has that effect when it’s built on the 1301cc 1290 Super Duke R’s engine platform.

 

However, the 1290 Super Duke GT differs from the 1290 Super Duke R in terms of comfort. The GT features a large frontal bodywork with an adjustable windscreen for wind protection on long rides, while mounting points for the panniers have been built in.

Likewise, the suspension uses the WP Semi-Active electronically adjustable variety, which varies its damping rates on the go. You could choose between Sport, Road and Comfort damping modes, besides the load for one rider, rider with cargo, rider with passenger, and rider and passenger with cargo. The system will keep the bike in optimum chassis balance for optimum handling at all times.

And handling (besides the speed, of course!) is where the 1290 Super Duke GT truly excels.

If there’s a bike in this world that seem to self-steer through a corner at blinding speeds, this is the one! No other large capacity sport-tourer has the propensity to steer into a corner and blast away like it, while remaining superbly composed over anything the road throws at it – all the while you’re seated comfortably on it.

Just like its 1290 brethren, the 1290 Super Duke GT is laden with the some of the best motorcycle technology available to the public. The electronics suite includes Ride-by-Wire, Ride Modes, the aforementioned WP Semi-Active Suspension, Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), LED Cornering Lights, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), Quickshifter, Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ABS and many more.

You could upgrade your 1290 Super Duke GT by adding the optional Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).

1290 Super Adventure S

Along with offroad bikes, adventure bikes have been the hallmark of KTM.

The 1290 Super Adventure S and its more offroad-oriented 1290 Super Adventure R brother are the flagship KTMs.

Although the 2017 model had evolved from its predecessor, the 1290 Super Adventure T, KTM had almost entirely revised it.

The most obvious change is to the design. KTM had wanted a look that doesn’t replicated other bikes in the market and something that’s unmistakably KTM. When the designers split the LED headlamp to incorporate the cooling channel in between – voila! – the result was something never seen before.

The engine is based on The Beast but retuned for overall smoothness and absolute reliability such as DLC coating on the cylinder bores and a long service interval. It still punches out 160 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. But to demonstrate its flexibility, 108 Nm are already available from as low as 2500 RPM!

Its chrome-moly steel trellis frame is again, strong and light, weighing only 9.8 kg. Both ends are suspended by WP’s Semi-Active Suspension, update for this bike to carry almost any load you wish.

The 1290 Super Adventure S is also a technology-laden adventure-tourer, but has additional features specific to it. In addition to the usual fare, the bike has Offroad Ride Mode, Offroad Traction Control, Offroad ABS, lean angle sensitive Cornering ABS and Combined Braking.

You could upgrade your 1290 Adventure S with a suite of features as part of the optional Travel Pack which includes Quick Shift +, Hill Hold Control (HHC), Motor Slip Regulation (MSC) and My Ride.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R takes on a LaFerrari in an epic tug-of-war.

(more…)

New Husqvarna powercruiser prototype spotted testing, ready to take on Ducati Diavel.

(more…)

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