THE BEAST.
THE BEAST.
Having shed its skin, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is now a leaner, meaner, and even more menacing hyper-naked bike than ever before. Mounted into an all-new chassis, beats an updated version of the renowned 75 degrees, 1301 cc LC8, V-Twin heart, taking THE BEAST to the next level.
ENGINE & EXHAUST: ENGINE - Thinner engine casings and revised water and oil cooler mounts have resulted in a 0.8 kg (1.7 lbs) weight saving. Oil delivery has also been improved by way of a lightweight aluminum oil line, eliminating the need for a double wall system. Additionally, the engine carrier bracket and linkage mount have been integrated into the engine case, allowing for a stiffer connection. This has also resulted in a 5 mm higher swingarm pivot for improved stability and anti-squat.
CHASSIS: FRAME - A new frame concept, which uses the engine as a means to increase torsional rigidity, has resulted in the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R being 3 times stiffer than its predecessor. This allows for an effortless, confidence-inspiring riding position which translates into an ultimately faster ride. This is achieved by maximizing the feedback from the chassis and the front tire. The frame also makes use of thicker diameter tubes with thinner walls, which is the single biggest weight-saving measure on the bike - saving 2 kg compared to the previous model.
ERGONOMICS & COMFORT: HANDLEBAR - Finding the optimal seating position is made easy with an adjustable 760 mm wide handlebar. Riders can tailor their preferred reach with 4 positions over 21 mm, front to back, making it easy to attack corners and crucial for hanging on down the straights.
BODYWORK & GRAPHICS: BODY - There isn't much to say about the bodywork of the new KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R as there is so little of it to talk about. But that's exactly how we like it! Aggressive and menacing, the bodywork and panels had to achieve two objectives - tick all the ergonomic boxes and shave weight wherever possible. As such, every panel and plate has been calculated for optimum thickness and minimized where possible. The only thing that remained heavy was attitude.
Advertised pricing excludes applicable taxes, title, and licensing and is subject to change without notice. The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost. All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions, and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that errors, for instance in printing, setting, and/or typing, may occur; such information is subject to change without notice. The consumption values stated refer to the roadworthy series condition of the vehicles at the time of factory delivery.
