KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2023 — Specifications

The most monstrous of the Dukes receives new colors since 2022 and, above all, an EVO version equipped with semi-active suspension. KTM is determined to transform its "beast" into a tactical missile. Approach only if you have plutonium in your veins. Because here is an Austrian mix to give you a boost. Take two good pistons, about 650 cc each. Place them in a V configuration to create a bestial engine. Warm up gently until you pass 80°. Make sure to disconnect your brain and then find a road as twisted as the political class. Now, take a huge breath and avoid exceeding 10,000 rpm...

Otherwise, the 1290 Superduke R will get caught up in the game of madness. Since its debut, it has only been motivated to do so. And what if we made it even worse for this generation!? Ah ouuaaiisss !!! More horsepower, a lighter frame, more neurons and less calm. The days of crackers are over; it's time to pulverize the jam.

The Superduke has become more vindictive than ever. Stung by a reckless competition, the most powerful production roadster currently on the market... is no longer. Ducati Streetfighter V4, Kawasaki Z H2 and MV-Agusta 1000 Brutale have knocked it off the top spot. Does it rage at now being at the foot of the podium? But not at all. It retains the title of roadster with the most powerful twin-cylinder engine. Perhaps the new queens have big numbers to advance, but with 180 horsepower from its 1301 cc, the Katoche has plenty to teach many. This stud remains impressive, too assuredly, mesmerizing and phantasmagorical absolutely. It's a little more than the last time, for the sake of sensations and the rage of the pistons.

2021 caused no fright to the engine, the staff having taken care to make it compliant. The most notable changes took place before. The engine specialists had revised a lot of things, such as the injectors, oil circulation, ignition coils, air intake, intake valves (the use of titanium saves 19 grams compared to the steel previously), cylinder head resonance chambers, the water pump and the gas passage (60 mm) at the exhaust manifold level. This added 3 hp in the boiler, passing via a 6-speed box somewhat optimized for smoother and faster shifts. Bonus: 1.5 kg shaved off this hearth full of sulfur, charcoal and saltpeter, to be used without moderation but with some precautions. Like a major experiment, for example. Yet, that's not where the main changes of the 1290 Superduke R took place.

KTM trimmed the fat, without renouncing the highly aggressive lines of its "Beast." The tank and sheared shoulders gained presence, the exhaust line is completely new, a small touch of the scalpel on the face, a rear frame redesigned in composite to lose kilos. Bye bye secondary trellis in steel, bye bye for a few hundred grams. In this line of weight loss, KTM lightened some engine cases, adopted new, slimmer rims, and... seriously revised the Superduke's frame. A surprising mix of new design and new identity for the assembly of steel tubes in the Matighoffen style. The result promises to be a winner in every way.

Much more minimalist, the structure is shaped with fewer tubes but a larger diameter and thinner. It uses the engine as a stressed member. The benefit is twofold: two kilos less than the previous frame / three times more torsional rigidity. On the ex-Superduke, it wasn't exactly a marshmallow. Apparently, the tension in the spine increases by a notch. Such a renewal gives carte blanche for many peripheral elements. The swingarm jumps at the opportunity, lengthens, and anchors closer to the output sprocket. This, plus a 15 mm increase in wheelbase, augurs greater stability and traction. Then come the suspensions, as always from White Power. The 48 mm inverted fork and the mono-shock are equipped with Apex technology. They are lighter and more efficient than their predecessors. Given the level of sportiness of the machine, it is understood that each is adjusted in all directions - the rear element can even adjust its compression in high and low speed.

Say, the Brembo Stylema calipers... Yes, the top of the Brembo... How much mass will they have to stop now? How much did the machine lose? Well, a good packet. It smiles from its 189 kilos, because that's 6 less than the 2017-2019 model. A beautiful ratio for the hyper-roadster, not far from that of a hypersport. Take a closer look at those monoblock calipers... Monoblock mounting; 320 mm discs; that's serious; it's beautiful; you want it to smell like hot... But what is this piece of cable!?

Of course, the ABS. Where was my head. For sure, there's more to it than that. Digesting 180 horses from KTM, Ducati, or Kawa, or everywhere now, is under the governance of a plethora of microcircuits. When the power breaks through the 200 mm wide Bridgestone S22, it will first have received authorization and even regulation of traction control, which allows three different levels of wheel slip. The presence of a 6-axis inertial unit allows to refine the electronic response of the onboard assistance systems. They have all been revised to offer more smoothness and efficiency. Three riding Modes (Rain – Street – Sport) supervise them. Or two more if you tap into the options, Track and Performance. The details of each are at the bottom of the sheet. There is also optional engine slip regulation MSR, an adaptive taillight, and a few trinkets from PowerParts. Let's get out of this beam to return to the standard equipment, where awaits a speed regulator, a wheelie control, an ABS sensitive to the angle and with a Supermoto Mode disabling the rear brake, an Up&Down shifter, the ATIR function to stop the turn signals after 10 sec or 150 meters, LED lights complemented by daytime running lights, keyless start, tire pressure monitoring, a new generation 5-inch TFT screen and Bluetooth connectivity to enjoy the KTM My Ride app. Convenient for managing smartphone music and calls. But honestly, at the helm of such a missile, there's better to do ;-).

Like grabbing the handlebars, waking the beast, putting your brain in accelerated mode and feeling the machine rumble. On the left, the revised commodo is well loaded. Almost a control-gamer, highly indicated given the number of functions to pilot. With the Track Mode, it is possible to program two buttons to access a function or setting of your choice in one click.

The ergonomics remain, with a nervous riding position that can be modulated with the adjustable handlebars on 4 positions or the footrests that can be anchored on two levels.

The clan of hyper-roadsters has swelled considerably. A CB 1000 R or a GSX-S 1000 cannot pretend to it as the bar has become high. The entry ticket is at least 160 horses minimum - Once on the ring, you still need 50 hp more to become king. Where does this KTM Superduke 1290 R stand? Overmotivated. The sandwiches are blown, the coffee is far away; yet, with it, it is boiling. Equipped with more watts, a better power-to-weight ratio, a new chassis and a sharp design, the Katoche is a pure threat to the road. On the track, a voracious one in the making. In the clutches, a piece of C4.

M.B. - media constructor

Rain Mode

The Rain mode is the natural setting in wet conditions and induces maximum traction control, an ultra-soft acceleration response and reduced power, which allows to maintain good contact between the front wheel and the ground.

Street Mode

As the name suggests, Street mode is suitable for everyday riding on the road. To maintain good control on the road, full power, a default acceleration response and limited traction control for slip are required.

Sport Mode

Calibrated for more daring routes, Sport mode intensifies the throttle control, slightly reduces traction control and allows the front to lift during sudden acceleration. The last mode of course allows to release all the power of the engine.

Track Mode (optional)

To obtain a true racing behavior, the optional Track mode allows the driver to customize certain functions to suit his driving style, such as the level of slip allowed by the traction control or the possibility of disabling the wheelie control.

Performance Mode (optional)

Drivers retain the ability to adjust throttle response, wheel slip and wheelie control, while retaining road-type functions such as cruise control and KTM MY RIDE.