KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo 2023 — Specifications

Within the galaxy of roadsters, there are basic models, large ones, small ones, retro bikes, streetfighters, and a handful of high-performance machines. A select club where power is impressive. KTM has placed a striking ambassador with its Super Duke 1290 R. A voracious, intrepid, and furious beast.

In 2021, a special RR series was proposed to push the limits even further on the track. This time, KTM broadens the battlefield with the EVO model. A technological graft to offer it even more roads and more possibilities as prey. The engine, frame, and face are untouched, but it receives second-generation APEX semi-active suspension.

This is the first time the fiercest Duke has had pilot-controlled suspension. This allows it to align with competitors such as the Streetfighter V4 and the MV-Agusta Brutale 1000 RR. Except that the Italians are equipped with Öhlins. The Super Duke Evo receives hardware from White Power. The 48 mm inverted fork and the monoshock are equipped with solenoid valves and sensors to adapt to the road profile according to three laws: Comfort, Street, or Sport. It is possible to adjust the rear spring preload from the dashboard, on 10 levels. Each varies the adjustment by 2 mm.

The manufacturer has chosen to reserve the most sporty Modes for the Pro option. There are three of these as well, and they are much more aggressive than the standard ones. There is Track, the firmest for track use. There is Advanced Mode so that the rider can take control of the damping level on a scale of 1 to 8 and fine-tune it to their liking. As well as the AUTO selection takes care of detecting everything and adapting the suspension according to the ride or the hooliganism.

This Pro option can also provide an anti-dive function during hard braking and three automatic preload presets. The rider's weight is taken into account to then offer three suspension geometries: Standard for neutrality and the best possible balance; Low to settle in a bit of comfort and lower the seat height; or High to put the beast on the attack, load the front, strengthen agility and make it as aggressive as possible. That is, the temperament that best corresponds to its mechanics and its fury.

We have just seen that the Evo particle concerns the suspension. The Super Duke name evokes the largest sporty twin available on a roadster, with 1301 cm3. Its 180 horsepower and strong torque of 14.3 mkg make it a double-impact battering ram. The watts are initially released by a new quick-pull throttle, borrowed from the RR – it pivots on 65° instead of 72°.

Initially? Yes, because afterwards, there are the Riding Modes (Rain – Street – Sport – Track and Performance optional), a reactive traction control at angle, an ABS cornering with Supermoto function, an anti-wheeling, a Up&Down shifter, a cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, keyless start and lockings (steering – fuel cap), a 5-inch color TFT screen, etc, etc.... Optionally, the machine can bring you engine slip regulation, Launch Control, a Track Pack, plenty of CNC machined and anodized parts, and Akrapovic to make the engine sing.

To distinguish the Evo from a standard Super Duke, the easiest way is to look at the bottom of the fork tubes. They are here adorned with a blue ring. Because apart from the suspension, the two Super Duke 1290 R are identical. With a super rigid steel trellis frame using the engine as a structural element, large Brembo Stylema 4-piston brakes around 320 mm discs, a beautiful monobrach, and a barely heavier weight. The Evo weighs 2 kg more, or 191 dry.

Thanks to this new configuration, the Super Duke will gain a bit of versatility without sacrificing anything to its sportiness. The price will sting more, but KTM had to offer an alternative to the high-co-piloted hyper-roadsters of the competition. The beast can now choose claws or pads. But the teeth in the jaw are no less sharp.

M.B. - media manufacturer

Rain Mode

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

Street Mode

As the name suggests, Street Mode is suitable for regular road trips. To maintain good control on the road, it requires full power, a default acceleration response, and limited traction control for slip.

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 you to release all the power of the engine.

Track Mode (optional)

To obtain a real racing behavior, the optional Track Mode allows the rider to customize certain functions to suit their driving style, such as the level of slip allowed by the traction control or the possibility of disabling the anti-wheeling.

Performance Mode (optional)

Riders retain the ability to adjust throttle response, wheel slip, and anti-wheeling, while retaining road-type functions such as cruise control.