KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R

There’s no doubting THE BEAST’s performance credentials. But that doesn’t mean riders have to sacrifice long-distance comfort either. While the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is at home [...]

Brand-new BRIDGESTONE S22 tires – 120/70/17 in the front and 200/55/17 in the rear – have been specifically developed for the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. Featuring a fine-particle silica [...]

Through the power of leverage, the new linkage at the rear helps to smooth out rough roads, while still ensuring that full-attack track action remains uncompromised. The progressive damping [...]

New, lighter forged aluminum triple clamps with an offset of 32 mm have been matched to an aluminum steering column for added weight savings. Essentially, this is the bit that connects the nut [...]

Lighter and fully adjustable WP APEX forks feature split function compression and rebound settings. This allows riders to fine-tune the front end for full-blown apex attacks, or to achieve [...]

Think of the suspension elements on THE BEAST as the muscles that work to get the power to the ground in the best way possible. Every component has been considered to improve the handling, [...]

Unlike MTC which works when the power gets rolled on, MSR works when the power is wound off. MSR (optional), or Motor Slip Regulation, works with the slipper clutch to balance the throttle, [...]

An optional «Performance mode» takes the basic concept of «Track mode» but adapts it for the street. Riders are still able to adjust throttle response, wheel slip and [...]

The optional «Track mode» allows riders to customize wheel slip levels and throttle response to suit their own individual tastes or track conditions. Traction control can be tweaked [...]

Many traditionalists might frown at the sight of electronic rider aids, saying they interfere with the purity of the ride. However, when it comes to the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, all electronic [...]

An optional Adaptive Brake Light system adds a little more visibility to extreme braking situations, by illuminating an additional light when braking hard or suddenly.

A new angle-adjustable 5 inch TFT screen takes center stage ahead of the rider, featuring a fresh design and innovative new functionality. An updated menu structure gives riders faster access to [...]

While the all-new headlight mask doubles as an intake snorkel, it’s the twin LED headlights that really shine. Sharp, menacing lines enhance THE BEAST’s overall look, while providing [...]

There’s no mistaking that this is the meanest bike on the block. A high-quality application process has been used to ensure the signature ‘R’ graphics stay put and never fade, [...]

Completely new and made of steel, the 16 litre fuel tank has been crafted to bulk up THE BEAST’s haunches. Also, the new shape and angle have been designed to support the rider on street [...]

The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R boasts an all-new TFT dashboard with increased functionality. To access this, a great deal of testing was done to develop robust and intuitive motorcycle switchgear, [...]

Multi-dexterity is the name of the game when it comes to this BEAST’s tail. An all-new and lighter composite subframe combines a number of functions to save weight and increase [...]

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 [...]

To perform like a BEAST, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R needs to breathe like a BEAST. Thanks to an all-new ram air intake positioned in the new headlight mast, this rip snorting arrangement maximizes [...]

In the battle of physics and blasting holes in the space-time continuum, lighter is faster. But when you’re working with a pure naked BEAST, finding the places to trim fat is often a [...]

While the pressure lubricated PASC slipper clutch allows for feather-light clutch modulation while accelerating, it’s how it handles slowing down that’s the really impressive bit. [...]

To perform like a BEAST, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R needs to breath like a BEAST. Thanks to an all-new ram air intake positioned in the new headlight mask, this rip snorting arrangement maximizes [...]

You don’t always need big changes to make big differences. In fact, when it comes to the PANKL gearbox, we’ve made a few small tweaks which have resulted in quicker shift times, [...]

New topfeeder injectors and 56 mm throttle bodies provide an improved air to fuel mixture at high rpms. This results in more torque and better fuel economy throughout the rev range.

Thinner engine casings and revised water and oil cooler mounts have resulted in a 0.8 kg weight saving. Oil delivery has also been improved by way of a lightweight aluminum oil line, eliminating [...]

Forget about ignition keys and mechanically locked fuel caps, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R features KTM RACE ON! All you need is the transponder key in your pocket and you can unlock THE BEAST.

Auto-cancelling turn signals are a big improvement in terms of safety, as it is now impossible to for forget that they are activated and flashing into infinitum. Indicators stop flashing after 10 [...]

As its name implies, the TPMS monitors tire pressure and warns riders of potential tire damage in the event of pressure loss on the TFT display. An added convenience when you want to spend more [...]

Long motorway journeys are easily dispatched with the SUPER DUKE R’s cruise control system. Easily activated and controlled by a switch on the left hand side of the handlebar, riders can set [...]

KTM MY RIDE puts you in control of your smartphone, without losing control of the bars. By using a mobile app. KTM MY RIDE syncs to your smartphone giving you turn-by-turn navigation and access [...]

Introducing a completely new generation of motorcycle traction control – MTC for short – which uses two different controllers to keep things in check. The most obvious of which is a [...]

In a bid to give riders more feedback and ultimately control, the ride modes have been completely reworked and updated. This has resulted in less intrusive traction control in all modes and [...]

Three things happen when riders select «Supermoto ABS». First, all ABS functionality is disabled on the rear wheel, allowing the riders to lock up the brakes and slide into corners. [...]

Based on the state-of-the-art 9.1 MP modulator,the comprehensive Bosch MSC assistance package unites the talents of efficient braking and lightning-quick, efficient pressure modulation with the [...]

A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in a clear-cut, uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or telling you to back [...]

Almost mantis-like, the new LED headlight doubles as a ram air intake, with air being channelled between the lights, keeping them cool, and directly into the airbox, making for a more efficient [...]

Thanks to an all-new, lighter composite subframe, the passenger seat, license plate holder and taillights could be seamlessly incorporated into a neat rear end, which keeps a little sting in the tail.

Form and function are integrated beautifully in the 1290 SUPER DUKE R. Take the headlight for example, a highlight in this bike’s design. The central aluminum heat sink holds the LEDs and keeps [...]

Big lean angles come as standard, thanks to smart positioning of the foot pegs, which also allow for comfort on the road. However, further refinement is also possible with two positions, which [...]

Reigning in THE BEAST comes courtesy of 4-piston BREMBO Stylema monobloc calipers clamping onto 320 mm floating discs up front, and a twin piston floating caliper biting a 240 mm disc at the rear.

These wheels didn’t just happen by the grace of a designer’s pen – they are the product of a sophisticated CAD system, which determines the best shape in terms of strength and [...]

With so much propulsive power, the front wheel could become very light, which might lead to unpleasant kick-back on uneven roads or following a slight stimulus at the handlebar. The 1290 SUPER [...]

The newly developed WP APEX rear shock absorber features separate gas and oil reservoirs, making it lighter and more compact than its predecessor. It is also fully adjustable, with individual [...]

With its multiple setting options for spring rebound, compression and damping, the extremely torsion-resistant upside-down telescopic fork from WP Suspension provides you with a personalized [...]

To increase feel and traction, the pivot point of the single-sided swingarm has been repositioned 5mm higher relative to the output sprocket for more control when putting the power down. Combined [...]

This is not a case of «bark being worse than bite» – this BEAST roars! Up to 60 mm of drainpipe-like dimensions at the headers optimize gas flow, while 2 catalytic converters [...]

When it comes to burning fuel efficiently, two sparks are better than one. The twin spark ignition system makes use of more powerful ignition coils and two sparkplugs in each cylinder head. This [...]

An intake flange is more than the plumbing that connects the throttle body to the ports in the cylinder head. It is an integral part of the induction system and has to match the airflow [...]

Formula1-inspired forged piston technology means we can push the limits of load capacity despite the extremely short and lightweight design. This results in minimized reciprocating weight and [...]

The responsiveness and free-revving nature of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R’s engine are also enhanced by the very low reciprocating weight of its crankshaft. Moreover, the flow-optimized shape of [...]

The Ride-by-Wire on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R goes the extra mile. It electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into the best throttle valve positions for the current riding [...]

Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when [...]

Thanks to the resonator chambers on the cylinder heads, which have been engineered to increase the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R power train runs [...]

State-of-the-art, machined titanium inlet valves with chromium nitride PVD coating – how impressive does that sound? These feature a flat design, and weigh 19 grams less than steel inlet valves. [...]