2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Revealed

Almost a year after it was revealed in prototype form, KTM has released final specifications and photographs of the all-new 1290 Super Duke R production model. Until now, KTM had been coy about the specs for its large-displacement naked bike, but we can now see what makes the Austrian manufacturer nickname the new Super Duke R as “the Beast”.

In typical KTM style, the 1290 in the bike’s name provides only a ballpark estimate of the actual engine displacement. The powerplant is another iteration of KTM’s  75-degree V-Twin engine, this time enlarged to a 1301cc displacement. Whereas the engines on the RC8 R and the 1190 Adventure have a bore of 105mm and a stroke of 69 mm, the Super Duke R is bored out to 108 mm while the stroke is a bit longer at 71 mm.

The result, KTM claims, is an output of 177 hp at 8870 rpm. Torque, meanwhile, is claimed to peak at 106 ft-lb., with an ample 74 ft-lb. available at just 2500 rpm. According to KTM, the 1290 Super Duke R can go from 0 to 200 kph (124 mph) in just 7.2 seconds. The fuel tank holds 4.75 gallons while KTM claims a dry weight of 417 pounds.

Helping control the power delivery is a ride-by-wire throttle system and a traction control system. The R-b-W system offers selectable ride modes that control power output as well as traction control and combined-ABS. Rain mode offers smooth but limited power with early traction control intervention. Street mode provides a sportier ride for everyday use. Sport mode offers full power and less traction control intervention. An all-new Supermoto mode which only engages ABS for the front wheel, allowing the rear to slide. Traction control and ABS can also be deactivated.

The 1290 is equipped with radially-mounted Brembo M50 monobloc calipers gripping twin 320mm front discs while a Brembo two-piston caliper grips the rear disc. Suspension is comprised of a 48 mm upside-down fork and monoshock from WP Suspension.

Other highlights include standard daytime running lights, single-sided swingarm, die-cast wheels, Dunlop Sportsmart tires, six-speed transmission with slipper clutch, a 32.9-inch seat height and service intervals spaced out at 15,000 km (9320 miles).

[Source: KTM]

By Dennis Chung