2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - It's Here!

Concept / prototype bikes from the major manufacturers are huge fodder for the masses. It's a real treat to see what their designers and engineers come up with. Sometimes (maybe even often) the results leave the pundits angry, yelling about ‟if I had the budget and resources I wouldn't do that.. I would do this...”. Everyone has their own opinion of course and rarely does a concept motorcycle receive universal acclaim. But, typically, after a big group hug there can at least be nod in the direction of ‟yea” or ‟nay”. When the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype (below) was unveiled nearly a year ago it seemed to be met with a resounding ‟yea”. My throttle hand did in fact start twitching -- I was a yay!

The problem with concept / prototype bikes is that they don't always make it into production, and if they do make it into production they are typically well watered down and don't quite resemble the exciting version initially teased. So, here we finally are with the official release of the 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

At first glance the production version is, as expected, a little different. The wild graphic elements of the prototype have been toned down, the customary comforts and safety items have been added as well as a more ‟regulatory friendly” exhaust (I'd be swapping that thing out immediately). All things to be expected. But, overall the spirit of the prototype machine remains. This thing looks fast, powerful and should come sporting a sign that reads ‟hooligans wanted”. It's got the specs to back it up:

ENGINE TYPE: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°

DISPLACEMENT: 1.301 ccm

BORE/STROKE: 108/71 mm

POWER: 132 kW (180 HP) at 8.870 rounds/min

CLUTCH: PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated

ENGINE MANAGEMENT/IGNITION: Keihin EMS with DBW, double ignition

FRAME: Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated

FRONT SUSPENSION: WP-USD Ø 48 mm

REAR SUSPENSION: WP-Monoshock

FRONT BRAKE: 2 x Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm

REAR BRAKE: Brembo fixed mounted two-piston brake calipers

BRAKE SYSTEM: Bosch 9ME Combined-ABS

STEERING HEAD ANGLE: 65,1°

WHEEL BASE: 1.482 ± 12 mm

DRY WEIGHT: 189 kg

If you've ridden any of KTM's LC8 based machines, you'll know they make gobs of power and torque. I do love me some large displacement 2-cylinder motorcycles! With this new 1.3 litre iteration KTM have engineered an ‟extremely lightweight, elemental engine filled with state-of-the-art racing technology, yet still even more sophisticated, durable and cultivated than ever.” With 180 hp peak power and 144 Nm maximum torque in a 416 lbs package, this is a bike that will plaster a grin on even the most reserved riders.

KTM are positioning the 1290 Super Duke R as a bike that can satisfy two sides of a coin. They tout the riding position and ergonomics as being something they're very proud of -- just throw a leg over one and you'll find a comfortable, engaged seat position. The electronics allow you to take the bike from tame rain mode to sport to ‟Supermoto ABS for all pure drifters” (you can also deactivate ABS and traction control completely). Essentially, you can have your easy rides around town and then take this beast out to wring it through back country twisties. There goes my twitchy throttle hand again.

The 1290 Super Duke R continues to separate opinions on it's looks. It's certainly not for everyone. It's Ducati-esque trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have some people pointing fingers, but hey, KTM are not exactly new to trellis frames and I'm pretty sure there are more than just Ducati's out there with single-sided swingarms. All indications about the performance of this bike are however looking universally agreeable -- it begs to ridden... ridden hard.