BEAST THAT’S AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
NICKNAMED The Beast and with 174 horsepower on tap from a ridiculously compact and light motor, KTM’S 1290 Super Duke R might come across as something of a hooligan. But this super-naked also has a more tame side to it.
The bike certainly looks like it means business, with that eye-catching orange trellis frame and white tank, the short, fat exhaust end can, and its general stocky, powerful stance. Jump on board, however, and it’s actually quite narrow, and you’re struck by the comfortable ride position and wide, upswept bars.
The cockpit features a nifty colour TFT screen with analogue tachometer and digital speedo, plus oodles of other information.
With the key fob in your pocket, hit the start button to fire up that 1301cc V-twin.
There are three ride modes: Street and Sport offer the full 174hp, but vary the delivery and level of traction control, while Rain limits the maximum output, with earlier traction control intervention.
There is also a Supermoto setting which turns off the traction control, and all of this is operated via an intuitive illuminated menu switch.
The power of this bike is awesome. It’s super quick and there’s a huge amount of torque all the way from 3,000rpm to just below 7,000rpm. The six-speed gearbox is pretty smooth, with an up/down quickshifter an option at £350.
You do get a slipper clutch as standard, which smooths out any harsh downshifts.
The suspension set-up on this bike is second to none, with fully adjustable WP
43mm USD forks, a WP fully adjustable rear shock and a WP steering damper.
So, despite being a pretty hefty beast, the Duke handles superbly through long sweeping bends and even better on tight B-road twisties – it just seems to encourage you to attack the corner before opening up all that power on the way out.
Braking is via Brembo calipers and 320mm front discs, with a 240mm rear, plus cornering ABS.
The stopping power is excellent and the brakes have great bite and finger-light progression.
Surprisingly, at lower speeds around town, the R behaves almost like a different animal.
It’s quiet, reserved, easy to handle and, with the wide bars and steep rake plus the light clutch, nimble too. Overall, what can I say – other than, I loved it? Fantastic power, confidence-inspiring in the bends and perfectly at home around town – it’s simply the best bike I have ridden for some time. Super Duke is cool in orange and white TFT screen with analogue tacho KTM 1290 Super Duke R
1301cc
V-twin
174bhp 104lb ft Black/ white; Orange/ white KTM 1290 Super Duke R