KTM add carbon and slash kilos
New Super Duke ‘RR’ model ups the super-naked game
Spyshots have revealed that KTM are working on a hot version of their 1290 Super Duke R for those seeking an even more performance-focused ride. The firm’s current Super Duke R was unveiled at the end of ’19 and is already no slouch. The 1301cc V-twin produces a punchy 178bhp and 103lb.ft of torque. It combines this with a handy chassis and, if you tick every option on the order form, a decent electronics suite. But more bikes have made their way into dealers since it was launched, including Triumph’s new Speed Triple 1200RS, which makes the same power but is considerably lighter. That must be at least one of the reasons why it appears KTM have stuck the R on a diet. Type approval documents for a new Super Duke RR show power to be exactly the same, with just small changes to the emissions, which are presumably thanks to that Akrapovic pipe we can see in the photos. But with no extra power, where’s the zing coming from? A 10kg weight loss. Looking around the bike, it’s clear this has been their goal. There’s carbon fibre everywhere – the front mudguard, the flyscreen, the rear mudguard, the chainguard, the subframe cover, the tank cover – it’s almost endless. They’ve even removed the pillion seat and swapped that for a carbon cover, while the little carbon fibre air ducts for the front brakes make it clear this bike is intended for serious track action. Other lightweight parts from the KTM Powerparts catalogue include adjustable levers and footrests.
The Super Duke RR also looks to be sporting different wheels. They don’t appear to be carbon, more likely forged alloy, but the weight saving should be significant. There are no other big changes, bar some likely suspension upgrades but the RR is likely to come with all of the options found in the ‘Track’ and ‘Tech’ packs.