KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R
The KTM is one of only two bikes in the test to be completely unchanged from last year. It’s also one of only two supernakeds to have been designed from the ground up as a naked bike and not derived from anything else, and it’s one of only two bikes to use analogue suspension. What does all this mean? Well, nothing really, other than they are points of interest that speak volumes about how important two of the manufacturers view the sector – so important that they won’t produce high-powered sportsbikes but will produce high-powered naked bikes.
The 1290 Super Duke R has been around for a while now, and this latest third generation version may well look the same as the previous one but don’t be fooled. It debuted only last year, primarily to be Euro5 compliant, but KTM went to town with a clean sheet of paper. It still has a 1301cc capacity V-twin engine with twin injectors per cylinder, in common with the previous Super Duke R – and that’s about where the similarities to the Gen2 bike ends.
You know when a manufacturer has changed the shift forks in the gearbox for copper and bronze-plated ones in the name of quicker shift times that they really aren’t lying when they say they’ve gone through the previous model with a fine-tooth comb in the name of improvements.
The Gen3 Super Duke R got a new frame, new lighter subframe, new stiffer swingarm, new triple clamps with more offset, new rear suspension linkage, new rear shock, new forks, new geometry, new wheels, new brakes, new engine, new titanium inlet
valves, new exhaust system with different thickness headers due to liferent lengths, new pistons, new clutch, new crankshaft, new airbox, new DLC-coated finger followers on the cams, independent ignition maps for each spark plug, the new aforementioned gear selector forks, new IMU, new display, new seat, new fuel tank, new headlight, new switch gear and new rider aids. It’s actually a shame that it looks so similar to the Gen2 bike.
The accumulated effect of all this newness is that the latest Super Duke R is 6kg lighter and 3bhp more powerful, has a stiffer chassis and a higher centre of gravity (presumably to offset a longer wheelbase) and a slightly lazier rake angle.
It’s also got the latest kit from WP Suspension and Brembo, and it’s kinder to the kittens.
Crucially, even though it’s a brand new bike, KTM hasn’t deviated too far from the formula for the Super Duke R that has made it arguably the purest interpretation of what a supernaked should be.
On the surface, the Super Duke R has a stripped-back, basic appearance, almost agricultural with its tubular frame laid bare and exhaust system on show for all to see, but underneath it is highly sophisticated and has the highest spec components throughout.
All its functions can be split out, and they all function as well as the very best with a silky smooth cut and release anti-wheelie that doesn’t so much cut and release as just hold. Switch it off to get the full effect of the massive V-twin engine and it’s an all action ride. Basically, any corner that’s taken in any of the first three gears – which means pretty much 80% of all corners on A and B roads – is finished off with a wheelie off the throttle for as long as you want. If being on one wheel is not your thing, then this bike probably isn’t for you. However, by virtue of the fact that you’ve gone to the trouble and expense of buying this magazine and are reading this feature, I’m willing to take a punt on the fact that you probably don’t mind a bit nonsense in your motorcycling life.