Malaysian Motor Works

Now, it just happen, KTM unveiled the monstrous Duke at Sepang. After the launched, it was announced it will be selling at RM128,800 and on the road costs is at RM133,000. So, it is up to you, which will bring the best sensual riding capacity - either KTM Super Duke or Ducati Streetfighter or cheaper Japanese 4-cylinder Z1000 or the continental BMW K13000R and British made, the 3-piston Speed Triple R.

After the spectacular launch of the 1290 Super Duke prototype, the company follows up with the long awaited premiere of the production 1290 Super Duke R. Crowning their legendary range of Naked Bikes, the Austrians deliver 1290 Super Duke R – a machine that re-defines the very notion of a streetfighter and is ready to raid in all adjacent segments. It is nothing short of the ideal embodiment of the KTM philosophy: endless power, the highest precision, perfect ergonomics, the finest ingredients, not an ounce too much weight, ready to race!

The aggressive design of the new 1290 Super Duke R betrays it immediately and unmistakably: the KTM development engineers may have stuck to the concept of the typical, delicate-looking trellis frame wrapped tightly around a mighty V2 powerplant. But they have put together a comprehensive package that outshines all previous streetfighters and naked bikes – including those made by KTM itself.

At a maximum output of 180hp and only 189kg of weight, the latest Super Duke generation realises a power-to-weight ratio previously reserved for maxed-out hyper sports bikes. And with a load of the latest electronic assistance systems, from the disengagable ABS with “Supermoto” mode to the also multi-staged, lean-angle sensing traction control, it defines new benchmarks for streetfighters and naked bikes regarding controllability and safety.

The extremely light four-valve engine now sets free no less than 180hp of maximum power and 144Nm
of maximum torque from 1,301cc of displacement. Its dual ignition increases the fuel mileage, while lowering the emissions and providing a smooth and refined low rev range.

The hydraulic anti-hopping clutch prevents annoying rear-wheel chatter under heavy braking and lowers the manual clutch force. The V2 engine with 75° of cylinder angle and an electronic engine management with ride-by-wire function brings breathtaking performance, convincing real-world practicality and straight-razor precision into such perfect harmony that its applications range from urban commuting to the race track, where it has all the makings of a potential Superbike terror.

The chassis of the new 1290 Super Duke R copes easily with the challenges that result from the unique riding dynamics of the new KTM. Besides the ultra-lightweight but extremely rigid chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame with its excellent geometry and bolt-on rear subframe, the credits for this go largely to the top quality and widely adjustable WP suspension components. The front wheel is guided by a pair of 48mm upside-down forks with separate damping circuits. The rear wheel, mounted within a new, especially stable and ravishingly beautiful single-sided aluminium swing arm, has a central pressurised monoshock with manually adjustable spring pre-load. Forks and monoshock offer wide ranges of adjustment from very comfortable to extremely sporty, so the chassis may be adjusted to the rider's preferences.

The unique package of a husky engine and perfectly balanced chassis delivers boundless riding fun and high levels of safety in all conditions and at every pace. Absolute predictability and top safety is not the least guaranteed by the unsurpassed Brembo brakes, the newly developed Dunlop tires and the assistance systems of the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R developed in close collaboration with Bosch.

Among these groundbreaking assistance systems are the combined anti-lock brake system ABS and the ride-mode technology with lean angle sensing traction control MTC (motorcycle traction control). In addition, ABS can not only be completely disengaged but also has a “Supermoto” mode that allows a higher degree of bike lift-up as well as complete rear wheel lock-up. The motorcycle traction control MTC, which can also be disengaged, adds three different modes, allowing different degrees of slippage at the flick of a switch on the left handlebar.

Besides its breathtaking dynamics, the 1290 Super Duke R therefore delivers captivating rideability, convincing everyday practicality and top safety. Perfectly tuned down to the finest details, the package of
engine and chassis combines high functionality with unsurpassed performance in a virtually ideal manner. This means the 1290 Super Duke R is not so much the crowning finish of a long success story but a complete package newly developed without compromise, destined to convert optimum performance into ultimate riding fun at maximum safety. The 1290 Super Duke R will redefine the levels of performance possible with an unfaired motorcycle. More than that, it will write history.