The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R has been ‘re-Beasted’ for 2020. KTM’s flagship bike has won rave reviews by catering for the preferences and skills of a vast range of motorcyclists and has undergone its most radical re-invention yet for 2020. A completely new chassis, styling, and electronics mean the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R has trimmed weight across the board, while a reworked LC8 engine has unleashed even more power.
While the ‘hornet like’ looks of the Super Duke will always divide opinion, it will be undeniably an angry stinger of a machine ride.
Power? (Look at that torque figure!)
So on that ‘reworked LC engine’ – the message from KTM is , “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” so the V-Twin from last years model is back, but it is meaner. Boasting 177 hp and 140 Nm, the 1301 cc LC8, V-Twin has undergone a subtle development. Optimized to be lighter but retaining its torquey character.
So we know it’s going to be blisteringly fast but what about stopping power?
FRONT BRAKE – 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper (320mm)
REAR BRAKE -Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper (240mm), brake disc
ABS -Bosch 9.1MP 2.0 (with cornering ABS)
On the electronics side of things you get a host of premium features – any top line hyper naked machine being released for 2020 should be expected to come almost ‘as standard’ with a host of riding modes – and the Super Duke is no exception! The Duke comes with , Rain, Street, Sport and Track Mode (which allows the rider to customize a few features to best suit their riding style, like the level of slip allowed by the traction control, plus anti-wheelie can be switched off..). Other goodies include Cruise Control and Tire pressure Monitoring and auto-cancelling turn signals.
The real question is, if you already own a Super Duke should you upgrade? If you’ve the cash and still love the Duke – I think its certainly worth considering .. because they are hitting this new model where it matters, it not just cosmetics! Slightly more power, a lighter machine , a new chassis for improved handling and new electronics package – that would be enough to pull me to towards the 2020 model. Though if you do not have the cash saved up for an upgrade, all the pre-2020 models are still offer fantastic experiences; the Super Duke’s have always been, and always will be, the definition of a hooligan machine.
At the time of writing prices start a £15,699 in the UK – so a premium price tag as expected – but KTM have thrown everything at this machine.
I hope the enjoyed that quick round up this new machine, Ride Safe, Ride Smart.
Smart Motorcycling Guide
For more news about the KTM 2020 model range please visit www.ktm.com or your nearest authorized KTM dealer.
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