KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR
Only 500 copies of this naked bike will be released for sale, and sales in Europe will be carried out exclusively by online pre-order. The model is based on the latest KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R platform and is designed to demonstrate what will happen if you give the design bureau complete freedom of action (we waited 3 months for the appearance of this model, knowing about its existence from indirect signs).
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR Engine
The numbers speak for themselves: 1301 cubic centimeters of engine displacement, 180 horsepower and 140 Newton meters, as well as a 1:1 weight-to-power ratio and enough torque to assemble asphalt into an accordion. Of course, a motorcycle of such power and torque is very good on the road, but it can only achieve its maximum on the track.
The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR, having lost 9 kilograms compared to the SUPER DUKE R, has become even faster, stronger and more stable at high speed. The wheels, which have lost as much as 1.5 kg of unsprung mass, are shod with ultra-grippy rubber and are ready to conquer the track in stock condition. Structurally, the new wheels resemble those of the factory RC16 racing car.
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR
The fastest possible driving is not only a powerful engine, but also a light, precise and fast gearbox. Therefore, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR is equipped with a transmission from PANKL, a renowned manufacturer of sports transmissions. The PASC light-slip clutch provides easy shifting and the safety of aggressive downshifts while preventing rear wheel lockup.
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR Chassis and Suspension
Even more important are the best suspension components from WP. At the front, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR is equipped with a fully adjustable WP APEX PRO 7548 Close Cartridge fork and an adjustable steering damper WP APEX PRO 7117. At the rear, a fully adjustable APEX PRO 7746 monoshock is installed, specially adjusted to the characteristics of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR and even allowing for adjustable length shock absorber The lightweight single-sided swingarm provides maximum ground clearance, deep lean angles and, thanks to its geometry, prevents the motorcycle from sagging under powerful accelerations. The fork is mounted in a new milled upper triple clamp that is 320 grams lighter than the SUPER DUKE R triple clamp. While retaining its base geometry, the RR has more precise steering and improved force distribution.
The design of this model makes extensive use of carbon composite: even the new subframe is made of carbon. The subframe is equipped with a unique single seat and laconic LED lighting technology.
Ergonomics of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR
The SUPER DUKE RR engine is Euro 5 compliant and features a short throw throttle with 65 degrees of travel (7 degrees less than the standard KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R) for better response and to reduce the amount of wrist bend required to get the throttle fully open. In addition, the SUPER DUKE RR is equipped from the factory with a lightweight Akrapovic “SLIP-ON LINE” exhaust tract made of titanium and equipped with a carbon fiber outlet element. For those who need the highest possible performance, the Akrapovic “EVOLUTION LINE” kit is available as an option. The flow of air into the combustion chambers is optimized by inertial charging, the intake of which is located between the headlights.
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR
Premium RR ergonomic features include 12 footrest positions, reverse gearing, 4-position steering wheel adjustment, digital instrument panel with easy-to-use navigation buttons on the left console, milled adjustable levers (with guard on front brake lever), keyless entry ( including opening the gas cap), cruise control, tire pressure monitoring system, auto-off turn signals and communication with a smartphone with the ability to control navigation, calls and music without being distracted from the road.
Key Features of the 2021 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR:
- The most powerful V-twin among serial naked bikes
- Maximum power of 180hp and weight of 180kg result in a power to weight ratio of 1:1
- WP APEX PRO pendants
- New carbon body kit
- Lightweight lithium-ion battery (-2.5kg)
- Ultra-light forged wheels (-1.5kg)
- Milled traverse (-320g)
- Carbon subframe with updated single seat
- Exclusive range of options in the KTM PowerParts catalog
- Limited edition of 500 pieces
Beneath the carbon body kit of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR lies a modern and extensive suite of track-focused electronics, supplied factory-fitted. The most significant of all the RR's electronic features are the Track and Performance riding modes, which provide virtually limitless customization options for rear wheel slip, throttle response, launch control and engine braking.
Despite the excellent equipment and exclusivity of the model, the RR is available with a full section of factory accessories in the KTM PowerParts catalogue.
Pre-orders for the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR open on April 8th and will be exclusively online.
I recently wrote a short post about the history of purchasing the 3rd KTM in one calendar year, a couple of people in the comments and PMs asked me to make a small comparison of the GT version and the R version. Update - also added ktm 1290 Super Adventure S
For everyone who is interested - under the cut
Let me clarify right away that the GT version I had was 2021, but it was the 2021 generation. Restyling came out in 2021.
Like the R version, I have a new one from the showroom, but in fact it’s 2019, the second generation, now the 3rd one has come out. Adventure was the same version that is being produced now, 2021, 2018 colors
I once wrote a short review on the s1000r on I don’t even remember which motorcycle resource, where I indicated that with such a bike there is no need for sports. So, Duke is even more next level. I won’t compare s1kr and duki - let’s just say that BMW has all the same electronics (we’re not talking about TFT displays and ice headlights, although for me the lack of ice on a new bike from a premium class salon in 2021 is a shame, to put it mildly...), but much more boring character and less interesting suspension. sports fans - calm down, I'm talking about naked, not about cheeseRR)))
Everything written and said here is imho. I am writing a subjective review, and do not pretend to be the universal truth)
Adventure => Sport-tour => Naked (this is exactly what happened to me with KTM):
1. Dynamics. GT and naked in a straight line + are the same (a friend has a GT version, so there is always the opportunity to compare live). Adventure lags behind both (both in feel and in reality), but damn it’s Goose at maximum speed - it drives very well. The feeling of accelerating on a naked bike is much more fun than on a GT. On the GT-x everything is somehow too comfortable and calm. although with the complete absence of wind protection on a naked bike, the maximum speed of 280 (this is the limit from the factory) is reached normally, without lifting the head from the body. speed 200 is completely comfortable, 240-250 - it’s better to snuggle up to the tank. maximum speed - ideally, at least install a tiny glass, but for now I’m skating without. On GT, I didn’t even think about bending over to 220-230. Adventurer after 200 can get a little carried away with the standard glass + a huge 58 liter case. if you remove the case it’s easier. Replacing the glass removes the wobbling at 240 somewhere. Although I drove a 240 with a case, it’s a matter of habit))) ps, of course, everything was checked on the track - I don’t violate any country’s traffic rules)))
2. Electronics, regarding naked and sports touring, traction modes, throttle grips, etc. here the difference in generations plays a role, if you take the 2019 GTX there will also be an additional mode - a track mod, where there is anti-wheelie that can be turned off, 9 traction modes, launch control, etc. I know, but it seems like there is one from online reviews). In the first generation GTH there are only 4 throttle modes, turn off and turn on traction. and turn off turn on abs.
Adventure has its own tricks - like holding the bike on an incline for 5 seconds. The feature is cool, but not a must-have.
3. suspension. a separate line about her. in GT it is electronic and magnificent. If you are not a weekly visitor to track days, it will be more than enough for you with its 4 modes. + There are 4 loading modes for the bike (one, one with luggage, two, two with luggage). BUT, on a naked bike it is not electronic and even without settings in normal mode it is simply awesome - and it turns like a razor and the pits do not send your spine into your panties. Plus, the manual specifically describes how it is fully customizable + how many clicks you need to make for approximate adjustment to different modes (it is clear that it is not designed for your exact weight - you have to play with it yourself). Well, I’m still in favor of non-electronic suspension... because I saw the eyes of the owner of a BMW C1000xr when he was told the bill for the front suspension that failed after washing, after the warranty on the bike disappeared))))
Adventure has an electronic suspension, I haven’t ridden more comfortably on the suspension (and I rode in the hardest mode), but I’m a former sports enthusiast. on relative off-road conditions - earth, sand, gravel, traces of former asphalt with holes - all this is one road and in the forest - my wife was sitting in the back seat, as if we were calmly driving along the highway. although it was 30-50 km per hour on such a surface.
4. The brakes are the best in the class. as well as on BMW, Aprilia, Ducatti, etc. top top. I’ve never had a chance to compare it with Aprilia and top-end Ducas, this is from a friend’s review, there were BMWs - the brakes are equally gorgeous. There is no difference between naked and GT. The Adventure also brakes superbly, adjusted for the long-travel suspensions. but 0 complaints.
5. Riding with a passenger - my wife found it even more comfortable on the GT, according to her, than on the 1290 Adventurer that I had before. It’s clear that all this is in the presence of a rear case. on a naked bike - you can take it for a ride, but it’s not worth talking about the convenience of a GTI. But since my wife now has her own bike, it doesn’t bother me)
6. weight - the Gtha is not much heavier, but of course on serpentine roads a naked bike is much more interesting, simpler and better. immediately another bike for some reason. Adventure feels much heavier. and significantly higher. I am 185 cm tall - I stood with both feet on the ground only if the mode was 1 person without luggage and a passenger. in other modes it’s even harder to climb onto the bike)
7. naked wheelie machine. GT too, but naked is more conducive to this. Adventure is the same wheelie machine as the others, but I don’t really want to drive such a “stupid” all the time))
8. luggage. on the one hand, you may ask why is this item even needed? like a GT tourer - it has 3 panniers, etc. but for a naked bike there are also side quick releases (I have them in a box at home, one thing is that their fastenings are quite noticeable on the bike, but they are just as quickly installed - I did not install them). and a tank bag. and a bag for the tail (under 40 liters, an awesome thing if necessary). But, of course, if desired, the adventure game will surpass everyone in this regard)))
9. Not a correct point at all, but I’m comparing 3 of my motorcycles, they are from different generations. and they have different lights, tidy and key. so - tft tidy, great ice (it’s good on a naked bike, but of course the best on an adventure vehicle in general) and a key... it’s AWESOME! One plus of a GT over a naked bike, to be fair, is that there is backlighting in corners, also on ice, three levels (depending on the angle of inclination, the required ice is turned on). It is located in the side front plastic, combined with the turn signals. Adventurer also has one, right in the headlight. gorgeous thing.
10. tuning, which looks more interesting on a naked bike IMHO - more))) there are also enough tunings for the adventure, but with a mud focus.
I may have forgotten something, but as questions and my own thoughts arise, I may add more. I wrote a comparison to match the mood with a morning cup of coffee)
Ask if you are interested in any other question that I have not touched upon or have not touched upon sufficiently, I will try to answer for you more succinctly.
Well, have a nice day everyone and only bikes that will make you happy and bring positivity, like KTM did for me)
PS there will be an opportunity - I’ll definitely buy an adventure for the naked bike))) then I won’t need a car at all)
