The KTM Duke is a family that is recognizable on the streets and already has a whole army of fans. It is therefore not surprising that KTM continues to develop the model. In any family there must be someone especially big and scary, here the KTM 1290 Super Duke R took that crown. The 2021 model was developed under the name “The Beast 3.0”.
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The first of its kind was born in 2014 - the 1290 Super Duke R based on the LC8 KTM engine. In 2021, the engine received a number of electronic and mechanical updates. This was the second generation - “The Beast 2.0”.
“The Beast 3.0” has become even angrier, even lighter, even more dangerous. Is he as good as expected?
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Engine update
At the moment, the LC8 twin is really the most powerful from KTM, although it is similar to the previous one - also 1301 cubic centimeters and a cylinder camber of 75 degrees. But the engine gained only three horsepower compared to its second-generation brother. The exhaust produces 177 horsepower and a peak torque of 140 Nm at 8000 rpm. By the way, at low and medium speeds it is now also vigorous, which might have been lacking before. Looking ahead, the increase in power has been achieved while simultaneously addressing the problems caused by strict Euro 4/5 emissions regulations. For this purpose, the exhaust system is equipped with two catalytic converters.
The increased performance is due to the addition of shower head nozzles, which are located on each of the two inlet pipes. Thus, the grinding of fuel and atomization of the combustible mixture at upper speeds is more efficient.
For the engine to work better, it needs to “breathe” well. Engineers used the principle of inertial supercharging. The previous model had dual air intakes, while the third generation uses a central air intake. It was placed between the headlights and increased by as much as a quarter - by 2.8 liters. The intake itself is covered with a grille to protect it from foreign objects.
Added to this is a completely updated exhaust system. It's not just easy. To equalize the difference due to the length of the manifold pipes (depending on the cylinder), the head pipe on the rear cylinder is made larger in diameter than that of the front.
Ergonomics
The aggressive design of the motorcycle is due not only to the desire to emphasize the sporting features of the model. But the manufacturers do not hide that the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a place both in the city and on the track. If you look closely at the fairing and consider how it affects aerodynamics, the true meaning of the design becomes clear - creating downforce at the front of the motorcycle. And from all this, a sporty landing reasonably follows.
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An unexpected solution is the design of the landing at the tank, which should give more comfort and confidence to the pilot in braking. However, with the new structure of the air intake and this landing, the tank lost almost two liters of volume.
The control system deserves special attention. According to the manufacturer, enough time was spent on developing the remote controls so that the driver has everything he needs “at hand.” But there is no longer a “track” mode in stock; you will have to be content with the basic ones: rain, road and sports. Although it should be noted that the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is not offended by electronics, if you need to prepare it for serious races, you can always achieve the desired result by installing the necessary options. Not for free, of course.
If you want the Quickshifter feature, you'll have to spend some money because it's available as an optional extra. That's what's missing in stock form!
Let's face it
This is how we quietly approached the minuses. The catch is that with a comprehensive rework, a total upgrade, everyone was expecting something much more powerful. Yes, it has become easy. Yes, it has become more interesting in terms of the engine. Yes, it has a lot of good gadgets. On the official website it now costs almost 1.8 million rubles. Is it possible to find something “tastier” for that kind of money?
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is already being compared to its rivals, such as the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR.
Of course, the “beast 3.0” will compete for its place in the Sun, but time will tell how successful it will be.
Frame, swingarm and handling
KTM said that by lightening the frame, torsional rigidity has been increased. An interesting fact is that the engine itself is part of the supporting structure, which is now three times stiffer than the previous model.
Due to the fact that the engine in the frame was raised by 38 millimeters, the center of gravity became higher.
The angle of the steering column has increased, and the yoke has moved forward by three millimeters. Traill remained unchanged. But they are already saying that in turns such innovations only benefit the pilot.
The single-sided pendulum has also become lighter, but according to manufacturers, it is 15 percent stiffer and even longer. The WP Apex multifunctional suspension has many adjustment options. This makes it easy for the motorcycle to adapt to the owner, riding style and road quality. In total, such indicators add a lot of points to the motorcycle stability and controllability department.
