# KTM 1290 Super Duke R

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a 1301 cc 75° V-twin engine, naked motorcycle from the Austrian manufacturer KTM. With the update in 2017 the motor is the most powerful LC8 engine ever built by KTM.

## Design

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a naked bike. Known as "The Beast" to its fans around the world. The 2014–2016 models suspension was considered to be too soft but the 2017 update has addressed this with stiffer springs. The 2016 model had compression ratio of 13.2:1 and 2017 model has increased compression ratio to 13.6:1. The 2017 model comes with Cruise control as standard and has upgraded electronics such as lean angle sensitive traction control, ride by wire, and optional track mode along with previous model's cornering ABS, quickshifter, riding modes etc.
Generation 1 2014–2016, Standard analog/digital gauge cluster, three ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport), 18L fuel tank. 10,500 RPM redline. Halogen headlight. Brembo M50 brakes, WP 48 rebound and compression fully adjustable suspension
Generation 2 2017–2019, Digital 4" TFT display, four ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Track (optional)), Engine redline lifted 500 RPM over Gen 1. LED headlight. Brembo M50 Brakes. WP 48 rebound and compression fully adjustable suspension with stiffer spring rates than Gen 1.
Generation 3 2019–2023, Digital 5" TFT display, four ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Track (optional) Performance (optional)), Smaller 16L fuel tank, improved fuel economy. LED headlight. Brembo Stylema brakes. Engine now a stressed member of frame. WP Apex rebound and compression fully adjustable suspension with 3 stage preload. Rear Suspension now has upgraded Linkage.
Super Duke 1390 2024–Present, Larger engine, Redesigned Headlight.
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
The Super Duke GT started life as the same Super Duke R, but added a more upright seating position through the use of a different chassis, added windscreen, larger 23 liter fuel tank and fairings and removable and lockable hard Pannier bags on the back. Similar changes were made to the generations of the Super Duke R, but the improvements usually came a year or more after those on the Super Duke R. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is sometimes known as the Gentleman's Express.
Generation 1 2016–2019, LCD speed MFD/Analogue tachometer dash, cruise control on right side of handlebar.
Generation 2 2019–2021, TFT display, better suspension software (Gen 1 can be upgraded to the same software), different styling, better placed cruise control controls, a couple of cubbyholes in the fairing, one with a USB socket. Upgraded to LED headlight.
Generation 3 2022 – Present, Revised display, upgraded LED headlight, Paniers no longer standard.

## Performance

For 2014 model, it had acceleration of 0–60 mph in 2.6 seconds, 0–124 mph in 7.2 seconds, braking distance of 99.1 feet from 60–0 mph with ABS, and 138.5 feet from 60–0 mph without ABS. The 2014 model produces maximum of 180 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque.
For the 2017 year model update, the engine and throttle response have become smoother and now produces 177 hp.

## Rivals

The KTM 1290 Super Duke commonly rivals Suzuki B-King, EBR 1190SX, BMW S1000R, Triumph Speed Triple R, Yamaha MT-10, Ducati Monster 1200S/R, Ducati Streetfighter S, and Aprilia Tuono.