Sitting at the very top of the hyper-naked food chain, boasting a menacing collection of high-performance chassis and engine specifications, as well as top-shelf rider enhancements and electronics, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R needs no introduction. But we gave it one anyway. Introducing THE BEAST.
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Thanks to the resonator chambers on the cylinder heads, which have been engineered to increase the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R power train runs smoother, consumes less fuel and cuts down on CO² emissions by around 10%.
While the pressure lubricated PASC slipper clutch allows for feather-light clutch modulation while accelerating, it's how it handles slowing down that's the really impressive bit. When the engine experiences extreme back-torque during aggressive downshifting from speed, the clutch opens to prevent the rear wheel locking, giving the rider full control and perfect entry speed while hunting apexes.
The Ride-by-Wire on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R goes the extra mile. It electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into the best throttle valve positions for the current riding situation. Choking, jolting and involuntary wheelies are a thing of the past. Voluntary ones, however, could easily be a thing of your future.
If it ain't broken, don't fix it. But by all means, make it meaner! Boasting 180 hp and 140 Nm, the 1301 cc LC8, V-Twin has undergone a subtle yet impactful development. Optimized to be lighter but retaining its torquey character, this powerhouse is the benchmark of V-twin evolution. And with engine and linkage mounts that add to the overall structure of the entire package - it quite literally is the part that holds THE BEAST together.
Think of the suspension elements on THE BEAST as the muscles that work to get the power to the ground in the best way possible. Every component has been considered to improve the handling, adjustability and performance.
The frame, which uses the engine as a means to increase torsional rigidity, has resulted in the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R being 3 times stiffer than its predecessor. This allows for an effortless, confidence-inspiring riding position which translate into an ultimately faster ride. This is achieved by maximizing the feedback from the chassis and the front tire. The frame also makes use of thicker diameter tubes with thinner walls, which is the single biggest weight saving measure on the bike - saving 2 kg compared to the previous model.
The WP APEX rear shock absorber features separate gas and oil reservoirs, making it lighter and more compact than its predecessor. It is also fully adjustable, with individual high- and low-speed adjusters and a no-tools-needed manual preload dial for the ultimate in rear shock set-up.
Reigning in THE BEAST comes courtesy of 4-piston BREMBO Stylema monobloc calipers clamping onto 320 mm floating discs up front, and a twin piston floating caliper biting a 240 mm disc at the rear.
Lightweight box pistons sit at the heart of the KTM 890 DUKE GP. Featuring a pin bearing with bronze bushings, providing less friction and maximizing the rev-ceiling of the engine, this engine enjoys chasing the redline.
While the headlight mask doubles as an intake snorkel, it's the twin LED headlights that really shine. Sharp, menacing lines enhance THE BEAST's overall look, while providing ample illumination when it gets dark. Daytime running lights also ensure you will get noticed, which not only earns you kudos when it comes to street cred, but more importantly, makes you more visible to other road users.
ENGINE | |
Transmission | 6-speed |
Starter | Electric starter |
Stroke | 71 mm |
Bore | 108 mm |
Torque | 140 Nm |
Displacement | 1301 cm³ |
EMS | Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition |
Design | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
CHASSIS | |
Front Brake Disc Diameter | 320 mm |
Rear Brake Disc Diameter | 240 mm |
Front Brake | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
Rear Brake | Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc |
Chain | 525 X-Ring |
Frame Design | Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated |
Front Suspension | WP APEX 48 |
Rear Suspension | WP APEX - Monoshock |
Seat Height | 835 mm |
Suspension Travel (Front) | 125 mm |
Suspension Travel (Rear) | 140 mm |
With KTM Finance, nothing stands in your way – you can now ride away on your own dream set of wheels. Our range of finance packages gives you the freedom to hop onto your READY TO RACE bike as early as tomorrow, as well as giving you the option to enhance your KTM even more with official KTM PowerParts.
The benefit of using these finance plans is that you can configure them yourself, making them flexible and tailored to you. You choose an installment amount that best fits your lifestyle and budget by adjusting your deposit or term, and you'll be in the seat before you know it. It's easy to customise the monthly amounts to suit your situation.
You enjoy flexibility with a variety of finance plans from KTM Finance. Want a new motorcycle? A few more performance-boosting KTM PowerParts? What about some extra items from the stylish KTM PowerWear range? No problem! With a range of finance plan from KTM, you'll get exactly what you need. It's flexible and personalised. KTM Finance offers you a full package that fulfills your every wish.
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Finance subject to status. Terms & Conditions apply. At the end of a PCP agreement there are 3 options: (I) Part exchange the vehicle, (ii) Pay the Optional Final Payment / Guaranteed Future Value to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee may be required. Santander Consumer Finance RH1 1SR.
*PCP available on Road registered models, with a guaranteed future value only.