KTM 1290 Super Duke R: First Look and Review

Shutting down all fires of anticipations, here comes the flagship machine of Duke brand, the 1290 Super Duke R. It is yet to be confirmed whether there is any better than this motorcycle in the naked-street class or not. For sure, it will grab attention wherever it's processed. Be it a race track, street, city or any public event, if the 1290 is dropped over these places, none can stop anyone from looking onto the machine. Powerful enough and seems like an all-rounder too. Well, we will check it out detailed in the following subs.



Looks
Wow! This is impressive and even looks ultimate like none other in the class. Just looking like to ignite race.Yep! We feel it to be a racing machine. Because, the designers have crafted it in such as way. A half with race impact and another half for lively street riding. This naked beauty is more than sexy to attract any superbike enthusiast to KTM outlets across the world.



The headlight, very pointed turn indicators, 5-column LED rear light, KTM branded side cowls placed just downside of the fuel tank, powder coated Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame that comes front side in orange and back in white shade, blacked exhaust with couple of chrome rings and other touches, x-shaped 5-spoke alloywheels, and split seat ensure a great look to the 1290 Super Duke R.


Specials and Features
The 1290 comes with a bunch of cool features to pull down its rivals. And the following are the stuffs.

Engine: The all developed 1301cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° heart. It can generate a max power of 180 HP at 8870 rpm and a max torque of 144 Nm.



Brake System: It is mated with Bosch ABS technology along with the world class Brembo M50 monoblack callipers.



Immediate Throttle Response: It happens very fast,. When the throttle is accelerated, a sudden command is translated into the electronic opening of the throttle. Thus no lag is found and the machine moves within no time.



Traction Control: System Just ride the way you want. None compels you to follow their path. As you have advanced traction control system that is co-worked by Bosch and Keihin ride-by-wire, the ride become just awesome.



Chassis: Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel tubular frame, single-sided swingarm, and perfect shock absorbers are more than enough to give a comfy and stable ride even through rough terrains at high speeds.



Tyres: Watch out these tyres too. Having wound belt stitching and treat, and tailor-made Dunlop Sportsmart, the tyres become very perfect for every situation, and steering in every corners.



Chain: Very simple for servicing. Though expensive, it's lighter and helps the engine to unleash the power and torque within no time.



Ergonomics: Its the medium to communicate between man and the machine. If the bike is so powerful and looks great, and if the ergonomics is not so good, how a rider could explore the machine. Realizing the fact, KTM has done a wonderful job here. Be short, tall, fat, or slim, the 1290 fits everyone. Its seat, instrument console, switches and everything is coupled at right spots to meet the easiness of the rider.



Economical: The bike is very economical too. It has rain mode in which performance is limited an thus fuel is burned less. The 1290 has a 15,000 km service interval. So, you need to shed out only little.



Modes: The 1290 Super Duke R is featured with 3 modes;
Rain: It ensures a smooth ride, but limited performance with the presence of traction control to increase fuel efficiency.
Street: This is absolutely sporty. If you love power and to drift all the way, this mode could bring all you needed.
Plus: ABS tech is assured within it. It also has a deactivation option when no ABS and no traction control is needed.



Engine and Performance
Comes with a massive 1301cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° heart, which is specially and newly developed in order to show no stinginess in tracks. This engine makes the bike even capable to be racing bi-wheeler. Has it got enough power to beat MotoGP superbikes? Seem like so. It generates a gorgeous power of 180 HP at 8870 rpm and a stunning torque of 144 Nm. This takes the 1290 Super Duke R to 200 km/h within 7.2 seconds from stand still. Even at 2500 rpm, the bike withdraws 100 Nm torque. So you could imagine, how powerful the machine is.



Ergonomics and Riding Comfy
The firm argues that no ergonomics in the class is like the 1290 Super Duke R's. Because, everything is well packed in the machine to suit both short and tall riders. The switches, sitting position, foot rests, gear liver, and everything is coupled at right places to ensure comfortable ride for the rider. The ergonomics of the machine even inspires us to have a race with it.



Super bikes are not known for long rides. But, they are very talented for short trips. Especially, being a naked-street bike, the 1290 Super Duke R can make the way very sharply through city traffics. It's just made to display yourselves and to show off in the city. So, who cares about the block and jams as everything can be done even in the most rush place?

Mileage
As of now no clear picture is available regarding the mileage that the machine can provide. Still, it's expected that the 1290 Super Duke R can return back 12 kmpl.



Pricing
We need to wait even further to know the price of the 1290 until an official announcement gets in. Anyway, it's for sure that the 1290 Super Duke R will be more and more expensive than its rivals. SO
expect a whooping figure. Don't worry. It's worth it.



Verdict
I think that it's not yet the time to judge the Austrian super-naked street bike as it's to be test driven in the coming days. Still, apart from from the so far we have collected, it seems that the bike is just amazing and has pretty much features to pull in the attention of many buyers. So. It's sure that the 1290 Super Duke R will have some rocking time in the naked-street motorcycle market. Well, the price is not revealed yet and it has a great hand in marketing. So the rest is left to the price tag of the bike. Above all, the price factor will decide the future of the motorcycle.