Just when you think KTM is done with glitchy 1290 Super Duke R teasers, they go ahead release a final version. Well, we think…
This time we get to see some quick statics of the new motorcycle, enough to compare it to the last model. Although, it’s worth mentioning that the bike we are being teased with is a stripped-back, high spec, race version of the road-going machine we expect to see at EICMA.
Being a souped-up race-ready machine, the bike in the video has no mirrors, no lights, no licence plate holder, and a rather stubby [definitely not road legal] Akrapovic end can. So, this isn’t a proper representation of what the actual 1290 will look like, but it gives us a rough idea.
When compared to last year’s model there are some key changes. The most obvious is how much pointier the front and rear fairings are - the knife has been sharpened. These lines may soften with the addition of lights and a registration plate holder though. Also, the rear subframe is no longer exposed.
Other changes include: A completely redesigned chunkier steel trellis frame; a more elegant and reshaped exhaust profile; 5 spoke rims; chunky WP upside-down forks with a humongous nitrogen reservoir; and in general a new colour scheme, with a bit more white.
We can assume that the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R will be EURO5 compliant, and up on power compared to the 174hp benchmark set by the previous model. A MotoGP(ish) electronics package will be fitted to reign in those extra ponies.
With fierce competition from the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and Kawasaki Z H2, KTM has likely pulled out all the stops when designing their new 1290 Super Duke R. Then again, until EICMA, we’ll just have to wait and see exactly what they’ve done.
