The newest motorcycle to come out from KTM’s stable is the ferocious and angrier 1290 Super Duke RR. For the development of this machine, KTM had allowed its R&D department free reign and the motorcycle is built around one key statement – Pure Performance. Only 500 units of the Super Duke RR will be made available worldwide.
The figures tell the story – 1,301cc, 180hp, 180kg, and 140Nm, translating into a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, with enough torque to tear open the bitumen. Make no mistake, this beast is all about track-ripping performance. It is a no-compromise Hyper Naked motorcycle that has been conjured up from the darkest depths of the performance lab to decimate lap records.
Weighing in at a whole 9kg lighter, the RR is more agile, stiffer, and offers better high-speed stability than the standard KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The wheels too have gone under the knife, shedding a massive 1.5kg of unsprung weight. These are wrapped in ultra-sticky Michelin Power Cup2 tires, dramatically upping the track readiness of the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR.
Carbon fibre has been used extensively in the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR’s construction, with the subframe also receiving the lightweight carbon treatment. This has allowed designers to reimagine the tail of the beast, creating a unique single-seat unit, with redesigned LED taillights incorporated into new LED turn signals. These also include KTM’s adaptive brake light as standard.
The biggest area of influence comes in the form of WP’s finest components. Up front, the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR makes use of fully adjustable WP APEX PRO 7548 Close Cartridge forks, together with an adjustable WP APEX PRO 7117 steering damper. At the rear, an APEX PRO 7746 Shock takes charge, which has been custom-made to the specification of the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR.
All of this, not to mention the biggest Euro5-compliant V-Twin engine. KTM says that it is the most powerful V-twin motor to be installed in a naked motorcycle. As with all extreme track terrors, the Super Duke RR would not be complete without a lightweight Akrapovic slip-on exhaust system. It’s made from titanium with a carbon fibre end cap. For the absolute power-hungry, a full system Akrapovic Kit Evolution Line is available as an optional extra.
