We have known about the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR for quite some time now, as the up-spec streetfighter has been teased and spotted several times on our radar.
Pitched as the KTM parts catalog thrown at its popular Super Duke platform, now we finally get to see what the Austrians have been cooking.
Our original description doesn’t seem too off the mark, as the big changes to the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR appear to be the following:
- New WP APEX PRO suspension and Michelin Power Cup2 tires
- New carbon fiber bodywork
- Lightweight lithium-ion battery, saving 2.5 kg
- Ultra-lightweight forged wheels, saving 1.5 kg of unsprung weight
- Carbon fiber subframe with a redesigned single seat
- Prototype-inspired CTG
- Exclusive KTM PowerParts package
- Limited to only 500 units worldwide
For their work, the KTM engineers were able to take roughly 20 lbs off the bike, with over 4lbs of that coming in the form of unsprung weight, namely lighter wheels.
The other highlight is the new WP Suspension pieces, with WP APEX PRO 7548 closed cartridge forks at the front, an adjustable WP APEX PRO 7117 steering damper at the handlebars, and a WP APEX PRO 7746 shock at the rear.
There are carbon fiber pieces everywhere, but our favorite is the composite rear subframe, which certainly helps trim the pounds, and makes the RR a single-rider only affair as well.
There is also an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust added to the party, though its Euro5 homologation is surely going to disappoint those hoping for a more…rowdy experience.
At 500 units worldwide, the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR is already going to be a limited affair, but so far there is no indication from KTM that the beastlier Beast will be coming to the American market.
The bike is not listed on the American version of KTM’s website, no information about the machine has come from KTM’s North American press group, and US dealers seem to be in the dark on the model.
As such, the high-res photo gallery below is maybe as close as you will get. Enjoy!
Source: KTM
