Posted on 21.05.2018 by admin

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KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
Long wheelbase, long caster, flat steering head
Relatively moderate price of just under 16,000 euros
Technical data KTM 1290 Super Duke R

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29 photos

Jahn

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Jahn

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Impressive: the increase in torque at 6000 rpm.

Jahn

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Mitterbauer

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Edged game: The Super Duke relied on polarizing design right from the start.

Artist

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Schahl

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BMW

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Jahn

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Do you understand fun? In the Supermoto mode, the ABS on the rear wheel is switched off for anyone who likes to come across.

Jahn

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If the chain has worked so deeply into the bar that the rivets are no longer visible, it is worn out.

Jahn

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Precisely because the workmanship of the Super Duke R with its neatly laid lines, anodized add-on parts and high-quality components leaves a very good impression overall, the sheet metal that has been pounded onto the two stainless steel elbows to stiffen it looks pretty careless.

Jahn

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The oil tank of the dry sump lubrication with an easily readable sight glass in front of the engine.

Jahn

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Thanks to the quick-change adapter, the chainring can be changed without removing the rear wheel.

Jahn

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The rebound and compression stages are separated by Holmen, the spring preload cannot be adjusted.

Jahn

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The notches cannot be adjusted, but the brake and shift levers can.

Jahn

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Clear cockpit with extensive information and logical menu navigation.

Jahn

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The operation of the on-board computer is a bit cumbersome, illuminated keys à la 125 Duke would be the highlight.

Jahn

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As usual, nice service under the bench: practical setup recommendations.

Jahn

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Jahn

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Don’t be afraid of contact, the Super Duke R doesn’t need to be tamed. She is programmed to be in a good mood.

Jahn

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It can of course also be leisurely, but the KTM is in its element when cornering. The pilot draws a lot of confidence from his confident driving characteristics and great feedback.

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INTERMOT countdown 2016: 4th

KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

You didn’t have to be a prophet to predict this result: the KTM 1290 Super Duke R was voted the most popular KTM by MOTORRAD readers. The editors congratulate and continue to drive their long-term test machine with pleasure.

Anyone who has experienced the scene will not forget it: when the KTM 1290 Super Duke R in autumn 2013, the relaxed, chatting KTM design boss Gerald Kiska circled the prototype, explains a detail here, now and then practices “ready-to-race” rhetoric and then casually presses the button on a small remote control. The mighty two-cylinder spontaneously thunders out of a barely muffled exhaust, the audience is shocked for a moment, then delighted. Applause breaks out, the premiere of a spectacular motorcycle is a success.

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INTERMOT countdown 2016: 4th
KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Offshoot KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The large KTM engine is a relatively simple construction. 75 degree cylinder angle, four valves per combustion chamber and two chain-driven camshafts for their actuation. No desmodromics, no variable timing. Instead, the KTM-V2 reveals how exactly the KTM development department studies gas and thermodynamic processes and how well it has applied its knowledge. In terms of performance and smooth running with large individual cubic capacities, KTM has undoubtedly found the ideal solution and is now consistently pursuing it. The latest version of the Super Duke, the moderately tourable GT, is already a step further on this path, according to the current test results. Since the GT version is already homologated to Euro 4, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R will almost certainly be upgraded to this status at the beginning of the next season. And nobody will be missing anything compared to the previous one.

The Super Duke is less beastly than its image, but also extremely sensible when it comes to electronics. In addition to the usual sensors for wheel and engine speed, throttle valve position and gear, the traction control also uses an incline sensor. It does not regulate excessively defensively, but intervenes gently if necessary. Two modes can be selected for the ABS, and the Road mode already enables decent deceleration values averaging 9.3 m / s². This corresponds to a braking distance of 41.5 meters from 100 km / h. In sport mode, the ABS on the rear wheel and the lift-off recognition are deactivated, so braking drifts and stoppies are only possible then. The mechanical-hydraulic basis for these values is a posh Brembo system.

Long wheelbase, long caster, flat steering head

When it comes to the chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R doesn’t shine as brightly as it does when it comes to the engine, electronics and brakes. Not that she’s doing a bad job. Anyone who dives from changing lean angles to changing lean angles on winding roads will experience this sporting exercise as pure luck. The Super Duke finds its way precisely, and the seating position, which is not too low, gives the driver the necessary overview and light-heartedness. This is what this motorcycle was built for, and you can feel it right away.

But like all strong naked bikes, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R shows its limits in other disciplines. The lack of a panel is noticeable in several ways. On the one hand, due to a lower front wheel load (49 to 51 percent), and on the other hand, because the driver does not slip through the oncoming wind at high speeds as easily as with a faired motorcycle. It unintentionally injects slight impulses into the steering when the front wheel is already lighter because of the aerodynamic lift. That is why the chassis developers have given the Super Duke a decidedly “long” chassis geometry in favor of high-speed stability: long wheelbase, long caster, flat steering head. That costs a bit of handiness.

Relatively moderate price of just under 16,000 euros

The fork and the directly hinged shock absorber of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R are also not among the particularly appealing spring elements. Providing comfort on bumpy roads is therefore not exactly one of their strengths. A lot could be improved here without questioning the overall concept.

But this criticism – let it be freely admitted – is based on a very high level of indulgence. Because for a price of just under 16,000 euros including ancillary costs, which is still relatively moderate in a competitive environment, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R offers exceptional driving experiences and sophisticated technology. The KTM fans have therefore voted it the most popular KTM by far. The following 1290 Super Adventure didn’t even get half as many votes.