2020 KTM Super Duke R First Look

John Burns
by John Burns

Faster, lighter, more sophisticated and nakeder than ever, KTM says every nut and bolt in the new Super Duke R wants you to go fast, but in control.


KTM Press Release:

KTM Press Release:

2020 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R

MSRP:$18,699 USD/ $19,999 CAD

THE BEAST
Having shed its skin, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is now a leaner, meaner and an even more menacing hyper-naked bike than ever before. Mounted into an all-new chassis, beats an updated version of the renowned 75 degree, 1301 cc LC8, V-Twin heart, taking THE BEAST to the next level.

Every piece, system, nut and bolt of theKTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R wants you to go fast and yet stay in control: the wide, low handlebar, the Brembo monobloc brakes, the MSC including corneringABS, the glorious WP suspension, the optional, two-way Quickshifter+, the new multifunctional TFT display and the LED headlight.

The KTM MY RIDE smartphone and audio player integration comes as standard,and with the KTM RACE ON transponder key in your pocket,you can forget about ignition keys and mechanically locked fuel caps.

 NEW top-feeder injectors and 56 mm throttle bodies provide an improved air to fuel mixture at high rpms, providing more torque and better fuel economy throughout the rev range.

 UPDATED PANKL gearbox provides quicker shift times, shorter shift action and lighter lever modulation.

 NEW ram air intake positioned in the new headlight mask maximizes flow by forcing air into the combustion chambers, reducing the chance of low air pressure and increases the fuel burn rate.

 NEW steel tank with 16 liter (4.2 gal) fuel capacityhas been crafted with a new shape and angle designed to support the rider equally on the street and on the track.

 NEW exhaust headers optimize gas flow, while 2 catalytic converters control emissions,without compromising the V-twin engine note or horsepower.

 NEW ultra-lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame with the engine as a stressed member is 3 times stiffer and 2 kg (4.4 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, allowing for effortless, confidence-inspiring handling.

 NEWand lighter composite subframe combines a number of functions to save weight and increase functionality.

 NEW longer single-sided swingarm has been repositioned closer to the output sprocket for more control when putting the power down.

 UPDATED, lighter 48mm WP APEX USD split front forks with separate damping circuits offer composed handling on and off the track. Rebound and compression damping are adjustable, as well as adjustable preload, new for 2020.

 NEWLY developed WP APEX rear shock absorber features separate gas and oil reservoirs,making it lighter and more compact than its predecessor. A‘no-tools-needed’ manual preload dial provides the ultimate in rear shock set-up.

 NEW, lighter forged aluminum triple clamps with an offset of 32 mm have been matched to an aluminum steering column for added weight savings.

 NEW linkage at the rear helps to smooth out rough roads, while still ensuring that full-attack track action remains uncompromised.

 NEW CAD designed wheels offer a lighter build while keeping strength and looking fantastic.

 Brand-new Bridgestone S22 tires developed with a specific carcass in the rear for the KTM1290 SUPER DUKE R offers a more stable ride in corners, improving grip and performance.

 NEW reworked and updated ride modes have been designed to be less intrusive in all modes with smoother anti-wheelie functions.

 MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) with Cornering ABS by Bosch incl. Supermoto mode,Ride mode technology and multi-stage, lean angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC).

 NEW lean angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) uses a 6 axis lean angle sensor and two different controllers to keep things in check. The wheel-slip controller regulates the amount of spin or break in traction at the rear wheel. A pitch angle controller identifies and regulates abrupt changes in front wheel lift.

 Optional “Trackmode” includes launch control, 9-level spin adjuster, a track ride mode, and anti-wheelie off function.

 Optional“Performance mode” takes the basic concept of “Track mode” but adapts it for the street. Riders are still able to adjust throttle response, wheel slip and anti-wheelie functions,but retain typical street functions such as Cruise Control and KTM MY RIDE.

 Optional dealer-installed Performance Pack combines Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Quickshifter+.

 KTM MY RIDE comes as standard and features a Bluetooth connection to the rider’s smartphone to control audio playback and to accept phone calls.

NEW LED headlight and LED daytime running lights for an aggressive front profile and great visibility.

NEW multifunctional TFT-dashboard with increased functionality displays all important information in a clear and bright display and is angle adjustable with a bonded glass display for scratch and glare resistance.

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications

Engine Type1301 cc liquid-cooled 75° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore/Stroke108 x 71 mm
Transmission6 Gears
Fuel SystemKeihin EFI, 56 mm ThrottleBody
LubricationPressure Lubrication, 3 Eaton Pumps
ClutchPASC Slipper Clutch, Hydraulically Operated
IgnitionKeihin EMS with Ride-By-Wire, Dual Ignition
FrameChrome-moly Steel, Powder Coated
SubframeCast Aluminum/Composite
HandlebarAluminum, Tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Front SuspensionWP APEX USD Ø 48 mm, 125 mm/4.9 in travel
Rear SuspensionWP APEX Monoshock, 140mm/5.5 in travel
Front/Rear BrakesDisc Brake 320 mm/240 mm
Front/Rear Wheels3.50 x 17”, 6.00 x 17”
Front/Rear Tires120/70ZR 17; 200/55ZR 17
Steering Head Angle25.2°
Wheelbase1,497mm ± 15 mm /58.9± 0.6 in
Ground Clearance160mm /6.3 in
Seat Height835 mm /32.8in
Tank Capacity16L /4.2 gal
DryWeight, Approx189 kg/416.6 lb
John Burns
John Burns

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  • Spiff Spiff on Nov 10, 2019

    Just watched a YouTube video on the sdr. It also talks 890, but it made me feel confident the sdr will be a good evolution.

    https://youtu.be/HsWzYOt0HUE

  • Eddie Eddie on Nov 11, 2019

    I have owned a 2016 Super Duke GT and now a 2018 Super Duke 1290r. I love that motor. All the torque and horsepower all below 9500 rpm. Perfect street bike and great for occasional track days. I would not change anything. Love the wheelie control with full throttle out of corners. You still can not use all this bike can offer. These 200 horsepower bikes are just horsepower wars. Even the Duke has electronics to tame the beast or it would not be rideable.

    • Art Ross Art Ross on Nov 15, 2019

      Agreed my 2018 sdr is a joy to ride. I really do get withdrawl symptoms when not riding it. With the oopart exhaust it is loud but I just love the sound of it. I look like the joker with the grin I have when riding it.

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