Reader's Choice Best Streetfighter/Hooligan Motorcycle Of 2015: KTM 1290 Super Duke R
In its first year of existence, KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R doubled down by winning both our 2014 Bike of the Year award and Best Streetfighter/Hooligan trophy. Now, the Super Duke R has become the choice machine for Best Streetfighter/Hooligan bike among MO readers – a triumvirate of accolades!
2014 Super Streetfighter Smackdown + Video
Versatility is the key phrase when describing the SDR. A spate of electronics yields an unintimidating naked bike that’s still fun and exciting to ride. Turn off the electronics and you unleash the Beast and all the wheelieing, wheel-spinning antics that come with 156 rear wheel horsepower and 96.5 lb-ft. of torque. Commute to work, ride it cross country or pass faired supersports at a local track day, the Super Duke R does all this without asking any compromises from its owner.
The twin-cylinder heart of the Beast is more than just a transplanted RC8 R engine. Prior to Super Duke R duty KTM engineers increased both bore and stroke from the race bike’s 105mm x 69mm to 108mm x 71mm giving the SDR a 106cc engine capacity upgrade to 1301cc. Controlling all this internal combustion chaos is a Keihin engine management system operated by a ride-by-wire (RbW) throttle.
2014 Super Naked Street Brawl + Video
At $17k, the SDR isn’t a cheap motorcycle, and it lacks amenities such as cruise control and electronic suspension adjustment – items found in BMW’s S1000R options list. But if what you want from a naked streetfighter is raw, visceral excitement, sound and feel, look no further than the KTM Super Duke R.
Reader’s Choice Best of 2015 winners:
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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I took one for a demo on Saturday and I still have an erection, should I seek medical attention?
Best sounding stock bike I've ever hopped on. But like my Bro's old 996, glad I rode it but was happy to give it back. I swore the speedo was in KM's but it wasnt. Just too much for the bumpy roads I was playing on, and I never thought I'd ever say that. All I kept seeing is the red light on the tach as the front end kept shooting north. If I ever got in a position to do a lot of track days it would be the tool of choice, but my lack of self control cannot see living with one on the street.
If only they put a windscreen and a fairing on it, KTM would have the best bike in any category, and not just for 2015.