KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the revolution for 2013

A few months ago the first images of the new KTM Super Duke 1290 started to reach us, and at the recent Intermot show we expected to see it in action, but the orange brand presented a model still in prototype style, so we’ll have to wait a little longer to see the final machine.

So we don’t yet have the definitive information, and KTM hasn’t given many details about what this orange machine will be like, although it has confirmed that the streetfighter will have a displacement above 1300cc. Furthermore, from what we’ve been able to see, there are changes, especially in the new multitubular chassis, which looks a lot like the recently launched 1199 Adventure, so it’s very interesting stuff.

Another point to keep very much in mind is one of the new developments from the Austrian brand, the arrival of the single-sided aluminium swingarm. For its part, the LC8 has been renewed, using as a base that of the RC8 R Superbike, and, as I mentioned earlier, it will exceed 1300cc. The new KTM will most likely produce 180 hp and more than 18 kgm, and these figures are not bad at all considering that the 1290 Super Duke is also going to be a very light bike.

As for the exhaust, it looks like we’re going to hear a lot of noise, since everything points to them having built a model very similar to the MotoGP style, in aluminium, though of type 2-into-2.

Now we’ll have to wait to see what KTM really offers because if all the information in the rumours is true, we’ll be looking at the best bike in its segment, the lightest and most powerful, with high levels of technology.

In 2013 we’ll welcome the 1290 Super Duke R.

Source | KTM