1290 Super Duke R Evo 2022

THE BEAST, EVOLVED.

Evolution and adaption are critical when it comes to maintaining one's status as the top dog. The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO is a BEAST - evolved. Boasting intuitive Semi-Active Suspension Technology (SAT), this BEAST not only adapts to the road surface but also to the rider's inputs - making it a cold, calculated hunter. A frightening prospect for any would-be challenger.

Engine

If it ain't broken, don't fix it. But by all means, make it meaner! Boasting 180 hp and 140 Nm, the 1301 cc LC8, V-Twin has undergone a subtle yet impactful development. Optimized to be lighter but retaining its torquey character, this powerhouse is the benchmark of V-twin evolution. And with engine and linkage mounts that add to the overall structure of the entire package - it quite literally is the part that holds THE BEAST together.

Handlebar

Finding the optimal seating position is made easy with an adjustable 760 mm wide handlebar. Riders can tailor their preferred reach with 4 positions over 22 mm, front to back, making it easy to attack corners and crucial for hanging on down the straights.

Brakes

Reigning this BEAST comes courtesy of 4-piston BREMBO Stylema monobloc calipers clamping onto 320 mm floating discs up front, and a twin piston floating caliper biting a 240 mm disc at the rear.

Semi-Active Suspension

With its ability to adapt to the road conditions and rider inputs, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO's new WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) transforms this BEAST from a stone-cold hunter to a calculated apex predator. As the most advanced suspension system on the market, the WP SAT features newly developed electronically controlled magnetic valves for variable damping, providing a wide range of adjustability from maximum street comfort to extreme track-ready stiffness.

Wheels

These wheels didn't just happen by the grace of a designer's pen - they are the product of a sophisticated CAD system, which determines the best shape in terms of strength and lightness. What that means is that these wheels are engineered down to the finest detail, they are lighter than before and look great.

Frame

The frame, which uses the engine as a means to increase torsional rigidity, has resulted in the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO being 3 times stiffer than its predecessor. This allows for an effortless, confidence-inspiring riding position which translate into an ultimately faster ride. This is achieved by maximizing the feedback from the chassis and the front tire. The frame also makes use of thicker diameter tubes with thinner walls, which is the single biggest weight saving measure on the bike - saving 2 kg compared to the previous generation model.

Exhaust

This is not a case of "bark being worse than bite" - this BEAST roars! Up to 60 mm of drainpipe-like dimensions at the headers optimize gas flow, while 2 catalytic converters control emissions, without compromising the V-twin engine note or horsepower.

Cylinder Heads

Thanks to the resonator chambers on the cylinder heads, which have been engineered to increase the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO pulls like a train, while keeping fuel consuption and CO emissions in check.

Air Intake

To perform like a BEAST, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO needs to breath like a BEAST. Thanks to a ram air intake positioned in the headlight mask, this rip snorting arrangement maximizes flow by forcing air into the combustion chambers. This in turn reduces the chance of low air pressure and increases the fuel burn rate. The addition of a newly designed and easy-to-access air filter box makes for easy servicing too.

Gearbox

You don't always need big changes to make big differences. In fact, when it comes to the PANKL transmission, we've made a few small tweaks which have resulted in quicker shift times, shorter shift action and lighter lever modulation. Smoother shift action also comes courtesy of an improved spline shaft and bronzed copper coating on the shift forks. Why do all this? Quite simply - quicker shift times equal faster acceleration.