2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R: FIRST LOOK (Gallery and Video)

Rennie Scaysbrook | November 8, 2016

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2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R First Look

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R First Look: It’s no secret we love the KTM 1290 Super Duke R here at Cycle News. It’s proven to be one of the baddest nakedbikes of all time and easily our favorite KTM streetbike ever after we raced one at Pikes Peak this year, but after three years of production, KTM has decided to freshen up its premium road beast with some engine and styling tweaks to keep it at the head of the nakedbike pack.

The engine is yet more powerful than before, with KTM claiming 177hp thanks to new cylinder heads, intake, valves, pistons and cams, and the compression has been bumped up to 13.6:1.

The chassis has been refined but still the fork doesn’t have preload adjustment. It’s a newly developed 48mm inverted unit from WP, with separate damping circuits for the rebound and compression damping working with stiffer fork springs, and there’s a new WP shock out the back, again with a stiffer spring than before.

The Super Duke now comes with the Bosch IMU to work in conjunction with KTM’s own MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control i.e traction control) and Cornering ABS, bringing it in line with the company’s Super Adventure and Super Duke GT in the tech stakes. And, there’s alos cruise control!

As for the user interface, that’s now the new TFT dash that displays information in an easier to read format than the orange dash of the 2014-16 model.

Aesthetically, the Super Duke looks sharper than ever with a new LED headlight and surround, sharper seat unit and rear bodywork, a larger and wider handlebar and a new keyless ifnition system KTM calls RACE ON. Who needs keys, anyway?

We’ll be riding this amazing new beast in early December so stay tuned for a full review at www.cyclenews.com.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Key Features

Updated advanced 1,301 cc LC8 V-Twin now with 177 hp.
New 10 mm shorter velocity stack to enhance power and broaden the usable powerband.
New resonator chambers placed on the cylinder head for smoother power at low RPM.
New higher compression ratio of 13.6:1 thanks to the flat design of machined titanium inlet valves with chromium nitride coating.
Ultra-lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame with bolt-on rear trellis subframe is light, yet strong.
New 48 mm USD split front forks by WP suspension with separate damping circuits with stiffer fork springs and sportier settings. Rebound and compression damping are adjustable.
New WP shock absorber with a stiffer spring for a more balanced chassis.
New Metzeler M7RR super sport tires for high levels of grip and handling.
Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) with cornering ABS by Bosch including Supermoto mode, Ride mode technology and multi-stage, lean angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC).
New optional dealer-installed Performance Pack combines Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Quickshifter+ and KTM MY RIDE.
New optional dealer-installed KTM MY RIDE features a Bluetooth connection to the rider’s smart phone to control audio playback and accept phone calls.
New optional dealer-installed Quickshifter+ allows for clutchless upshifts and downshifts.
New optional dealer-installed competition closed course only Track Pack with ‘Track’ ride mode which allows 3 Drive Modes, anti-wheelie off, TC slip adjust and launch control.
New LED headlight and LED daytime running lights for a new aggressive front profile.
New multifunctional TFT-dashboard displays all important information in a clear and bright display.
New cruise control for long distance convenience.
New bodywork with sharper rear end, new tank spoilers and air intakes.
New wider, lower handlebar positioned further to the front to improve handling.
New RACE ON keyless system for less hassle and security.