When the first KTM 990 SUPER DUKE models broke cover in 2005, they brought a surprising blend of supermoto hooliganism and street bike usability to the fore. Radical, powerful, sharp, and unapologetically raw, the SUPER DUKE quickly became the dream bike for a generation of motorcycle riders looking for pure, 2-wheeled fury.
In 2020, THE BEAST 3.0 broke cover, bringing with it a complete redesign with a stronger focus on handling and overall usability - but without losing any of ‘THE BEAST’ signature bite.
A new frame concept, using the engine to get 3x more torsional stiffness than that of its predecessor, while the new braced, single-sided swingarm further reduced weight while increasing stiffness by 15%, improving lean angle stability and more feedback from the rear wheel. The swingarm pivot was also moved up by 5 mm for a more neutral anti-squat behavior, improving chassis balance under hard acceleration.
Further weight reduction also came by way of reduced wall thickness inside the engine, eliminating the old oil channel in a double-wall, and replacing it with a lightweight aluminum oil line. The rear shock linkage mount was integrated in engine casing.
For 2022, that trend continues with a new blast of color and updated technological developments with a new member to the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R clan.
With development focused on making fast riders even faster, while making the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R less imposing and easier to ride at pace – at the same time, immense effort was also made for professional riders on the track.
For that reason, KTM has launched the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO alongside the 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, delivering exactly what riders asked for.
Drawing on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R’s already legendary status, the EVO brings more tech to the fore, adding 2nd generation semi-active suspension from WP.
With new Semi-Active Technology (SAT) from WP, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO retains its class-leading hyper-naked ferocity but gains an even wider range of usability.
Three different damping modes - COMFORT, STREET, SPORT - are available as standard equipment, with the rear spring preload having the ability to be set by up 20 mm, via the TFT menu. This is done in 10 steps according to the requirements of the rider, with the adjustability settings ranging from 0% to 100%, in 10% (which are equivalent to 2 mm increments).
In addition to the standard suspension settings, the optional SUSPENSION PRO package offers three more damping modes, namely TRACK, ADVANCED, and AUTO.
SUSPENSION PRO also offers three automatic preload auto-levelling settings – LOW, STANDARD, and HIGH. In this instance, the suspension is able to adjust the preload automatically in accordance with the weight of the rider and recreate 3 defined geometries:
Another optional feature on SUSPENSION PRO is an anti-diving setting that keeps the front-end high under hard braking. Obviously, as with most electronic functions, it can be switched off.
The 2022 KTM SUPER DUKE R retains its class-leading WP APEX forks with split function on the front and a fully adjustable WP APEX shock absorber with separate gas and oil reservoirs on the rear.
While the attack-ready stance and muscled haunches of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R will be familiar to most, a new color palette is introduced to further its beastly presence.
A striking blue and orange livery is flanked by an all-new silver and orange which complement the aggressive and hard-hitting appeal of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO.
Lightweight 5 spoke forged wheels, 6,00”x17 on the rear and 3,5”x17 on the front, are finished in hot orange, complimenting the standard KTM ‘R’ model signature with specific orange frame.
The weight increase due to the newly fitted semi-active suspension is minimal, tipping the scales at a minimal 2 kg, raising the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO’s dry weight to 191 kg. But with a hefty 180 HP and 140 Nm propelling THE BEAST forward.
Throttle response is given a further boost with the addition of a new quick turn throttle twist grip, reduced by 7 degrees to 65 degrees. This was developed to deliver improved throttle response, but also to reduce the rider’s wrist angle and elbow drop at full opening.
The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO maintain the RAIN, STREET, SPORT, and optional TRACK and PERFORMANCE ride modes affording riders improved feedback about what the engine is doing, with less intrusive traction control and anti-wheelie mitigation.
Selecting any of the above settings can be performed on the fly, via updated switchgear which provide riders with a more premium and tactile action.
For those riders looking to boost THE BEAST, a full range of KTM PowerParts have been developed to fit this purpose, be it for the track or for ultimate aggression and style on the street.
Riders of the ultimate Naked motorcycle need to look, and perform, the part. For that reason, a dedicated range of KTM PowerWear has been developed to give KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R riders have the utmost confidence when on the absolute ragged edge.