The Goodwood Test: KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Heritage

If the Super Duke R were human it would come from a family of eccentric aristocrats with a liking for duelling and inappropriate liaisons. The original 990 Super Duke of 2005 was KTM’s first large-capacity streetbike, following the dual-purpose 950 Adventure’s introduction two years earlier. Its sharp styling, sharper handling and raucous 120bhp V-twin engine made it the ultimate naked hooligan machine… until 2007, when it was joined by the Super Duke R, featuring uprated suspension, single seat and even more hardcore attitude.

KTM tweaked and refined the Super Duke in subsequent years before taking a big step in 2014 with the 1290 Super Duke R, whose 1301cc V-twin powerplant produced 170bhp and was held in a high-quality chassis, backed-up by sophisticated electronics. Last year it was joined by a faired sports-touring variant, the 1290 Super Duke GT. Now the GT’s relatively sensible character has allowed KTM to take the Super Duke R (for Racy) in the opposite direction, with an updated model that is more powerful, firmer and generally crazier.

Design

This Super Duke R is even more determinedly naked than its predecessor, its focal point a dramatically shaped, low-slung headlight whose central aluminium spine helps cool the LED lenses. The riding position is sportier, thanks to a wider handlebar that is set slightly lower and further forward, below a colourful new TFT (Thin Film Transistor) instrument panel. Typically angular bodywork incorporates fang-like side pieces and a slimmed-down tail section that enhances the aggressive look.

The DOHC, 75-degree V-twin engine remains on display, and is revised to get the Super Duke through Euro 4 emissions tests, while also making an extra 4bhp to lift maximum output to 174bhp – huge power even by current super-naked standards. There’s no change to the tubular steel frame or chassis geometry, but the WP forks get firmer springs, and the rear shock’s settings are stiffened slightly to boost cornering performance. An uprated Bosch electronics package allows the high-end Brembo brake system to incorporate cornering ABS.

Performance

More than ever, the Super Duke R is essentially a V-twin super-sports bike with a sit-up-and-beg riding position and no fairing. Its mighty power output is teamed with sublime throttle response, plus the safety net of a sophisticated traction control system. With the optional Performance Pack fitted, the KTM also benefits from a quick-shifter that allows slick, clutch-free changes both up and down through the box. That helps make the bike quicker as well as easier to ride as it rips towards its 160mph-plus top speed, its wind-blown riding position adding to its rider’s sense of speed and necessitating strong neck muscles.

Chassis performance is also top notch, combining agile handling and powerful braking with a respectable level of road-going comfort. The revised suspension is well controlled yet compliant by sports bike standards. The KTM is light, at 195kg dry, and steers with great precision in response to light pressure on its broad handlebar. It’s also fantastic fun on track, with the pace to match plenty of fully-faired sports bikes although for heavy riders the rear suspension requires stiffening to maintain stability under hard acceleration.

Passion

KTM has created a strong image around the 1290 Super Duke R ever since 2013, when the prototype nicknamed “Beast” snarled through numerous promo movies and was wheelied up Goodwood’s Festival of Speed hill by MotoGP ace and development rider Jeremy McWilliams. Some riders felt the following year’s rapid but refined production model didn’t quite match that wild image. Hence this even more powerful and performance-oriented follow-up, which the Austrian firm is calling Beast 2.0.

It lives up to the hype too, at least when fitted with the optional Track Pack, which adds a sharper riding mode, and allows the anti-wheelie control to be turned off without disabling the traction control. That subtle balance between ferocious performance and electronic refinement has always been at the heart of the 1290 Super Duke R’s appeal, and this updated model is improved in both respects. It’s beastly yet immaculately well-mannered; a streetfighter in a Savile Row suit. KTM’s naked hooligan machine has come a long way, but its essential character remains thrillingly intact.

Price tag of our bike: £14,726 (bike £13,999 plus £282 Track Pack for extra electronic functions, and £445 Performance Pack for features including gearbox quick-shifter and Bluetooth smartphone integration)

Photography by Marco Campelli & Sebas Romero