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The KTM 1290 Super Duke RR breaks cover

If you thought the 1290 Super Duke R was a beast, think again.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Apr 07, 2021
The KTM 1290 Super Duke RR breaks cover

When you think of high-performance motorcycles, chances are sportbikes are the bikes that come to mind. While built for sheer performance on track, these bikes are indeed loaded with tech and horsepower. However, recent years have seen the dawn of high-performance motorcycles devoid of any fairings. That’s right, naked motorcycles have become some of the most sought-after machines in the motorcycle world. In line with this, nearly all major motorcycle manufacturers have taken their flagship naked bikes, and turned their performance up to eleven. Hence, the birth of the super naked.

KTM was the first to release a super naked in the form of the KTM 990 Super Duke, the span of a decade has transformed this bike into a machine which boasts otherworldly performance figures. This time around, KTM has outdone itself yet again with the launch of the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR. Now, we’re all well acquainted with the 1290 Super Duke R. If you’re not, then here’s a quick primer. It comes with a whopping 1,301cc V-twin engine and pumps out an eye-watering 180 horsepower, and weighs a featherweight 198 kilograms. This incredible power-to-weight ratio propels it to a top speed of 280 kilometers per hour, and 0 to 100 kilometers in under 4 seconds.

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Now, what KTM has done with the 1290 Super Duke R is to put it on a strict diet to shed an whopping 18 kilograms, dropping its already impressive weight to 180 kilos. On top of this, KTM has fitted a suspension upgrade consisting of fully adjustable WP APEX PRO 7548 close-cartridge forks, along with an adjustable WP APEX PRO 7117 steering damper. Rear suspension duties are handled by an APEX PRO 7746 unit, made just for this bike. All these upgrades merit an additional R in the Duke’s namesake, thus we have the 1290 Super Duke RR. 

Officially unveiled in a rather exhilarating video teaser, the new KTM 1290 Super Duke RR is seen shredding the racetrack, and producing its distinct, guttural exhaust note, and flaunting its neck-breaking styling. KTM has announced that it will only be making 500 units of this groundbreaking motorcycle. That said, the likelihood that this bike will make it to Philippine shores is looking rather dim. However, the standard KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is available for P1,250,000. 

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