Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1212072
2020 K TM 1290 SUPER DUKE R R I D E R E V I E W P94 tronics package on the Super Duke is. With traction control set to level four of nine, it gave the SD just enough to slide the tire predictably but still keep everything going forward as hard as possible. The cut in was minimal, and when matched to the direct response you get in the Track throttle mode, you get absolutely everything the Super Duke can offer. I switched the wheelie control off on the track, simply to let the Super Duke have its head more on acceleration. The wheelie con- trol however is one of the better systems out there, as it'll let you carry a wheelie a fair way out of the corner before the fun police kick in and pull the wheel down. With regards to the motor, it's nothing you don't already know. There's bucket loads of torque, but it doesn't reach to strato- spheric levels. Keep the motor twisted in the 7-9000 rpm range when really going for it, and you'll be rewarded with plenty of top-end acceleration—far more than what could have been con- sidered possible for a big twin 10 years ago. It's smooth in its delivery, but I must admit, I kept the throttle mode in Street for most of the time on track, includ- ing the race bike. Street mode allows for a softer hit of torque than in Track or Performance, which, when you're on the side of the tire, is a welcome trait. KTM's 1290 Super Duke R is absolutely one of the best naked bikes in the world, pos- sibly the best of all. In the 2020 edition, you've got a bike that's gone through adolescence and matured somewhat but is still a beastly brat at heart. I loved my 2015 edition almost as much as my own son, but the 2020 is just plain better every- where. The changes made have equaled a more complete pack- age, and one that will put the model in good stead for many years to come. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2020 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R ($18,699) ENGINE: ................................... 75° V-twin POWER: ...................177 hp at 9500 rpm TORQUE: ...............103 lb-ft at 8000 rpm DISPLACEMENT: ............................1301cc BORE X STROKE: ................. 108 x 71mm COMPRESSION RATIO: .................... 13.5:1 FUEL SYSTEM: .....Keihin EFI, 2 x 56mm throttle bodies EXHAUST: ...........................................2-2-1 TRANSMISSION: ..........................6-speed CHASSIS: ......... Chromium-Molybdenum- Steel trellis frame, powder coated FRONT SUSPENSION: ......... 48mm APEX inverted fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ...... WP shock, fully adjustable FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: ..................4.9 in. REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: ....................5.5 in. FRONT BRAKE: ............. Brembo Stylema Monobloc 4-piston, radially mounted caliper, 320mm disc; ABS REAR BRAKE: ..... Brembo 2-piston, fixed caliper, 240mm disc; ABS FRONT TIRE: ....................... 120/70 ZR17 REAR TIRE: ......................... 200/55 ZR17 HEAD ANGLE: ...................................64.8° TRAIL: .............................................4.17 in. WHEELBASE: ................................ 58.9 in. SEAT HEIGHT: .............................. 32.8 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ........................ 4.23 gal. WEIGHT (CLAIMED, DRY): ........... 416 lbs. COLOR: .................. White/Orange, Black