KTM Announces 1290 Super Duke RR. Yes, That’s With Two “Rs”

[Admin]

The KTM 1290 Super Duke RR. (KTM /)

While sportbike fans still wish KTM honcho Stefan Pierer didn’t put the kibosh on a V-4-powered superbike based around the RC16 MotoGP weapon, there is some consolation in the news that the Mattighofen factory is giving its flagship 1290 Super Duke R the veritable Superleggera treatment—make that superleicht treatment—with the 1290 Super Duke RR. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, and not available in the US (more on that later), the RR is 20 pounds lighter than the standard Super Duke R.

Double Rs act as a signpost—they’re kind of fraught letters for lovers of two-wheeled high performance—and KTM engineers didn’t merely rummage through the PowerParts catalog with this one either (though they did that too). With a claimed 180 hp and 103 pound-feet of torque, and weighing in at a claimed 180 kilograms (396 pounds), the Super Duke achieves the coveted “1:1” power-to-weight ratio—at least if you adhere to the metric system. Engine performance figures aren’t improved over the standard model, even with its stock Akrapovič slip-on. An Akrapovič full system is also available.

The SD RR has LED lighting (low-profile turn signals!), cornering lights, and a slew of accessories from the PowerParts catalog. (KTM/)

While it may not have an ultra-exotic carbon/magnesium/titanium main frame like some had hoped for when rumors of its existence surfaced, the RR does have a carbon fiber subframe/seat unit with a slick solo saddle. The whole bike is practically dripping in carbon; all the bodywork is made of the stuff, including the RC16-looking front mud guard and brake caliper cooling scoop.

Ultra-high-spec WP suspension components include Apex Pro 7548 closed-cartridge fork and an Apex Pro 7746 shock, which is a bespoke unit for the SD RR. An Apex Pro 7117 steering damper comes standard.

In order to reduce unsprung weight, KTM replaced the standard cast wheels with forged aluminum items that save around 3 pounds. The wheels are shod in Michelin’s stick Power Cup 2 radials.

Tidy tailsection, up-spec saddle material, carbon fiber everywhere. (KTM/)

Interestingly, the SD RR uses a new throttle twistgrip with a 65-degree opening angle, compared to the 72-degree version of the standard model. KTM says it improves throttle response and ergonomics when giving it the beans (my phrasing, not KTM’s). For further low-hanging-fruit weight savings, KTM gave the RR a lithium-ion battery that’s around 5 pounds lighter than the lead-acid type—just don’t let it lose too much of its charge.

In the electronics department, there are new Track and Performance modes, which give riders what KTM calls “near-unlimited adjustability” for rear-wheel slip, throttle response, launch control, and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR). Basically, if you want to turn off or limit the electronic safety net and act like a complete goon, KTM will let you, which reveals so much about the MO of the mad scientists running the show back in Austria.

The 1290 Super Duke RR most certainly looks like a candidate for the most fun trackbike, even if it won’t be the fastest. (KTM/)

European riders can begin placing online preorders for the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR on April 8, 2021. There’s no word on pricing, and we were unable to reach KTM representatives by the time we went to press.

Ready to Race. (KTM/)

While we couldn’t reach anyone at KTM, we are curious if the SD RR will be available in the US at a later date. We already know the new 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R isn’t heading to our shores until next year—which gives US dealerships a chance to sell a backstock of leftover 2020 models—so could it be possible that KTM is simply choosing to focus on the European market before boxing bikes up for far-flung dissemination? Given the supply chain disruption and all the other difficulties that manufacturers have faced in the wake of the global pandemic, it’s possible KTM just can’t deliver the bikes to the US in a timely fashion. So here’s hoping it eventually decides to sell the thing in the US.

View the full article