KTM SuperDuke Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R was a naked motorcycle manufactured by the Austrian maker since 2014. In 2017, KTM updated the engine, which made it the most potent LC8 unit ever manufactured by the Austrian maker.

In 2023, KTM released the 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO, a naked machine with a few tweaks and tricks, including a weight reduction to maintain an overall lightweight and keep the power at its peak. Also, the bike has the engine and linkage mounts integrated into its structure, making it the unit that holds the bike together.

The bike's frame used the engine as a stressed member to increase torsional rigidity. It resulted in a machine three times stiffer than its predecessor, using thicker diameter tubes with thinner walls, offering a weight reduction of two kg (4.4 lbs).

The 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO came loaded with top-end electronics, updated to provide more feedback from the engine and less aid from the safety systems. It featured three riding modes: Rain, Street, and Sport.

In addition, the machine came with an optional Track mode that allowed the rider to choose between nine levels of slip with the MSC disabled completely. Also, the anti-wheelie function could be disabled for those riders who like to spend more time on the rear wheel.

In addition to the optional track mode, the bike featured another optional Performance mode, which adapts the Track mode for street use. The throttle response, wheel slip, and anti-wheelie could still be adjusted, retaining street functions such as Cruise Control.

As for power, the 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO boasted 180 hp and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) torque from a 1,301cc four-stroke liquid-cooled two-cylinder engine. The 2023 machine came with a base price of $20,399.

The 1290 SUPER DUKE R began its journey in 2014 as a naked machine manufactured by the Austrian maker. The bikes manufactured between 2014 and 2016 were considered to have soft suspensions, and in 2017, KTM addressed the problem with stiffer springs.

The 2017 model came with a Cruise Control system as a standard option and packed upgraded electronics, such as a lean-angle sensitive traction control, a ride-by-wire system, ABS, a quick-shifter, riding modes, and an optional track mode.

In the 2023 KTM lineup was the 1290 SUPER DUKE R, a naked motorcycle featuring high-performance chassis and engine specifications, with many electronics and rider enhancements.

The 2023 lineup was introduced with new graphics and color schemes and updated with new premium features inspired by the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR prototype and Grand Prix teams.

At the bike's core was a 1.301cc four-stroke two-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering 180 hp and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) torque.

The 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is packed on the front, a 48 mm fully adjustable WP APEX telescopic fork and a fully adjustable WP APEX shock absorber on the rear with separate gas and oil reservoirs.

The 2023 machine featured three standard riding modes and two optional ones. The Rain mode handled slippery surfaces, the Street mode handled everyday riding, and the Sport mode unleashed all the horsepower.

The optional Track mode allowed the riders to choose the best settings for track purposes, and the other optional Performance mode took the Track mode and adapted it to street riding.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R was a naked motorcycle produced by the Australian manufacturer from 2014 until now. After the 2017 update, the 1,301cc V-twin engine was the most powerful unit ever built by KTM.

The models manufactured between 2014 and 2016 packed a soft suspension, and in 2017, KTM addressed it with stiffer shocks. The 2017 models came with a Cruise Control system as standard and with upgraded electronics, including a lean-angle sensitive traction control, a ride-by-wire system, and an optional track mode.

After the success of the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR, the maker announced that 500 units will go into production in 2023, delivering the same performance levels but with a more aggressive appearance.

The new bike came with a Gloss Black and Matt Carbon base, white graphics, and bright orange accents. In addition, the 2023 machine was fitted with several custom-made components, which added even more aggression and attitude.

Some notable features of the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR included an Akaprovic Slip-on exhaust system, a carbon fiber bodywork, super lightweight seven-spoke wheels, a carbon fiber subframe with a single seat, and a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR was fitted with a 1,301cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine with an electronically controlled fuel injection system, boasting 180 hp and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) torque.

The bike offered the most complete track-oriented electronic package that has ever been fitted on a KTM motorcycle, with a full range of specially designed KTM PowerParts and dedicated PowerWear. The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR came in an aggressive-looking package for $29,300.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke RR is based on the latest Super Duke R prototype. The new RR is nine kg (20 pounds) lighter than the standard R, and it’s a limited-edition beast that was developed with one thing in mind: performance.

Starting with the engine, the bike has a 1,301cc LC8, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V-Twin that offers 180 hp (132 kW) and a torque of 140 Nm. The KTM 1290 Super Duke RR was carefully designed with weight loss in mind. To save as much weight as possible, almost every panel was made from carbon fiber, but that was not enough, so KTM even optimized the thickness of the panels.

Even the wheels were put under the microscope, and that led to saving an extra 1.5 kg (3 pounds) of weight.

The wheels are mated with a pair of Michelin Power Cup2 tires which help the two-wheeler really become a track-ripping beast.

Now here comes the interesting part: with the power of 180 hp and a dry weight of 180 kg, the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR has an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 1:1.

The Super Duke RR was built in 500 units and was available exclusively online through a pre-order portal. It was sold out in 48 minutes.

In 2018, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer launched the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, a motorcycle based on the KTM Super Duke R that featured new front fairings, stretching more than the ones on the old model.

The bike features improved ergonomics, with low-mounted footpegs and a large fuel tank that makes any rider feel comfortable. It is one of a kind with its capability to run unlimited km, great weather and wind protection, and a high-end KTM finish.

In the visual department, the bike has installed standard features, such as a single headlight unit, a small windscreen, a two-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a single exhaust system with a silencer mounted on the right side, and 10-spoke lightweight wheels.

The front end was handled by a 48 mm WP Semi-Active telescopic fork with 156 mm of travel and a WP Semi-Active shock absorber on the rear with a single-sided swingarm, offering 156 mm wheel travel.

The braking power was handled by two 320 mm floating discs coupled to M50 four-piston Brembo caliper on the front wheel and a 240 mm disc with a dual-piston Brembo caliper on the rear wheel, providing excellent braking performance enhanced by ABS.

As for the power figures, the 2018 KTM Super 1290 Duke GT had installed a 1,301cc four-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine managed by a fuel injection system, boasting 173 hp and 144 Nm (106 lb-ft) torque.

The KTM Super Duke was a naked motorcycle manufactured by KTM from 2005 until 2013, when it was replaced by the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The first update was in 2007, followed by another in 2012.

The 2012 and 2013 models combined parts from the base and R models and were sold as the KTM 990 Super Duke R. In addition, the Maker released an R model in 2007, which was manufactured until 2011.

In 2007, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer launched the KTM 990 Super Duke R, a model slightly different from the base version. Most differences were introduced with the 2008 KTM 990 Super Duke R model.

Compared to the base model, the 2008 R version featured a monoposto seat, a higher red line, 12 hp more, Akrapovic exhausts, less wheel travel on the rear, an additional linear steering damper, front and rear axle sliders, orange-finished frame, and blacked-out brake calipers, front stanchions, engine mounts, and swingarm.

The 2007 KTM 990 Super Duke R had installed a 999cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine managed by an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, boasting 120 hp at 9,000 rpm and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

As for the stopping power, the bike's 17-inch wheels were handled by two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 240 mm disc on the rear tied to a single-piston caliper.

The KTM Super Duke was a naked motorcycle released by KTM in 2005 and manufactured until 2013 when it was replaced by the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The first update was in 2007, followed by another in 2012.

The 2012 and 2013 KTM 990 Super Duke models combined parts from the base and R models and were sold as the KTM 990 Super Duke R. In addition, the Maker released an R model in 2007, which was manufactured until 2011.

In 2006, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer launched the KTM 990 Super Duke RR, a naked machine fitted with several carbon fiber parts that helped reduce the overall weight.

Its carbon fiber components included the front spoiler, front fender, fuel tank spoilers, side covers, engine sprocket cover, chain protector, boot protectors on the footpegs, rear splash protector, ignition protectors, airbox side covers, and clutch cover.

The bike was built around a Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame with a 48 mm WP inverted adjustable telescopic fork on the front with 135 mm of travel and a WP fully adjustable shock absorber on the rear with 160 mm of travel.

As for the power figures, the 2006 KTM 990 Super Duke RR had installed a 999cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine underneath its fuel tank. The engine was fed by a fuel injection system, boasting 120 hp with a peak force at 9,000 rpm and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The KTM 990 Super Duke was a naked motorcycle manufactured from 2005 to 2013, designed by Gerald Kiska at the Kiska design studio. The bike had a chromium-molybdenum trellis frame, a powder-coated aluminum subframe, and an LC8 engine found in other KTM motorcycles.

From 2005 to 2012, the bike received two upgrades, one in 2007 and one in 2012. Also, in 2008, the maker released an R version manufactured until 2011, and for 2012 and 2013, the manufacturer combined parts from the standard and R versions, resulting in the KTM 990 Super Duke R.

In the aesthetic department, the bike packed standard features, such as a single headlight unit integrated into a cowl, a one-piece dual seat, an exhaust system mounted under the seat, and five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The bike's suspension system comprised a 48 mm WP inverted adjustable telescopic fork on the front and a fully adjustable WD shock absorber on the rear, delivering excellent suspension performance and handling.

In the braking department, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 320 mm discs coupled to four-piston calipers on the front and a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear, offering excellent stopping power.

As for power, the 2006 KTM 990 Super Duke had installed underneath its fuel tank a 999cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered 122 hp at 9,000 rpm and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.