KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO (2023-Present) Specs, Performance & 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.