KTM unleashes the ultimate 1290 Super Duke

KTM is producing a limited run of a special 1290 Super Duke dubbed RR. Production will be capped at 500 units “promising the same levels of ferocity but with a meaner, darker look”.

The 1301 cc V-twin pokes out 134kW (180hp) and 140Nm, powering a machine that weighs a wet 198kg (11kg less than the Duke R Evo). Track and Performance ride modes come as standard.

What makes the RR different is its ‘dark shadow’, sporting a gloss black and matt carbon base, contrasting white graphics, and orange accents. It’s also fitted with a variety of custom-made components, adding more aggression and attitude.

With WP’s finest components it can be a backroad brawler or track day terror. Up front are fully adjustable WP Apex Pro 7548 forks while supporting the rear is a WP Apex Pro 7746 shock. A similar quality steering damper offering 30 clicks of adjustability helps keep cornering lines true.

A carbon fibre subframe saves weight, as do forged wheels, a lithium ion battery and a unique single-seat unit. LED taillights are incorporated into LED turn signals, and KTM’s adaptive brake light is standard fit. There’s also a factory triple clamp and CNC-machine rear set.

Rounding out the latest Beast from KTM is a carbon fiber container for the keys. A cost option is a full system Akrapovič Evo line exhaust system. Otherwise, there’s a standard Akra slip-on exhaust. 

Price isn’t mentioned but given the 1290 Super Duke R costs $32k here…