Test: KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2020) // Archduke is a real beast

The bold, very unique and recognizable look alludes to strength and its wildlife with very clearly defined lines and a lot of massive exhaust, but at the same time, we can find similarities that saliva drips on when we think of ultra-fast circles that could be pass the. them with such a motorcycle on the race track. KTM is not joking here.

For Super Duke, they only collect the finest and most expensive pieces.... At first glance, the orange bezel looks incredibly similar to the super sports RC8 model, which, unfortunately, has not been sold for a long time and with which KTM entered the world of high-speed motorcycle many years ago.

But the shots are not at all the same. In the new generation Super Duke has received everything that the last years of development have brought. It has the latest electronics, the latest generation Cornering ABS, and everything is controlled by a 16-axis rear wheel slip control unit. and the work of the ABS. The tubular frame is three times stiffer than its predecessor and 2 kilograms lighter. It was welded from pipes of larger diameter, but with thinner walls.

The entire bike also features revised geometry and a new adjustable suspension. Not with the help of electronics and buttons on the steering wheel, like some competitors, but in the classic motorsport way - clicks. The passenger seat and taillight were attached directly to a new, lighter composite sub-frame, reducing weight.

The rest of the bike also went on a serious diet as the bike is 15 percent lighter. Dry now weighs 189 pounds. With the engine block alone, they saved 800 grams, as they now have thinner-walled castings.

Don't underestimate the engine, which squeezes 1.300 horsepower and 180 Newton meters of torque from a large 140cc twin.

The appearance of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R does not leave a person completely calm. Also, because it is actually a supercar, an unarmored motorcycle that can easily combine competitive moments at a racetrack, I donned racing jumpsuit, wearing the best boots, gloves and helmet I have.

As soon as I sat on it, I liked the driving position... Not too far forward, straight upright for me to hold on to the wide handlebars. It does not have a classic lock, because it is already equipped as standard with a remote control lock and key that you can safely put in your pocket while driving. Pressing the engine start button immediately sent an adrenaline rush through my veins as the large two-cylinder roared in deep bass.

In the yard, I calmly warmed up the engine and got acquainted with the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, with the help of which I then controlled the settings and the display of a large color screen, which is obtained with excellent visibility even in the sun.

The photographer Urosh and I went to take pictures along the winding road from Vrhniki to Podlipa, and then up the hill to Smrechye.... Since he went in his car, I didn't wait for him. It didn't work, I couldn't. The beast wakes up when the RPM leaps past 5000... Oh, if only I could roughly describe in words the sensations of terrifying acceleration with complete control over what was happening under the wheels and on the motorcycle. Fantasy! In second and third gear, it accelerates out of the corner so much you just can't resist the unique sound. and the sensations that overwhelm your body as you accelerate along a beautiful continuous line to the next corner.

It is very difficult to comply with the restrictions with such a motorcycle, so a calm, sober head of the driver is a prerequisite for safe driving. The speed on the winding road is brutal. Fortunately, the safety electronics work flawlessly. Although the pavement was already a little cold at the end of October, which is always bad for dynamic driving, I had good control even as the tires began to lose traction. I was convinced of the quality of the security systems, because even this did not bother the computer and sensors.which ensure that power is efficiently transferred to the rear wheel during acceleration and that it does not break when the motorcycle is braking.

The wheel slip control intervention is gentle and gently warns you that too much tilt and throttle has occurred at the same time. Here KTM has made a lot of progress. Similarly, I can write for the front side. The brakes are great, great, powerful, with a very precise leverage feel.... Due to poor grip during heavy braking, the ABS was triggered several times, which also has the function of controlling and dosing the braking force in a corner. This is the latest generation of ABS for cornering, which was pioneered by KTM in motorcycling.

At least I had no doubts about the performance even before this test, since I rode all predecessors. But what surprised me, and what I must point out, is the level of exceptional handling and calmness that the combination of everything new brings to the ride. On the plane, he is calm, reliable, just as sovereign when entering a turn, when he gets on an ideal line with minimal effort.. There isn't much "squat" when accelerating, however, where the rear shock is fitted and the handlebars don't get as light as they used to.

This provides stronger, faster acceleration with significantly more precision when exiting a corner. When I got the right throttle, speed and gear ratio, the KTM, in addition to specific acceleration, delivered a little more adrenaline by lifting the front wheel. I didn't have to turn off the gas because the electronics calculated the right amount and I could only scream under the helmet.... Of course, smart electronics can also be turned off, but I myself did not feel the need or desire for this, because the whole package was already working very well.

Make no mistake, KTM 1290 Super Duke R it can also take you to your destination comfortably and at a moderate pace... Due to the enormous headroom and torque, I could easily turn corners in two or three gears that were too high. I just opened the throttle and it started to accelerate smoothly without thinking.

The big engine is streamlined, the gearbox is excellent and I have to say the quickshifter did its job very well. I was able to ride with it very quickly, but on the other hand, even with a slower, very calm ride, there are no problems. But I must admit that when driving quietly, I always wanted to open the throttle all the way for the next acceleration.

This is also a good price. Well, €19.570 is no small amount, but depending on what it offers while riding, and given the abundance of standard equipment you get, it is very competitive in this prestigious class of "hyper-nude" motorcycles.

Face to face: Matyaz Tomažić

Even the most distinguished "duke" cannot hide his family roots. That this is a KTM, shout at full force from the moment you ride it. He's not really the strongest in his class, but I still think he is possibly even the smartest of them all. Its sharpness and lightness in the corners are exceptional, and the power it delivers is rough if not brutal. However, with a complete set of electronics, with the right tuning, it can be a decently manual bike as well. This KTM would definitely anger you if you didn't allow it to roam the track from time to time. Certainly not for everyone.

• Basic data

  Sales: Axle, doo, Koper, 05 6632 366, www.axle.si, Seles moto, doo, Grosuplje, 01 7861 200, [e-mail], www.seles.si.

  Base model price: 19.570 €

• Technical information

  engine: 4-stroke, 1.301cc, twin, V3 °, liquid-cooled

  Power: 132 kW (180 km)

  Torque: 140 Nm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain, rear wheel slip as standard

  Frame: steel pipe

  brakes: front 2 discs 320 mm, radial mount Brembo, rear 1 disc 245, ABS cornering

  Suspension: WP adjustable suspension, USD WP APEX 48mm front telescopic fork, WP APEX Monoshock rear adjustable single shock

  Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 200/55 R17

  Growth: 835 mm

  Fuel tank: 16 l; test consumption: 7,2 l

  Wheelbase: 1.482 mm

  Weight: 189 kg

We praise and reproach

driving performance, precise control

very unique view

perfectly functioning assistance systems

engine, gearbox

top components

very modest wind protection

small passenger seat

the menu control unit takes some patience to get used to

final grade

Beast is his name, and I don't think there's a better description. This is not a motorcycle for the inexperienced. It has everything that is offered with the latest technology, modern electronics, suspension, frame and engine, which is useful for everyday use on the road and for visiting the race track at the weekend.