2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo
Cycle News Staff | December 7, 2022
KTM’s 1290 Super Duke has come in for a few tweaks for model year 2023, the Austrians shaving a bit of weight here and there to make a lighter overall machine, while keeping the mighty 180 horsepower/103 lb-ft V-twin at its peak.
2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo
As for the engine, there’s 1.7 pounds shaved off the crankcase that now has the motor and linkage mounts integrated into the structure. This will make for a stiffer connection to the tubular steel chassis and has resulted in a 5mm-higher swingarm pivot point, which in turn helps anti-squat when the gas is wrenched on.
The double-wall oil-delivery line has been replaced by an alloy one, there’s a new intake, airbox and air filter, resonator chamber in the cylinder heads, and a quick-action throttle that’s had the twist action reduced by seven degrees for faster and more responsive acceleration.
As for the chassis, 4.4 pounds has been saved by the use of thicker-diameter steel tubes with thinner walls. The suspension is still taken care of by WP’s Semi-Active Technology (SAT), as it was in 2022, with variable modes for basic commuting and full-blown track attacks.
The remainder of the electronics have the standard Rain, Street and Sport modes, and the optional Track mode that allows you access to the nine-stage variable traction control and for the MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) to be switched off, the same goes for anti-wheelie. There’s also an optional Performance mode, which is basically Track mode for the street where you can adjust throttle response, anti-wheelie and slip, but let’s you keep all the street functions like cruise control and KTM’s My Ride electronics suite.
It’ll be available in December 2022 and priced at $20,399 in orange and black colorways. CN
