The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has been spotted testing in the Alps and the test mule looks like a production-ready model for the new 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R which is speculated to be undergoing the final testing phase. The new 1290 Super Duke R doesn’t look any different than the current model in the first glance, but when you look closer the new motorcycle clearly has a lot more changes and tweaks and they are not only limited to the cosmetics of the motorcycle.
The 2020 model as seen in the pictures gets a new trellis chassis which looks a bit refined than the old industrial looking pipes and is less exposed. The subframe also appears to be hidden from view and the tank has slight changes in the design elements but the overall silhouette of the motorcycle remains the same. The engine also appears to have light changes in the coolant plumbing area and the 2020 model gets a new exhaust system. The seat gets changes in the ergonomics department and appears to be smaller in length as opposed to the longer seat on the 2019 model.
In the electronics department, the motorcycle is expected to get a new larger instruments console which is likely to be more sophisticated than the predecessor and is likely to have a multi-directional controller on the left handlebar.
The current 1290 Super Duke R is powered by a 1301cc Liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder in a 75-degree ‘V’ configuration that delivers 174 HP of power and 141 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a hydraulically actuated PASC slipper assist clutch. The chassis is a powder coated chrome-moly tubular space frame and the bike rides on 48mm inverted WP front forks and a WP monoshock on the rear. The brakes are hydraulically operated 320mm twin discs with Brembo monoblock callipers on the front and a 240mm single disc brake on the rear, equipped with a disengageable Bosch 9.1 MP cornering ABS. Other mechanical hardware is expected to remain the same but the 2020 model is likely to have shed some weight.
The official release of the motorcycle is expected soon and the motorcycle is speculated to be displayed at the 2019 EICMA Motor Show which is scheduled in November 2019. What’s interesting is that KTM is also working on a new 390 Duke, which could take styling cues from this new 1290 Super Duke R.
