2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike Review Specs

Perched atop the ultra-naked food chain, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike demands no introduction thanks to its intimidating array of high-performance chassis, engine specs, and premium rider improvements and electronics. Nevertheless, we awarded it one. We are presenting THE BEAST.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike – Features and Specs

Engine

Don’t repair anything if it ain’t broken. However, feel free to make it more cruel! With 180 horsepower and 140 Nm, the 1301 cc LC8 V-Twin has had a slight but significant change. This beast, optimized to be lightweight while maintaining its torquey nature, is the pinnacle of V-twin development. It is also the component that holds THE BEAST together, with engine and linkage mounts contributing to the general construction of the whole package.

Engine case

The engine casings have been thinner, and the oil and water cooler mounts have been redesigned, saving 0.8 kg of weight. An all-new lightweight aluminum oil line has also enhanced oil distribution by eliminating the need for a double-wall system. For a more robust connection, the engine carrier bracket and linkage mount have also been incorporated into the engine case. Additionally, this led to a 5 mm taller swingarm pivot for increased anti-squat and stability like in 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Gearbox

Not everything has to alter drastically to have a significant impact. In reality, we’ve made a few minor adjustments to the new PANKL gearbox that have led to faster shift times, shorter shift actions, and lighter lever modulation. An upgraded spline shaft and bronzed copper coating on the shift forks contribute to an even smoother shift action. Why take on this whole task? In other words, higher acceleration is comparable to quicker shift times.

Twin spark ignition

In terms of fuel efficiency, two sparks are preferable to one. The dual spark ignition system uses two sparkplugs per cylinder head and stronger ignition coils. Consequently, the firing sequence is adjusted, producing more extraordinary power, more control, less fuel usage, and fewer pollutants.

Air intake

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike has to breathe like a beast to perform like a beast. This rip-snorting system increases flow by pushing air into the combustion chambers, made possible by an all-new ram air inlet installed in the redesigned headlamp mask. Consequently, this lowers the possibility of low air pressure and speeds up the rate of fuel combustion. Additionally, service is made simpler by the inclusion of a newly built, easily accessible air filter box.

Cylinder heads

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike powertrain runs smoother, uses less gasoline, and emits around 10% less CO2 because of the resonator chambers on the cylinder heads, which are designed to boost the torque production in the lower to mid-range rpms.

Ride-by-wire

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R naked bike’s Ride-by-Wire goes above and beyond. The ideal throttle valve locations for the given riding scenario are electronically translated from the rider’s throttle inputs. The days of jolting, choking, and uncontrollable wheelies are over, but voluntary ones could well become a thing of the past.

Crankcase

Lighter always wins in the struggle between physics and blowing holes in the space-time continuum. But it might be challenging to determine where to cut fat when dealing with a completely nude BEAST. By making the crankcases somewhat thinner, weight has been reduced overall. This weight reduction is further enhanced by adding a lighter clutch cover and a new water pump.

Exhaust

This BEAST roars; it is not true that “bark is worse than bite.” Without sacrificing the V-twin engine note or horsepower, up to 60 mm of drainpipe-like dimensions at the headers enhance gas flow, and two catalytic converters limit emissions.

Chassis Frame

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike’s frame, which uses the engine to boost torsional stiffness, makes it three times more rigid than its predecessor. It makes it possible to ride quickly and self-assuredly, eventually resulting in a speedier ride. It is accomplished by optimizing the input from the front tire and chassis. The bike’s most extensive weight-saving feature is the frame, which uses tubes with bigger diameters and thinner walls. It alone allows the bike to weigh 2 kg less than its predecessor.

Subframe

When it comes to the tail of the new 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike, multidexterity is critical. Several uses are combined into one lightweight composite subframe to save weight and improve usefulness. No extra brackets or attachments are necessary to mount the passenger seat, license plate holder, and taillights onto the subframe framework.

Swingarm

The single-sided swingarm’s pivot point is positioned 5mm higher about the front sprocket to improve feel and traction, giving you greater control when applying power. In comparison to the previous generation, anti-squat has increased thanks to the combination of a steeper swingarm angle and the engine’s relocation inside the frame.

Suspension

Consider the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike’s suspension components as the muscles that transfer power to the ground as efficiently as possible. Every element has been considered to enhance performance, adaptability, and handling.

Front fork

WP APEX forks are lightweight and highly adjustable, with separate compression and rebound settings. This enables riders to obtain ideal plushness for extended road trips or to fine-tune the front end for full-blown apex assaults. Furthermore, you may discover the perfect front-end posture by adjusting the preload settings if that isn’t enough to reach the razor edge of handling.

Triple clamp

For further weight reductions, an aluminum steering column has been coupled with lightweight, forged aluminum triple clamps that have a 32 mm offset. This component serves as the link between the handlebar nut and the front end.

Wheels

These wheels are the result of an advanced computer-aided design (CAD) system that determines the ideal form in terms of strength and lightness. They didn’t simply happen by accident. This indicates that these wheels have exquisite engineering, are lighter than previous models, and have a sleek appearance.

Tires

The Bridgestone S22 tires, in front of 120/70/17 and rear of 200/55/17, were designed especially for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike. Their fine-particle silica composition provides much better traction in rainy weather, resulting in outstanding road and track handling qualities.

Brakes

Four-piston BREMBO Stylema monobloc calipers up front that clamp onto 320 mm floating discs and a twin-piston floating caliper biting a 240 mm disc at the back are what let THE BEAST reign.

Seats

The performance qualities of THE BEAST are undeniable. However, this does not imply that riders must forgo comfort over extended distances. The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike is, first and foremost, a naked street bike, even if it excels on the racetrack. This indicates that passenger comfort has been carefully considered and developed to facilitate 2-up riding in the actual world.

Footpegs

The clever placement of the foot pegs allows for big lean angles as standard and comfort while driving. Nevertheless, two options that raise the pegs higher and further back for a more aggressive posture allow for even more refinement. For complete BEAST MODE track assaults, the new gear shift pattern can be readily switched to a five-down, one-up configuration. Levers for the brake and shift are also completely adjustable.

Bodywork & Graphics Bodywork

The bodywork of the new 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike is so sparse that there isn’t much to say about it. However, that’s just how we like it! Robust and intimidating, the bodywork and panels needed to accomplish two goals: meet all ergonomic requirements and save weight wherever feasible. Because of this, each panel and plate has been optimized for thickness and reduced where appropriate. Attitude was the only thing that stayed heavy.

Tank

The 16-liter gasoline tank, built of steel, is intended to give THE BEAST more heft in its haunches. In addition, the rider’s assistance on the track and in the streets has been included in the redesigned form and angle.

Graphics

This bike is undoubtedly the meanest in the neighborhood. The distinctive “R” graphics have been applied with great care to guarantee they remain in place and never fade, and contrasting colors, tones, and textures beautifully accentuate the muscular creases of the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike.

Software & Electronics LED Headlight

The dual LED headlights are the actual show stealers, even if the headlight mask also functions as an intake snorkel. In addition to adding to THE BEAST’s overall aesthetic, its sinister, sharp lines provide plenty of light as the night falls. In addition to boosting your street cred and increasing your visibility to other drivers, daytime running lights also guarantee that you will be seen.

Supermoto ABS

Selecting “Supermoto ABS” causes motorcyclists to experience three things. Initially, the back wheel’s ABS is completely turned off, enabling riders to use the brakes and slide into curves. Second, stoppies are possible since the ABS does not get in the way if the back wheel lifts off the asphalt. Thirdly, motorcyclists have complete control while accelerating into sharp turns while applying maximum braking pressure since the cornering ABS is off.

In summary, turning off these features in “Supermoto ABS” offers the rider better control in challenging track conditions and enables experienced riders to apply considerably more force while braking for optimal apex-hunting experiences.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Naked Bike – Technical Specifications

Engine

Chassis