The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has arrived, and the
motorcycle packs several visual and mechanical changes in its latest, Euro-V
compliant avatar. The flagship vehicle from KTM’s product portfolio shared the
stage at EICMA 2019 with the new 890 Duke R and the much-awaited 390 Adventure.
In terms of styling, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
retains the headlight design and the silhouette of the outgoing version.
However, the underpinnings have been heavily revised, and the 2020 model has a
new steel trellis frame that uses the engine as the stressed member. The
primary frame is bolted to a cast aluminium sub-frame.
The front fascia witnesses a revision in the form of
a smoked flyscreen that joins the package as a part of the MY2020 upgrade. The
fuel tank on the latest model is noticeably different from the outgoing
version. The fuel tank features a few design changes for a refreshed look in
Euro-V guise. More changes come to attention as you venture past the new tank.
The updated saddle, for example, is quite different from the previous model,
and the rider seat no longer extends towards the lower-sides of the fuel tank.
Bigger changes come to the motor that, in its latest
guise, is compliant to the Euro-V emission norms. The 75-degree V-twin
cylinder, liquid-cooled, 8-valve (4-valves per cylinder), DOHC engine retains
the 1,301 cc displacement, although the performance numbers have gone up. While
the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke misses the 200 hp mark, it still pumps out a
commendable 180 hp of peak power at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm at
8,000 rpm. In comparison, the outgoing model's Euro-IV version made 173.5 hp of peak power.
The performance numbers are slightly lower. However,
the peak torque output stands at a colossal 140 Nm that’s available at 8,000
rpm. Other changes to the engine include re-routed exhaust pipes that make
space for a larger radiator. The exhaust system includes stainless steel
primary and secondary silencer with two catalytic converters.
Shock absorption hardware comprises 48 mm inverted
forks at the front and a mono-shock at the back – both WP APEX branded and
fully adjustable. Braking department is handled by twin 320 mm rotors with
Brembo Stylema four-piston, radially mounted callipers at the front and a 240
mm single disc that works with a Brembo two-piston, fixed calliper at the rear.
Electronic rider aids include Bosch 9.1 MP 2.0 ABS
(cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS), lean-sensitive traction control (3-levels
and disengageable), Quickshifter+ (up- and down-shifts), anti-wheelie and
cruise control. Three riding modes (Rain, Street and Sport) come as standard,
while two other (Track and Performance) are available as an option.
The Track Mode gives access to nine levels of Motor
Slip Regulation. Anti-wheelie function can also be turned off in this mode. The
Performance mode continues to provide adjustable throttle response, wheel slip
and anti-wheelie functions while retaining street functions such as Cruise
Control and KTM MY RIDE. The updated cockpit includes a new, angle-adjustable 5-inch TFT
screen. KTM has also updated the menu structure to give faster access to the
various features.
