KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R (2017 - 2019) Review

Overall rating

The beastly KTM 1290 Super Duke R was chiselled and tweaked in 2017 with slightly more power, suspension and styling updates. But its new electronics took centre stage with more refined rider aids and a new Track riding mode, which lets you choose differing levels of throttle response and allows you to turn anti-wheelie off with the traction control still active.

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Ride quality & brakes

Revised WP suspension had new internal damping settings and heavier fork springs - up from 95 to 100N/mm. On the road it offers a plusher ride and on track there’s lots of more control, agility and feeling through the tyres. It now comes with Metzeler M7 Sportec RR sports rubber as standard.

The riding position is more aggressive, but still comfy, thanks to new bars that are 20mm wider, 5mm lower and 18.5mm further forward.

Engine

KTM have given its 1301cc V-twin motor the Euro 4 treatment for 2017, so it’s quieter and emits 10% less CO2. But the Austrian supernaked was never conceived to stop the ice caps going liquid and the good news is the KTM is still as unhinged as ever, even if it has gained nearly a stone in weight (6kg) thanks to those meddling Eurocrats.

The revised motor makes a claimed 177bhp, up 4bhp over the previous model, thanks to a new crank, cylinder head, titanium inlet valves, a higher compression ratio and 10mm shorter inlet trumpets, which let the 1301cc V-twin rev an extra 500rpm.

It would be tricky to notice the modest power hike unless you rode old and new Super Duke Rs back-to-back, especially with the extra weight it’s carrying, but it’s still a corker of an engine that oozes grunt. Even as low as 2750rpm it’s making 74ftlb of torque.

On track the KTM is nothing short of sensational. It leaps out of corners, even in lazy gears, and demolishes the straights in a thunderous gush of superbike-like lunacy. With no fairing it’s hard to hang on at such high speeds and after a day spent on track you’ll leave with arms and neck like Popeye.

But despite the motor’s savagery when you poke it with a stick, it’s docile and friendly at normal speeds with a beautiful on/off throttle response.

Reliability & build quality

The Super Duke R is built with impressive attention to detail and top quality parts, but it’s no secret they’ve had their problems with quality and reliability with some machines. But the Austrian firm are constantly developing and improving their machines and most riders have had nothing but trouble-free ownership.

We don't currently have any 2017 KTM Super Duke R owners' reviews on MCN.

Value vs rivals

This machine is right at the priciest end of the super naked scale, especially when you start adding accessories. Yamaha’s brilliant MT-10 is the undoubted class-leader in the value stakes, costing a whopping four grand less than the KTM.

Equipment

You now get keyless ignition and cruise control in standard trim, along with quality WP suspension, Brembo calipers, three riding modes, traction and wheelie control and ABS. Pay extra and you can also specify the extra Track riding mode, a quickshifter, autoblipper, heated grips and any number of sexy KTM Power Parts accessories.