Giving THE BEAST life is a 1301 cc V-Twin which pumps out an arm-wrenching 177 hp while its torque figures reach for the sky between 6,750 rpm (140 Nm) and 7,000 rpm (141 Nm). All in all, weighing in at around 62 kg, the extremely slim 4-valve unit makes it one of the lightest – and most powerful - big twins in the world.

State-of-the-art, machined titanium inlet valves with chromium nitride PVD coating – how impressive does that sound? These feature a flat design, and weigh 19 grams less than steel inlet valves. When combined with the smaller combustion chamber on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, offer a compression ratio of 13.6:1, and ultimately, more power.

Thanks to the resonator chambers on the cylinder heads, which have been engineered to increase the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R power train runs smoother, consumes less fuel and cuts down on CO² emissions by around 10%.

Keeping the rear-end in check under harsh downshifts or aggressive decelerating by reducing rear wheel chatter, the slipper clutch also assists when you open up the throttle by assisting the Quickshifter+ to perform super smooth up-shifts.

The Ride-by-Wire on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R goes the extra mile. It electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into the best throttle valve positions for the current riding situation. Choking, jolting and involuntary wheelies are a thing of the past. Voluntary ones, however, could easily be a thing of your future.

The free-revving nature of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R’s V-twin further enhanced by a very low reciprocating weight of its crankshaft. Moreover, the flow-optimized shape of the crank makes for smoother power delivery and for motor stability.

Arguably the most important part of the motor, the forged piston structure on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R has been borrowed from Formula 1 technology. This results in a high loading capacity, despite the extremely short and lightweight design. Furthermore, the piston skirts have a state-of-the-art, hard-anodized finish to minimize friction, and maximize longevity.

An intake flange is more than just a bit of plumbing that connects the throttle body to the ports in the cylinder head. It is an integral part of the induction system and has to match the airflow characteristics of the cylinder head and camshaft, as well as the displacement and rpm range of the engine, in this instance, widening its powerband by 500 rpm. Thunder along and surf its torque or whip it hard and meet THE BEAST.

The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R features a twin-plug ignition system, which controls two differently sized spark plugs in each cylinder head independently of each other. This adds to the overall efficiency of the motor. The result? More power, better feedback, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.

The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R’s exhaust system is made entirely from rustproof stainless steel and is Euro 4 homologated. Hundreds of test bench runs and complex simulation, ensured that the exhaust system contributes to the extremely smooth torque curve and excellent emission values on the V-twin. And did we mention the sound? While it whispers at low revs, it will take your breath away reaching for the high notes.

The jaw-droppingly beautiful, light alloy, single-sided swingarm on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is not only extremely lightweight, but also precisely manufactured and generously dimensioned – a potent partner when the SUPER DUKE R unleashes its torque and riding dynamics. The rear wheel is fitted to an axle 50 mm in diameter and bolted in place with a 60 mm central wheel nut. The design of the swing arm is adapted optimally to the tubular trellis frame in terms of flexural behavior and stiffness. A high-precision, eccentric adjustment is used for tensioning the chain.

With its ultra-lightweight yet extremely stable trellis frame, a beautifully manufactured single-sided swingarm, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R exceeds all requirements for stability and control.

The jaw-droppingly beautiful, light alloy, single-sided swingarm on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is not only extremely lightweight, but also precision engineered and generously dimensioned – a potent partner when the SUPER DUKE R unleashes its torque and riding dynamics. The design of the swing arm is adapted optimally to the tubular trellis frame in terms of flex and stiffness.

State-of-the-art WP suspension components on the front and rear ends of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R ensure maximum traction and control when the going gets rapid!

With an adjustable, extremely torsion-resistant upside-down telescopic fork from WP Suspension up front, not only can you adjust rebound and compression damping separately, but also completely independently from each other thanks to the 'split principle' (the left fork tube controls compression and the right one rebound damping). This allows riders to find their dream set-up with speed and precision.

Directly articulated and extremely high-quality, the WP pressurized-gas central shock absorber fitted to the SUPER DUKE R has an external remote reservoir which allows riders a wide range of setup options. Compression and rebound damping can also be regulated independently – with separate settings for high-speed and low-speed compression damping. In addition, the spring preload can be adjusted by hand.

A WP steering damper does its part to help keep THE BEAST restrained over uneven stretches of tarmac by absorbing any unwanted kickback through the front wheel.

A brace of METZELER M7RR tires on extremely lightweight, light-alloy wheels, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R boasts some serious equipment as standard. Derived from METZELER’s experience in Road Racing activities, including the “Isle of Man TT”, they feature structure materials, compounds and a tread pattern for better wear, perfect steering and fantastic ride stability.

Bringing this rampaging BEAST to a stop are two radially mounted BREMBO M50 Monobloc four-piston calipers and 320 mm discs. This is paired to an adjustable brake lever and powerful brake pump for easy single-finger modulation. Keeping things in check on the rear wheel is a 240 mm diameter disc and a two-piston BREMBO caliper.

Taking the reins on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is via an upright, wide handlebar with allows riders 22 mm adjustment range with four positions. A set of adjustable hand levers complete the picture

In order to access the multitude of assistance systems on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, there is an illuminated menu switch on the left side of the handlebar. It features a very simple and intuitive "up" and "down" menu selection. The Cruise Control switch can also be found on the left-hand cluster.

The traditional brake and gear shift lever you’d expect on a motorcycle, but with three-way adjustability for the gear shift & brake lever.

Adjust the hand levers infinitely.

Just like fighter pilots need information available to them at a moment’s notice, so do KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R riders. The TFT display fitted to the SUPER DUKE R gives riders all the information they want at a moment’s glance. This means less time looking down, and more time looking ahead.

There is no chance of mistaking the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R for anything else in the parking lot. An aggressive headlight mask houses powerful LEDs, while 6 additional LEDs make up a halo of daytime running lights. This means extra safety and additional visibility on the road. 

Slim, short and aggressive, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R flaunts a sharp tail end which compliments the overall silhouette. Regardless if fitted with the removable pillion seat, or single seat cowl, THE BEAST is always ready to shred.

We couldn’t call it THE BEAST if it didn’t look the part. Aggressive side fairings emphasize its predatory nature, while snarling air intakes feed the power-hungry motor hidden beneath. The ‘R’ on its flanks really does stand for its roar.

At times it’s an angry tarmac-tearing curve killer that likes to show its teeth. Its appearance strikes fear into the heart of many, but deep down it possesses an advanced electronics package that can make this KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R purr and is as user-friendly as you wish to make it.

Taming THE BEAST is a state-of-the-art 9.1 MP modulator, which unites the talents of efficient braking and pressure modulation with the high quality of BREMBO. This means bringing a rampaging KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R to a controlled stop is as easy as putting one finger on the level.

Who doesn’t like the odd drift? The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R is no different. By selecting Supermoto Mode, riders can disable ABS on the rear wheel and leave their mark everywhere!

The rider has a choice of three ride modes on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, which can be selected quickly with the menu switch on the handlebar. In conjunction with ride by wire, the selected ride mode influences the general responsiveness of the engine, its maximum peak power and MTC intervention. "Street" and "Sport" modes deliver a full 177 hp and appropriately potent power development with a sporty traction setting. By contrast, "Rain" mode limits the maximum output to 130 hp with smoother performance and early traction control intervention.

Motorcycle Traction Control or MTC, is a lean-angle sensitive traction control system. This takes the contact patch of tires into account, and auto adjusts its interference accordingly. Depending on the selected ride mode, MTC allows three different levels of traction slip at the rear wheel. Of course, it can be entirely disabled to unleash THE BEAST.

Forget about ignition keys and mechanically locked fuel caps, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R features KTM RACE ON! All you need is the transponder key in your pocket and you can unlock THE BEAST.

Long motorway journeys are easily dispatched with the SUPER DUKE R’s cruise control system. Easily activated and controlled by a switch on the left hand side of the handlebar, riders can set cruise control in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear, between 40 km/h and 200 km/h. That’s one way to save energy for the twisty bits.

As its name implies, the TPMS monitors tire pressure and warns riders of potential tire damage in the event of pressure loss on the TFT display. An added convenience when you want to spend more time on the road and less time checking air pressures.

Auto-cancelling turn signals are a big improvement in terms of safety, as it is now impossible to for forget that they are activated and flashing into infinitum. Indicators stop flashing after 10 seconds and in 150 meters. 

A smartphone can be tethered wirelessly to the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R’s TFT display, giving you full control over your audio player and  incoming calls. All relevant cellular information gets displayed on the dash, allowing you to interact via the bar-mounted menu switch, keeping your hands where they belong (further information available on www.ktm.com/my-ride).