01. Engine & Exhaust

Engine
Boasting 180 hp and 140 Nm, the 1,301 cc LC8, V-Twin, this beating heart of the BEAST deserves little introduction. However, due to the times, this engine is EURO5 homologated, but most importanly, and thanks to an overall weight reduction of 9 kg - the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR has an incredible power to weight ratio of 1:1.


Injectors
Topfeeder injectors and 56 mm throttle bodies provide optimal air to fuel mixture at high rpms. This results in the perfect torque devliery and fuel economy throughout the rev range, making the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR not only a track-slaying elbow-dragger, but a usable street weapon too.


Gearbox
As PANKL is a trusted name in the performance gearbox business, it was the obvious choice to pair with the beheamoth V-Twin. Why? Quite simply - quicker shift times and lighter level action equals faster acceleration.


Quick turn throttle twist grip
Full throttle has never been easier as on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR. Thanks to an all-new race-derived quick turn throttle twist grip, the connection between wrist, throttle, and the engine is almost immediate. Providing a 7-degree reduction in twist-action over the stock KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, offering greatly improved throttle response, but also reducing rider wrist angle and elbow drop at full throttle.


Air intake
To perform like a BEAST, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR needs to breath like a BEAST. Thanks to a ram air intake positioned in headlight mask, this ripsnorting arrangement maximizes air flow by forcing oxygen into the combustion chambers. This reduces the chance of low air pressure and increases the fuel burn rate for optimum performance.


Titanium inlet valves
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 meticulously engineered cylinder heads and combustion chambers on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR, offering a compression ratio of 13.6:1, there is ultimately one outcome, pure power.


Cylinder heads
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 RR pulls like a train, while keeping fuel consuption and CO² emissions in check.


PASC Clutch
While the pressure lubricated PASC slipper clutch allows for feather-light clutch modulation while accelerating, it's how it handles slowing down that's the really impressive bit. When the engine experiences extreme back-torque during aggressive downshifting from speed, the clutch opens to prevent the rear wheel locking, giving the rider full control and perfect entry speed while hunting apexes.


Ride-by-wire
The Ride-by-Wire on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR 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.


Pistons
Formula1-inspired forged piston technology means we can push the limits of load capacity despite the extremely short and lightweight design. This results in minimized reciprocating weight and maximized responsiveness. The piston skirts also feature a state-of-the-art, hard anodized finish which minimizes friction, adding to the engine's free-revving nature. What's more, the hard-wearing durability of these parts add many years to an already impressive engine life.


Exhaust
The KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE RR is fitted with an Akrapovic Slip-On as standard. And as you'd expect from the best in the business, the muffler outer sleeve is made of lightweight titanium, while the end cap is made of carbon fiber. But for those wanting a bit more, the optional AKRAPOVIC "EVOLUTION LINE" is a full-titanium, MotoGP-derived masterpiece. But take heed - this is a race-track only option and is not street-legal.


Airfilter
Gone are the days of complicated air-filter maintainence. Thanks top an easy-to-access air filter box, swapping out your air filter for a fresh set of lungs is as easy as making sportsbike riders cry.
