Super Duke 1290 R

[expatbrit]

If they do, we'll never see it here in the US. We don't get the K1300R, after all.

I dunno. I think they'll try it for a year, at least. All the rest of the supernakeds appear to be coming here at this point; V4R, StupidDuke, the fabled 1198 Monster, etc.

We'll have to see. I'm not sure I agree that nakeds are catching on in the US, but we'll see about /that/ too.

[Sport-Touring]

[Schneegz]

New video from KTM.

[R Doug]

It looks better (and more evil) in black.

[Croak]

Petty as it sounds, the over-use (and even use) of orange by KTM really detracts from my desire to own one (detracts, not prevents, I could live with the Super Duke pictured above). 

I have the same problem with the (to me) hideous green that Kawasaki uses, except I'd never consider owning a green Kwak.

Case in point, I'm looking at a small, light, affordable new bike for use here in Malta.  Candidates included the Ninja 300...except for the fact that the Ninja 300 only comes in green here.  So it's totally out of the running, whereas the Duke 390,  I can still see myself owning, even with orange wheels and frame, as long as I peel off the decals (outside the clear coat, thankfully) and get liberal with black rim tape.  Would still prefer black frame and wheels though. 

[expatbrit]

Petty as it sounds, the over-use (and even use) of orange by KTM really detracts from my desire to own one (detracts, not prevents, I could live with the Super Duke pictured above). 

I have the same problem with the (to me) hideous green that Kawasaki uses, except I'd never consider owning a green Kwak.

Case in point, I'm looking at a small, light, affordable new bike for use here in Malta.  Candidates included the Ninja 300...except for the fact that the Ninja 300 only comes in green here.  So it's totally out of the running, whereas the Duke 390,  I can still see myself owning, even with orange wheels and frame, as long as I peel off the decals (outside the clear coat, thankfully) and get liberal with black rim tape.  Would still prefer black frame and wheels though. 

See -- I'm exactly the opposite.


I /love/ the screaming orange on the Kabooms. I swapped panels on my 950SM to get more of it, from black, and I really dig the orange wheels on my RC8.

It's definitely Not Subtle, though.

[miles]

Petty as it sounds, the over-use (and even use) of orange by KTM really detracts from my desire to own one (detracts, not prevents, I could live with the Super Duke pictured above). 

I have the same problem with the (to me) hideous green that Kawasaki uses, except I'd never consider owning a green Kwak.

Case in point, I'm looking at a small, light, affordable new bike for use here in Malta.  Candidates included the Ninja 300...except for the fact that the Ninja 300 only comes in green here.  So it's totally out of the running, whereas the Duke 390,  I can still see myself owning, even with orange wheels and frame, as long as I peel off the decals (outside the clear coat, thankfully) and get liberal with black rim tape.  Would still prefer black frame and wheels though. 

I'm with you on that.  I'm not a fan of the orange.

The RC8s that I've seen have been especially bad in that they are actually several different clashing oranges- as if the various parts suppliers were simply told to use "orange" and the exact orange was left up to them.


 

[R Doug]

 


Turn it up!

[Schneegz]

From MCN:

“Yes, the new super naked has massive amounts of power and torque, but sophisticated rider modes and engine management means that you can’t get into trouble by unleashing it all at the wrong time. For example, around town in first gear it simply won’t release all that stomp if you whack open the throttle.
 
“On the other hand, out of town in third or fourth, you can crack open the twistgrip and it simply takes off like little else. While on track – where I’m headed this afternoon – you could simply turn the electronics off and have one helluva blast. It’s even got a ‘supermoto’ mode for its sophisticated ABS system which lets you ‘back it in’ to corners, supermoto style!

Read the rest at the link.

[Schneegz]

 


Turn it up!

Typical Akra - looks and sounds outstanding!

[staedtler]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2014-ktm-super-duke-r-review-first-ride.html


  price cant be right!

[miles]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2014-ktm-super-duke-r-review-first-ride.html


  price cant be right!

No, it isn't.  $16,500 is the most popular guess from those in the know.  My dealer hedged it and guessed $17k when I put my deposit down.

[Schneegz]

From Asphalt and Rubber:

Ride Review: KTM 1290 Super Duke R
 
10/21/2013 @ 3:31 PM, BY IWAN VAN DER VALK



Overall though, we like the driveability of the ride-by-wire system. The big v-twin sounds amazing and runs so smoothly that you can use a broad RPM range in any gear, although you do need to stay above 4,000 rpm to avoid bucking.
Above that the engine truly is a beast: turn the traction control off and it’s simply impossible to keep the front wheel down in the first 3 gears. In fourth, fifth, or sixth, a tiny crest in the road will result into a power-wheelie. KTM definitely didn’t lie when they christened this bike as ‘The Beast’: the 1290 Super Duke R is faster, stronger, wilder than you can imagine.

Read the rest at the link.

[Schneegz]

From Asphalt and Rubber:

What's this?  A sport-touring mode?  


With an Akra pipe.




 

[miles]

See the orange thing on the caliper?  That's a disc lock.  Pretty trick- until you forget about it and try to roll the bike with the ignition off (yes, it seems to be activated by the ignition).

[Lawn Dart]

That thing is sexy like a degenerate, tattooed, nymphomaniac crank addict exercising on a stripper pole.

If you're into that sorta thing.  

I'd hit it.  

[james_g]

I would too. And plan on it whenever Miles gets his...

I'm really glad to see the Tuono finally getting some competition. A 1200cc Tuono????  

james

[mellow_gold]

[garry]

Between this bike and the 1190 Adventure, it's going to be really hard to not drop a big chunk of money at my local KTM dealer next year. I guess I should start planning for it now.

[Schneegz]

From MCN:

Jeremy McWilliams thrashes the new KTM Super Duke



Man, that is one angry-sounding bike!

[MisterSmooth]

Great video!     Thanks for passing this on.  

I love the sound that KTM makes.  Yow.