2023
KTM 1290 Super Duke R - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 900281 |
|---|---|
| Category | Naked bike |
| Make | KTM |
| Model | 1290 Super Duke R |
| Year | 2023 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Double disc. ABS. Radially mounted four-piston brake calipers |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | WP APEX 48 |
| Fronttyre | 120/70-17 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 125 mm (4.9 inches) |
| Rake | 25.2° |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc. ABS. Two-piston brake caliper. fixed brake disc |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | WP APEX - Monoshock |
| Reartyre | 200/55-17 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 140 mm (5.5 inches) |
| Wheels | Metzeler M7RR tires |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 108.0 x 71.0 mm (4.3 x 2.8 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated |
| Coolingsystem | Liquid |
| Displacement | 1301.0 ccm (79.39 cubic inches) |
| Driveline | 525 X-Ring chain |
| Enginedetails | 75° V arrangement |
| Enginetype | V2, four-stroke |
| Fuelconsumption | 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg) |
| Fuelsystem | Injection |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Greenhousegases | 129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Ignition | Keihin EMS with RBW, twin ignition |
| Lubricationsystem | Forced oil lubrication with 3 pumps |
| Power | 177.0 HP (129.2 kW)) |
| Torque | 140.0 Nm (14.3 kgf-m or 103.3 ft.lbs) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain (final drive) |
| Valvespercylinder | 4 |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Orange/silver |
|---|---|
| Comments | 3 ride modes. Traction control. Cruise control. |
| Instruments | TFT Colour Display |
| Light | LED headlight |
| Starter | Electric |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 189.0 kg (416.7 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 16.00 litres (4.23 US gallons) |
| Groundclearance | 160 mm (6.3 inches) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.9366 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 835 mm (32.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
About KTM
Country of Origin:
Austria
Founder:
Hans Trunkenpolz (later joined by Ernst Kronreif)
Best Known For:
Off-road/enduro supremacy, Dakar wins, Duke/RC streetbikes, and READY TO RACE ethos
Company History
KTM evolved from a postwar repair shop into a racing juggernaut by treating competition as R&D. Lightweight two-strokes made the brand a force in motocross and enduro; later four-strokes and advanced electronics cemented dominance. Dakar Rally victories showcased reliability under extreme conditions and fed the Adventure lineup—bikes that balance long-travel composure with startling pace. On the street, the Duke and RC families brought razor geometry and punchy singles/twins to license tiers worldwide, while the 1290 Super Duke and Adventure pushed the IMU-aided edge of performance. Corporate agility—acquisitions, platform sharing with Husqvarna/GASGAS—expanded reach without blurring identity. Historically, KTM changed expectations for chassis feedback and electronics integration in dirt and on road, proving that orange-painted ferocity could also be precise. The brand’s throughline is simple: build light, communicate grip, and let riders go fast safely. Few companies have turned a color and a slogan into such a reliable proxy for results.