KTM lifts the cover of its brand new 1290 Super Duke RR, a track-focused version of its 1290 Super Duke R bike limited to 500 copies.
The special edition 1290 Super Duke RR is one of the most powerful motorbikes the company has ever made. Its beating heart is a massive 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine churning out a whopping 180 horses and 103.2 lb-ft, derived straight from the standard 1290 Super Duke R.
What makes the 1290 Super Duke RR even more special is the fact that it’s significantly lighter than the standard version. The Super Duke RR is 9kg lighter than the standard version, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, 3.3 lb lighter specially forged wheels, and special lithium-ion batteries shedding off another 5.5 lb.
KTM says that removing so much excess weight gave the motorbike an incredible metric power to weight ratio of 1:1, giving it a significant edge over other high-performance motorbikes in the segment. Not only that, but the RR also outshines the 1290 Super Duke R when it comes to throttle response and acceleration, as it features a new quick-turn throttle twist grip that opens up 7 degrees earlier than the standard version.
Furthermore, the 1290 Super Duke RR also comes equipped with fully adjustable WP Apex Pro 7548 Close Cartridge forks and a WP Apex Pro 7117 steering damper in the front. KTM has also introduced a specially designed Apex Pro 7746 Shock for the rear. The RR also features newly designed taillights complementing the motorbike’s aggressive look. Incredible performance is further matched by its high-performance titanium Akrapovič exhaust with a carbon fiber tip.
KTM packed the latest technology into the RR, equipping it with a special electronics package featuring Track and Performance modes. Riders can configure their motorbikes including setting launch control, adjusting throttle response, and a host of other track-oriented settings to fiddle with.
With so much hype generated around the special edition Super Duke RR, KTM sold all of its limited 500 units in just 48 minutes. However, the Austrian company has responded to the growing demand and has reportedly created a waiting list of customers who couldn’t get their hands on the initial run.
So far, we are yet to hear about the exact pricing of the motorbike. We’ll keep you posted!
