Motorcycle specifications KTMSuperduke 1290 R EVO 2023 Between the hunt, the road, and the terror

In the roadster galaxy, there are basics, bigs, littles, retros, streetfighters, and a handful of high-performance machines. A select club where power is impressive. KTM has a powerful ambassador in its Superduke 1290 R. A voracious, fearless and furious beast.

In 2021, a special RR series was offered to give an even more radical performance on the racetrack. This time, Katoche has widened the battlefield with the EVO model, a technological graft designed to offer more roads and more possibilities. The engine, frame and face remain untouched, but 2nd-generation APEX semi-active suspension is added.

This is the first time that the fiercest Duke has been fitted with pilot-controlled suspension. This enables it to compete with rivals such as the Streetfighter V4S and the MV-Agusta Brutale 1000 RR. Except that the Italians use Öhlins. The Superduke Evo gets White Power equipment. The 48 mm inverted fork and monoshock are equipped with solenoid valves and sensors to adapt to the road profile according to three settings: Comfort, Street or Sport. Rear spring preload can be set from the dashboard, in 10 levels. Each varies the adjustment by 2 mm.

The manufacturer has chosen to reserve the sportiest Modes for the Pro option, of which there are also three, and each is far more demanding than the standard ones.
Track, the firmest for track use. Advanced Mode allows the rider to control the level of damping on a scale of 1 to 8 and fine-tune the wheel to his or her liking. And the AUTO selection takes care of all the damping and adapts it to the rider's riding style.

this Pro option can also provide an anti-dive function for heavy braking and three automatic preload settings. The rider's weight is taken into account to offer three suspension geometries: Standard for neutrality and the best possible balance; Low for a little comfort and lower seat height; or High to put the beast on the attack, load the front end, reinforce agility and make it as aggressive as possible. C a d the temperament that best matches the bike's mechanics and spirit.

As we' ve just seen, the Evo particle refers to the suspension. As for the name Superduke, it evokes the largest sporty twin available on a roadster, at 1301 cm3. With 180 hp and 14.3 mkg of torque, it's a double-impact battering ram. The watts are initially released by a new quick-draw throttle, taken from the RR - it pivots 65° instead of 72°.

Initially ? Yes, because after that, there are riding modes (Rain - Street - Sport - Track and optional Performance), angle-responsive traction control, cornering ABS with Supermoto function, anti-wheeling, Up&Down shifter, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, keyless start and locks (steering - fuel filler), 5-inch color TFT screen, etc, etc....
Optional extras include engine slip control, Launch Control, a Track Pack, a number of CNC-machined and anodized parts, and Akrapovic to make the mill sing.

The easiest way to distinguish the Evo from a standard Superduke is to look at the bottom of the fork tubes. Here, they're adorned with a blue ring. Because, apart from the suspension, the two Superduke 1290 R models are identical. With a super-rigid steel trellis frame using the engine as a structural element, big Brembo Stylema 4-piston brakes around 320 mm discs, a handsome monobracket and barely any extra weight. The Evo weighs 2 kilos more, 191 dry.

Thanks to this new configuration, the Superduke will gain a little versatility without sacrificing any of its sportiness. The price will be higher, but KTM had to offer an alternative to the competition's hyper-roadsters with high co-drives. The beast can now choose between claws and pads. But the teeth in the jaw are no less sharp.

M.B. - manufacturer's media

rain mode

Rain mode is the natural setting in wet conditions, and induces maximum traction control, ultra-smooth acceleration response and lower power output, keeping the front wheel in good contact with the ground.

street mode

As the name suggests, Street mode is designed for normal road use. Full power, default throttle response and limited traction control are required to maintain control on the road.

sport mode

Calibrated for more adventurous rides, Sport mode intensifies throttle control, slightly reduces traction control and allows the front end to lift under hard acceleration. The last mode, of course, unleashes the full power of the engine.

track mode (optional)

For true racing behavior, the optional Track mode allows the driver to customize certain functions to suit his or her driving style, such as the level of slip allowed by traction control or the ability to deactivate anti-wheeling.

performance mode (optional)

Drivers retain the ability to adjust throttle response, wheel slip and anti-wheeling, while retaining typical road functions such as cruise control.