Recently, KTM had showcased the prototype of its most powerful motorcycle with a brute engine sound at EICMA, popularly known as the Milan Motorcycle Show. Now, the auto company seems ready to launch the KTM 1290 Super Duke R bike in India, if reports are to be believed. Interestingly, this bike is the first KTM motorcycle that has been launched on a web-based microsite. Bike lovers have termed it as 'Virtual Insanity' as they keenly wait for the production version of this 1290 Super Duke R. Notably, the microsite 'www.1290SuperDukeR.com' that went live on 16th September, 2013, has already started the countdown to the unveiling of this super bike. Notably, starting from 1st October, 2013, the company would be revealing information, step-by-step, regarding this 'Beast' including 10 specials.
Though the microsite was launched by the auto maker in September, the story of the new 1290 Super DUKE R can be traced back to 2012 Milan Show (EICMA), where the prototype of this vehicle stole the attention of spectators with a fearsome roar through its open AkrapoviÄ pipes. The microsite provides detailed information about this super bike, such as technical specifications, features, photos and 360° views. In addition, videos, different bike set-ups and audio files regarding the 1290 Super Duke R can all be seen just by visiting the microsite. According to reports, muscle bike enthusiasts who have waited anxiously for this 1290 Super Duke R, have appreciated the microsite for its apt details. Notably, the 1290 Super Duke R bike is the brand's new flagship model, a naked sports bike that has been aptly stylised with some aggressive, signature KTM lines. It passionately shows off an orange frame and razor sharp body panels leading from its headlight all the way to the tail along with racy graphics.
This super bike is extremely powerful and an idea about its power can be calculated from the fact that it can match a speed from 0-200 km/hour in just 7.2 seconds. As per company claims, all this is achieved with a low fuel consumption and an extended 15000 km service interval. This bike gets an extensively reworked 1301 cc, four-stroke, V-twin and liquid cooled engine that can generate peak power of 180 bhp and torque of 144 Nm at low 2500 rpm. KTM 1290 Super Duke R bears the best braking system that includes Brembo M50 monoblock callipers, 320 mm brake discs and ABS to ensure safe racing-level deceleration even when riding with full throttle. This bike also translates rider's commands at the throttle twist grip into electronic opening of the throttle valve for ensuring smooth engine acceleration. Furthermore, the 1290 Super Duke R makes use of an advanced traction control system.
The bike allows perfect handling while being driven on roads. Notably, it boasts of CroMo steel tubular space frame, the single-sided swingarm, the fork and the shock absorber along with excellent steering precision to enhance handling aspects. The low-pressure and die-cast wheels that are used in this bike are pretty stable and light for ensuring a good grip of the road surface in cold, hot and wet conditions. KTM 1290 Super Duke R also comes with several other high-end features like daytime running light, an instrument panel, simple mode switching, placid rain model and wind protection.
