KTM 1290 Super Duke R revs up

KTM has released a video of the 1290 Super Duke R it will reveal tomorrow night (5 November 2019) at the EICMA  motorcycle show in Milan, possibly with blind spot alert and adaptive cruise control.

It will be one of a host of other new models form the Austrian manufacturer.

KTM is also tipped to unveil 250ADV and 390ADV baby adventure single-cylinder bikes, a range of entry-level 490cc twin-cylinder motorcycles, several 890cc models and a 790 Supermoto.

1290 Super Duke R

But the undoubted highlight from the Austrian manufacturer will be the 1290 Super Duke R.

KTM has been working on rider-aid technology such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot alert which could be debuted on this model.

However, Ducati also promised this technology on its 2020 models, but failed to deliver in the recent unveiling.

What we do now is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R will feature a new chassis using the engine as a stressed member of the frame with a bolted-on rear sub-frame.

There is also a new smoked screen, restyled fuel tank, upgraded seat and re-routed exhaust for a larger radiator.

That is presumably to increase water cooling and reduce emissions without losing horsepower.

In fact, some expect horsepower will be boosted from the 1301cc V-twin, liquid-cooled engine’s current 130kW output.

It will, of course, come with high-spec components such as KTM-owned WP suspension and Brembo brakes.

We will have all the news from ECMA tomorrow night, so stay tuned to your phone, computer or tablet!