Despite the KTM 1290 Super Duke R getting a significant update in 2017, these spy shots from motorcycle.com seem to suggest it is getting an even bigger makeover.
The powerful Super Duke R stormed on to the Australian showrooms in 2014 and is one of the best power-to-weight ratio naked bikes on the market.
Current KTM 1290 Super Duke RIts 1301cc LC8 V-twin engine has output figures of 131kW of power and 144Nm of torque with 100Nm at 2500 revs, all in a nimble package that weighs only 189kg dry.
While the spy photos show the engine has not changed, there are changes to the exhaust, catalytic converter, radiator, swingarm and frame that could make it even more powerful and lighter.
KTM 1290 Super Duke R spy photos from motorcycle.comIt could also have similar output, but run cleaner to meet the Euro 5 emissions limits that come into force in 2020.
The larger radiator, exhaust and catalytic converter tends to suggest the latter.
Other changes include a boxier swingarm connected to the shock via a link rather than connected directly and lighter aluminium rear subframe from the 790 Duke.
Spy photos from motorcycle.comThere is no rush to release the bike to meet 2020 emissions standards, but we should expect to see a production-ready prototype at Intermot or EICMA shows later this year.
Super Duke R recall
Faulty Brembo PR16 master cylinderLast month the 1290 Super Duke R was one of several KTM models caught up in a global recall over faulty Brembo front PR16 master cylinders.
The Brembo brake problem resulted in thousands of European-made bikes recalled around the world.
The motorccle.com spy shots show the bike is still fettled with Brembo brake units, no doubt with new master cylinders.