presentation of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016
A veritable powder keg, the KTM SuperDuke 1290 R has yet to find a worthy adversary. While its 173 horsepower put it at the top of the roadster class, and even above some hypersports, it's not just for the elite or the oblivious. This machine can be driven, in both senses of the word.
The Superduke is a bombshell, and its Special Edition version is a demonstration of what can be achieved with the PowerParts catalog. Big watts, a flashy deco and a set of beautiful parts - that's all it takes to get the adrenalin pumping.
Identifiable by its "Galvano Orange" color scheme, this Superduke smells even more like racing. The machine is menacing, and its engine even more so. There's plenty of electronics to channel its ardor, and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust to let it express itself with song. The Slovenian silencer saves 1,500 grams... on a bike that's already not very heavy.
Orange is no longer confined to the frame; it's also applied to the wheels and other high-quality parts. In this special edition, the KTM roadster gets anodized aluminum fork crowns, more attractive and stiffer than standard components. Wave discs add stability to the already excellent braking performance. The saddle is more ergonomic and 2 mm higher, while its quality is enhanced by special stitching and upholstery.
Once at the controls, the bonuses are continuous. The levers are adjustable, folding and equipped with handlebar protectors. Each jar (brake, clutch) is fitted with an anodized aluminum Powerparts cover. And for those forays onto the track, where the Katoche can give you a good sweat, 5mm-thick carbon protectors protect the clutch and alternator housings of the big twin derived from the sporty RC8-R.

A special, limited edition. KTM only plans to sell it for a certain period, but we don't know when or for how long. Just the fact that it's priced at under 18,000 euros means you can psychologically prepare for its arrival in the garage.
And also to get back into shape. With a machine of this caliber, it's best to give it your best shot. Although the new standards have caused the LC8 to lose some 7 horsepower, there are still 173 units and 14.7 mkg of torque to digest. Fortunately, in addition to a quality chassis with the eternal tubular steel trellis frame, a superb monobracket, a 48 mm WP inverted fork and Brembo M50 brakes on 320 mm discs, the 1290 Superduke R is equipped with an anti-dribble clutch, angle-sensitive traction control, sporty ABS and 3 riding modes.
M.B - Photos Mitterbauer H.
Key facts KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition (2016) : What you need to know before you buy
Specifications KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016
- Chassis
- Frame : tubular mesh in chromium-molybdenum steel
- Fuel capacity : 18 liters (4.76 US gallons)
- Seat height : 837 mm (32.95 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,482 mm (58.35 in)
- Dry weight : 187.50 kg (413 lb)
- Front axle
- Telehydraulic inverted WP forks Ø 48 mm / White Power (WP), Wheel travel : 125 mm (4.92 in)
- Braking 2 Brembo discs Ø 320 mm (12.6 in), radial mounting, 4-piston caliper
- Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.5 bar
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox , manual
- Secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- WP monoshock / White Power (WP), Wheel travel : 156 mm (6.14 in)
- Braking 1 Brembo disc Ø 240 mm (9.45 in), 2-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 180 / 55 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.9 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder 75° V-shaped , 4 strokes
- Injection
- Cooling system : liquid
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 1,301 cc
- 173 ch (170.60 hp) to 8,870 rpm
- 14.70 mkg
- Power-to-Weight Ratio : 1.1 kg/ch
- Torque-to-Weight Ratio : 12.76 kg/mkg
- Standard equipment
- Brake assist : Bosch 9ME sport ABS as standard
- Practical information
Essentials
Gallery
Used
Compare the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition to its competitors
Compared to its 5 direct competitors, this 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition holds a particularly dominant position, establishing itself as the benchmark across several key criteria. It outperforms the segment by combining torque of 14.7 Nm, top speed of 280 km/h, and torque-to-weight ratio of 12.76 kg/Nm. Its weight of 187.5 kg makes it one of the heaviest models in the category.
Acceleration
Fuel consumption
Range
Torque
Power
Power-to-Weight ratio
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Speed
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016
- What is the power of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
-
The 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 develops a power of 173 ch (170.60 hp)
- What is the torque of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
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The maximum torque of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 is 14.70 mkg.
- What is the maximum speed of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
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The 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 is capable of reaching a top speed of over 280 km/h (174 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
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The 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 has a a dry weight of 187.50 kg (413 lb).
- QWhat is the seat height of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
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To ensure good accessibility, the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 offers a minimum seat height of 837 mm (32.95 in).
- What is the price of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
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The price of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 is 15,995€ in France
- What size tires should I put on my 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition?
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The standard size for a 1290 SUPER DUKE R Special Edition 2016 is 120 / 70 - 17 for the front, and 180 / 55 - 17 for the rear.
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 2 reviews
and I've had plenty!
powerful light maneuverable strangely easy in street mode and devilishly intimidating when you put it in sport mode or worse when you take the TC off... then you have to be damn careful all the same. Rating : 5/5 Respond to nonogex