Motorcycle specifications KTMSuperduke 1290 R 2018 The over-pressed orange

are you one of those people who struggle to get out of Morpheus' arms every morning? Who roll painfully out of bed to start some semblance of waking up? Are you one of those people who walk sluggishly to the bathroom, body up but mind overwhelmed by the day ahead? If so, KTM has the solution. The Superduke 1290 R. Forget citrus juices, this squeezed orange will wake you up every morning with a big slap in the face thanks to its over-vitamined mill. It's waiting for you now more than ever, in the starting-blocks, "ready to race".

the 1290 R is the queen of nakeds (super) roadsters. And the Austrians are determined to ensure that it retains its throne against the envious pests of the opposing camps. The empress is determined, aggressive and tears you apart with her eyes. The same as that of a mantis-religious, who has just finished feasting on her partner. Her sharp line bewitches you, and is a real invitation to debauchery and thrills. As with the insect, a waltz can prove fatal. Its exhaustive line suggests that it has more than enough to make your wife a widow. And the desire is all the greater...

apart from this "insectoid" look, built on an aluminum base, its design has not been revolutionized. In any case, it was already sufficiently evocative and avant-garde. There's nothing superfluous on this machine. Every nut, every bailer, every copper cable, every screw - everything, absolutely everything, has just one thing in mind: to take on the competition and ensure pure riding pleasure. She's scantily clad. She rides off bravely, billhook in hand, the same one she used to carve out her features, frame tubing and visible rear buckle. Her partial nudity and Amazonian finery keep her under 200 kilos. Precisely 195 kilos dry.

Clearly there's no time for nonsense, she 's got to cross the finish line in first place. To achieve this, its designers have stiffened its WP suspension and retained its Brembo brakes, with 320 mm discs at the front and M50 clamps - the very best. The chassis of its predecessor, which has received rave reviews from the critics, has not been modified in any other way.

the V2 that powers it sees its compression increased, its intake cones shortened, and it now develops 177 horsepower - 4 units more than the previous model. Its combustion chambers have been reworked to deliver more torque below 5,000 rpm. The engine is the torturer of an original Metzeler M7RR. Its 130 kw at 9750 rpm will tear it apart. To finish the job, KTM has equipped its beast with Bosch sport ABS with angle sensor. Nothing will be spared this poor tire, as the system features a "supermotard" mode, perfect for indulging in the jubilant pleasures of gliding, which will finish off the shredding. RIP.

Ergonomics and riding position have been reworked. Formerly very welcoming, the posture has evolved a little for more aggressiveness. The handlebars have been widened for greater control and better countersteering. Its position has been lowered, more to the front, and further away from the rider. Crucified to its commodos, which are now backlit, you'll have a view of a completely reworked color TFT speedo. It contains a trip computer that's not there for nothing. The new model offers a full range of electronic assistance, now indispensable on models in this range.

there are various driving modes, cruise control up to 200 km/h (we told you, the orange is pressed), anti-wheeling, as well as traction control adjustable on 9 levels! This will assist the rear tire, which has been severely tested under the furious onslaught of the LC8 engine block.

the Superduke is the new sporty face of the KTM range. With a wry smile, it takes the place of the RC8. So it has a duty to offer hypersport solutions dedicated to the track. To this end, it offers a "Performance" pack and a "Track" pack as options. The "Performance" package offers an Up&Down shifter, engine brake management and a connected system linked directly to the KTM My Ride application. This allows you to modify the electronic parameters to suit you and the circuit you're riding on. The "Track" pack also features additional circuit mapping and launch control, so you'll be the first to leave the chequered flag.

what's new :

- Front optics split into two full LEDs
- Firmer forks
- Euro 4 certification
- Engine tuned for mid-range fun
- 9-level traction control
- Driving mode
- Bosch gyroscopic ABS
- Performance / Track Pack
- Up&Down shifter option
- Connectivity via KTM My Ride app
- Extended, lowered and remote handlebars
- New color TFT instrument panel
- Original tires: Metzeler Sportec M7RR

Rémima - manufacturer's media