Motorcycle specifications KTMSuperduke 1290 RR 2021 Limits are on their knees

...Or knees!?! We don't know anymore with such mechanical bestiality.
At Katoche, we add an R for meaner models or models that boost original capacities. These 'improved' models are quickly added to the standard machines. With the exception of the Superduke 1290, which came directly with an R and never without. So, when the Austrians add another R to the mix, you can smell the powder (already lit) and the burnt rubber before you've even turned on the ignition. On the Superduke 1290 RR, silders are a must when you get close to it.

Imagine a Superduke R and an RR next to each other, with the chequered flag not far away. The twins heat up, shaking the air with their ferocious pulsations. No need to be jealous, the same force pulses through the cylinders. Big, unreasonable, gutsy 180 hp from a cubic capacity of 1301 cm3. It's at the end of the breath that the R begins to wince, as the RR benefits from an Akrapovic titanium muffler with a few bits of carbon. More sound, more value, lighter, it's only the surface of the threat. The extra R means more efficiency for this hyperfighter, and a hell of a weight reduction. 9 kilos less!

<img style="width: 350px; height: 253px; float: left;" alt="KTM Superduke 1290 RR" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://www.motoplanete.us/ktm/images-wysiwyg/KTM-Superduke-1290-RR-2021-fiche-paddock.webp" loading="lazy"></picture> That's it, we're sweating! With 180 grunts for 180 kgs, the Superduke RR boasts a magical power-to-weight ratio of 1:1. It's almost as good as the new <a href="https://www.motoplanete.us/triumph/8690/1200-Speed-Triple-RS-2021/contact.html">1200 Speed Triple RS</a> but pulls harder, with almost 2 mkg more torque than the British model.<br> 1.5 kilos have disappeared thanks to new forged rims. Double benefits for agility by removing unsprung weight. A Li-ion battery saves 2.5 kg, the number-plate bracket has been reduced to a minimum to save even more weight, the rear lights have been integrated into the indicators, the CNC-machined fork crown removes a further 320 grams, and for the rest, the manufacturer has grafted a good number of carbon parts.<br> The fiber was used for the rear shell supporting a single-seater seat, part of the trim and the tank console, for the heel guards and the rear mudguard including the chain guard.</p> <p>Sometimes to lighten, sometimes to combine with added efficiency. Take a look at the Brembo Stylema brake calipers. Not only does the gear equip the best sports bikes on the market, but here, its cooling is optimized with specific air ducts. The front mudguard adopts a new shape, shortened from the nose for easier wheel changing.</p> <p>When all the lights are green and the eyes are bloodshot, you might almost wonder if it's going to hold up on the tire front. No worries, it's Michelin Power Cup2, a gumbo on the edge of competition. All that's left to do is open the throttle wide, and weld faster than expected, as the throttle is quick-draw. 65° angle of rotation instead of 72°. Before setting off, take care to adjust the height of the footrests - that's what Gilles Tooling plates are for. Note also the presence of a brake lever protector.</p> <p><span><picture><source srcset="https://www.motoplanete.us/ktm/images-wysiwyg/KTM-Superduke-1290-RR-2021-fiche-amortisseur.webp" type="image/webp"><img style="width: 350px; height: 304px; float: right;" alt="KTM Superduke 1290 RR" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://www.motoplanete.us/ktm/images-wysiwyg/KTM-Superduke-1290-RR-2021-fiche-amortisseur.webp" loading="lazy"> To really exploit all this and push back the limits, a set of top-quality suspensions will finish transcending the monster. WP is unleashing its Apex Pro range, with aluminum components. The 7548 48 mm inverted fork is fully adjustable, as is the 7746 shock absorber. The latter was custom-made for this RR. A highly accomplished piece of equipment, it adjusts rebound, preload and shock length from 353 to 360 mm, as well as high and low-speed compression. This shock-absorbing duo promises more rigorous riding. The final damping element on board, the 7117 steering damper (also Apex Pro) has 30 positions.
The frame retains its specific features, with the motor as a stiffening element attached to the tubular steel trellis. You'd be hard-pressed to bend a frame like this.

Has the Mattighoffen-based firm come up with an electronic surprise for its latest beast? Yes and no. There are two additional riding modes - already available as options on the 1290 R, but fitted here as standard. Details below.
As a result, the range of riding aids is copious: 5 Driving Modes, cornering traction control (9 levels), engine slip control (can be deactivated), cornering ABS with Supermoto mode to deactivate rear monitoring, Up&Down shifter, anti-wheeling (can be deactivated), Launch Control - all repackaged for the Superduke RR's racing temperament... and to complete the high-tech package: cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, automatic turn signal deactivation, a 5-inch color TFT screen, the KTM My Ride app for smartphone and music control, all LED lighting, an adaptive brake light, and a keyless start and lock system.

Hypersports have lost the road territory, now dominated by combat roadsters. Their preserve, the racetrack, is now also under threat from sharp machines like this Superduke 1290 RR. KTM has developed a ferocious tool for the demanding amateur who eats vibrators for breakfast. Production will be limited to 500 units, for a rather toxic price.
All that's left to do is to set up a hypothetical'Clubman Superduke Cup Orange Race' to witness some nasty fights.

N.d.l.r: the 500 units, with internet reservations, were all sold out in 48 minutes.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

KTM Superduke 1290 RR riding modes:

<img style="width: 350px; height: 251px; float: right;" alt="KTM Superduke 1290 RR" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://www.motoplanete.us/ktm/images-wysiwyg/KTM-Superduke-1290-RR-2021-fiche-ecran-TFT.webp" loading="lazy"></picture>-'</span></span><span><strong>Rain</strong>' is an extremely simple Mode for slippery situations, resulting in maximum traction control, very smooth grip response and reduced power at 130hp.</span></p> <p><span><span>-'</span></span><span><strong>Street</strong>': As the name suggests, 'Street' Mode is made for everyday urban driving. To maintain control on the road, it uses full power, default throttle response and limited traction control for slippage.</span></p> <p><span><span><span>-'</span></span><span><strong>Sport</strong>': Calibrated for bolder rides, 'Sport' Mode intensifies throttle control, slightly reduces traction control and allows the front end to lift under hard acceleration. It unleashes the full power of the engine. </span></p> <p><span><span>-</span></span><span><span><span>'</span><strong>Performance</strong>': this is the most aggressive Road Driving Mode. It allows partial customization of traction control and deactivation of anti-wheeling. It also toggles the start control and offers some practical features such as cruise control and KTM My Ride.</span></p> <p><span><span>-'</span></span><span><strong>Track</strong>': to achieve true racing behavior, the 'Track' Mode offered as standard on this Superduke RR allows the rider to adapt certain functions to his riding style, such as the level of slip allowed by the traction control or the ability to deactivate anti-wheeling. The visibility of the TFT display is also improved, showing only the information the rider needs. In this mode, cruise control and KTM My Ride are deactivated.</span></p>