Motorcycle specifications KTMSuperduke 1290 RR 2023 Limits are on their knees

The Superduke RR is back. After its dazzling success in 2021, when the entire production run sold out in less than an hour, KTM is back at it again. Fans of radical roadsters are in for a real treat, with a machine that has revised its color scheme but still retains its Mad Max of the racetrack potential.

Let's see what's boiling inside. It's the same cocktail as the previous edition, and we never tire of discovering it. At Katoche, we add an R for models that are meaner or boost the original's abilities. 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 one.

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 greater efficiency for this hyperfighter, and quite a weight reduction. 9 kilos less!

now 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 1200 Speed Triple RS, but it pulls harder, with almost 2 mkg more torque than the British model.
1.5 kilos have disappeared thanks to forged rims. Double benefits for agility by removing unsprung weight. A Li-ion battery saves 2.5 kg, the number-plate bracket is reduced to the simplest possible size to save even more weight, the rear lights are integrated into the indicators, the CNC-machined fork crown removes a further 320 grams, and for the rest, the manufacturer has grafted on a good number of carbon parts.
The fiber was used for the rear shell, which supports a single-seater seat, part of the trim and the fuel tank console, for the heel guards and the rear mudguard, which also includes the windshield protector.

often to lighten the load, sometimes for added efficiency. Take a look at the Brembo Stylema brake calipers. Not only does this equipment equip the best sports bikes on the market, but here its cooling is optimized with specific air ducts. The front mudguard has a special shape, shortened at the nose to make wheel changing easier.

When all the lights are green and the eyes are bloodshot, you might almost wonder whether the tires will hold up. 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, you'll have taken care to adjust the height of the footrests - that's what Gilles Tooling plates are for, with 12 possible positions. A brake lever protector is also included.

To really make the most of all this and push back the limits, a set of top-quality suspensions will complete the monster's transcendence. WP unleashes 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. It's a highly accomplished piece of equipment that allows you to adjust 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.

the Mattighoffen-based firm has gone all out with the electronics for its latest beast. There are two additional riding modes - already available as an option on the 1290 R, but installed 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. As in 2021, production will be limited to 500 units, for a rather toxic price.

For even more thrills, KTM is also offering a few PowerParts. It's a tough one, but considering what we had to pay for the RR.... Let's take a random look at the Akrapovic kit: more available torque, 5 extra horses in the boiler, 6.4 kilos lighter! A Superduke with 185 hp and 173.6 kg of weight should be a real pain in the ass.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

kTM Superduke 1290 RR riding modes:

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-'Street': 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.

-'Sport': 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.

-'Performance': 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.

-'Track': 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.