KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE RR (2021 - on) Review

The standard 1290 Super Duke R is an adrenalin junkie’s dream. It has the spirit of a supermoto an and a view down over the bars like standing on a cliff edge.

It’s rapid, uber grunty, lives for wheelies and corners and in its major update last year enjoyed even more refinement, in a bid to tempt riders away from their Aprilia Tuono V4s and Ducati Streetfighter V4s.

Rain stopped play during our track test of the RR, so we had to take to the roads instead. As it turns out it’s perhaps more impressive than it would’ve been flat-out in the dry (possibly).

Plush WP forks and shock not only give a sumptuous ride but find grip where lesser suspension wouldn’t and semi-slick Michelin Power Cup 2 rubber digs in harder in a straight line than they have any right to in the wet.

New 1.5kg lighter wheels help the RR turn easier, too. KTM could’ve used lighter ones still, but they were shelved after former MotoGP god Jeremey McWilliams noticed they flexed in attack mode at full lean.

Brembos have masses of power and cornering ABS, but we didn’t trouble either in the conditions.

The 1290 Super Duke RR is lighter to the tune of 9kg. KTM claim a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, but that’s based on the engine making 180hp (hp is slightly more than bhp) and weighing 180kg bone dry.

More realistically the RR weighs a claimed 189kg ready to go with no fuel and 200kg with its 19-litre tank 90% full. It’s lighter than most of its rivals except the new BMW S1000R (199kg) and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS (198kg).

With its upright riding position and lots of space between pegs and seat, the Super Duke has always been one of the roomiest of its rivals. The RR keeps that friendliness but locks you in to let you feel more of what’s going on beneath you.

Its new seat is 12mm taller (847mm and can be adjusted down to 837mm via shock length adjustment) and its wide bars are four-way adjustable (and can be moved 22mm from front to rear).

In their standard position your weight is slightly more over the front wheel – a bit like clip-ons, but not as wristy. Tweaks to the fuel tank gives you more elbow room at full lean, too.

KTM’s monster 178bhp, 1301cc V-twin motor is unchanged from the R, but with fewer kilos to lug around acceleration is that bit spritelier, not that it was that easy to hang on to in the first place.

Its extra responsiveness is helped by a quicker-action throttle with a 65-degree opening - seven degrees less than R.

A titanium Akrapovic slip-on can doesn’t make any difference to performance or add extra loudness, but a full racing system will and KTM will sell you one for an extra £2264.28.

It can still be a mixed bag living with a KTM. Most owners enjoy a trouble-free experience, but some suffer minor electronic and mechanical issues, so make sure you buy from a reputable dealer.

We have one owners' review for the current 2020-on KTM 1290 Super Duke R, which scores the bike 4/5 stars for reliability - knocking off a point for its fiddly indicator switch.

We ran a KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo on the MCN Fleet in 2022 and it had a few electrical gremlins and a problem with air getting into the hydraulic clutch system, too.

Watch MCN's 2021 super naked shootout video here:

With its exclusivity and high level of spec, you need to compare the 1290 Super Duke RR to the special ones, rather than the usual super naked suspects, so that’s the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter V4S and MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR.

The KTM is the more refined, exciting machine, although its off-road inspired looks aren’t as glamorous or evocative as its Italian counterparts.

For 2023, the BMW M1000R joined the super naked party with 207bhp on tap, aerodynamic wings and more electronics than you can shake a stick at.b It starts from £19,480 so undercuts the KTM on price but it isn't limited in number.

Video: 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR takes on the BMW S1000R

The RR’s Lithium-Ion battery is 2.5kg lighter than the R’s and everything from the front mudguard, brake cooling scoops, ignition lock surround, sculpted fuel tank infill panels, undertray, hugger and chain guard are carbon fibre.

The carbon subframe (with an ali support) weighs just 800 grams. Number plate hanger and indicators (incorporating taillights) can be removed with just four bolts.

Front brake and clutch levers are adjustable and Gilles 12-position CNC-machined aluminium rearsets have carbon heel guards and short, grippy pegs for track work. The rear brake and gear lever (which can be turned around for 'race shift') are three-way adjustable, too.

WP Apex Pro 7746 shock is adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping, but also length, letting you sharpen/slow the steering and maximise grip. Fully adjustable WP Apex Pro 7548 close cartridge forks are clamped by a 320g lighter CNC machined ali top yoke with the same 32mm offset as the R.

The electronics that you have to pay extra for with the R version are all standard on the RR: nine-stage traction, adjustable engine maps, the ability to disable the anti-wheelie, launch control, an up/down shifter, engine braking control, an adaptive brake light and Performance and Track riding modes to give you more delicate control over traction, wheelies and engine braking.