KTM has revealed the 2023 iteration of its 1290 Super Duke RR (the previous one being in 2021). As before, the Austrian marque has used the already manic 1290 Super Duke R as a starting point and dialled it up to 11.
- New black/orange/white paint scheme for 2023
- Available only as a single-seater
- SMT moniker to return to KTM's line-up soon
2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR what's improved?
The most noteworthy detail about the 1290 Super Duke RR is that it weighs just 180kg (dry), while pushing out 180hp from its monstrous 1,301cc V-Twin engine. Those specs translate to this machine boasting of a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio – if you consider the bike having no fluids or fuel.
This lightweight figure has been achieved by using specialised components such as a full carbon fibre-subframe, lightweight bespoke full-adjustable WP suspension components and a plethora of CNC machine components scattered all over the bike. The bike comes with an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust as standard, and if that doesn’t do it for the customer, a titanium full-system exhaust is available as an optional extra.
To help the rider put down all this power without high siding into oblivion, the 1290 Super Duke RR comes with a comprehensive suite of rider aids and gets the Track pack as standard. This is available as an extra on the standard bike.
For 2023, there’s a new paint scheme on offer which combines a glossy black/carbon base resplendent with white and orange highlights.
As was the case with the 2021 iteration, the Super Duke RR is limited to just 500 units worldwide and is available to purchase only through a select few KTM dealers.
What’s next for KTM?
While the 1290 Super Duke RR is all about no-holds-barred performance, KTM has an interesting new model in the works that’s set to pair performance with usability – the resurrected SMT or Super Moto Touring. Like the old 990 SMT, this is based on the ADV bike, but with 17-inch wheels at both ends. The new SMT gets the body style and low slung fuel tanks of the current middleweight KTM adventure bikes.
There is also the small possibility that this bike will be the first KTM model to debut the upcoming 990cc parallel-twin engine, which has been spied testing as the RC 990 overseas. Back in the day, KTM used to sell a V-twin 990 SMT, which used the underpinnings from the erstwhile 990 Super Duke (its flagship at the time). This bike was kitted with a comprehensive front fairing, a seat suited for long days in the saddle and provision to mount luggage.
What do you think of these upright touring machines with ADV-esque styling? Arey they better suited than a purpose-built ADV? Let us know in the comments.
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
