After more than one tantalising teaser video, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has been revealed in a third and final pre-launch video though you’ll have to be quick on the pause button to get a good look at it.
With KTM’s engineering processes highlighted in the first video – with a ‘mystery’ new machine in the blurry background – the machine in question hit the track (Almeria to be exact) in video two to reveal enough of that orange trellis frame to prove this is the latest version of KTM’s flagship motorcycle.
Now we get a closer look at the KTM 1290 Super Duke R in the third spot, with the full and final product on full show, albeit with typically jaunty camerawork and flashing images – in short, enough to like what we see but not enough to spoil the big reveal at EICMA on 5th November.
If the imagery is hard to keep up with, then instead focus on that beautifully growling soundtrack, a highlight of the Super Duke R with its Akrapovic silencers.
Watch the video for yourself and judge
What can we expect from the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?
Though the video give precious little away about the specification – suggesting we could be in for some surprises come November 5th – the 2020 KTM 1290n Super Duke R is likely to be the first motorcycle to really draw upon the manufacturer’s move into MotoGP.
KTM has been vocal about wanting MotoGP to represent more than simply provide a halo image effect on its range, becoming a test bed for technology that will filter down to its roadgoing models.
One snippet of a clip in the second video, showing MAP8 on a pit-board, leads us to think the machine will have various map settings. MotoGP machines have up to ten map settings on a machine which help adapt base settings to different circuits and conditions.
It’s an exciting time to be in the market for a ‘super naked’ following the unveiling of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the KawasakI Z H2 – now it’s time for KTM to join the party.
