KTM’s original 1290 Super Duke R was dubbed The Beast when it was released in 2014. After it’s last comprehensive update in 2017 it became known as Beast 2.0 but for 2020 KTM are unleashing an essentially all-new Beast thanks to a new chassis and electronics harnessing a heavily revised version of the charismatic LC8 V-Twin.
KTM claim that almost every single component is lighter than before. Rims, brakes, swingarm are all lighter and a new aluminium-carbon composite sub-frame contributes to the weight savings.
According to KTM the new main chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame has larger sectional diameters along with thinner walls and is a significant three-time more rigid than before.
An updated single-sided swing-arm is now activated via a new WP Apex shock through a linkage that then mounts directly to new crank-cases. The engine being used as a stressed member.
After thousands of testing kilometres to fine tune the frame, swing-arm, triple clamps and forks KTM claim more front end feel and stability at maximum lean angle.
New additional top-feed shower injectors atop the 56 mm throttle bodies along with a new intake system, bigger spark and increased compression adds up to an output of 180 horsepower (132 kW) at 9500 rpm, and 140 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm.
The engine is Euro4 compliant and KTM claims the Pankl gearbox is now smoother shifting.
A latest-generation traction control system with a 6-axis IMU aims to help keep things in check with lean-angle sensitive traction control and ABS along with completely updated mapping in all ride modes.
A new five-inch TFT display made of scratch and glare resistant glass is also adjustable for angle.
KTM Australia expect their first stocks of the 2020 1290 Super Duke R to arrive sometime during the first quarter of 2020.
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications
| Specifications | |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
| Displacement | 1,301 cc |
| Bore / Stroke | 108/71 mm |
| Power | 132 kW (180 hp) @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Starter / Battery | Electric starter / 12V 12Ah |
| Transmission | 6 gears |
| Fuel System | Keihin EFI (Throttle body 56 mm) |
| Control | 8 V / DOHC |
| Lubrication | Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps |
| Engine Oil | Motorex, SAE 10W-50 |
| Primary Drive | 40:76 |
| Final Drive | 17:38 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Clutch | PASC™ slipper clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Engine Management / Ignition | Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition |
| Traction Control | MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 3-Mode, disengageable, Track mode optional) |
| Chassis | |
| Frame | CrMo-steel trellis frame, powder coated |
| Subframe | Cast aluminium / Composite |
| Handlebar | Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm |
| Front Suspension | WP APEX, Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX shock absorber |
| Suspension Travel Front / Rear | 125 / 140 mm |
| Front Brake | 2 × Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Rear Brake | Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
| Abs | Bosch 9.1 MP 2.0 (with cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS) |
| Wheels Front / Rear | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 × 17″; 6.00 × 17″ |
| Tires Front / Rear | 120/70 ZR 17; 200/55 ZR 17 |
| Chain | X-Ring 525 |
| Silencer | Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer with two catalytic converters |
| Steering Head Angle | 64.8° |
| Trail | 106 mm |
| Wheel Base | 1,497 mm ± 15 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
| Seat Height | 835 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Approx 16 litres / 3.5 liters reserve |
| Dry Weight | Approx. 189 kg |
Source: MCNews.com.au