KTM 1290 Super Duke R [2022 - 2022]: The Apex Predator of Hyper-Nakeds

Introduction: Meet "The Beast"

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R needs no introduction. Dubbed "The Beast" by its creators, this 2022 iteration is a hyper-naked motorcycle that refuses to compromise. With a lineage rooted in track-bred aggression and street-smart adaptability, the 1290 Super Duke R EVO (a variant within the 2022 model year) represents the pinnacle of KTM’s engineering philosophy: READY TO RACE.

Clocking in at 180 hp and 140 Nm of torque, this Austrian brute isn’t just about raw power—it’s about harnessing that power with surgical precision. Over a week of riding through winding mountain passes, urban sprawls, and even a cheeky track day, I discovered why this bike continues to dominate its segment. Let’s dissect what makes it tick.

Engine Performance: Unleashing Controlled Fury

The Heart of The Beast
At the core of the 1290 Super Duke R lies a 1301cc LC8 V-twin engine, a masterpiece that blends raw aggression with refined delivery. The 75-degree V-angle ensures a throaty, uneven exhaust pulse that’s as much about auditory theater as it is about mechanical efficiency. With 180 hp (132 kW) and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque available from just 3,500 RPM, this engine doesn’t just pull—it hurls you toward the horizon.

Throttle Response & Exhaust Note
The 2022 model introduces a quick-turn throttle reduced to 65 degrees, making wrist inputs feel instantaneous. Coupled with the optional Akrapovič titanium exhaust (standard on the EVO), the engine barks with a ferocity that’s borderline antisocial. At low RPMs, it growls like a caged animal, but crack the throttle open, and the exhaust note escalates to a metallic scream that’s pure adrenaline.

Real-World Usability
Despite its track-ready specs, the engine is surprisingly tractable. In RAIN mode, power is capped at 100 hp, turning The Beast into a commuter-friendly companion. Switch to TRACK mode, and the full 180 hp arrives with a hair-trigger response. The PASC slipper clutch ensures seamless downshifts, even when braking hard from triple-digit speeds.

Handling & Suspension: A Chameleon on Asphalt

WP APEX Semi-Active Suspension (EVO Model)
The 1290 Super Duke R EVO’s party trick is its second-gen WP SAT (Semi-Active Technology). With three standard damping modes (COMFORT, STREET, SPORT) and optional SUSPENSION PRO settings (TRACK, ADVANCED, AUTO), this bike morphs from a boulevard cruiser to a corner-carving monster.

• COMFORT Mode: Soaks up potholes and expansion joints, ideal for city rides.
• SPORT Mode: Firms up the suspension for aggressive canyon runs.
• TRACK Mode: Stiffens damping to rival dedicated sportbikes.

The anti-dive function (optional in SUSPENSION PRO) is a revelation. Under hard braking, the front end stays composed, eliminating the unsettling "nose dive" typical of naked bikes.

Chassis & Braking
The chromoly steel frame and carbon fiber subframe strike a perfect balance between rigidity and lightness. Paired with Brembo Stylema Monobloc calipers biting on 320mm discs, stopping power is apocalyptic. The Michelin Power Cup 2 tires offer grip levels that border on telepathic, even when leaned over at extreme angles.

Electronics & Rider Aids: Smarter Than Einstein

Ride Modes & Customization
The 1290 Super Duke R offers five ride modes (RAIN, STREET, SPORT, TRACK, PERFORMANCE), each tweaking throttle response, traction control, and wheelie mitigation. The 9-axis IMU enables cornering-sensitive ABS and traction control, allowing you to drag knees without fear of unintended slides.

TFT Dashboard & Connectivity
The 6.5-inch TFT display is intuitive, offering Bluetooth connectivity for music, navigation, and ride data. Scrolling through suspension settings or adjusting preload (in 2mm increments) mid-ride feels like operating a high-end gadget.

Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Function

Aggressive Aesthetics
KTM’s signature orange frame and jagged bodywork scream aggression. The 2022 EVO model adds silver/orange and blue/orange liveries, complemented by forged orange wheels. The LED headlight cluster—reminiscent of a predator’s squint—ensures you’ll never mistake this for anything else on the road.

Ergonomics: Surprisingly Human
At 837mm (32.9 in), the seat height is accessible for most riders. The tapered handlebars and slightly rear-set pegs create a sporty yet upright riding position. After 200 km in the saddle, my back and wrists were still complaint-free—a rarity in hyper-nakeds.

Competition: How Does The Beast Stack Up?

1. Ducati Streetfighter V4
- Pros: 208 hp V4 engine, sublime quick-shifter, Italian flair.
- Cons: Higher price tag, firmer seat, less adjustable suspension.
- KTM’s Edge: The 1290’s low-end torque and semi-active suspension make it more versatile for mixed riding.

2. BMW S 1000 R
- Pros: 165 hp inline-four smoothness, Shift Cam tech, premium build quality.
- Cons: Less characterful engine, conservative styling.
- KTM’s Edge: The BMW can’t match The Beast’s raw theatrics or electronic customization.

3. Aprilia Tuono V4
- Pros: 175 hp V4 symphony, sublime chassis, race-bred DNA.
- Cons: High maintenance costs, cramped ergonomics.
- KTM’s Edge: The Tuono is a track specialist; the 1290 is a daily-riding anarchist.

Maintenance: Keeping The Beast Tamed

Key Service Intervals
- Valve Clearance Checks: Every 15,000 km (9,320 miles). Intake: 0.10–0.15 mm (cold), Exhaust: 0.25–0.30 mm.
- Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) using SAE 10W-50 (3.5L with filter).
- Chain Maintenance: Clean and lubricate the 525 X-ring chain every 500 km. Adjust tension to 50–55 mm.

Recommended MOTOPARTS.store Upgrades
1. Performance Exhaust: Swap the stock can for an Akrapovič full system (saves 3 kg and unlocks 5–7 hp).
2. Ergonomic Accessories: Gel seat inserts or adjustable footpegs for long rides.
3. Suspension Upgrades: WP PRO components for riders seeking manual adjustability.
4. Brake Pads: Brembo sintered pads for enhanced bite during track days.

Pro Tip: The 1290’s oil filter is tucked behind the exhaust headers. Use a magnetic socket to avoid dropping it into the abyss!

Conclusion: The Ultimate Street Predator

The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. It laughs in the face of practicality, then surprises you by being surprisingly practical. Whether you’re chasing knee-down glory on a twisty backroad or threading through city traffic, The Beast adapts, impresses, and terrifies in equal measure.

For riders who refuse to choose between madness and maturity, this KTM is the only answer. And when it’s time to personalize or maintain your machine, MOTOPARTS.store has everything you need to keep The Beast breathing fire.

Specifications sheet