Duke R . KTM ’ s flagship street motorcycle underwent its most radical re-invention in 2020 , boasting a number of tweaks and engineering improvements . Now for 2022 , KTM has gone even further by equipping the bike with WP ’ s mind-boggling 2nd generation WP APEX semiactive suspension . In terms of numbers , the 1290 Super Duke R Evo is just as impressive as the base R model . The LC8 V-twin pumps out a hefty 180hp and 140Nm of peak grunt while all the added electrics of the semi-active suspension have only added 2kg of additional weight – dry weight is now a claimed 191kg . With new Semi-Active Technology ( SAT ), the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO retains its classleading hyper-naked ferocity but gains an even wider range of usability . This allows THE BEAST to go from a comfortable rocket on poor road surfaces to a hardened trackready apex-splitting weapon - at a simple click of a switch . Three different damping modes - COMFORT , STREET , SPORT - are available as standard . In addition , the spring preload of the rear suspension can be set via the TFT menu to up to 20mm in 10 steps , depending on the requirements of the rider . In this case , the adjustability setting ranges from 0 % to 100 %, in 10 % or 2mm increments . Additionally , KTM will offer an optional Suspension Pro package that adds three more damping modes , namely TRACK , ADVANCED , and AUTO . While Track is the stiffest setting and Advanced aimed at technical riders looking to tune their suspension , Auto ( as you ’ d expect ) takes all the guesswork out of the suspension equation . This setting is capable of detecting different riding styles and automatically adapting the suspension damping , being softer and more comfortable when cruising through the city , and harder and more focused when riding aggressively on a fast mountain pass . This auto adjustment between modes happens almost instantly without any interference in the ride . Throttle response is given a further boost with the addition of a new quick-turn throttle twist grip , reduced by 7 degrees to 65 degrees . KTM R & D developed this solution not only to offer a faster and more responsive throttle but also to reduce the rider wrist angle as well as rider elbow drop at full throttle . There are two new colourways . A familiar blue and orange livery is flanked by an all-new silver and orange , which complement the aggressive and hard-hitting appeal of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R . As always with KTM R models , the frame comes in one colour only – KTM ’ s signature orange .
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