KTM Begins Teasing a New 1290 Super Duke R for EICMA

We know it is coming, a new KTM 1290 Super Duke R for the 2020 model year, but just in case there was any doubt, the Austrians have begun teasing their new “Beast” ahead of its EICMA show debut.

The news comes from a short teaser video, which shows a number of KTM technicians building a motorcycle. With the title and hashtag “#GETDUKED” being shown, the possibilities for the model are quite small.

And, if we scrub through the frames, we can see numerous hints that the bike in question is a high-spec motorcycle, with a single-sided swingarm. The steel trellis frame looks exactly like the one spotted in spy photos of the new Super Duker R.

So, what else do we know about this bike? Well…quite a lot, actually. Thanks to our Bothan spies, Asphalt & Rubber can report that the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R will be close to an all-new machine.

Obviously, the chassis is different, and closer to what was found on the KTM RC8 superbike – complete with a lower engine mount and brace. This should help handling and feel, while making the Super Duke R more sporty in application.

The engine will be revised to make more power, while still meeting Euro5 emission standards, and the electronics package will be upgraded to match.

It will be interesting to see if the Super Duke R gets a displacement increase, but we can expect the ethos of the engine to remain the same as before, but with several modifications.

Our favorite changes come in the form of KTM’s large “fish finder” TFT dash and new switchgear, which will help the streetfighter justify its near-$20,000 price tag.

Overall, the fit and finish should be improved on the Super Duke R, which has always been a weak spot for KTM’s street bikes.

Top-spec WP Suspension pieces are expected, as are Brembo Stylema calipers. With some revised bodywork, spotting the new KTM won’t be easy, but it should be discernible from its predecessor.

Expect to see the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R debut at the EICMA show in Milan, on November 5th. We will of course be extensively covering the show, and bringing you the very first images and info from Italy.