Production-spec 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R spied ahead of EICMA debut

KTM has confirmed that it will unveil the 2020 1290 Super Duke R on 5 November at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. Just days before the official debut, a spy photo has leaked the flagship Duke series vehicle.

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The new spy photograph reveals the finer styling details of the upcoming model. For starters, the 2020 iteration of the 1290 Super Duke R retains the headlight design of the outgoing model. However, the front fascia is joined by a smoked flyscreen. The fuel tank extensions are noticeably different from the outgoing version, and the units on the 2020 motorcycle feature revised mounting points. The fuel tank itself will feature a few tweaks for a refreshed look.

Following the fuel tank is the revised saddle setup that features an updated design. The rider seat no longer extends towards the fuel tank. That said, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R will retain the step-up, split layout for the seat.

The photograph also gives a clear look at the updated chassis of the 2020 KTM Super Duke R. Unlike the outgoing model, the 2020 Super Duke R will use an aluminium sub-frame instead of a trellis unit. The chassis will also be tweaked to use the engine as the stressed member. The exhaust pipes have been rerouted to accommodate a larger radiator.

In terms of performance, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R will feature a Euro-V compliant engine that will be called the LC8-V2. The motor will retain the 1,301 cc. V-twin, liquid-cooled layout, although it will reportedly pump out higher performance numbers than the outgoing model.

Ducati’s new Streetfighter V4 and the supercharger-equipped Kawasaki Z H2 make 208 hp (211 PS) and 200 PS (without Ram-air) of peak power respectively. The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R will reportedly deliver 180 PS to 190 PS of peak power. In comparison, the outgoing model draws 176 PS of maximum power from the V-twin engine.

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The 2020 1290 Super Duke R will be joined by new and updated KTM models at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show. Other models that are expected to debut at the motoring event in Milan, Italy include the updated Duke (125, 390 and the 790) series, refreshed RC range, the 390 Adventure among others. The 490 and 890 series models could also debut at the event.

[Source: BikeWale.com]