The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Has Arrived

And it's about time.

By: Tod Rafferty

Nov 8, 2016 at 10:08am ET

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At last month’s Cologne show, KTM put the spotlight on its Adventure models. But in Milan, “KTM is all about street art.” The focus in Italy is on the road going Duke line-up in an effort to show their wares head to head with the other European naked street fighters breaking cover in Milan this week.

“The DUKE brand is how KTM really hit the street 22 years ago and for model year 2017 this sub-brand really comes out fighting,” said CEO Stefan Pierer. “From the 125 to 1301cc, each and every model punches out the true core values of KTM and the attitude of DUKE. To underline the importance of this range of naked machines, with the 790 DUKE prototype we can give you a look into the future and an all-new source of power from KTM.”

This muscle-bound mauler pumps up 177 horsepower, with a correspondingly stout chassis that is equally at home on the road or track. This is what it looks like when corners become prey.

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Every bit, byte, nut and bolt wants you to be able to ride fast and stay in control: wider, lower handlebar, massive Brembo monobloc brakes, MSC with Bosch cornering ABS, WP suspension, an optional, two-way quick shifter, a multifunctional TFT display, a full LED headlight, the works.

The electronics suite offered in the 1290 Super Adventure R last month is the same system found on the 1290 Super Duke R, making it one of the most state of the art motorcycles KTM has ever produced. And a transponder ignition key. Ripped.