The EICMA show in Milan is just a few days away now, which means that the big brands are reaching the zenith in their teasing for next year’s motorcycle models. Of course, this includes KTM.
We have already been teased the KTM 1290 Super Duke R ad nauseam, and today is no different in that regard. But…we do finally get to see the Super Duke R prototype in all its glory.
Other than seeing more clearly how KTM has built a new steel trellis frame (modeled after the one found on the RC8 superbike), the obvious use of WP Suspension’s top-spec forks and shock, and how the bodywork will come together (note the winglets hidden by the front shrouds), there aren’t too many surprises.
Still, we think KTM has a done a good job on this model refresh, and we can now finally appreciate it a little bit better than before, hence why we are sharing it with you.
Two things will be interesting to watch for at EICMA. One, how closely will the bike shown here mimic the lines of the production model? And two, what kind of power and pricing details can we expect for the US market?
We don’t expect the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R to hit the same figures as the recently unveiled Ducati Streetfighter V4, which may turn off some spec sheet racers, but we will be very curious to see how this bike rides on the street and in the canyons.
We suspect the streetfighter segment might have closer competition than some readers might think. As such, we are eager to get this bike into our dirty street-hooligan fingers.
Source: KTM
Be sure to follow all of our 2019 EICMA show coverage this over the coming days, for the latest news and releases for the 2020 motorcycle model year.
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