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KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R spied! | NEWS

KTM is to reveal this revamped version of the Super Duke R later this year as part of its updates for 2017.

KTM is to reveal this revamped version of the Super Duke R later this year as part of its updates for 2017.

The cosmetic changes are clear to see and dominated by an aggressive new headlight that’s one of the slimmest LED units we’ve seen yet, tucking right up against the front forks to give the bike a compressed appearance.

New side panels that now extend beyond the front edges of the forks add to the illusion that the whole bike has been squashed compared to the existing model, making it seem smaller even though its engine and chassis are largely unaltered.

That engine is fractionally tweaked, gaining the same changes that have already been applied to the Super Duke GT to ensure it passes Euro4 emissions rules. The bike’s electronics package is also expected to be upgraded and is likely to include the latest Bosch stability control and cornering ABS. It also appears to have a new instrument display with everything on a single TFT screen.

The Super Duke R could also gain the semi-active WP suspension from the Super Duke GT.

In terms of performance, the 1301cc engine’s power is expected to remain at 129kW, as it is on the Super Duke GT. Few would argue it’s not enough.

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