KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R prototype will be in action for the first time in public at this year’s Goodwood Festival in England, from 12th -14th July.
In November 2012 at Milan motorcycle show (EICMA), KTM’s technicians and designers demonstrated their ability and ideas through two open megaphones to present the prototype of the 1290 Super Duke R. Its appearance needs no explication. Unfiltered, the 1290 Super Duke R shouts the essence of KTM´s philosophy into the world: Ready to Race!
In the promotional video shot to accompany its unveiling at the EICMA Show in Milan 2012, the machine dubbed ‘The Beast’ escaped from a secure facility in a cloud of powerslide tyres and effortless wheelies. Right after more than 700.000 times the video of the new Super Duke R Prototype was downloaded on the KTM YouTube channel.
Like any good concept machines, the creators were not about complying with regulations. This was about showing what happens when the best technicians, designers and riders are unleashed at the KTM Factory in Mattighofen.
The developers started with another hefty rebore of the RC8 R engine in order to give it maximum punch. Around this two-cylinder elemental force, they fitted a tight suit tailored from light steel pipes, completing the frame with a single-sided swing arm and top level prototype development suspension components from WP Suspension. The chassis is completed with lightweight wheels, racing brakes and racing tyres.
With the test rider in the video is still in his recovery period, having had to recalibrate his brain to riding levels never previously thought possible, former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams will attempt to steer this powerful machine around the nine turns that make up the 1.16 mile Hillclimb course.
Nirvana for Petrolheads, The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the largest motoring garden party in the world – a unique summer weekend that brings together an impossibly heady mix of cars, motorbikes, stars and motor sport ‘royalty’ to create the largest motor culture event in the world. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual Hillclimb event is a true celebration of motor sport and all things automotive.
The 2013 Festival of Speed will focus on highlights from the Festival’s glittering 20-year history, featuring the biggest, best, fastest, loudest and most outrageous vehicles of all time. KTM won’t be out of place.
KTM will also be in attendance on four wheels with another UK first, as the recently unveiled X-Bow GT will be trying to beat the official record of 41.6s.
Jeremy McWilliams said: “It’s always an honour to ride at Goodwood, but to be honest this will be the most insane bike I’ve ever ridden and yes – more than a certain MotoGP bike. Hopefully I can keep ‘The Beast’ on a leash and put on a good show for the fans at Goodwood. It is going to be memorable!”
SPECIFICATIONS: KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype
· Engine: liquid cooled V-twin, based on RC8 R Superbike with Ride-by-Wire
· Displacement: more than ever
· Power and torque: very, very much
· Electronic assistants: ABS and traction control – stoppie and wheelie protection disengageable (of course)
· Top speed: depends on the rider’s courage and figure
· Frame: Trellis frame made of chrome molybdenum steel
· Swing arm: single sided aluminium swing arm
· Suspension components: WP prototypes – upside-down forks with gas pressure reservoir, directly linked rear shock
· Wheels and tyres: aluminium wheels with slicks
· Brakes: front and rear Brembo racing calipers
· Weight: incredibly low