KTM may eschew the idea of a full-on superbike, but the mad lads of Mattighofen are still up for trackday fun, when they aren’t braaaping about on dirt bikes or ADVs. Our latest evidence is the return of the 1290 Super Duke RR.

The original KTM 1290 Super Duke RR debuted in 2021 as a limited-edition hypernaked, and that’s what we get this time, with a 500-machine production run. And like the first RR, this bike has a lot of tweaks for performance, but the actual engine itself appears to be the same 1301cc V-twin that the standard Super Duke R EVO runs. That means a claimed 180 horsepower, perhaps a bit of a bump thanks to an Akrapovic exhaust, but generally—the power output appears to be the same.

The RR’s secret is a long list of upgrades to help you keep that power under control. This includes a lot of carbon-fibre (including the bodywork and subframe) and lithium ion battery to reduce weight and sharpen handling. There is also a set of trick forged wheels; add it all up (or subtract it?) and you shave 11 kg off the standard R model’s weight. That works out to 180 kg dry weight.

It’s not just a bunch of carbon-fibre, either. The front Brembo Stylema calipers now get 320mm wave discs and cooling ducts, so you don’t roach your brakes as the speeds pick up.. The handlebar, seat and footpegs are all adjustable to help you get the bike fitted for you at track days. WP Apex Pro suspension and steering damper are standard (a 7548 fork that was designed for this bike, along with a 7746 shock and 7117 steering damper). And KTM also included Track and Performance modes with the electronics system, offering “the most complete track-orientated electronics pack ever seen on a KTM motorcycle.”

The asking price? A mere €26,990 for Euro customers, which translates to just under $40k Canadian. Yikes. But compared to the price of some other trackday toys from across the pond, it’s still a lot of savings. Although it can’t compete with the latest superbikes in raw horsepower numbers, if you’re looking for smiles-per-gallon, this hypernaked should indeed be what the doctor ordered.

And if you want one? Better call up your dealer quick-ish. The last production run sold out in only 48 minutes.

#Bike #KTM #Moto #Duke #KTM1290