A new set of spy photos of the Next-Gen KTM 1290 Super Duke R has been revealed by MoreBikes. The upcoming bike does look similar to the 177 HP, 1301cc streetfighter that is currently on offer by the Austrian brand. But once you compare the two motorcycles side-by-side, a large number of differences can be spotted immediately.
On the 2020 model, the first change that can be observed is that it has a completely new exhaust with downpipes snaking around the engine to improve the lean angle, which allows for a bigger radiator and better handling through corners. The radiator shroud fairing for the bike is much more aggressive than the current-gen model of the 1290 Super Duke R.
The Next-Gen KTM 1290 Super Duke R also has an all-new swingarm which is connected to the rear shock absorber via a link instead of being directly connected as on the current-gen model. Instead of the pipe-based look of the current 2019 model, the bike is now supported by KTM trellis subframe.
Mechanically too, there has been some re-working on the powertrain, the updated LC8-V2 engine will get a new cooling mechanism. The rumours also suggest that the engine of the 2020 model is going to be Euro 5 compliant but it would still be able to generate a maximum power of around 183HP to 193HP. The riding position of the bike looks pitched forward which is what we have already observed in the current-gen Super Duke R.
The next-generation Super Duke R gets a new larger TFT screen which is expected to be a touchscreen. The headlight for the bike has also been redesigned to force more air out wide and past the rider’s legs at high speeds.
We can expect the bike to mark its debut at the EICMA in November 2019. Also, KTM can display their bike in India at the Auto Expo in February 2020 to mark the interest of the visitors, and who knows that they may even ask the dealers to accept orders from customers and import the bike for them.
