Naked bikes look so simple, at least compared to sophisticated superbikes or option-plus adventure-tourers. Just wrap slinky bodywork around—not over—a big-block engine, anoint it with a threatening nickname, and watch buyers beat feet to wrap their wrists around one. In reality, a sublime streetfighter is something more complicated. First, the motor—many repurpose an already-amortized sportbike powerplant, but “retune” too much and risk being labeled weak sauce. Don’t soft-pedal the chassis development either—these aren’t funny-shaped cruisers; most are ridden hard and fast. Styling is another pitfall—it’s a fine line between sinister and silly. And there’s no algorithm for that X-factor that turns the throttle into a thrill meter. KTM has always excelled at this type of bike (see our 2007 Motorcycle of the Year, the KTM 990 Super Duke). With deep roots in off-road racing, performance is always KTM’s priority, and with no sportbike to rip off (back then, at least), the Super Duke was always purpose built. Most importantly, KTM is an enthusiast-run company where everyone, from engineers to executives, rides hard, so that X-factor never lacked. It makes sense that in 2014, unofficially Year of the Naked Bike, our MOTY choice is KTM’s all-new 1290 Super Duke R. The naked class has shifted from its no-frills, urban-warrior roots to become sophisticated-but-versatile sportbikes for grown-up performance connoisseurs. There’s no better example of this evolution than the latest SDR, simultaneously the most savage and most civilized streetfighter yet. KTM started by out-displacing the competition with a 1,301cc V-twin that throws down an astounding 92.7 pound-feet of torque, enough to confidently loft the front wheel in almost any gear. Pavement punishing bottom end and a thunderous finish on top, this is a V-twin done right. The steel trellis frame is light and narrow, while world-class WP suspension and Brembo’s best M50 brakes manage any pace. And KTM’s signature Kiska design, all hard edges and aggressive angles, defines an authentic badass look. But the rider aids make this Duke so Super. Last-generation KTMs were bare-bones essentialists and proudly—some might say painfully—analog. Here (as with its Adventure series) KTM developed category-leading electronics that make all this outrageous power and performance accessible to an even wider wedge of the riding public. Toggle Street mode, and tiptoe this friendly kitten to the café; dial up Sport mode, switch TC off, select the Supermoto ABS setting, and you’re staring down a ferocious tiger ready to eat your face. A streetfighter that can scare or snuggle, KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R sets a new standard for the naked-bike class.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:17:48 +0000
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