KTM launches 1290 Super Duke R in Indonesia; is India next?

The Austrian auto giant, KTM has launched the latest model of 1290 Super Duke R in Indonesia at 475 million Indonesian Rupiah (approx Rs. 23.79 lakh according to the current exchange rates). The Motorcycle is the flagship model of the company's naked sport motorcycle brand, Duke, and available in most of the major markets. Now, the company might also launch the bike in India as well. The company already sells 390 Duke and 200 Duke in India and is about to launch the RC 200 and RC 390. If launched, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is expected to be priced around Rs 17-18 lakh in India.

The street fighter machine, Super Duke R comes with a very aggressive style using a naked tubular space frame and minimum body panels. The bike gets a sharp headlamp unit with a very unique design and a masculine fuel tank with extending flaps. With a light weight frame, single sided swing-arm and alloys, it is the lightest machine in its class. It has inverted telescopic forks at the front and pressurized gas central mono-shock at the rear with external remote reservoir, offering numerous setting options.

Powering the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a 75-degree, liquid-cooled, V-Twin of 1,301cc displacement, which churns out 177.5bhp of top power, while its torque goes upto 144Nm. The powerful heart of the bike makes it capable to do a 0-200kmph mark in just 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 290kmph. The company also gives option to restrict the power via three different riding modes of traction control. In the 'Street' and 'Sport' modes, the bike delivers full 180bhp, while it is restricted to 100bhp with a smooth performance in 'Rain' mode. Ride-by-Wire technology provides excellent throttle response, which enhances the control over engine speed.

Both the 320mm, dual front disc and 240mm single rear disc brakes are assisted by a switchable ABS system, which can be turned-off when want to perform roughly. The console of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R gets a cockpit design with two big LCD screens and an analog tacho, providing all the information and status of the machine. Currently, Kawasaki Z1000, Triumph Speed Triple, Honda CB1000R, Yamaha FZ-1 and BMW S1000R are the major offerings in the respective segment in India. The BMW S1000R has been priced at Rs. 22.83 lakh, while the others cost between Rs. 10-14 lakh. So, the KTM Super Duke R can be a bridge between these machines with its pricing.