- 2022 range comprises two models
- EVO variant gets WP APEX semi-active suspension
- Indian launch unlikely
KTM has unveiled the 2022 iteration of its flagship street motorcycle, the 1290 Super Duke R. For 2022, the naked roadster benefits from weight-saving measures in the form of a reworked LC8 engine and an updated electronics package. Apart from updating the standard motorcycle, the Austrian two-wheeler maker has also added a new variant to the list.
Christened as the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO, this new variant brings more tech to the motorcycle in the form of the second-generation WP APEX semi-active suspension. This brings the feature list at par with its rivals like the Ducati Streetfighter V4.
The electronic suspension comes standard with three damping modes – Comfort, Street, and Sport. In addition to the standard suspension settings, KTM will also offer the optional Suspension PRO package with three more damping modes – Track, Advanced, and Auto. The optional Suspension PRO package will additionally offer three automatic preload auto-leveling settings – Low, Standard, and High. Apart from the settings mentioned above, the optional Suspension PRO mode also brings an anti-diving function that is claimed to keep the front-end high under hard braking. The rider can disengage this setting if desired.
The standard electronics package on the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the 1290 Super Duke R EVO continues to feature the Rain, Street, and Sport modes. The optional extras include Track and Performance ride modes. For 2022, KTM claims that the throttle response is given a further boost with the addition of a new quick-turn throttle twist grip while reducing the rider wrist angle and the elbow drop at full throttle.
The styling remains unaltered although KTM has added new colours to the 2022 model – blue/orange and silver/orange. The R models retain KTM orange frame and orange wheels. The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the 1290 Super Duke R EVO will be available in the international markets from January 2022 onwards. We do not expect to see this model on our shores anytime soon.
