The 2025 version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has once again stirred excitement among performance-bike fans. Known for its raw power, aggressive styling and naked-bike attitude, the 2025 model brings the latest refinements from the Austrian manufacturer. In this article, we take you through what makes the 2025 KTM 1290 Super Duke R special, what to expect, and why it remains a top choice for riders who crave thrills.
What is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R? A Quick Overview
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R belongs to the “naked” or “streetfighter” class of motorcycles — bikes that prioritise minimal bodywork, sharp styling, and high-performance engines over full fairings. Its core identity revolves around delivering a potent mix of brute power, agility, and aggressive handling for street riding or spirited weekend rides.
Engine and Performance: Unleashing the Beast
- The 2025 1290 Super Duke R is powered by a 1301 cc, 75° V-twin, liquid-cooled engine.
- It delivers a claimed maximum power output of around 180 bhp at high rpm, along with a strong torque figure that ensures muscular mid-range and top-end performance.
- The engine is managed via modern fuel injection, with a slipper (PASC) clutch for smoother downshifts and confident deceleration.
- As a result, the 1290 Super Duke R remains among the fastest naked bikes in its segment, offering exhilarating acceleration and high-speed potential on open roads.
In short, under the minimal looks lies a “beast” of an engine — raw, aggressive, and eager to unleash power.
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes: Balanced for Power & Control
To tame all that power and translate it into rideable performance, KTM has equipped the 2025 model with premium chassis components:
- The bike uses a chromoly steel tubular trellis frame, known for rigidity and lightness — crucial for handling a powerful engine.
- Up front: 48 mm WP APEX (USD) forks; at the rear: WP APEX monoshock, both tuned to offer responsive handling and stability.
- Wheels are standard 17-inch alloys with performance-oriented tyres — combining grip, stability, and cornering precision.
- Braking is handled by high-end components: dual 320 mm Brembo Stylema/Brembo M50 front discs with Radial-mounted callipers, and a single disc at the rear, backed by advanced ABS (including cornering and ride-mode based control in many markets).
This setup ensures that the 1290 Super Duke R remains controllable despite its ferocious engine — giving riders confidence whether they are leaning hard into corners or accelerating out of them.
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Comfort, Ergonomics & Everyday Usability
Although built for performance, the 2025 KTM 1290 Super Duke R doesn’t completely abandon practicality:
- Seat height is 835 mm.
- Fuel tank capacity is typically 16 litres (with some sources earlier indicating ~18 litres depending on spec/market).
- Lighting is fully LED, and the bike features modern instrument console(s), often TFT-based, which provide digital speedometer/tachometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, and other essential read-outs.
- The riding stance, though aggressive, remains fairly manageable — allowing for occasional city commuting or weekend rides without the harshness of a full-on superbike.
So while the Super Duke R is uncompromising, it retains enough practicality for real-world use.
What’s “New” in the 2025 Model, What Riders Can Expect
The 2025 update brings refinements and incremental improvements, rather than a complete overhaul — but those refinements align well with what performance riders want:
- Improved throttle response thanks to updated throttle-grip geometry (quick-turn throttle twist grip, reduced angle), giving more precise throttle control.
- Suspension tuning and chassis setup aimed at offering better balance between aggressive performance and ride stability — making the bike more usable both on spirited rides and regular roads.
- Electronic aids and ride modes (depending on market variant) that help manage power delivery — useful for different conditions (wet roads, urban traffic, open highway).
Essentially, the 2025 1290 Super Duke R refines what’s already excellent — more precision, more control, more usability.
What To Keep In Mind / Possible Drawbacks
No motorcycle is perfect, and the 1290 Super Duke R has a few trade-offs, especially for riders considering it for everyday use:
- High performance means higher maintenance and running costs compared to smaller bikes or entry-level motorcycles.
- Seat height at 835 mm might be tall for shorter riders — especially in slow traffic or when stopping.
- Fuel efficiency will be modest, given the powerful V-twin and performance orientation (fuel tank size is not huge either), so frequent petrol stops on long rides.
- For some riders, the aggressive riding posture may feel tiring over long distances compared to more touring-oriented bikes.
So, it’s a bike for those who value thrill and performance more than commuting ease or frugal ownership.
Is the 2025 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Right for You?
Consider the 1290 Super Duke R if:
- You prioritise raw power, torque, and aggressive performance.
- You enjoy spirited rides, weekend trips, or highway runs rather than constant commuting.
- You want a bike with serious braking, suspension, and handling capabilities — not just straight-line power.
- You’re willing to manage somewhat higher maintenance and fuel costs for the performance payoff.
It may be less ideal if you need a daily commuter for congested cities, or if comfort and fuel economy are your top priorities.
The 2025 KTM 1290 Super Duke R remains a top contender among naked performance motorcycles. It carries forward the raw character, “beastly” engine, and premium components that have defined its legacy — while refining control, responsiveness, and ride quality. For riders who crave adrenaline and are willing to accept the trade-offs, the 1290 Super Duke R 2025 delivers one of the most potent street-fighter experiences on two wheels.