In our modern world it seems that the human race constantly tries to improve on things that are already close to excellence, and I’m not just focussing on motor vehicles here, well not just yet…
What about our physical appearance for example? Oh yes, the industry that is worth billions of dollars/pounds/yen and every other currency you can think of to, well, paint over a cracked canvas shall I say. Many hours of effort in front of a mirror, or someone else’s mirror, can convert a face as foul as a ‘box of dying frogs’ into a Disneyland visage used for devious advertising billboards portraying how miraculous their product or products are, driving us to retail stores, And this goes for both men and women before I get chastised – again! But unfortunately, to the consumer of these ‘paints’, their hideous form (to them) is still buried deep underneath until they spend another R5,000 at the till that is. Or, in motorcycle terms – the engine is still the same.
But less of the ‘cover up’ stories let’s get back to this stunning motorcycle, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R SE (Special Edition) which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful motorcycles money can buy. Underneath all of its Hollywood attributes it’s basically a stock 1290 Super Duke R riddled with fancy cosmetics, but knock me down with a blusher brush, it has most certainly worked, don’t you agree? It certainly has ‘make-up’ by the truckload but thinly covers the inherent beauty below instead of disgustingly hiding the issue, right?
You see KTM has a vast Power Parts catalogue that’s designed to enhance your chosen KTM into a unique ride of your taste, which is nice and thoughtful, but also relieves you of your cash in a manner that’s not really necessary but you just have to part with if, if you know what I mean? Now obviously these parts can become expensive if you go up that insatiable path, or, in the case of this SE version, just let KTM do it for you in the first place and get it all installed at the factory, a wise choice in my mind.
This SE option is only available for a limited period and in very short numbers, so if you want one already, which I’m sure you are after seeing these delicious images, you’d better be quick, very quick, before they all disappear off the KTM showroom floors.
Nothing has been changed inside the motor, why would it, but let’s just run through the extras you’ll get. Akrapovic titanium silencer, orange anodized (stiffer) triple clamps and brake fluid caps, wave discs, adjustable and gorgeous levers, much better seat, carbon engine covers, that very posh gold/orange paint scheme and probably a few other things that I’ve forgotten. I’d imagine now that you instantly want to know how much this all costs and I don’t blame you. Well, if you’ve ventured into the bulging book of KTM Power Parts it’ll relieve you of close to R50,000, oh yes folks, but here’s the best part. If you buy a stock 1290 Super Duke R it’ll demand a R206,000 cheque, buy this and it’ll ‘only’ set you back R226,000, an absolute bargain in relative terms and look how much you save. Then you’ll instantly acquire an enviable ride and you won’t see many on the road either, an all-important aspect if you like to show-off, which you surely will when you own one of these, right?
Now before you wet yourself with desire let me just waft over what a 1290 Super Duke R is, because it’s been around for a couple of years now. KTM call it ‘The Beast’ and I couldn’t agree more. Arguably the most devastating naked bike on the planet to the point of being insane and a little ridiculous in the power delivery department. Nestling inside that orange painted chrome-moly tubular frame is the massive 75-degree V-twin displacing 1301cc, so why is it called a 1290 then eh, eh, eh? Apparently is has F1-type pistons (whatever that means – light probably) and twin-plugs heads that, interestingly, fire independently for a cleaner/better burn. What this all means is a lot of power and I mean a LOT! On the Dynojet dyno it threw out 151hp at the wheel and an arm wrenching 130Nm of torque, or around 30% more torque than an R1, ZX-10 or S 1000 RR. No wonder KTM call it ‘The Beast’ then. And if you want performance figures for this 189kg (dry weight) monster, how about a claimed 0-200km/h time of 7.2 seconds - WTF! Top speed, don’t know, never got there, but well on the far side of 260 I’d imagine and, I’m not going to say ‘if you can hang on for long enough’ like other ‘testers’ keep repeating because it’s irrelevantly highly irritating.
Predictably the SE has lots of electronics to calm it down in timid hands, like traction control, three power modes and three ABS modes. I prefer, like a cocaine fueled orgy, to have everything off, which became annoying due to the holding buttons down for certain lengths of time syndrome and then wait, etc, etc… Can’t we just have a simple on or off for everything Mr.KTM and it stays fookin off please? Anyway…
One thing I did enjoy that has no frown-inducing ‘electronic interruptions’ is the superb ‘normal’ high-end WP suspension. Brilliant, supple, firm when needed and easy to set up if you need to. I’m really not a fan of anyone’s attempt at electronic suspension as of yet, so there and eat my eyeliner because I’d prefer to ignore that subject for now.
To ride the SE is a memorable and remarkable experience. Even learner riders could ride this around town because it’s an easy bike to ride with light and soft controls with perfect ergonomics for a naked bike. Until you turn off everything and ride it hard that is! Then ‘The Beast’ well and truly earns its name. Third gear wheelies are there or shocking 12-o’clock wheelies dramatically arrive in first gear if you’re not careful. It really needs a very skilled rider with lots of performance experience to enjoy the full potential of the Super Duke R SE, if you’re not it’ll bite you hard, you have been warned!
This is without doubt my favourite KTM of all time and deservers the title of their flagship model. So if you’re thinking of buying one now, do so, I’ll guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Beauty on the Beast couldn’t be more apt.
Go to www.ktmsa.co.za to locate your closest dealer for a test ride. Also go to www.radmoto.co.za who’ll gladly help you out.
