Will this become the world’s most badass production naked bike? With a hefty rebore of the RC8 R engine and a feathery wet weight, it looks like it.
Unveiled at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype confirmed two things: you don’t need bodywork to look bitchin’ and this bike will undoubtedly be the cause of countless tickets across the globe. According to Tom Moen, KTM North America Media Relations Manager, “The naked bike market is very popular in Europe. It has not been as strong in the U.S. but the 1290 Super Duke R could help change that. It’s a ways off as it’s still is in concept stages... possibly in 2014.”
As shown here, the powerplant is the result of a bored-out RC8 R with Drive-By-Wire that spits out through dual shorty Akrapovic cans. For those who don’t want to wheelie and stoppie nonstop expect both traction control and ABS assists. A trellis frame, Brembo calipers and trick forks make this prototype high on our “Can’t Wait to Ride” list.