Is this a fleeting glimpse of the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R?

KTM has teased its newest Duke offering in a video as it prepares to launch what appears to be the new 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R at the 2019 EICMA show in Milan next month.

In typical ‘teaser’ style, there’s plenty of fleeting glances and flashing imagery to rewind and watch in stop-motion (hitting the spacebar), with lots of crunching, slurping and winding as the footage focuses on the mystery machine’s construction.

With the tag #GetDuked we at least know we’re dealing with a ‘Duke’, though there has been plenty of recenet news emerging from KTM that suggests there are several on the way in the form of five twin-cylinder models.

While there may seem little to view to the untrained eye, there are seemingly some trained eyes out there who have pointed out a few credible hints that nod towards this not just being a new Duke but being the ‘Daddy’ of them all, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Based on spy shots that were doing the rounds over the summer, which revealed a sleeker look to that familiar orange hue trellis frame, a brief still in the video appears to match this. Then there are the premium carbon fibre materials being crafted and the single-sided swingarm.

What can we expect from the 2020 KTM Super Duke R?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is expected to introduce a wealth of new technology updates, most notable of which is adaptive cruise control, potentially the first such mass-produced machine to feature it. 

KTM is currently in a race with Ducati over getting this technology – which has spent years in development - out to the public first, with the Italian firm expected to include it on the upcoming Ducati Multistrada 1260 GT.

In addition, the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R is likely to emphasis the sporting ethos of the current model and be influenced by the firm’s KTM RC16 MotoGP bike and technology.

We won’t have too long to find out with a November 5th 2019 reveal date, which of course coincides with EICMA in Milan, Italy.

For now we’re making an educated guess – watch the video to make your own conclusion.

Big 2020 ahead for KTM ahead amid new models, tie-ups

It’s a good time to be KTM if you believe the flood of positive news emerging from one of Austria’s best-known companies.

With sales on the up across Europe, positive publicity from its improving MotoGP efforts and an impending rebranding exercise to separate the KTM motorcycle arm from the soon-to-be-known as Pierer Mobility AG parent company, growth is most certainly on the cards.

Those aforementioned five new models – a TM 490 Duke, RC 490, 490 Adventure, 490 Supermoto, 490 Enduro – are made possible by KTM getting cosier with one of its major shareholders, Bajaj Auto. The Indian giant is providing volume manufacturing and engineering for new models, which we’re told includes a new range of electric performance models that’ll be launched in 2022.

In addition, now the KTM name has been spun off from the parent organisation, there are reportedly plans to develop greater brand identities in its portfolio, which means a greater focus for Husqvarna. which returns to the GP paddock in Moto3 next year. 

KTM has also just taken a majority stake in the Spanish GasGas brand, which specialises in trial and trail motorcycles, to develop new electric motorcycles. 

In short, KTM has a lot going on!