The New (2018) SuperDuke 1290 pics

Ya'll are asleep at the wheel! These pics came out days ago ...

This is a reversal of the 990. Start with a ugly headlight assembly and change it for the better in Gen II.
Other than that it doesn't seem hugely different.

And I thought the SD was supposed to have an orange frame. Silly me.

That black version looks good....like the black frame!

Black is good.

One of the major reasons I wasn't tempted by the 1290. finallyKTM have accepted that not everyone wants a shell-suit inspired orange,black and white eyesore to ride about on.

Some interesting changes:


>• 10 mm shorter velocity stack to enhance power and broaden the usable powerband

>• New resonator chambers placed on the cylinder head for smoother power at low RPM

>• Higher compression ratio of 13.6:1 thanks to the flat design of machined titanium inlet valves with chromium nitride coating

>• New 48 mm USD split front forks by WP suspension with separate damping circuits with stiffer fork springs and sportier settings

>• New WP shock absorber with a stiffer spring for a more balanced chassis

>• Metzeler M7RR super sport tyres for high levels of grip and handling

>• Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) with cornering ABS by Bosch including Supermoto mode

>• Optional dealer-installed Performance Pack combines Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), ***Quickshifter*** (up and down), and KTM MY RIDE

> • Optional dealer-installed Track Pack with ‘Track’ ride mode, which allows three drive modes, anti-wheelie off, TC slip adjust, and launch control

> • Cruise control for long distance convenience • Keyless system for less hassle and security

Cruise control?

I agree about the sub-frame. Nice to see that the electronics are getting updated- looks like there will be more (some) adjustability. That's one of the only real gripes I have with mine.

I can't see any exhaust valve, subject to change i guess.

I like the white version (maybe that makes sense since I have an orange one). Curious to see what the tft display looks like.

Orange is dead (nearly) and the black comes prefitted with 90% rim tape.



And the kitted out PP specials

I like it, the new split headlights look like they work better but I prefer the looks of the 2015 lights. I wonder how the low speed fueling/lugging will feel on the new model? I also like keyless ignition and the new black model is likely to draw less attention, a good thing in my case. No mention of a revised airbox and track mode sounds like ape. My reflexes ain't what they used to be so a wheelie level control would be a riot on this bike, who needs skill just flip a switch and gas it! oh well i'll keep practicing.

So is that the first delivery date for the 2.0 ? Mines having it's first MOT in 10 days time so 3 years old !

Not necessarily it's just that I don't want mine until then.

So what have they changed in the head that allows a quickshifter and auto-blipper as an option now?

I hope all my power parts fit the 17', also fingers crossed the forks are the same with only internals different. I have AK-gas in mine.

not a fan of the pink

Power is only up by about 3 bhp and they've done that by adding 500 rpm at the limiter - presumably from the lighter valve train.
I can't believe all that extra weight is in the exhaust system, so yes, losing it might be difficult.

Personally, (13.5 stone rider) I don't think the original forks need stiffer springs. They need revalving and some preload adjustment.
I had mine set up at a pro suspension shop and he said if he was rebuilding the forks he wouldn't change the springs because they were the correct weight. The rear shock, he said, was good in operation just some corners cut on the build quality. He wasn't impressed with the cheap looking preload adjuster ring.

I had my Ducati resprung with a factory Ohlins shock and a K-Tech fork revalve. Phenomenal difference. I think I'll do similar with the SDR when funds allow. Fit the race shock and have a revalve up front.
I'm not even that fussed about lack of preload adjustment, because for me, mine doesn't need any more but I will lift the forks in the yokes by 5 mm to get a bit more loading on the front wheel. (The 2017 model has done that by ergonomic tweaks).

GREAT...so how do I convince my very smart (and also a rider) bride that I need to trade in and upgrade in March???

Oh wait. My birthday is in march. Yeah, no. She's not going to be that generous.

First mod before I even sat on it would be to change the pink front lights.