Prepping And Priming A KTM 1290 Super Duke R Fro Life On Track Could Be The Cure For All Ills!
Just when we thought that the subtle styling changes, plumping of power, evolution of electronics and setting up of the suspension was all the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R needed to rule the naked world in 2017, the Austrian firm treated us to a session on a race-kitted bike around the Losail circuit in Qatar during last month’s launch of the road bike.
In the process KTM opened Pandora’s box, showing us the true potential of the Beast – but Pandora didn’t seem to mind this invasion of her privacy at all. Initially, I loved the Austro-naked-nutters for allowing us the opportunity to sample this, but then after my savage sampling of the bike on track I hated them for giving us only a fleeting experience of the machine...
Unleashing a Beast
Ready To Race is KTM’s motto, but there’s not much in the way of easy avenues to explore this option when you’re trying to muscle a 1,301cc v-twin naked bike on to a grid. Ever the innovators, the firm found a series in Italy that would fit the bill – the French-based Protwin race challenge that had an event on in Mugello in November – you know, the exquisite Italian track with the longest straight in the calendar. Exposed to the elements and up against a grid full of faired Panigales, KTM had a few tricks up its sleeves – namely Jeremy McWilliams, Chris Fillmore, Hannes Maier and three 2017 race-prepped 1290 Super Duke Rs.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2017-Ausgabe von Fast Bikes.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2017-Ausgabe von Fast Bikes.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
DAN LINFOOT THE WORLD AT HIS FEET...
The racing world is full of characters who generally like to keep themselves to themselves, and I respect that. However, some of these people have a great story to tell. I'm incredibly fortunate to be friends with a few, have access to many more, and through my role with the award-winning podcast Chasin' the Racing, I get to sit down and chew the fat with some amazing individuals, so I wanted to give you lovely bunch a peep through the keyhole and an opportunity to get to know a bit more about some of these 'people of interest'.
ROSSI'S RANCH - LA 100KM DEI CAMPIONI
It's not every day you get the invite to trade paint, drifts and stories with Rossi and a bunch of world champions, but that's how life played out for the Neave twins a few weeks back.
RATING RUBBER...
We love a tyre launch, and especially ones of a sporty disposition. So when Michelin dropped us a line about not one, but two additions to their range, we didn't need our arm twisting to get stuck in and see what they're all about...
2017-2021 SUZUKI GSX-S750
Is the understated Suzuki GSX-S750 worth considering in the used market?
YAMAHA MT-09 - If you like your bikes nutty, naked and packed full of punch, you'll love the fourth-generation Yamaha MT-09.
Ten years ago, I found myself a part of the maddest, baddest, and arguably most illegal motorcycling I've ever a put my name to.
BACK TO THE FUTURE - KTM DUKE 990
It's been a while since KTM last had a 990 Duke in its range, but the name is back - and this new addition is perhaps one of its most exciting offerings ever. Here's why...
A CUT ABOVE
Four years on from the revolutionary release of the RCV-inspired Fireblade, Honda's given its flagship sportsbike a masterpiece of a makeover.
Steve Parrish
I'm fresh back from the South African Classic TT races and Christ, it's still bloody raining over here.
Christian Iddon
Well, my last column was all about just how I'm going to be the most prepared I could ever be for the season ahead.
SHOEI X-SPR PRO
I'll cut to it... when it comes to my kit, I don't mess around - especially when it comes to helmets.