The Engine and performance
Here we come to the heart of the matter – the big 1301cc, 2 cylinder, 4
stroke, V75 degree monster that has been based on the 1190 and the 1290
Super Duke R. Giving out 160 hp that is controlled by the host of electronics.
What is more impressive is the fact that you get 140Nm of torque from the
machine and even as low as 2,500 revs you’re getting a delivery of 108Nm
pulling you away. An absolutely key element in the outstanding performance
and smooth response of the 1301 cc 75° V-twin are the unit’s state-of-the-art
four-valve cylinder heads. These combine twin plug ignition, flow-optimized
ports and a slick, low-friction valve train with cams from each cylinder’s twin
overhead camshafts driving DLC-coated cam followers. DLC (Diamond-Like
Carbon) is an extremely hard, durable and tribologically (i.e. in terms of
sliding behavior) particularly well-suited coating, that KTM uses in many
engine parts (cam followers, piston pins, etc.). This is all combined in the
slipper clutch; Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-
torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The
former prevents destabilising rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or
decelerating; the latter reduces the hand force required for changing gear,
allowing the clutch to be controlled with the little finger - saving you energy
when riding.
The 1290 can get a little grumpy if you drop the revs too low and the feel of
the bike will be sure to let you know to shift down. There is a massive rev
range to play in and she seemed to be very happy sitting at anything from 3k
to 9k revs. Given the fact that in the tall 6 th gear override 5k revs will give
your around 80mph there is nothing really to complain about. Just keep in
mind that you’re on a cruise missile at the end of the day – it’s easy to forget
as she is so well behaved when just cruising around. Should you forget, drop
a gear and open up to do an overtake the traction control will quickly remind
you in safety that you’re riding a mythical monster chained in by KTM
technology.