KTM is testing a new version of its 1290 Super Adventure! We all know that the R version is the strongest model of the "Big Wild Donkey", but the new R version is equipped with aluminum wheels and sports tires! This version was clearly intended to compete with Ducati's Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak version.
Just as Ducati did with the Pike Peak version, KTM also installed a pair of road-use front and rear 17-inch wheels, as well as Pirelli Angel GT II tires, to install the 1290 Super Adventure R, which was clearly intended to improve sporty performance and ignore off-road and passability. The height of the motorcycle was then also lowered and more weight was transferred to the front. It also steepens the head angle and reduces the wake, which combines to speed up steering. Another highlight is that the test model is equipped with a front radar, and it should be known that the current radar is the exclusive configuration of the S version.
Matched to the new wheels is a brand new swingarm, and interestingly, the suspension appears to be the same as the fully adjustable WP shock absorption of the current R version, but with a much shorter stroke. It's not equipped with electronic suspension, though, which seems like good news for competitors. In order to highlight the movement, the front fender was replaced with carbon fiber. At the same time, in order to highlight the movement, the one-piece cushion on the R version was replaced by a more sporty split cushion!
The Pike Peak edition makes a lot of sense for Ducati because they don't have any other top sports station wagons, but KTM already has the Super Duke GT, and the new Super Duke GT has also been exposed, and there is no trend of being replaced, so why this version is really puzzling.