KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R – KTM Middle East Al Shafar launches the BEAST on Dubai Autodrome ! New KTM dealer in Egypt!

INFO: JAVASCRIPT DISABLED!

KTM is well-known for its undisputed victories and success stories at the world’s most grueling desert rallies, the DAKAR. So it was a little bit unfamiliar to see KTM launching its latest models on a racing circuit, in this case the well-known Dubai Autodrome. But it only shows that KTM is becoming one of the key-players in a new motorcycle-segment.

That is why KTM Middle East Al Shafar organized the event called the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Experience on Jan. 21, 2014 at the Dubai Autodrome, as the official introduction of the Austrian manufacturer's newest model in to the Middle East region-- the 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

35 riders and 25 guests and media personalities took part in the festivities, as well as Middle East KTM dealers from Kuwait (KNS Racing), Lebanon (ANB Holding), Jordan (Darwazeh Bikes) and the newly-signed dealer from Egypt (Abou Ghaly Motors).

Aside from the media representatives, many riders of all skill levels were present at the event and got their chance on the bike. There were two ladies that showed a few of the men a thing or two about riding a motorcycle on a race track.

Despite the extremely high performance envelope of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the state of the art electronics allow the rider to harness the power and handling.

Hussain Alkooheji and Steve Blackney, both veteran and expert motorcycle racers, put the KTM 1290 Super Duke R through its paces.

r /> "It really surprised me! The bike is extremely capable on the track," said Alkooheji. "The bike is really good. I didn't expect it to perform like it did since it's all standard," followed up by Blackney.

The VIP event featured a presentation given by Michael Winter, the Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East and Africa from KTM-AG prior to the track.

Winter started off with background information about the Autrian manufacturer and its current status in the global motorcycle market. He then moved on to the details about the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and what sets it apart from other makes and models.

With the innovations in vehicle assistance systems like MTC (motorcycle traction control) and the newly developed Bosch 9ME Combined-ABS (anti-locking braking system), the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a beast of a motorcycle (180 HP) with performance limits above all others in its class, but still reachable by its rider.

Also from KTM-AG, Guenter Gahleitner, proceeded with a riders briefing. Gahleitner led the rider groups throughout the whole event on the Dubai Autodrome's Club Circuit configuration, which was the perfect venue to showcase both the power and handling of the motorcycle without being intimidating to those who are not regular track riders.

Supporting the event was Red Bull, a long time event partner of KTM Middle East. The energy drink gave spectators and participants an added boost to an already adrenalin filled atmosphere.

We will be testing the KTM 1290 Super Duke R very soon to evaluate ourselves if it will be able to compete or even out-perform the established competitors from BMW, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki in Egypt and the Middle East or not. The chances seem not too bad.

As for the new KTM dealer in Egypt, Abou Ghaly Motors, we hope he will not do the same mistakes like the other unsuccessful motorcycle dealers and importers in Egypt, and we wish him good luck in making the world-famous and renowned brand KTM a success-story in Egypt.

MS
23.01.2014
Dubai – Mattighofen - Cairo

Price and technical specs of the 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R:

Price: 76,999 AED - Available now at KTM Middle East Al Shafar in Dubai (UAE)

Engine:
Design 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, 75° V arrangement, liquid-cooled
Displacement 1,301 cm³
Performance 180 Horsepower
Clutch PASC™ anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated
Ignition system Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment

Chassis:
Frame Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Fork WP Suspension Up Side Down
Shock absorber WP Suspension Monoshock
Brake system front Brembo Twin-disc brake with radially mounted four-piston brake calipers
Brake system rear Brembo Single-disc brake with two-piston brake caliper; fixed brake disc
Brake discs - diameter front 320 mm
Brake discs - diameter rear 240 mm
Seat height (unloaded) 835 mm
Total fuel tank capacity approx. 18 l
Weight without fuel approx. 189 kg

Performance:
0 to 100 kph- 4.0 secs.
0 to 200 kph- 7.8 secs.
Top Speed- 280 kph