| Special Edition Note | Final evolution of the 1290 Super Duke R (THE BEAST 3.1) with standard WP APEX Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension; superseded from model year 2024 by the 1390 Super Duke R. |
| Lifecycle | discontinued |
| Vehicle Type | street |
| Target Audience | Experienced sport riders and hyper-naked enthusiasts who want an extremely powerful V-twin naked with semi-active suspension for road and track |
| Engine Type | V-twin (LC8), 75° V-angle, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl. |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 1,301 ccm |
| Bore x Stroke | 108,0 x 71,0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13,6:1 |
| Power | 180 hp |
| Power (kW) | 132.4 kW |
| Power at RPM | 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 140 Nm |
| Torque at RPM | 8,000 rpm |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection (Keihin), ride-by-wire |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Emission Standard | Euro 5 |
| Transmission | 6-Gang (PANKL) |
| Final Drive | Kette |
| Clutch | PASC multi-plate wet clutch, anti-hopping, hydraulically actuated |
| Starter | Elektrostarter |
| Power-to-Weight | 0.8 hp/kg |
| Frame Type | Stahl-Gitterrohrrahmen, Chrom-Molybdän, Motor mittragend |
| Front Fork | USD-Telegabel, semi-aktiv |
| Fork Brand | WP APEX SAT (2. Generation) |
| Fork Diameter | 48 mm |
| Front Travel | 125 mm |
| Front Suspension Adj. | Semi-active, damping modes Comfort/Street/Sport (optional Suspension Pro) |
| Rear Shock | Zentralfederbein, semi-aktiv |
| Shock Brand | WP APEX SAT (2. Generation) |
| Rear Travel | 140 mm |
| Rear Suspension Adj. | Semi-active, electronic preload adjustment (0-20 mm in 10 steps) |
| Electronic Suspension | Yes |
| E-Suspension Type | WP APEX Semi-Active Technology (SAT), 2nd generation |
| E-Suspension Modes | Comfort, Street, Sport (optional Track, Advanced, Auto via Suspension Pro) |
| Front Disc Count | 2 |
| Front Disc Size | 320 mm |
| Front Caliper | 4-Kolben radial Monoblock |
| Front Brake Brand | Brembo Stylema |
| Rear Disc Size | 240 mm |
| Rear Caliper | 2-piston |
| ABS | Yes |
| ABS Type | Cornering ABS (lean-sensitive), Supermoto mode |
| ABS Brand | Bosch |
| ABS Deactivatable | 1 |
| IMU | Yes |
| IMU Type | 6-Achsen |
| Seat Height | 834 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,497 mm |
| Rake | 24.9 ° |
| Trail | 104 mm |
| Wet Weight | 212 kg |
| Dry Weight | 191 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 16 L |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 200/55 ZR17 |
| Riding Modes | Yes |
| Mode Count | 5 |
| Mode Names | Rain, Street, Sport (optional Track, Performance) |
| Custom Modes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| TC IMU-based | Yes |
| TC Deactivatable | Yes |
| Wheelie Control | Yes |
| Wheelie Deactivatable | Yes |
| Slide Control | Yes |
| Launch Control | Yes |
| Engine Brake Control | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Standard |
| QS Direction | Up & Down |
| Display | TFT |
| Display Size | 5 " |
| Smartphone Mirroring | yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, KTM MY RIDE |
| Keyless | Yes |
| Headlight | LED |
| DRL | Yes |
| Price Germany | 19,499 € |
| Price per HP | 108 €/hp |
| Market Launch | 2,024 |
| Colors | Blue/Orange, Silver/Orange |
| A2 Compatible | No |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Brutal 1301cc LC8 V-twin with 180 hp and 140 Nm, standard WP APEX Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, full electronics package with 6-axis IMU, agile handling, iconic THE BEAST design
Weaknesses
- High fuel consumption when ridden hard, minimal wind protection, uncompromisingly sporty riding position, high insurance classification, end of model cycle (1390 successor available)


