Since it first emerged from the dark corners of northern Austria, ?The Beast? has steadily grown stronger and more fierce. From its humble origins in 2007 as the 990 Super Duke to the 180-horsepower 1290 Super Duke R that stomped onto the scene for 2015, KTM?s mighty streetfighter commands respect.

Read our comparison review of the 2021 KTM Duke lineup:
200 Duke, 390 Duke, 890 Duke, and 1290 Super Duke R

For 2022, ?The Beast? has evolved into the 1290 Super Duke R Evo. It features new WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension, with damping adjusted in real-time based on conditions in three preset modes: Sport, Street, and Comfort. Rear spring preload can be set via the TFT display?s menu over a 20mm range in 2mm increments.
An optional Suspension Pro package adds three additional modes (Track, Advanced, and Auto) as well as automatic preload adjustment with three levels (Low, Standard, and High).

The 1290 Super Duke R Evo is powered by the same liquid-cooled, 1,301cc V-Twin with titanium inlet valves and resonator chambers on the cylinder heads that makes a claimed 180 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. When we tested a 2021 1290 Super Duke R, it sent 166 horsepower at 10,100 rpm 94 lb-ft of torque at 8,300 rpm to the rear wheel on Jett Tuning?s dyno.

A ram air intake positioned in the headlight mask maximizes air flow to the combustion chambers, and top-feeder injectors and 56 mm throttle bodies provide optimal air to fuel mixture at high rpm....