Last year rumours circulated about a Brabus version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR. Those rumours have gained more credibility as a test mule has been spied testing
Brabus 1300R Based on KTM 1290 Super Duke RR Spied testing
German tuning house Brabus made its name with heavily modified Mercedes Benz cars, along the lines of AMG. However, last year rumours started circulating that they were about to move into motorcycles, more specifically a Brabus version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR (see here)
Now, those rumours have been partly confirmed with photos of a 1290-based model doing the rounds. While there has been no official confirmation from either Brabus or KTM, there is evidence of the machine’s existence, namely trademark application by Brabus for the name Brabus 1300R and European type-approval documents naming KTM as the manufacturer of the basis for the bike along with specifications that match the 1290 Super Duke RR.
Alternative rumours suggest that this could instead be a new Husqvarna version of the Super Duke but there are no trademark Husky styling cues, apart from the single round headlight. Husqvarna versions of KTMs tend to have bespoke bodywork but the model spied in the photos stays remarkably close to the KTM.
The exhaust mufflers are different from the Super Duke and the wheels are like nothing in the KTM catalogue, while matching rims offered by Brabus for its car conversions.
Another clue could be that the new bike is based on the Super Duke RR, a model limited to 500 units and which sold out in 50 minutes despite a hefty price tag. It would make sense for Brabus to build a motorcycle presence based on such a high-end product and, if the price is eye-watering, then that only plays along with the rest of Brabus’ products. There would definitely be a market for such a bike: after all, what does the man who has everything in his garage buy but something to match one of his cars?
Image copyright: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
