RideFast June 2020

the handling, adjustability and
overall performance.
The Spine of the new Beast
3.0, as KTM calls it, has had a
big upgrade and won’t be seen
by the naked eye, but promises
a big change in the overall feel.
Adopting many elements from
the previous RC8 superbike
model, the new frame, which
uses the engine as a means
to increase torsional rigidity,
has resulted in the 1290 R
being 3 times stiffer than its
predecessor. This allows for a
more effortless, confidenceinspiring
riding position which
translates into an ultimately
faster ride. This is achieved by
maximizing the feedback from
the chassis and the front tyre.
The frame also makes use of
thicker diameter tubes with
thinner walls, which is the single
biggest weight saving measure
on the bike - saving 2 kg…
Helping the chassis and
suspension keep all the
madness of the 1301cc LC8
V-Twin powerplant boasting
imporved figures of 180hp and
140Nm of torque, is the updated
electronics package. Many
traditionalists might frown at
the sight of electronic rider
aids, saying they interfere with
the purity of the ride. However,
when it comes to the 1290 SD
R, all electronic features have
received an update, providing
more feedback from the engine,
and less intrusiveness from
the safety systems. This means
improved Quickshifter+ settings,
more refined and natural
feedback and smoother, more
intuitive anti-wheelie functions.
Ergonomics and comfort have
been improved with a restyled
tank that gives the rider better
support, while lower, variable
handlebars and adjustable foot
pegs make for improved comfort
on the road and more control on
the track.
Other small updates can
be found in the headlight and
ram air, which has a smoother
channel to help keep things
cooler, and new graphics
which maintain the tradition
of aggressive, yet cool and
modern 1290 SD R.
At the core of the new Beast
3.0 is a major chassis overhaul.
Boasting an all new frame with
3 times the torsional rigidity of
previous models, stickier tyres,
smarter WP suspension, an
aluminum and carbon composite
subframe and completely
revised geometry, the king of
the DUKES has become lighter,
stiffer and faster.
Legend has it, if you walk through the streets of Mattighofen at full
moon, you can hear its roar. Ok, so we made that part up, but there is
no denying the 1301 cc V-twin’s legendary status. Now even lighter
and more powerful than before, this torquey powerhouse has been
built to take on anything you’re brave enough to throw at it.
RIDING THE BEAST 3.0
I’ve been super excited to swing
my leg over this new machine.
I’ve heard nothing but praise from
my colleagues overseas about
the Beast 3.0 and its new-found
sophistication, whilst also keeping
the rawness that’s made it the
naked bike of choice for many over
the years.
I’ve spent some good time on
the previous gens, mainly the
second and a couple of years ago
myself, along with Riaan Neveling
from KTM SA (now at KTM head
office in Austria), decided to prove
just how capable the SD 1290
R was out on track by entering
it into a BOTTS (Battle of the
Twins) race to take on the mighty
red machines, and also put it up
against its toughest challenge ever
- the RSR 24-hour race.
Things were looking great in the
BOTTS race down in PE, where I
managed to qualify in 2nd place
and pick up 2nd in race one before
unceremoniously throwing it into
the Aldo Scribante scenery whilst
leading and trying to impersonate
Marc Marquez.
While it was very capable out
on track, it took a fair amount of
work and money to get it there,
and even then, it still lacked a bit of
certainty. The main problem was
the customary front-end “float”
feeling, found on most naked bikes.
This gave off a slight feeling of
uncertainty out on track, and even
on the road. Limited adjustment on
the suspension didn’t really help
matters and a lack of flex from the
chassis also contributed.
KTM knew they had a class
leading street machine, but many
were using them out on tracks, so
KTM did what KTM do best and
addressed the problems voiced by
their customers wanting a more
solid feel out on track.
KTM engineers had a tough job -
while the masses raved about the
previous 1290 SD R’s, slowly but
surely those fingers started pointing
at problems that didn’t seem to be
there at the beginning - the age old
tale of humanity never being satisfied.
So, for the Beast 3.0 they had
to keep the rawness that the fist
gen riders loved, add a bit more
sophistication and commercialism
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