FIRST PICS | Brabus 1300 R leaks to reveal slick take on KTM 1290 Super Duke R

The Brabus 1300 R has revealed itself ahead of schedule after images of the high-end premium hypernaked motorcycle based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO emerged online.

The first product of an intriguing tie-up announced in December 2021 between KTM and world-renowned German tuning house Brabus - famous for its long-held association with Mercedes - the 1300 R was supposed to be making its bow on Friday [11 February].

However, official images emerged on a KTM-prefixed mini-site dedicated to the new model seemingly by mistake before quickly being taken down again. Unfortunately for KTM, Google didn’t miss a beat in capturing the latest images, which means a selection can still be found with only a little bit of digging.

If you don’t like spoilers then by all means wait until tomorrow, but if you’re like us, then you’ll be more than happy to get an earlier-than-planned chance to objectify what is a substantial aesthetic reworking of the unashamedly in-your-face 1290 Super Duke R.

Toning down the overall profile to something more stripped back, the front-end and side profile bears more than a striking resemblance to the design direction adopted by KTM’s sister brand Husqvarna for its Svartpilen and Vitpilen models. 

In short, it is no surprise some publications originally branded this as the unexpected (and ultimately non-existent) Husqvarna 1301 when spy shots emerged last month.

The single circular headlamp and overstated swept back cowling leads into a more angular profile than that of its cousin, which tones down the Duke’s cuts and slashes with a more shapely side air intake to complete a more low slung look for the Brabus.

Even the signature trellis frame has gone understated, blending into the predominantly dark grey colourway, leaving only the fuel tank to pop with any colour.

Look closer and you’ll see lashings of carbon fibre across the frame, tail-end and front wings, plus a special Ducati Diavel-aping nine-spoke rear wheel and Brabus branded gunmetal finish exhaust.

More details about what the 1300 R is packing will become clearer when it is launched, but it would appear Brabus is using the recently-launched EVO specification version of the 1290 Super Duke R as its base model.

As such, expect around 180hp kept under control but myriad electronic gizmos designed to keep the 1300 R in check on and off the race track, plus access to the specially upgraded WP APEX suspension set-up with electronic damping.

Described as having the ‘Heart of a Beast, Soul of a Gentleman’, it would appear the Brabus 1300 R is being targeted at a premium end of the market to rival the new Bimota KB4, though we’ll have to wait until Friday to learn more about the price and full spec.

However, if you want one - and can afford it - you’ll have to be quick because only 77 units will be made available, making this Super Duke super exclusive.