For a while now, KTM has been collaborating with the aftermarket auto tuners at Brabus to build hot-rod naked bikes built off its 1290-series V-twins. The last of those bikes has been just released, the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece. They are saying it “puts the crown on this exclusive series,” and you are certainly getting a flashy, tricked-out bike for your money.
The basis for this bike is KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R EVO, making 180 hp at 9,500 rpm and 103 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm.
Brabus threw new bodywork at the bike—a new mini-cowling over a round headlight that looks far different from the KTM original. There are carbon fibre panels on the frame, the engine covers, the front fender, even the single-sided swingarm. As with most naked bikes these days, the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece comes with mini-fairings on the side to cover the engine plumbing and other unattractive bits. Those mini-fairings are also made of carbon fibre, and come with winglets to provide downforce at speed. There’s also a new carbon-fibre tailpiece with integrated tail and brake lights.
Along with the fairings and bodywork, there are plenty of metal bits built for this bike by Brabus. The wheels are Brabus-built, made of forged alloy. Brabus also provides a CNC-milled triple clamp, front brake lever and clutch lever, footpegs and caps for brake and clutch reservoir, gas tank and oil fill. Brabus also made a slip-on dual exhaust for the bike,and bar-end mirrors.
Brabus gave the bike a set of bar-end mirrors, heated grips and a heated seat with a quilted fabric pattern. A li-ion battery is standard, and a quick-open throttle.
WP APEX semi-active suspension comes standard, and a WP APEX PRO steering damper.
The frame itself gets a matte black paint job, and the bike comes in either Onyx Black or Diamond White paint. Only 25 of each colour will be built. And according to the press release:
“Each MASTERPIECE EDITION motorcycle comes with exclusive accessories: These include a tailor-made indoor cover for the motorcycle as well as a mat for the parking space in the garage at home, both of course featuring golden BRABUS 1300 R emblems. Each unit is also delivered with an exclusive BRABUS MASTERPIECE box made of carbon, which not only serves to store the bike’s keys, but also opens up the possibility for the vehicle owner to join the BRABUS MASTERPIECE CLUB. In addition, every owner of this limited-edition motorcycle receives the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the BRABUS Manufaktur in Bottrop.”
Very nice, very nice indeed. So what will it all cost? The press release doesn’t say, and if you have to ask, you can’t afford it anyway… and we doubt that any of the 50 built will ever make it to Canada, at least not anytime soon. Sorry!
