KTM 1290 Super Duke R | DOIN’ TIME

WRIST: Zack Courts
MSRP (2014): $16,999
MILES: 7,584
MPG: 36
MODS: KTM seat and saddlebags
UPDATE: 4

When the Super Duke debuted and I saw KTM brochure photos of this bike with saddlebags on it, I thought the accessory guys were kidding. But as the whole staff soon discovered, it's not just comfortable for a naked bike; it's actually just plain comfortable. For that reason, I was really looking forward to our annual road trip to Laguna Seca, which typically sees about 1,000 miles added to the odometer over a few days of riding.

To ease the load in my backpack, I ordered the KTM Side Bag Set for the 1290 (ktm.com; $500, plus $125 for mounting hardware). Installation involves taking off the small plastic cowls under the passenger seat to reveal the trellis subframe, where two bolts with machined spools (where the bags hang) replace the standard pieces, as well as a tab that connects to the existing passenger footrest mount.

The one setback in the process was that the threaded bung set into the frame where the rearward hanger was to be installed needed to be tapped in order to accept the longer aftermarket bolt (welding slag at the end of the threads, we think). Not a difficult fix, provided a tap set is handy. The bags offer 36 liters of zipper-closure storage (total) and, mounted, are no wider than the handlebar. The plastic cowls stay off and make way for the bags to rest tight against the subframe, a clever bit of engineering.

For the journey ahead, I also chose to install a KTM Ergo Seat ($150), purely for experimentation; the stock saddle is perfectly comfortable. The extra padding in the aftermarket option raises the riding position 20mm and adds a little style with a different material and contrast stitching. Charging $150 seems reasonable for the seat, and it is, though you’ll want the matching pillion for aesthetics alone, which is another $100.

After about 950 miles up California and back, my advice would be to save the $250 and keep the stock seats. I like the look, and being over 6 feet tall I don’t mind a high perch, but the 1290 already has plenty of legroom, and raising my torso nearly an inch made the windblast noticeably stronger on the freeway. Also, the extra padding changes the profile so that the seat pitches the rider forward, putting my delicate bits between the gas tank and a hard place.

KTM’s saddlebags, however, have done nothing but impress. I wasn’t forced to experiment with the included waterproof liners but have been extremely satisfied with the capacity and usability of the set. I even bought a mini-padlock to secure the zippers’ handy loops. I’m planning to experiment with more affordable options, but for now these bags are staying on, and I would recommend the splurge to any 1290 owner.