Best Naked: 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

The 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year (BOTY) Awards recognise excellence across 11 separate motorcycle categories.

And here’s how it will work. After a massive five-day test through north-east Victoria in late October – utilising the stunning roads around the picturesque Victorian township of Bright – we'll whittle our category winners down to one outright bikesales Bike of the Year winner, to be announced on Friday, December 18.

Let's continue the 2020 BOTY by announcing the KTM 1290 Super Duke R as the winner of our Naked category.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R goes by the moniker 'The Beast', but as far as we're concerned, that tag is a misnomer. Yes, with 180hp and 140Nm on tap, and a dry weight of 189kg, it's an absolute beast in terms of acceleration and sheer grunt. But that says nothing of this bike's finesse, its poise, its responsiveness and its sophistication. A beast, perhaps – just one in a tuxedo!

Last year marked 25 years of KTM's Duke family. It all began with the supermoto-style single-cylinder 620 Duke in the mid-'90s, evolved into the V-twin-engined Super Duke 990 in 2005, and morphed again into the 1290 Super Duke R in 2013.

That first Super Duke R was a scintillating machine and it was improved in 2017, so when news came of another upgrade, the biking world wasn't perhaps expecting a big change.

How wrong were we? The latest KTM 1290 Super Duke R is yet another significant progression for the Austrian manufacturer, with the latest iteration offering more feel and feedback, more real-world performance, and the latest generation of rider assistance aids. The latter makes it even safer, and – while still a big-bore machine suited to experienced riders – more accessible to a broader spread of riders.

We got to sample the latest KTM 1290 Super Duke R at Portugal's fast and flowing Portimao circuit at the start of 2020, and that experience – and the 'spirited' road ride through the Algarve countryside that followed – amply demonstrated the improved bike's abilities.

So what exactly are the changes? There are too many to list here, but we will mention the all-new (and more rigid) chromoly-steel trellis frame and the new WP Apex suspension (it's still manual adjustment though). Then there's the new Brembo Stylema brakes (gob-smacking power and feel) and the host of changes made to that furious 1301cc V-twin.

While peak power (180hp at 9500rpm) and torque (140Nm at 8000rpm) haven't changed appreciably (power up 3hp, torque down 1Nm), there's a stonking 120Nm on tap from just 4500rpm and it's still churning out 115Nm at its 10,500rpm redline.

The list of engine and driveline updates is extensive – the airbox is bigger, the exhaust system is new, the slipper clutch is improved and so too is the six-speed PANKL gearbox (the optional bi-directional quickshifter has also been improved). The engine now benefits from new top-feeder injectors for better mixture atomization, enhancing high-speed performance, while the entire unit is lighter and will be Euro 5 compliant from 2021.

In fact the whole machine is now 6kg lighter, with weight shaved even from the model's minimalist bodywork, although the fuel tank's capacity has shrunk too – by 2lt, down to 16lt.

Making sense of all this mechanical fire and brimstone are some seriously smart electronics. The latest Bosch Cornering ABS system now has a Supermoto mode that fully disengages ABS at the rear wheel, while the switchable and multi-level traction control benefits from a new 6D sensor arrangement that measures yaw (or drift) as well as lateral and longitudinal movement.

There's also wheelie control, launch control, and four ride modes, plus two custom settings (say for your preferred street and track settings).

The old LCD digi display has made way for a slick colour 5.0-inch TFT unit, with Bluetooth connectivity to harness the features of the KTM MY RIDE smartphone app.

KTM's 1290 Super Duke R is a svelte, slick and seriously quick machine. At $28,095 ride away it's no budget blaster, but KTM has pulled a rabbit out of its hat here, producing a machine that's better both on the track and on the road.

Wherever you choose to spend the majority of your time, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a true rider's bike, as thrilling and as engaging as they come.

The KTM 790 Adventure R claimed the title of 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year. Can the orange, Austrian powerhouse double up in 2020? It's got a red-hot shot on its hands with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Related reading:
2020 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards
2019 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2018 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2016 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

Back for a second consecutive year at the pointy end of the LAMS Naked market is the Kawasaki Z400. At $7670 ride away, the Kawasaki Z400 is a naked derivative of the faired Kawasaki Ninja 400 sportsbike, just with a more relaxed riding position (and less bodywork to replace if you drop it!).

It slips through traffic with ease and is thoroughly docile and unintimidating at lower speeds. Up the pace, however, and it's a heap of fun on a twisting road, with good front-end feel, confidence-inspiring handling, and a light and nimble nature. Flicking the Kawasaki Z400 through chicanes is child's play, while the build quality is good and the ergonomics will accommodate a wide range of riders.

This is an engaging and enjoyable first bike, a top little commuter, and a great day tripper for those on a budget.