KTM-based 2023 BRABUS 1300 R revealed

KTM has continued its relationship with German luxury car maker BRABUS, revealing the 2023 edition of the BRABUS 1300 R naked bike.

Based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO, the latest BRABUS 1300 R is an evolution from the inaugural edition that was presented in February 2022. While changes are minimal, the 2023 version has been re-styled with some new design elements.

The heart of the bike remains the same as the KTM equivalent, with the 1301cc LC8 V-twin putting out 180hp (132.4kW) at 9500rpm and 140Nm at 8000rpm.

The BRABUS 1300 R features luxury blacked-out style that fits in with the company’s ‘1-Second-Wow’ design philosophy, said to describe the head-turning nature of its products.

The 1300 R also features BRABUS Monoblock Z lightweight nine-spoke forged wheels, a BRABUS slip-on double-pipe exhaust, and a BRABUS custom-made heated seat.

Other highlights include a special start-up animation and dashboard design, a unique blacked-out frame, a pillion seat cover, and handlebar-end mirrors.

There is also a number of carbon-fibre parts, including air ducts, headlight mask, and belly pan, as well as a range of CNC-machined parts, including triple clamp, front brake and clutch lever, footpegs, and reservoirs and oil-tank caps.

Underneath the eye-catching look is the usual KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO fare, including WP PRO APEX suspension, five riding modes, LED lighting, short-action throttle, heated grips, and a lightweight lithium-ion battery.

Two colour schemes are available with the Superblack and Stealth Grey variants being limited to just 145 units each, for a total of 290 units in select markets around the globe.

The BRABUS 1300 R will be available directly through the KTM website from February 16, although at this stage it is unclear if any units will be made available for Australia.