First conceived in ’95, the Erzberg Rodeo is a four-day Austrian off-road competition that’s recognized as being one of the world’s most grueling enduro events. Part of the Red Bull Hard Enduro and World Enduro Super Series, the Erzberg sees around 1,500 riders enter the race each year, though only a small fraction of participants cross the finish line. So, it’s all the crazier that in 2016, seasoned Czech racer-turned-riding-coach, Jirka Heiník opted to campaign a modified KTM 1290 Super Duke R — a motorcycle that’s just popped up for sale.
Appropriately dubbed, the ‘Beast’, the SDR’s suspenders were replaced with long-travel units off of KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure model. The Austrian twin now rides on top-shelf, tubeless Kineo spoked rims wrapped in knobby Heidenau tires and fitted with a 21” front unit. The dirt-going Duke was also given an MX-style front fender and fork guards, and a generous bevy of carbon fiber and orange-anodized billet pieces from KTM’s Power Parts catalog. Special tuning and a full RP Tuning GP-style exhaust help the 1290 pump out around 180hp and 100ft-lbs of torque. Tipping the scales at less than 400lbs, the Duke is good for a top speed of over 155mph, despite boasting markedly shorter gearing. If you fancy adding this ex-Erzberg runner to your personal stable, it’s currently for sale at a price of $21,930.
