2015 KTM Super Duke 1290 R & Quick Shifting

I was a bit sad to realize that the Super Duke’s engine cannot support any kind of quick shifter. There have been reports of engine blowouts once these have been used with quick shifters, and the warranty is voided once you fit one on your SDR. BMW, Ducati, and MV Agusta have models that come with quick shifters that will do up and down shifts without needing to use the clutch. BMW started it on a S1000R, then they disseminated it amongst the models of their line, including the S1000RR and the R1200 GS. The Ducati Panigale 1299 also comes with one, as does the MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800 RR.

I can see how interesting this would be on a KTM, but from what I have read, it seems that the LC8 engine will need quite a few modifications for this to work. For now at least, there is also the feel that it would spoil the naked feel of the SDR. This is definitely the current trend amongst the higher-end motorcycle manufacturers, and it seems logical that this would be developed for the RC8 first. There were some rumors that KTM would stop making the RC8, which comes as a surprise since MV Agusta is currently stepping up their superbike program, and plans to have a team in a future season.