THE BEAST 2 .0

SCIENCE SUGGESTS THAT THE HUMAN BRAIN IS ONE OF THE MOST

complex structures in the universe. Engrossed with receptors and neurons, it’s wired in a way that, when presented with an object that appears useful or satisfying, it’ll force you to feel drawn to that thing. You’ll want it. Need it. Be unable to take your eyes off it. It’s the reason I don’t set foot in a grocery store hungry, and also why I’m sitting here at the Losail International Circuit having a staring contest with KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R. My body feels the need for going fast, and my brain knows just the thing to take it there.

Five minutes and I’ll be on track. Cue the endorphins.

Before I get ahead of myself, allow me to back up and say, I didn’t think KTM needed to update its Super Duke R. Intro duced in 2014, the bike has already become something of an icon. The platform had the smallest of shortcomings, ones that you could easily ride around and quickly forget about. Comfortable,