Brabus - more KTM based collector editions planned By Ben Purvis
The Brabus name might be most familiar from the tuned Mercedes cars that have worn the badge since the 1970s, but these days Brabus is diversifying the brand to include other luxury goods, including boats and motorcycles.
In cooperation with KTM in 2022, the first two-wheeler was the 154-unit limited run, restyled 1290 Super Duke R Evo. They sold out within minutes, so a second 'Edition 23' run of 290 bikes followed in 2023, as well as a further 50 'Masterpiece Edition' machines.
Despite huge price tags, at least double those of the KTM Super Duke that the Brabus 1300 R was based on, and the same engines, frames, brakes and suspension parts that came on the standard Super Duke R Evo, they were a hit with collectors, so Brabus is now planning more bikes.
The next models will be derived from the new 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R, with more capacity and power than the older 1290 version. The 1390 Super Duke R has a 10 hp, 1,350 cc version of KTM's LC8 V-twin, equipped with a cam-shifting variable valve timing and lift system for the first time.
Brabus has filed trademark applications for three new names it hopes to use on the upcoming bikes. The trademarks are for 'Brabus 1400 R Rocket', 'Brabus 1400 R Signature' and 'Brabus 1400 R Tailor Made'. The implication is that, like the original 1300 R, there will be three limited-edition runs of the new 1400 R.
It remains to be seen whether Brabus is granted the trademarks. It's not hard to imagine that Triumph might have objections to another company using the name 'Rocket' on a bike, for example. But regardless of whether these particular titles are adopted, it's clear that Brabus isn't finished with motorcycles yet. The company has used the 'Tailor Made' title on cars before, specifically its tuned version of the tiny Mercedes-made Smart ForTwo, and it currently applies the 'Signature' name to its high-end speedboats. 'Rocket' is used on some of its high-performance Mercedes.
The previous 1300 R (pictured) used styling that borrows more from Husqvarna than KTM, borrowing a large, circular headlight from Husqvarna's Vitpilen and Svartpilen models and adding it to carbon fibre bodywork that helps give a high-end look to the bikes. Wheels that mimic the designs used on Brabus cars, along with car-inspired paint schemes, mean that customers of the most expensive Brabus four-wheelers are likely to be tempted to buy a matching motorcycle - the same psychology that's made the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini and Diavel for Bentley models such immediate sell-outs despite huge price tags.
