Record-Breaker Chris Fillmore Heads Back to Pikes Peak on the KTM 790 Duke

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is America’s second oldest road race, and consists of a course that runs about 20 km, with 156 turns to an elevation of 4302 meters. To make it to the top is already a considerable feat, but not only did Chris Fillmore do that, he also managed a record-breaking performance in 2017.

Now, it has been announced that he, along with KTM’s Media Racing Department, will be returning to the 96th running of the iconic Pikes Peak race.

(Image taken from Cycle World)

 

On June 24th, he will be racing on the Austrian brand’s latest machine, the KTM 790 DUKE. Nicknamed ‘The Scalpel’, the bike will be making its U.S. racing debut in the Pikes Peak Middleweight division under the American racer, who will be attempting to top his own motorcycle record.

(Image taken from Motorcycle .com)

 

Speaking to the press, Fillmore stated: “Last year, racing up the mountain was an incredible experience. Being a Rookie, trying to learn everything about the event and the riding up the course was a lot to take in but to set the new course motorcycle record was incredible!! I had mixed feelings about returning but last winter when I was in Europe helping test the 790 DUKE, I immediately knew I wanted to build one to race in the Middleweight class and take on Pikes Peak again.”

 

According to the press release, the 790 DUKE was not designed to be a track weapon. Instead, KTM’s race-focused philosophy meant that they have modified ‘The Scalpel’ to be even sharper for competition.

Furthermore, to prepare for The Race to The Clouds, Fillmore had attended the official Pikes Peak Tire Test last weekend, where he quickly learnt to adapt his riding technique to the new bike.

(Image taken from Motorcycle .com)

 

“At the Tire Test, I focused on learning the mountain, finding a balance on chassis and choosing gearing for race day. This new bike is awesome!” Fillmore exclaimed.

 

“It’s so agile and so easy flipping it from side-to-side, I can carry much more corner speed, which I’m going to need if I want to get the class record and challenge for the outright podium.”

Fillmore added: “The stock bike is already on a high level, I know, because I tested it on track in Spain with Jeremy McWilliams against competitor bikes which was very encouraging. We took the stock machine and raided the KTM PowerParts catalog, adding some Wave brake discs, rear sets, a single seat and some other bling. Along with those, we removed the lights, threw in some different spring rates for the suspension, different tires, a special full Akrapovič system and the Brembo master cylinder from the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R.”

 

To get an idea of Fillmore’s performance later on in the year, take a look at his stunning ride up the Pikes Peak in 2017 below!