RUMOURS, spy shots and speculation about the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have been rife for the last five months, but today KTM has officially unveiled the new sports tourer at the Eicma show.
Key info:
- 173 bhp & 106 lb/ft
- Semi-active WP suspension
- Lean angle sensitive ABS and traction control
- Cruise control
- Ride modes
- Quick shifter
It’s got the kind of distinct, aggressive styling we’d expect from a bike based on the 1290 Super Duke R. KTM isn’t mincing its words about the GT either – saying it’s ‘completely focused on speedy travelling’ and is ‘equally happy chasing horizons as it is chasing supersports bikes. And crushing them.’
The engine
The GT is powered by a retuned version of the 1301cc four-stroke two-cylinder 75 degree V-twin engine found in the 1290 Super Duke R. According to KTM’s figures, it’s packing the same 173hp and 106 lb/ft torque.
KTM says the crankshaft, cylinder heads, combustion chambers, valve timings and injection mappings have all been given attention to give the engine the ‘appropriate power delivery.’ Consequently, the motor delivers maximum power higher up the rev range at 9,500 rpm instead of 8,865rpm. Max torque from the GT comes at 6,750rpm – 1,000rpm lower than the Super Duke R.
Semi-active suspension
The Super Duke GT has semi-active WP suspension front and rear, which can be toggled between ‘Comfort’, ‘Street’ and ‘Sport’ settings. It’s controlled by a suspension control unit that matches damping values to riding style and road surface in real time. The spring settings then alter to match the damping values.
Riding assistance and additional equipment
The GT comes with the riding assistance package from the 1290 Super Adventure, and is rammed full of additional technology. It’s got a lean angle sensitive stability control system, meaning lean angle sensitive front and rear linked ABS and traction control. The ABS system can be disengaged and features a supermoto mode. It’s got a quick shifter too.
The bike has a several different riding modes that affect engine response, traction control, ABS and suspension damping.
Should you wish to add more acronyms to the GT’s spec sheet, there’s optional hill start assistance from the HHC (Hill Hold Control) and MSR (Motor Slip Regulation). KTM says the MSR ‘prevents the rear wheel from losing grip, should the rider chop the throttle or dump the clutch when downshifting.’ It’s not too clear whether this is above and beyond what a normal slipper clutch offers, but the spec sheet says its got the same slipper clutch as the Super Duke R
Long distance ability
It’s a bike made for eating up the miles, so it’s not too surprising that the GT comes with cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system and heated grips. It also includes LED cornering lights and it’s even got self-cancelling indicators.
Chassis, brakes and tyres
Stopping power comes courtesy of Brembo. At the front, there’s two monobloc four-piston radial calipers biting on to 320mm discs. The rear brake is a two-piston caliper with 240mm disc.
The subframe is extended and features integrated mounts for panniers and the GT is shod with Pirelli Angel GT tyres.
KTM says the bike weighs 205kg dry and comes in at 228kg when the 23l tank is full. It’s claiming that weight gives it the best power-to-weight ratio of any sports tourer.
KTM hasn't announced a price at the time of writing.
- Sign up for Visordown's weekly newsletter, Bugsplat, to get the best motorcycle news, road tests and features plus exclusive competitions and offers direct to your inbox. Register as a Visordown member here and tick the box for Bugsplat in your newsletter settings here.
