KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - first official pics

1290 Super Duke R-based tourer revealed

THESE are the first official pictures of the forthcoming KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, the tourer based on the 180hp 1290 Super Duke R. Although the bike is still wearing the camouflage present in the earlier sightings from May this year, we expect little else to change before the official unveiling at Eicma next month.

It's the first time we've seen the bike with an orange frame and black subframe. Unlike the previous versions we've seen, the exhaust heat shield is now black. We don't expect the production version to be missing its pillion pegs and KTM has added a guard to protect the bottom front of the engine block.

Although the GT shares the same 1301cc LC8 twin that's in the Super Duke R, we understand that it features different engine maps to help it meet Euro 4 regulations and provide improved fuel economy. The rear subframe is longer and lower than the one found on the R and the seat is also wider.

The Super Duke GT is going to be packed with technology - heated grips, semi active suspension with four modes, cruise control and self-cancelling indicators. We believe it'll have a quick-shifter as standard and Sport, Street and Rain riding modes.

It's highly likely to have KTM and Bosch's MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) cornering ABS system, which will feature four settings - Street, Sport, Rain and Supermoto - for when you're carrying panniers but absolutely must back it on a winding alpine pass. It's also said to have a hill start feature called Hill Hold Control (HHC) and a system called Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which improves engine braking when climbing.

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