KTM’s new 1290 Super Duke GT was only launched in Spain last weekend, but already it’s winning praise from the world’s motorcycle writers.
The GT is based on the 1290 Super Duke R and is officially billed as KTM’s sports tourer, but don’t for a second think it’s dulled down and boring.
KTM has kept the performance and excitement of the 1290 Super Duke R, and just made it into a bike that’s comfortable to ride for longer distances.
For the most part, the dimensions and many of the specifications of the GT are the same as it’s Super Duke R sibling.
It uses the same 75° V-Twin 1,301cc LC8 engine that we’ve also seen in the RC8R racer and the 1290 Super Adventure.
The engine performance figures are unchanged from the R which means the GT has 127kW and 144Nm to play with.
The difference between the two engines is that maximum torque is generated a little lower in the rev range on the GT, and peak power kicks in a little higher.
The braking package is the same as the R with Brembo calipers front and rear.
The GT has WP’s semi-active suspension with three damping profiles (Comfort, Street and Sport) that fine tunes damping values in real time.
To make the bike more comfortable, KTM has changed the design of the fuel tank to give the rider more leg room.
The bars are wide and adjustable over 22 mm and four positions, there are three positions for the brake and shift levers and the hand levers are infinitely adjustable to help fine tune the riding position.
The seat has been changed and is far more comfortable, especially for a passenger, and there is a much improved grab handle for the pillion as well.
And a nice touch is that the GT has an adjustable screen to deflect wind and rain from the rider.
The subframe has been strengthened to take the weight of a passenger and luggage, and there are integrated mounting points for genuine KTM panniers.
All of these updates have made the GT 16kg heavier, and it weighs in at 228kg fully fuelled and ready to ride.
As well as multiple engine modes, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses the Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control system with lean-angle sensitive cornering ABS and traction control.
There’s also heated grips, cruise control, a quick shifter for up-changes and tyre pressure sensors.
The KTM Super Duke GT is due in Australian dealerships in May, priced at $26,995 plus on road costs.