Photo: Florin Tibu
The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is Mattighofen's weapon against the likes of BMW S1000XR, Ducati Multistrada, and similar sport-adventure machines. Still without too much to do with the off-road sections, the Super Duke GT looks like a motorcycle for those who want a comfy streetfighter that can also haul a lot of gear for longer trips.
Derived from the Beast itself, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT packs much of the Super Duke R's menacing attitude, even with all the revised ergonomics and aesthetics.
Unlike BMW's XR machine, the 1290 Super Duke GT benefits from the lower rpm point where the torque becomes usable, and this surely appeals to a certain type of riders who want to feel the engine pulling hard right off idle.
Even though the first photos of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT made us think the bike is huge, it surely breathes a more reassuring atmosphere of confidence and robustness. At least this is what we and other riders who are used to KTM's vile nature felt approaching the Duke GT.
The model's V-twin engine has been tuned for "more appropriate power delivery," albeit the power figures have remained identical. That said, the 173 hp are now attained at 9,500 rpm, while the 106 lb-ft of torque has been moved 1,000 rpm down, at 6,750 rpm.
Wet weight is 502 pounds, which is far from making it a featherweight, but considering its sheer size, it could be something to brag about, especially when compared to other sport-adventure bikes.
Unlike BMW's XR machine, the 1290 Super Duke GT benefits from the lower rpm point where the torque becomes usable, and this surely appeals to a certain type of riders who want to feel the engine pulling hard right off idle.
Electronics ahoy, ready for both street and track
One of the nice things about the 1290 Super Duke GT is that it retains the supermoto DNA. Its ABS comes with a special Supermoto setting, meaning that riders will be able to take this machine to the track and go sideways as they please, without fearing that the ABS might interfere with their antics.Even though the first photos of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT made us think the bike is huge, it surely breathes a more reassuring atmosphere of confidence and robustness. At least this is what we and other riders who are used to KTM's vile nature felt approaching the Duke GT.
The model's V-twin engine has been tuned for "more appropriate power delivery," albeit the power figures have remained identical. That said, the 173 hp are now attained at 9,500 rpm, while the 106 lb-ft of torque has been moved 1,000 rpm down, at 6,750 rpm.
Wet weight is 502 pounds, which is far from making it a featherweight, but considering its sheer size, it could be something to brag about, especially when compared to other sport-adventure bikes.
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