All Tests – KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Test: Ready to Track! – Dynamic: in a hurry, the Orange-GT!

Posted on by admin

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT test: ready to track !

All Tests - KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Test: Ready to Track! - Dynamic: in a hurry, the Orange-GT!

Adding a windshield and a semi-fairing to a roadster to develop road skills, the idea is not new. But when this roadster turns out to be ” The Beast ” and its 173 hp, the result is (d) astonishing. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT review.

Dynamic: in a hurry, the Orange-GT !

Stalled at 130 km / h at 4750 rpm in 6th gear, regulator engaged with a boost on the right stalk, MNC takes the opportunity to measure the effectiveness of the bubble adjustable to nine notches (140 mm of travel). The operation can be carried out while driving, provided you press strongly forwards to unlock the device, then pull the screen towards you – just as energetically – to relock it at the desired height..

In addition to this manual, let’s say … particular, the protection provided by this windshield can also be improved: in the low position, it’s hardly better than on the Super Duke R roadster (!), While a large part of the helmet (three quarters for a 1.75 m pilot) and shoulders remain exposed in the high position. A Z1000SX, star of the roadster-GT category, is much more convincing.

We console ourselves with the deflection provided by the fairings: of course, these pointed elements are not a model of elegance, but they protect the knees rather well! Same good surprise regarding ergonomics and handling: the handlebars are easily gripped and its pronounced width provides a welcome lever arm at low speeds, effectively fighting against the restraint exerted by the steering damper.

Due to the huge 48 mm sleeves, the turning radius is however small: be careful to take this into account in town, as well as the clutch and the selection rather firm (but precise). In addition, the roughness of the twin at low speeds – reinforced by a very long gear – forced to resume the clutch under 40 km / h in 2nd, or to go back to 1st to negotiate a crossroads at right angles or a tight pin.

Under 2500 r / min, the Austrian engine pounded and required 500 additional revolutions on the last reports. Or 80 km / h in 6th gear! On this last report, the threshold necessary for frank and flexible times is located at 4000 rpm … at 110 km / h. Suffice to say that on winding roads, the 5th and 6th gear do not wear much. !

In an urban setting, this 1.3 liter (!) Monster also quickly heats the upper legs. With such mechanical performance, nothing really surprising! The inconvenience is however less than on the maxi-trail Super Adventure equipped with the same engine, real "rotisserie" for the thighs and buttocks. !

Speaking of buttocks (!) Precisely, those of the pilot are perched at 835 mm on a saddle slightly sloping on its rear part, which is widening. Non-adjustable, this seat is not a soft model … However, after driving 280 km, no real discomfort was felt: the proof of a padding certainly thin, but of good quality . A good surprise !

Thanks to the narrowness of the saddle on its front part and the general smoothness of the bike, accessibility remains correct: a 1.75 m rider easily puts his feet on the ground, but not completely flat on each side . The tank notches properly accommodate the knees and in the end, only the footrests set back enough – same position as on the "R" – really tarnish the picture in terms of reception.

The general approval also suffers from the vibrations emitted by the twin shortly after mid-revs (from 6000 rpm), which first go up under the saddle and then extend to the handlebars. Well designed, the mirrors are unfortunately not spared, the returned image becoming totally blurred when approaching high speeds (rupture at 10,250 rpm).

An incredible engine in a top cycle part !

Obviously, despite astonishing ergonomic qualities and a plethora of equipment: the KTM lacks versatility and comfort to fully justify its "GT" suffix. At the same time, the opposite would have been surprising: starting from "The Beast", the Austrian manufacturer could not build a courier wheel! Good thing: it was not the objective anyway…

Her thing is to rally a point A to a point B gas in full, by distilling a maximum of sensations and pleasures. And to achieve this objective (commendable or criticizable: delete the unnecessary mention according to your tastes), this "Road beast" can, among other things, count on its engine, a real distributor of "king size" slaps..

A few accelerations – dosable to the millimeter via the excellent ride-by-wire – show that the V-twin has not lost any of its vigor compared to the roadster. Despite the 12 kg more than the "R" (223 against 211 kg), the "GT" enjoys monumental times. After the first third of the tachometer, the torque is omnipresent (114 Nm from 3250 rpm!), Almost confusing as its resources seem inexhaustible.

Preceded by a very impressive dry rumble, almost too pronounced in road optics, the Super Duke GT leaps without restraint up to 6000 rpm, from which it seems determined to dislocate your shoulders, without pause, until breaker! This bike does not accelerate: it rushes forward with astonishing energy! Obviously, the consumption is to match with between 6.5 l and 8 l / 100 km recorded by MNC on the dashboard.

Under these conditions, initiating a wheelie is a formality, including in 3rd (yes, in 3rd!). Especially since the fully adjustable electronic assistance and subject to the driving world engaged (Rain restrained at 100 hp, Street and Sport in full power, more or less direct) leave enough latitude to engage in this culpable exercise.

Rearing up when accelerating, rear drifts when braking: the KTM’s "electronic brain" allows all these eccentricities when Sport mode is engaged and the ABS is set to lend itself to the game (all explanations on page 3). Very responsive and thin, this Bosch ABS and traction control work in a completely transparent way. A must in view of the constraints to be managed !

The braking is in tune, bringing together enormous power, flawless endurance and very fine dosage: the M50s from Brembo are a hit. Mention very well also for the shifter, fast and effective and moreover able to adapt to the degree of opening of the gases. Thanks to this device, changing gears on the fly at mid-range is possible with surprising smoothness..

If designing such a powerful engine is already a real feat, the real feat achieved by KTM is to have built a cycle part to its measure. Precise, agile and easy to put on the angle, the 1290 Super Duke GT is a patented corner swallower and it is hardly if the few extra pounds compared to the R are felt at low speed..

Despite the power and character of the engine, stability is never at fault, including full throttle on bumpy roads and at high speeds. The tires with a rounder profile, Pirelli Angel GT, bring additional progressiveness to the registration in curves, without unduly compromising the brilliant liveliness of the bike..

At the rear, however, the 190 mm width of rubber is not always enough to pass all the ardor of the engine to the ground. The motricity of the motorcycle is not to be called into question: it is indeed its 173 hp and its 144 Nm of torque, the "problem"! When entering curves, beware of the engine braking as well, to the extent of this enormous block compressed to 13.2: 1.

Finally, a word about the electronically controlled suspensions, developed by WP, a brand belonging to KTM (details on page 3). Very sensitive and responsive, these semi-active suspensions have the advantage of having an anti-dive function (except in Sport mode, where this feature is deactivated for a better feeling when braking).

In use, they give the bike excellent dynamic behavior and perfect handling in all circumstances. We are surprised in particular to dive in curves on a field of bumps without releasing the brakes, perfectly serene thanks to the combined work of the damping and the ABS sensitive to the inclination.

On the other hand, these suspensions lack softness of absorption, especially after the first third of the race. Even in "Comfort" mode and the preload set in solo (duo and / or with suitcases are also available), the factory setting fails by a firmness that echoes the rigidity of the tubular frame. Far from being uncomfortable, this cushioning is certainly of a sporty kind.

Strangely, the Super Duke R roadster had left us with the memory of a smoother work in its travel, more comfortable in the end. Without the possibility of confronting the two motorcycles live during this test, MNC could not swear with certainty, but the doubt remains….

Verdict: Sport Tourism, okay. Grand Tourism, questionable !

With a few small adjustments (saddle and suspension setting less firm, windshield larger), the Super Duke GT would be a very decent road bike. As it is, it will especially appeal to thrill seekers looking for a pleasure instrument a little less exclusive than a roadster but barely less efficient..

Seen in this light, the perfectible protection and comfort of the Super Duke GT will not pose a real problem. This target, quite "hard core", however appears limited: not versatile enough and really very sporty, the Super Duke GT will never be a mass-market motorcycle. KTM fully assumes this and only plans 2,500 sales worldwide..

There is no question of making a motorcycle devoid of our "Ready to Race" DNA, its designers told us when MNC told them about this radical positioning, potentially crippling for a majority of great riders..

The competitors of the Super Duke GT

  • : 2-cyl. 125 hp, 236 kg – € 14,305

  • : 4-cyl, 142 hp, 231 kg – € 13,399

  • : 4 cyl, 145 hp, 214 kg – € 13,099

  • : 3 cyl, 115 hp, 210 kg – € 10,199

Finally, with its high suspension travel (125 and 156 mm), the KTM also hunts sport-type road-trails on the ground, and .

And you know what ? This attitude and this "extreme" bias provoke – at MNC in any case – a big smile and a touch of admiration! That a major player like KTM (first European manufacturer of motorcycles, ahead of BMW) follows this path without concession, refusing to give in to compromises likely to please the greatest number, it is frankly refreshing in these days. !

In the end, the 1290 Super Duke GT is good for morale: it’s an unreasonable motorcycle in a world that is too reasonable. On the other hand, Mr. KTM, without wanting to quibble on terminologies, the suffix "ST" would undoubtedly have been more appropriate than "GT", with regard to its volcanic engine temperament and its relative comfort.

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *