All Tests – KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Test: Ready to Track! – The Road Beast

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KTM 1290 Super Duke GT test: ready to track !

All Tests - KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Test: Ready to Track! - The Road Beast

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.

The road beast

For some, life is a precious gift. For others, it is a farce … Some of the most disillusioned even equate it with a fatal sexually transmitted disease and for a handful of others, life comes down to one. thing: the race.

Attracted by competition in all these forms, they prefer to run down the stairs rather than take the elevator and do not hesitate to elbows in the supermarket to grab a free cash register. Their credo? The future belongs to those who get up early and go to bed late … in order to surpass others !

At KTM, this competitive mentality is the basis of company policy: when you build "Ready to Race" motorcycles, it is not to end up at the foot of the podiums! So when the Austrian brand prides itself on designing a "GT" motorcycle, the result upsets the usual patterns: a single glance is enough to realize that the unprecedented is nothing of a road "plan-plan", too comfortable than docile !

Our test of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT in video

In addition to this first full test of the new KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, also discover our since its presentation in Palma de Mallorca (Spain).

Because under the semi-fairings – sharp as scalpels – and the windshield adjustable without tools, it is indeed the "bestial" Super Duke R that appears, neither more nor less than the most sensational roadster on the market (read our ). Lovers of sweetness, stop your reading here because KTM has not done much to transform its intimidating fawn into a nice kitten !

Static: richly equipped

If the suffix "GT" could suggest a form of domestication of the "Beast" – or at least a softening of its strong character – it is not so: the base engine and chassis of the Super Duke GT is a few steps away. details almost identical to that of the Super Duke R. In other words, one of the most efficient packages in the category (read our Technical point on page 3) !

Only reworked to boost its mid-range speeds while meeting the Euro4 standard, the enormous 1301 cc V2 delivers the same values ​​of power and torque (173 hp and 144 Nm, just that!), While the trellis frame did not change. Only the rear buckle is modified to accommodate the optional 30-liter suitcases (+ € 785.90), capable of closing on a full-face helmet of good size.

By the way, the ergonomics have been slightly redesigned through new (thicker) saddles, lowered passenger footrests and a new widened (+25 mm) and raised (+5 mm) handlebar, in addition to now be adjustable in four positions.

To improve autonomy, the capacity of the tank goes from 18 to 23 liters. In short, very – too many adjustments? – moderate. On the other hand, the Super Duke GT differs from its organ donor by a particularly rich series endowment !

To trace far and – relatively – comfortably, it receives a cruise control, heated grips adjustable to three positions, an ultra-complete on-board computer (see the list of information in the technical sheet), a tire pressure indicator, warnings, adjustable levers, a grab handle (moderately comfortable, because it is located in the back of the passenger) and even a 12 V socket hidden under the half-analog half-digital on-board console.

The list also includes a shifter (a series first at KTM), front-to-rear coupled braking, tilt-sensitive ABS and anti-slip, three ride modes and semi-active suspensions. WP, capable of continuously adapting to the condition of the road. Not to mention the practical rows of LEDs – located on the scoops – which gradually light up to illuminate the interior of the curves (all details on the electronics on page 3).

So many features that are added to the high-end peripherals (Brembo monobloc calipers, radial master cylinder, huge single-swingarm, anti-dribble clutch, inverted 48 mm fork, etc.) to justify the high price positioning of this 1290 Super Duke GT: € 18,200. Some will also appreciate investing in "made in Austria", and not subcontracted to "Pacheristan"…

In this spirit, the general quality of the components flatters the retina, like the pretty aluminum half-hoof under the V2. The welds and careful adjustments are also appreciable. Finally, good point for the angled valves and the "real" well-supplied tool kit (pliers, screwdrivers, various wrenches and even a bottle opener: see photo opposite!). Its presence helps to pass the virtual absence of space in the trunk…

On the other hand, the passable integration of the electrical network arouses less leniency, in particular around the engine "decorated" by thimbles from which the end of multicolored wires emerge and by an unsightly regulator on the right … As well as the absence of rubber on the footrests (pilot and passenger) and a central stand, not even offered as an option despite the final chain transmission !

All the more annoying that the short side stand is not the most stable and proves painful to unfold, because its tiny lug is under the selector and the footrest. Likewise, the windshield’s sliding mechanism is noisy and hard, to the point of fear of breaking the bubble by pushing or pulling on it (review our) !

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