Preliminary test of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

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Preliminary test of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Melting pot for sport and touring

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Knowing that you can do a lot without having to do anything has its charm. Ready for the long tour, but also fit for one or the other cornering – that turns you on. PS stunter Jo Bauer found the melting pot for sport and touring in the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.

The KTM, which has been trimmed towards touring suitability, should very soon 1290 Super Duke GT the very sporty tourers such as the BMW S 1000 XR on the leather. The procedure is very similar for these two models in particular: Take the very potent naked bike and, above all, give it a high windshield and case.

Preliminary test of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Melting pot for sport and touring

Drive a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and bring your first impressions of the genetically modified 1290 Super Duke R to the editorial office. Well then go! Should the Super Duke in the GT version show what it can do.

Many innovations from the electronics bag of tricks

Relaxed, that best describes the basic feeling on the new KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. After the first few meters in the cold mountains of the Dolomites, it becomes clear: a lot has changed compared to the well-known Super Duke R. The sitting position is even more relaxed. For example, the handlebars have moved a little closer to the pilot. As a result, you sit more upright and more relaxed – and that with heated grips. Curve dance with warm hands – cool too. The engineers took many innovations out of their electronics bag of tricks. MSC (motorcycle stability control) and lean angle C-ABS including lean angle-dependent traction control and cruise control are new.

Behind it there are really useful electronic helpers that intervene indirectly and in an emergency directly for the benefit of the rider. Far from this high-tech, things as simple as a beautifully predictable tire, the Pirelli Angel GT, enhance the new KTM. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT of the Super Duke R shows a long nose in accordance with its range of uses and in such realistic scenarios as shady temperatures in the early morning or side trips high towards the tree line outside of midsummer.

Lots of setting options

Under ideal conditions, the GT, like the Super Duke R, can be swept up the mountain in a sporty manner and of course back down again. The new electronic chassis adjusts to the various situations again and again. Even a bad road stretch does not immediately cost the seals to hold. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT with the elaborate chassis irons smoothly over edges and waves.

If the Super Duke R flies past me, then it’s only because I’m distracted by the multitude of adjustment options. Because I don’t actually have to give in with the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, neither on the brakes, on a lean or when accelerating. Well, it has a little more weight on the ribs, but with really sporty braking, the braking points shouldn’t be bad. Overall, the previously known chassis data of the GT, in contrast to the BMW XR, are practically congruent with those of the naked bike. Even with the spring travel, KTM gives the same values ​​as for the 1290 Super Duke R, despite the newly installed, semi-active chassis.

V2 engine is a guarantee of fun

The potent, 173 hp V2 heart beats in both models. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT will have an automatic gearshift that we would have wished for on the Super Duke R until it is ready for series production. With the photo model, however, I didn’t have the luxury of electronic shifting assistance – but the KTM technicians are working on it. Both KTMs also have traction control; it has been adapted accordingly for the respective vehicle. New compared to the R-Super Duke is the GT’s cornering ABS, which was previously only available in the Adventure models.

If you want to drive it across, then of course all these aids can still be switched off. Unfortunately, just like with the nude, a bit cumbersome – you have to stop with the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. Then there is pure driving fun without electronic aids for those who like to take it into their own hands, and the awesome engine shows unfiltered what it can do. Fat drifts are easy to handle thanks to the slipper clutch. And thanks to the good balance, it’s amazingly fun – despite the large 23-liter tank and lightly filled case.

Handling of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT really well

Sure, the new KTM 1290 Super Duke GT weighs a few kilos more than the Super Duke R due to the elaborate chassis, the fairing and with a full tank. But the handling of the heavier Super Duke variant is really good, and that extra Weight compared to the naked person hardly plays a role in drivability.

The engine of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT somehow seems to go to work more calmly. Unfortunately, in the few free driving minutes, I was unable to determine whether the KTM engineers might have chosen the gear ratio a tooth shorter or whether it is simply due to the comfortable seat.

Intermediate sprint with over 200 km / h already included

But a short intermediate sprint at over 200 km / h was possible on the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. The realization: no commuting despite the attached case! The height of the windshield can be adjusted while driving and offers enough space for medium-speed cruising to relieve the shoulders and head of the GT driver.

However, all my impressions apply with a certain reservation, because the photo bike was not yet completely up to date. But the many changes in the direction of touring follows the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT perfectly. In addition, KTM has skilfully transferred the very sporty basic philosophy of the Super Duke to the GT version. The engine and the driving behavior are really great for me – the new one offers plenty of fun and punch in all situations.

Sport and touring close together

I really liked the fact that the pannier rack is barely recognizable after the panniers have been dismantled, so you don’t have to take a mega-holder for a walk suspiciously with eye cramps. The assembly is also done quickly and easily. The daytime running lights and the tilt-dependent cornering light of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT are trend-setting.

PS will finally see the light when the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is presented in its final trim. It will probably take a few more weeks, but I would say by now that sport and touring have never been so close on a single motorcycle.

Data KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

KTM

The display and functionality of the electronic helpers are identical to those of the naked sister Super Duke R..

drive

  • Two cylinder 75 degree V engine
  • oven valves / cylinder
  • 127 kW (173 hp) at 8870 rpm *
  • 144 Nm at 6500 rpm *
  • Bore / stroke: 108.0 / 71.0 mm, 1301 cm³
  • Compression: 13.2: 1
  • Ignition / injection system
  • 56mm throttle bodies
  • hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch
  • Six-speed gearbox
  • Chain

landing gear

  • Steel space frame
  • Steering head angle: 65.1 degrees
  • Trail: 107 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1482 mm
  • Ø fork inner tube: 48 mm
  • Suspension travel from / h .: 125/156 mm

Wheels and brakes

  • Light alloy cast wheels, 3.50 x 17 / 6.00 x 17
  • Forehead tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/55 ZR 17
  • 320 mm double disc brake with four-piston floating calipers at the front
  • 240 mm single disc with two-piston fixed caliper at the rear
  • SECTION

Weight

  • (without petrol) approx. 212 kg *
  • Tank capacity: 23 liters super

Base price

  • n / A.

* Manufacturer information

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