KTM Introduces the 2017 1290 Super Duke GT: Sport Touring Gets a Little Bit Crazy

You may recall our test of KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R. We found a very competent chassis and a motor with crazy amounts of horsepower and torque. How about a bit more comfort and luggage to go along with this hooligan package?  Enter the new 1290 Super Duke GT. Debuted by KTM earlier today, the 1290 Super Duke GT could be the ultimate sporty sport tourer, but you won’t see it until the Fall of next year when it will be released as a 2017 model here in the United States.  Here are some details and specifications from KTM:

2016 1290 Super Duke GT Specifications & Highlights

KTM ends another record-breaking year by launching an exceptional and highly versatile motorcycle, sending the next strong message to the top level of the motorcycling world with the newly developed 1290 SUPER DUKE GT. The technical and powerful base is the highly advanced and READY TO RACE LC8 V-Twin platform. After its appearances in the RC8R racer, the ADVENTURE travel enduros and the SUPER DUKE R naked bike, the 1301cc LC8 now shines in the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT. Bringing this unique naked touring model to the KTM stage will most certainly unlock a new group of customers. Even though it was drafted as a separate model, the GT approaches touring from a sporty angle with the distinct, extremely aggressive character of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R that became famous as the “Beast”.

The core of the SUPER DUKE GT is incredible dynamism. This KTM is the cutting-edge interpretation of a sport bike fit for travel. The 1290 SUPER DUKE GT is not a slimmed-down super-tourer; it is an extremely sporty real-world champion, which for the first time masters the seemingly impossible split between mountainous hairpins, comfortable long distance travelling and even breathtaking track day use. Thanks to intelligent and innovative design and technology solutions, the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT blends the all-day comfort with the high level of performance only a SUPER DUKE can achieve.  Also with the integration of intelligent electronic assistance systems like special ride and power modes, semi-actively controlled WP suspension components, a lean angle sensitive ABS and a KTM-first quickshifter the 1290 Super Duke GT is the complete package.

The 1290 SUPER DUKE GT will be available in North America as a 2017 model in the fall of 2016.

2016 Highlights

• Advanced LC8 V-Twin engine with dual ignition, electronic fuel injection, Ride-By-Wire technology, slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox
• Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) package with multi-mode Combined ABS, ride mode technology and multi-mode traction control (MTC)
• Semi-active, electronically-adjustable WP Suspension
• Quickshifter for clutchless upshifting
• Electronic cruise control as standard equipment
• LED Cornering lights with integrated self-canceling turn signals
• Spark plug selective individual mapping ignition and cutting-edge Keihin engine management
• Optional hill hold control (HHC) and engine drag torque control (MSR)
• Ultra lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame with an extended bolt-on rear aluminum subframe with integrated mounts for the pannier system
• Height-adjustable windshield for long distance comfort
• Heated grips for cold riding weather comfort