2015 EICMA: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
KTM’s calling the 1290 Super Duke GT its Adrenaline Express. Basically we’re taking MO’s 2014 Motorcycle of the Year 1290 Super Duke and turning it into a very sporty sports tourer, with a 1301cc 75-degree 173-hp V-Twin, hard bags, touring fairing and everything you need to hit the road in a fully fuelled 503-pound (228 kg) package.
For comfort, KTM gave this one not only more relaxed ergonomics – with lower footpegs and a cushier seat – but also made them adjustable to fit a wide range of riders. The handlebar is adjustable over 22 mm and four positions, hand levers are infinitely adjustable, and brake and shift levers are three-position adjustable. A six-gallon fuel tank is carefully sculpted to interface the rider as well.
Semi-active suspension, a 48mm WP fork in front with five inches travel and a single WP shock out back providing six inches of wheel travel, provides a custom ride tunable via the GT’s advanced onboard electronics program, complete with the usual assortment of ride modes, heated grips, cruise control, etc. Natch, Brembo triple-disc brakes with Bosch 9ME combined ABS, disengageable and with a supermoto mode, keep that speed under control.
More by John Burns
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I went down to the KTM dealer after all the media love was showered on the SDR. I inquired about the cost of maintenance because I had never seen mention of the schedule in any of the rave reviews. Turns out the 1290 motor needs valve adjustments every 9500 miles and the service is 900$-1000$ a pop. While that service interval may be somewhat acceptable on a naked roadster that is usually ridden less miles annually, for riders who look to a bike like this one to ride every day to work or school, it may prove to be an unacceptable operating cost.
By far the most exciting news this year. In the midst of all the retro posers and pseudo off-road crap ... THIS bike speaks to me.