Spied! 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Our 2014 Motorcycle of the Year, KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R, is getting a new stablemate to join the recently added 1290 Super Adventure. The prototype in these photos is a hybrid of the other two KTM Supers, sharing the bones of its brothers like the 1301cc V-Twin engine, steel trellis frame, single-sided swingarm and Brembo M50 monoblock brakes.

2014 Motorcycle of the Year

These photos were shot near KTM’s factory in Austria, and they reveal the GT maintains KTM’s aggressive persona. Considering the increased amount of time spent in the saddle of a GT model, a larger fairing and windscreen will provide better protection from the elements and increase rider comfort. However, both the footpegs and handlebars seem unchanged from the SDR, probably because the SDR is already comfy and lowering the footpegs would decrease cornering clearance. KTM could easily be testing different handlebars to determine the best setup, so what is brought to market could change from what we’re viewing here.

Being a GT model, we expect it might carry more fuel than the Super Duke R’s 4.8 gallons, but not as much as the massive 7.9-gallon capacity of the Super Adventure. Borrowing from KTM’s off-road background, the fairing might also double as an extension of the fuel tank, as it too appears to be a blending of SDRs minimal fairing and the SA’s substantially larger one, though it appears wider at the top but not quite as deep as the SA’s.

The new model’s subframe is obviously modified from SDR, with added bracing to support the addition of hard luggage, which surely will be accessories offered by the factory. The GT’s tail light appears identical to the SDR’s. The muffler appears to be the same as the Super Duke’s, but the pipe routing seems to be slightly tweaked to make room for saddlebags.

The state of tune of the GT’s engine might be a blending of the Super Adventure’s 160-hp lump (with 4.4 more pounds of rotational mass) and the 180-horse motor in the Super Duke. Or perhaps KTM will give us the SDR’s full monty. Either way, it will include R-b-W throttle, ride modes, slipper clutch and traction control. Other technologies most likely to be included are ABS/C-ABS, cruise control, heated grips, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional equipment on the Super Adventure includes Hill Hold Control and Motor Slip Regulation, which we also expect to be available on the GT. The SA’s semi-active suspension might also make its way to the GT, but it looks like the LED cornering lights won’t.

Still to be confirmed is the bike’s official name: either 1290 GT or Super Duke GT, but we’ll guess at the latter due to the enviable reputation built by the Super Duke badge. We’re anxious to ride it no matter what it’s called! Full details will be revealed by the time the EICMA show rolls around this autumn, if not sooner.