KTM have gone ahead and released pictures of the camouflaged 2016 1290 Super Duke GT. This essentially confirms that the bike that was spied earlier this year in Spain will in fact be KTMs answer to the new dynamic category of sport-tourers. KTM is going to unleash this new beast against Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 and BMW’s S1000XR. The revelation of the camouflaged pictures does not really leave much to the imagination.
The new KTM 1290 Super Duke GT seems very similar to the 1290 Super Duke R but factory sources claim that the Super Duke GT is more of a crossover between the 1290 Super Duke R and the 1290 Super Adventure. One of the media houses in UK had the opportunity to take the new Super Duke GT for a spin and according to them the bike comes with a revised version of last year’s Duke R engine and chassis. The 1301 cc water-cooled engine from the Duke R is much more tamed with a redesigned cylinder head along with a new exhaust to meet the new Euro4 legislation. But they claim that the 1290 Super Duke GT makes a great deal of power and torque. The official performance figures have not yet been disclosed though.
The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT features revised electronics with traction control, multiple riding modes, hill start assist, cruise control and lean angle specific cornering lights. The chassis changes are in line with the sport-touring category to include the mounting for the front fairing and windshield. It comes with a stronger sub-frame for added luggage options and improved pillion comfort.
The bike will have a larger 23 litre fuel tank, adjustable wind screen, new WP semi-active suspension and heated grips. The riding position would be more relaxed and upright compared to the Super Duke R and suitable for long distance riding. Overall, the Super Duke GT might not have all the necessary weapons for touring as the 1290 Super Adventure but has enough to take on the rivals in the category of sport-tourers.
The Austrian manufacturer seems to be taking steps to infiltrate the market with overlapping models with the Super Duke GT to prevent buyers from swapping brands. The 1290 Super Duke GT is expected to be unveiled in November at the EICMA in Milan. So, we will have to wait for just over a month to see this new beast from KTM where it would be completely revealed without the digital black and white camouflage.