2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT quick spin

A beautiful winter’s day in Sydney, riding two bikes powered by KTM’s brilliant 1301cc LC8 engine. That was Bikesales' lot recently as we not only sampled the 2017 1290 Super Duke R hyper naked at Sydney Motorsport Park (review here) but also punched out some road miles on the 2017 1290 Super Duke GT.

The Super Duke R has KTM’s ‘Ready to Race’ mantra written all over it, and that was a reconfirmed in emphatic terms as we hit Sydney Motorsport Park’s south circuit.

So what of the Super Duke GT, which is based on the Super Duke R? Well, in a word it’s probably the most muscular form of the sports touring genre — which is just about a given with that phenomenally robust 173hp/144Nm engine.  Not that we really got the stretch the legs of the GT too much, as the short launch route only allowed us a few fleeting moments to get those massive 56mm throttle bodies really working.

However, it was clearly obvious that the engine is still edgy, and produces only a few less horsepower than the Super Duke R (173 versus 177) and a little more torque (144 to 141). It’s compliant across the board, and it does smooth and gentle so well that sometimes you can forget what’s lurking underneath.

Yes, it’s manic as well, which makes stitching corners together a rather fast-paced affair, especially in Sports mode. I think we’ve used this term before, but it’s mightily addictive…

In 2017 mode, the GT mill has revised engine management, new cylinder heads, and a new exhaust.

Modes and electronics
Other than Sport, are two other ride modes on the ride-by-wire GT: Street, which also produces the full power kick, and Rain which has a less aggressive power delivery and only produces a 100hp ceiling.

The lean-angle sensitive traction control settings are metered to the different ride modes, and the system can also be deactivated completely. The ABS operates under the same Motorcycle Stability Control umbrella as traction, and as well as the ability to disengage the system there's also a ‘Supermoto’ mode that allows the highest degree of front wheel slippage and rear wheel lock up. Well, it is a performance sports tourer…

A tyre pressure monitoring system is standard as well, which is something that from a safety standpoint is right up there with traction control and ABS — in my opinion. There’s a one-way (up) quickshifter as well, which delivers a nice ‘pop’ under harder acceleration.

It would have been nice to use it more on the open road, as I found myself taking the conventional gear-shifting route at slower speeds.

Options on the electronics front include hill hold control and motor slip control.

Touring bent
That’s right: the GT is still a sports tourer! That’s why heated grips, LED cornering lights, cruise control, a longer rear sub frame (more room for the pillion and to incorporate integrated mounts for the panniers), semi-active WP suspension, a bigger seat and adjustable handlebar and screen are all standard items. There’s also a larger 23-litre tank compared to the Super Duke R.

Panniers are optional on the $26,995 machine, but are currently being included in the purchase price.

For the full list of KTM PowerParts, visit ktm.com.au.

There wasn’t a lot of time for adjusting the riding position, but the screen is definitely a good thing and is easy to adjust on the fly. I also tinkered around with the dash and all its functions. It’s easy to navigate but I’d definitely like to see the TFT screen from the Super Duke R makes its way onto the 2018 model GT.

The versatility of the GT is its major attraction. You can be super comfortable on the one hand, but then with the click of a few buttons take on such an aggressive stance it's like you’re aboard a fully fledged sportsbike with a free-spinning engine and crisp chassis — including those superb Brembo monobloc brakes.

And the dry weight is 205kg, so we’re not talking a porky pig by any stretch of the imagination.

The 1290 Super Duke GT is one compelling case. Bikesales' 2017 Bike of the Year deliberations begin soon, and this machine surely has the wherewithal to push hard for honours in the sports touring category. It does ‘sport’ and ‘touring’ absolute justice, so that’s a pretty good start….

SPECS: KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve V-twin
Capacity: 1301cc
Bore x stroke: 108mm x 71mm
Compression ratio: 13.2:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 173hp at 9500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 144Nm at 6750rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slipper style
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Chromoly steel trellis
Front suspension: WP inverted 48mm semi-active fork
Rear suspension: WP semi-active monoshock shock
Front brakes: Dual 320mm discs with four-piston, radial-mount, monobloc calipers
Rear brake: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Tyres: Pirelli Angel GT – 120/70ZR17 front; 190/55ZR17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 205kg
Seat height: 835mm
Wheelbase: 1482mm
Fuel capacity: 23 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $26,995 (plus on-roads)
Colours: Grey or orange
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Bike supplied by: KTM Australia