2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The 1290 Super Duke R got us thinking. What if we could match The Beast’s interstellar performance to all day, two-up comfort? What if we would train the most dynamic naked bike ever to race any paved road the world has on offer? Regardless of the weather. Over and over again. So we brought out the big guns, aiming for state-of-the-art ergonomics, electronics and extreme stamina. The result is a long distance V-twin rocket that proudly roars past the top of the food chain, hungry for more. For miles. The faster, the better. A motorcycle that is equally happy hunting horizons, as it is chasing superbikes. And crushing them – not only at cruising speeds. Welcome to the world of the 1290 Super Duke GT, where refinement, comfort, speed and ultimate performance rule.

• VERSATILE

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT sets new performance standards: 173hp and a weight of only 228kg (ready to ride - fully fueled) produce a power-to-weight ratio previously unheard of in this class. The dynamics are stunning. At the same time, the powerful and cultivated engine enables either particularly relaxed riding or, if required, super-sporty propulsion – with every conceivable level in between. The chassis combines lightness with outstanding geometry and suspension, which, together with every electronic riding features we could muster, allow undreamed riding pleasure in all conditions. At whatever speed you desire, from very relaxed to very, very fast.

• DASHBOARD

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT supplies its rider with all necessary and desirable information on a state-of-the-art, clearly arranged instrument cluster from automotive manufacturer VDO. Core data is displayed on a central gauge that consists of an analogue rev counter with integrated, adjustable gearshift light and an LCD display. This display is dominated by a digital speedometer and supplemented with a digital clock, a gear indicator, bar graphs for coolant temperature and fuel level plus the display for the selected riding mode. A second LCD display is positioned to the left of the central instrument, which serves the purpose of conveying important additional information and displaying numerous menu pages as a screen for the on-board computer. Everything is tidy, clean, clear, intuitive and simple to operate – even on the go.

• MODE SWITCH

The on-board computer's menu pages are selected and operated using the four control keys of the mode switch on the left handlebar grip. It's very simple and intuitive: "up" and "down" scroll through the menu, the left button selects the desired item, the right confirms it. The Exit key on the left of the mode switch can be pressed at any time to return to the previous menu level. Child’s play, basically.

• ERGONOMICS

Improved ergonomics such as lower foot pegs and a bigger fuel tank are there to make the rider and passenger feel comfortable. And that’s no easy feat. Think about the things to consider: stack and reach, leg arch length, seat height, seat foam, knee angle and knee contact, handlebar width, position and offset, tall riders, short riders, heavy ones and featherweights… But we made it, by tailoring the bike to your needs. You can adjust the handlebar over 22 mm and four positions, choose three positions for the brake and shift lever and adjust the hand levers infinitely.

• WP SEMI-ACTIVE SUSPENSION

The innovative WP semi-active suspension system introduces a new level of comfort and safety in motorcycle riding. The rider can select three spectrums of use: ‘Comfort’, ‘Street’ and ‘Sport’, while the SCU (Suspension Control Unit) adapts the damping rates in real-time to the riding surface and rider, based on the information provided by a set of stroke sensors and accelerometers.