The KTM 1290 Super Duke got another variant in the form of the GT at EICMA 2015
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
KTM launched a model for the upcoming season, with the newly developed 1290 SUPER DUKE GT being shown at EICMA 2015. The technical and strategical base is once again the LC8 two-cylinder platform. After its appearances
in the RC8R racer, the ADVENTURE travel enduros and the SUPER DUKE R naked bike, the LC8 is now in the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT. At first glance, at the “GT” betrays a distinct, extremely aggressive base of the 1290 SUPER
DUKE that became famous as the “Beast”. Even though it was drafted as a separate model, the GT approaches touring from a sporty angle. No ifs and buts. According to KTM this is a sport bike fit for travel! The 1290 SUPER DUKE GT is not a slimmed-down super tourer with racing stripes, it is an extremely sporty real-world champion,
which bridges the gap between mountainous twisties, comfortable long distance motorway travelling and breathtaking track day use, thanks to intelligent and innovative design and technology solutions. This unique design becomes possible also through the integration of intelligent electronic assistance systems like special ride and power modes, semi-actively controlled WP suspension components, a lean angle sensitive ABS and for the first time, a quickshifter for upshifting.
Based on the LC8 of the 1290 SUPER DUKE R, the V2 engine of the GT produces 173 hp of peak power, but in addition, it distinguishes itself with an exemplary, smooth power delivery and an incomparably wide ‘mountain’ of torque with a peak value of 144 Nm. The 75° V2 with electronic engine management and ride-by-wire function combines performance and touring capabilities. At just 228 kilograms of weight fully fuelled, the amply equipped 1290 SUPER DUKE GT reaches a power-to-weight ratio currently unmatched by any other sporty mile muncher.
The chassis of the GT combines an extremely lightweight but torsionally highly rigid trellis frame and a single-sided
aluminium swing arm with the WP suspension components, Brembo brakes and sticky Pirelli Angel GT tires. The
semi-active suspensions opens up previously unexplored dimensions regarding precision, safety and comfort. Using a switch on the handlebar, the rider may choose between the damping settings ‘Comfort’, ‘Street’ and ‘Sport’. The electronic damping control SCU (suspension control unit) ensures the damping values are permanently matched to the rider’s style and the road surface in real time. The necessary information is delivered by suspension travel sensors on the wheels as well as front and rear accelerometers. In all this, the spring settings are continuously matched to the damping: whenever more payload is added, SCU increases the damping accordingly. This way, the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT’s suspension makes just as great an impression fully loaded on bad back roads as during quick motorway blasts or aggressive solo riding.
The incredibly wide operational range of the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT is not the least a result of its comprehensive
equipment with riding assistance and safety systems. It includes the ground breaking stability control MSC which ensures that the C-ABS anti-lock brakes and the traction control MTC are controlled with respect to lean angles, meaning they keep working even while cornering. This way, within the physical limits, MSC prevents the wheels from slipping when accelerating or braking while leaned over. In addition, several ride modes for different uses are available that influence engine response, traction control, ABS action and damping. Then there is the standard equipment of the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT with an electronic cruise control, a quickshifter for upshifting, a tire pressure monitoring system, heated grips, LED cornering lights combined with LED indicators with automatic reset. A 23-liter fuel tank, the extended rear subframe with integrated mounts for the optional pannier system, comfortable
seats and effective wind and weather protection including a height adjustable windshield provide appropriate long distance capabilities. In addition, the optional Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) are available, the latter of which prevents the rear wheel from losing grip, should the rider chop the throttle or dump the clutch when downshifting.
