The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is so incredibly smart it may be the road motorcycle you can get. Surprising performance, balance, cultivated handling, adjustable comfort, simple and effective electronics: we may not criticize any of them on our first outing.
All updates are welcome, effective and have a smart price, especially the TFT display, which comes from the Super Adventure range. At its launch, the BMW R1250GS and Ducati Multistrada 1260 S also charge more than the KTM Super Duke GT. On paper, it’s best, if you just looked, congratulations and elegance from Ducati or the reputation, residue and pleasure of bmw brokerArray.
We have been living with a 2020 Super Duke GT since late February and in this era we have covered over 4000 miles of countryside, roads and daily commutes in almost all weather conditions. The motorcycle remains unchanged from the 2019 model, with an edition probably updated for 2021 based on the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
At the time, it was largely flawless, offering thick and infinite torque amounts at every speed for months of fast and practical performance. That said, there have also been some peculiarities to deal with, adding phantom warning lighting fixtures and an unresponsive keychain. Watch the video below to take a look at our progress so far.
Being a V-cylinder, the GT is respectably smooth, much less demanding and intimidating than a comparable 4 like the Z1000SX or Kawasaki Versys 1000, the BMW S1000XR or the giant R1250GS boxer. Neutral and “fair” indeed. The engine design is also helping smaller drivers take hold, as the motorcycle is physically narrower than its 4-cylinder competition.
Add to that a super-style attitude (the GT is a progression of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R), a protective fairing, a premium electronically adjusted WP suspension and race-grade Brembo M50 brakes, as well as some of the intuitive and effective electronics highs on the market. the company, and the GT adds to a brilliantly convenient and indeed flexible – and comfortable street motorcycle.
Even the diversity of Pirelli Angel GT tanks and tires is impeccable, allowing us to travel countless hours of endless roads and winding roads in all climates as a component of our long-term testing. This convenience and ease of use will be further enhanced through the optional ergo seat.
The 1301 cc LC8 V-cylinder is now supplied with lighter titanium intake valves that help raise the speed ceiling through 500 consistent turns in minutes, expanding maximum force to approximately 173 horsepower (not just before).
Although at first glance a rough and fearsome beast, it opens the GT’s TAP and is incredibly fast and effective, and also strangely subtle.
Street mode offers full ponies but with the smooth reaction one touch of the most instantaneous game mode. Rain mode reduces it to a hundred hp. But they all impress with the best refueling and an elegant delivery.
After 4000 miles of extensive testing, the strength and suspension at Sport have the mix you like: place the springs on Street on more ornate roads for a little more cushioning.
At the launch of the Super Duke GT, the Phil West tester was inspired by the quality of construction, but could not comment on reliability.
Suffering the same fate as some exotic Italian brands, the KTM is covered in tar with a touch of dubious longevity since its birth. We have been a GT as a component of our long-term testing fleet since February 2020 and for the first 3000 miles, almost all negative claims turned out to be false, with the exception of some ghost lights.
Unfortunately, soon after, the motorcycle broke down at a service station during a group check: the key refused to talk to the motorcycle after refueling. Cancel, put the battery back in place, restart everything, but it’s nothing we expected from a five-month motorcycle that costs 17,200 euros.
We have a review of the owners of KTM Super Duke GT 1290 on the site, and it’s a five-out of five-star rating.
At its launch, the second-generation GT was unreasonable, but a Multistrada or BMW GS with the same specifications was more. For a $500 ride on the old machine, it also has a TFT display, LED lights, a forward display, a new fast/automatic switching and a slight improvement in performance. Not bad. Literally, it didn’t lack anything, it even has hot plugs, and, on paper, was beyond the reviews.
By 2020, the value had increased to 17,199 euros, which still makes it less expensive than the Ducati Multistrada 1260S to 17,395 euros, but more than a BMW R1250GS TE, which starts at 16,655 euros. It’s also more than the BMW S1000XR TE, which starts at $16,220.
The closest rival to the Super Duke is probably the XR, which has been updated by 2020 to incorporate a 162.7 hp edition of the existing S1000RR superbike engine less its variable stagnation of ShiftCam valves. There is also a revised chassis, new electronics, less mass and a new look.
Unlike a giant GS, the XR is completely road-oriented, with 17-inch tires like the KTM. We tested the two motorcycles in combination to see which one was the best.
Both can be combined with luggage, as well as glued to force rangers on a day on the road or on the track, making it one of the most flexible long-distance motorcycles on the market today.
With its superbike-derived engine, amazing refinement and newer switches, the BMW is the one you’re looking for if you’re looking for a more complete and practical set with an impressive boost. As you dive alongside rivals like the Kawasaki Versys 1000, you also feel incredibly fast, but if sports driving is a priority, you can’t beat the KTM.
Although it is rougher at the edges, it pulls harder than the XR and is more attractive in the corners. However, many buyers need more than a savage force and, despite the comfort of the KTM seats, questionable reliability and less subtle suspension mean the XR must take the crown.
A brand new front fairing/fairing includes just a new 6.5-inch brightly colored TFT dashboard derived from the one used in the KTM 1290 Adventure S, but also an expanded and adjustable forward display, a stepped forward LED headlight, keyless ignition and some strangely useful garage holes.
The backlit apparatus was ahead of the paintings in conjunction with the new dashboard, while KTM also took the opportunity to particularly reposition the cruiser on the left bar (being awkwardly right was one of the reviews of the old bike).
While the quick change now works up and down with much more aplomb, there are also mapping and suspension settings, a new optional tracking mode (not on our control bike), a USB charging point, as well as a noticeable improvement in overall compatibility and finishing.
There are even popular heating handles: they are activated via the TFT menu, which can take your eyes off the road for an unnecessarily long time.
There are no other versions of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, it is largely based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R super nude.
In my collection (ST 4, 1000DS and KLR), it is selected for anything and for everything. Great tours and also goes to the corner shop.