KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2024 — Specifications

The destiny of the Super Duke GT is closely linked to the R. Its name might suggest a touring or road-focused derivative, but in reality, it's still a severely potent roadster. If an evolution was necessary to continue its career, it appears almost timid compared to the work repeatedly carried out on the hyper-burn roadster.

There are no jolts or tremors in the lines characterizing the GT. Whether it's its silhouette, its front end, its ribs, or its embellishments, almost nothing distinguishes this Phase III from the previous one. A bit of the color scheme, specifically the wheels. New design but, above all, 1 kg lost from the old rims, as well as a new Continental SportAttack 4 tire fitment.

What this "civilized" Super Duke really needed was an engine update. An exercise not very complicated given that the R took care of it in 2021. The operation seems painless for the intrepid 1301 cm3 twin. Still delivering 175 horsepower to twist your crankshaft and, above all, more than 14 mkgs (141 Nm precisely) ready to tear up some asphalt.

The chassis will prove more reactive with the new wheels, but we don't observe any notable changes for the entire chassis (are you sure?!). The frame is even a generation behind the R's structure. On the hyper-roadster, it is simplified and relies on the engine to increase its rigidity. The GT has not yet adopted this technical solution. But we still have the large Brembo M50 brakes with 320 mm discs, a beautiful monobrach, a large 23-liter tank, fairing and a bubble of good dimensions to offer correct protection, headlights that illuminate in curves and suspensions that… Correct, that change.

They are still semi-active. Except that these are now WP Apex. Developed for greater efficiency, they react to the road profile according to three Modes (Comfort / Street / Sport) and 4 load possibilities selected by the rider (Rider / Rider and passenger / Rider and luggage / Rider, passenger and luggage). An anti-dive function is installed as standard.

Although the 1290 GT has a fiery temperament, it doesn't shy away from providing some well-being for the crew. Especially the rider, who is entitled to heated grips, 9-position bubble adjustment, a handlebar adjustable in 4 positions within a 22 mm range, a brake pedal and a gear selector that are also adjustable, plus new switchgear to pilot the new color TFT dashboard.

Dashboard, dashboard… Rather a tablet. Coming directly from the Super Adventure S. Piloting this interface with rather pleasant graphics allows access to a bunch of information and to parameterize quite a few things: the piloted suspensions, the traction control (3 levels and switchable), the Supermoto mode for the ABS, the cruise control and the new TBT+ navigation system (Turn-by-turn Plus). This module is piloted by the KTM Connect app, to display turn-by-turn instructions on the screen. In case one feared a weak network coverage, the TBT+ can function offline – do not forget to download the routes beforehand. As an option, a Performance mode allows you to adjust more parameters and to "release the leash" on this road-going beast.

The Katoche hasn't forgotten to retrieve plenty of things from the previous versions: active ABS in curves, hill-start assist, three Riding Modes, tire pressure monitoring, automatic turn signal cancellation, anchor points for luggage. Which makes us think that the luggage racks are still not provided as a gift and that the UP&Down shifter has moved to the options range. Mattighofen could make a gesture given the sting of the price tag.

M.B - Manufacturer photos