You may recall our test of the ridiculously powerful KTM 1290 Super Duke R, one of the first nakeds to break through the previous performance envelope for standard-style motorcycles. One of the quickest real world motorcycles we have ever ridden here at MD, we can’t avoid smiling when we think about that machine.
KTM is taking the same basic performance package found in the 1290 Super Duke R and tweaking it enough to come up with a sport touring version known as the 1290 Super Duke GT. These pre-production photos are proof the bike is not too far from the showroom floor.
The 1,301 cc twin apparently features a slightly friendlier state-of-tune, however, to improve both its rideability, emissions, and economy. Expect the GT to have all the latest electronic aids, such as selectable maps, ABS, traction control, cruise control and quick shifter. Touring conveniences like adjustable windscreen and heated grips are also likely to be available.
Looking at the photos, the new GT appears to feature more generous seating for both rider and passenger, as well as a revised subframe and electrically adjustable suspension. We can expect full details from KTM on a production version at EICMA in mid-November.
Looks kinda like a Cylon from Battlestar Galactica.
I like the concept of an adventure tour bike with advanced super bike features/power/handling yet comfortable ergos, two up capability and a great luggage system.
Yetttt….. on sport rides would not be last home….in fact…..running up front.
Observation KTM1290 Super Duke GT prototype has most of this…..butttt wait….the standard KTM1290 Super Adventure has all the above wish list items.
>>>>>>
KTM….amazing company, amazing bikes, amazing management courage to offer motorcycles like these for us all. Thanks
Think ?
No beak,it,s a stylish air dam to hold her down above 130 Kms.
If styling (re. Beak) is more important than a functional shape, don’t ride or consider buying this bike.
I came off an early VFR 800 that looked and sounded better than any bike I ever owned BUT it was a three hour bike for me even after Heli Bars and a Corbin Seat. People who condemn a bike because they don’t like the way it looks could eliminate a bike they might really enjoy.
Yup, you gotta be able to ride the thing.
Looks like all the black or is it the white paint is flaking off – totally weird
Don’t know if you’re being serious. The flakes are model cammo … designed to disguise the true look of a new model in development. All manufacturers of cars/bikes do it. Will look much different once painted.
It’s a Moon Shot for blistering performance & light weight…
I get that its a KTM and so has to make sense in the family…but if there’s no dirt…why can’t we have a revised chassis and a real ST stance? 33″ seat height and long travel suspension are vestiges of their incredible ADV bikes, which they still have in multiple flavors…. Why can’t they drop the prehensile tail???
This looks like the bike I’ve been patiently waiting for. If it has cruise, sign me up. With integrated plastic it will look much betta.
Yeah, the whole front half of the bike is ugly as sin. Let me add my voice to the refrain – Who designs these things? And why are they allowed to keep doing it? There aughtta be a law!
Africa twin is calling my name
Woman: I’m not a witch! I’m not a witch!
Vladmir: ehh… but you are dressed like one.
W: They dressed me up like this!
All: naah no we didn’t… no.
W: And this isn’t my nose, it’s a false one.
V lifts up carrot)
V: Well?
ROFL
If I sawed off the beak, would it still perform as advertised?
Polarizing as ever.
LOL EVERY bike reviewed by MCD is polarizing, because we are all different and expect different things from our motorcycles in looks, performance, price etc
Alan Cathcart has ridden the bike, and wrote about it in this week’s Cycle News. It’s an interesting read, as usual, and answers many of the questions in the comments here.
http://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/581686-cycle-news-2015-issue-40-october-6
Wow. According to that article this new version of the huge twin makes even more top-end and midrange power than the standard 1290 Duke R, while also meeting stricter emissions requirements.
Neat trick, that.
Very cool to see a manufacturer resist the urge to dumb down their new, more comfortable bike. On top of that, Cathcart makes it sound like a virtually perfect motorcycle, unnecessarily hideous aesthetics aside.
On the motor – yeah, right?!? Could be one of the most aggressive sport-tourers ever. Which is either something you want or something you don’t. Have to hand it to KTM, though, they are doing the biz lately.
I haven’t decided on the looks. Sometimes pretty is as pretty does. But whatever one may think, KTM have made this bike “their way”; take it or leave it. If a person doesn’t like it, it was never for them. I admire the attitude!
The beak kills the looks. The beak serves no functional purpose, either. It’s just an ugly protrusion that does nothing.
I have to say after reading that article I did indeed want one, it seems to be the perfect bike. Then I looked at the pics again…
One of my favorite bikes featured a large difference in enjoyment depending upon whether I was looking at it or riding it – pretty from the seat but in the garage, not so much. This new KTM could be like that too (though I’d put it way above the bike I’m obliquely referring to, in the looks department).
Oh, and I forgot to add – do you suppose it looks better from the rider’s seat, pulling a fourth gear wheelie at a buck thirty?
It may look pretty good from that angle.
What is with the nose?! Going for the Pterodactyl look now? Ugly, ugly, ugly.
I see “Spy vs Spy” from Mad Magazine!
Some bikes, no matter how good they are, are simply too ugly to buy. This is one of those bikes.
That’s not a beak, it’s a snow plow…:)
Oh good, finally an option for those that don’t think the Honda CB1100 is light enough, fast enough, or trick enough lol.
I think I am looking at my next bike. Super light, top drawer suspension, all day comfortable ergos and a torque from bottom to top. Then they throw in Cruise, Traction Control, Quick Shift, Latest ABS and Electronics… I could not have written the specs better myself. Reliability? My 2012 SMT has been 100% trouble free, ok, tires replaced under warranty, that’s it.
Hopefully you rid the original rear tire of some of that excess rubber before it was replaced under warranty.
+1 I just wish more companies would do this.
Probably will be an outstanding performer but the whole “ALIEN” head shape / profile / “neck” area is beyond ridiculous. Who signs off on this rubbish at KTM ?
This thing screams “MY BEAK IS BIGGER THAN YOUR BEAK ! “
LOL !
Another hideous beak! But at least it looks tall enough that the riding position won’t be cramped.
It’s supposed to be a GT bike. I would have expected better wind protection for the hands and legs, included side and top cases, and seating that was wider and better-padded for 300-500 mile days.
After riding the Super Duke but coming away with more wind protection, I have to say that this is the perfect bike for me. Bring it on!
In the top, first photo, the beak is as big as the passenger section of the rear sub-frame.
Doesn’t the single-sided swing arm has some bearings issue?
nope
Apparently, there is free play in the rear wheel assembly of the Super Duke R. And some owners thought it may be related to the bearings.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ktm-1290-super-duke-r-long-term-motorcycle-test-doin-time-0
“Listen guys, we have a ton of plastic leftover at the factory. Just slap on a much of that sh*t as you can, okay?”…. the boss probabaly.
oh dear… not another beak.
Smart move by KTM, a lot of people have been waiting for this. I hope they come out with a lockable hard pannier system for it rather than the optional crappy/tiny fabric bags that are available for the Super Duke.
This is not a GT bike in the same fashion that the K1300S for example. A GT bike should have better aerodynamics. You could sip tea on my K1300S at 140mph all day long. This offering will be a bear at those speeds with that twirky wind screen and upright riding position. Looks like its sweet spot on the highway would be below 100.
They’ve got ugly down pat and I’m not talking about the paint. I am talking about just about every bike they have made but that’s OK. Find something functional that keeps the cost of production low, fine.
Now let’s here some stories about KTM reliability.
ok. 2007 990 Superduke, original owner, 36,000 miles, only time it left me stranded was 10 miles from home, rectifier failure. weve had several on our forum and the Adventure forum have gone over 100k mi. the engines are pretty much proven to be bullet proof.
… that said, i just couldnt abide by that beak thingie, just ruins the machine for me. id have to op for the Superduke, or the 1290 Super Adventure.
Kinda has a spy vs spy look.
Ha ha! Same thing I was thinking.Too much Mad Magazine as a kid.
Keep the paint – you’ll need the stealth in post apocalyptic America.
This is the only model I have seen that makes me consider buying a new road bike.
At this point with KTM/Husky clear dominance of the offroad market. Is there any other bike maker that intersts me? Not really. Kind of sad about that actually. I yearn for the good old days of 10 different brands to lust after. Now that I have a check book and pen there is only one I like.
Looks pretty tall. Could be a deal breaker.
I am pumped!! A Super Duke 1290R with better wind protection and electronic suspension – Awesome!! I really hope they put on multi-level traction control as well as multi-level wheelie control. And just maybe, they will put an inertial measurement system on it as well.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait until November for more details on this and the standard model.
THANK YOU KTM, for giving us what we want instead of what we will be safest with (like Honda)!!
Love the look, love the beak. My experience with KTM is limited, but the two bikes I’ve ridden, one for an hour, the other for a day and a half was very enjoyable.