The brand new KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 2019 version will be the most sophisticated and performing sport tourer available on the market today.
The GT combines and brings together the phenomenal performance of the engine, the great handling on the road and the dynamic rigor on the track of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, transferred to a motorcycle designed to devour kilometers in total comfort, tackling routes of all kinds, with passenger and luggage in tow.
With the intention of fully testing the new GT even before its arrival at the official dealerships, KTM invited Michael Rutter, multiple winner of the TT Isle of Man, the Macau Grand Prix and the Championship Superbike British, driving the new KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT in the legendary Isle of Man. With a career of 30 years as a driver, but also a specialist journalist, the Englishman has tested a huge variety of vehicles and knows what to want from a motorcycle, both on the track and on the road.
Immersed in the history of motorcycling especially due to the challenging 60,76 km of the TT Mountain Circuit where the famous Tourist Trophy takes place, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by gentle slopes, winding roads and places of historical interest, the island is the ideal destination for a nice motorcycle trip. The so-called mountain section has no speed limits, but the drivers must treat it with the respect it deserves because control and precision, combined with the experience of the driver, make the difference here.
Disembarking from the Ben-my-Chree Steam Packet ferry at Douglas Port, Rutter took a tour of the city before taking the scenic coastal road and then heading to the Fairy Bridge, for a dutiful farewell to the mythical fairies of the bridge. Back through Douglas, Michael and the GT moved onto the TT circuit to the Ballaugh bridge, where they swerved to the Jurby Motodrome to lighten up the panniers and increase the pace. The circuit on the north coast of the island offers the possibility to completely open the gas and, thanks to its fast lines and full of valleys, it is often used as a test bed by riders busy perfecting the setup of their bike during the fortnight of the TT.
Picking up his bags, Michael and the GT headed to the town of Ramsey, where the road begins its ascent to Mount Snaefell. The exit of the famous Gooseneck curve and the mountain section are the ideal place to unleash the 175 HP of the LC8 engine of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, before a well-deserved stop at the Creg-ny-Baa Pub.
This is Rutter's comment as soon as the engine is turned off: “The GT is completely different from the bikes I usually ride, but I was amazed by its performance, especially the engine, whose torque and traction are phenomenal. Comfort is another aspect that impressed me: the saddle and handlebar position are perfect for high speeds, both on the track and on the road. For a bike designed to adapt to various types of riding, the GT is at ease in any situation, even when you push it to the maximum in a fast and bumpy circuit like that of Jurby. Furthermore, and it is not trivial, the heated grips represent an important element for those who use the bike all year round, or for the summer in England! "
In addition to being equipped with the latest version of the 8 cc LC1301 V-twin, the SUPER DUKE GT is a pure concentrate of technology, using the complete package of KTM's best electronic and driver assistance systems.
The Brembo braking system, as well as the traction control, thanks to the inertial platform are sensitive to the lean angle, while 4 different riding modes (to which the optional 'Track' mode is added), allow you to sew the bike on you according to the your needs and driving conditions. All this allows experienced drivers to discover the great potential of the GT.
The 2019 version of the SUPER DUKE GT features important updates aimed at improving the already excellent level of comfort; in particular, the semi-active WP suspensions have been updated and are now more efficient and quicker in response, while the aerodynamics have been improved thanks to the new windshield equipped with a practical adjustment mechanism, which combined with the new handguards, helps to protect the pilot.
Another important novelty is the adoption of the 6,5-inch color TFT display, capable of providing a consistent volume of information useful for driving. Furthermore, thanks to the optional KTM MY RIDE application that uses smartphone connectivity, the instrumentation is able to offer a navigation system with turn-by-turn directions and audio controls, as well as the ability to manage phone calls and select songs from a music playlist.
Other renewed details include the cruise control switch moved to the left side of the handlebar, two practical storage compartments with USB charging socket positioned in one of the side panels and the very powerful full LED headlight derived from 1290 SUPER DUKE R.
KTM dealers are available to provide all information on the new 1290 KTM 2019 SUPER DUKE GT.
