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Say hello to the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

2016-KTM-1290-Super-Duke-GT-teaser-05 If you thought that BMW’s S1000XR is as wild as an adventure-tourer can get, let us assure you that something crazier is on its way. Meet the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, a tourer that is based on the manic 180hp 1290 Super Duke R. Expected to be unveiled officially at the upcoming EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan in, Italy in October, the bike is still wearing the camouflage present in the earlier sightings. welcome-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-here-are-the-first-official-photos-100727_1 From what we can see, it features an orange frame, a black sub-frame, a black exhaust heat shield, and comes with a lower and longer rear subframe than the R. As much as the engine is concerned, we can expect the GT to share the same 1301cc LC8 twin that’s in the Super Duke R, only with different engine mapping to make it more suitable for long distance riding, as well as to help it meet Euro 4 regulations. Other gizmos that are most likely to be offered on the bike include heated grips, semi active suspension with four modes, cruise control and self-cancelling indicators. We believe it’ll have a quick-shifter as standard and Sport, Street and Rain riding modes. ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-3 Sources have also reported that it’s highly likely to have KTM and Bosch’s MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) cornering ABS system, which will feature four settings – Street, Sport, Rain and Supermoto. It’s also said to have a hill start feature called Hill Hold Control (HHC) and a system called Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which improves engine braking when climbing. Now, how is that for an adventure-tourer? Excited yet?

Co-founder of Bikes Republic and a motoring journalist by night. He is a self described enthusiasts with a passion for speed but instead rides a Harley and a J300. A man of contradictions, he is just as passionate about time off in the quiets as he is about trail braking into turn one at Sepang Circuit on two or four wheels.

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