After taking its bow at last year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, the new KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has finally arrived in Malaysia through official distributor Eurotech Wheel Distribution Sdn Bhd. The Austrian-born sport touring bike is offered at RM125,080 including GST.
What’s interesting about the Super Duke GT is that it shares most of the components with its street naked sibling, the 1290 Super Duke R, making it one of the fastest sport tourer to grace the planet. These include the brawny 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin engine that is packed with a myriad of technology including dual ignition, electronic fuel injection, Ride-by-Wire, and slipper clutch. The result is an astounding output of 173 hp and 144 Nm, delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox.
The Super Duke GT is built around a Trellis frame that is combined with semi-active WP suspensions at both ends, with tyres measuring 120/70 R17 at the front and 190/55 R17 tyre at the rear. The 228-kg bike has its seat positioned 835 mm from the ground and a wheelbase of 1,482 mm.
Braking power comes from a 320 mm disc with four-piston Brembo monobloc caliper at the front and a 240 mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the other end. ABS is also included as a standard feature.
Other standard features include Electronic Cruise Control, Quickshifter, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), multi-mode traction control, heated grips, as well as LED cornering lights combined with LED indicators with automatic cancelling.
Helping to provide appropriate long distance capabilities is the 23-litre fuel tank, the extended rear subframe with integrated pannier mounts for the optional luggage system, comfortable seats and a height adjustable windshield.
Additionally, the optional Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) are available, the latter of which preventing the rear wheel from losing grip, should the rider chop the throttle or dump the clutch when downshifting.
