2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT First Look

When KTM first introduced the Super Duke 1290 GT the other sport-touring bikes in this segment were sent scurrying back to the drawing board in search of more power and more agility. By contrast, the 2019 KTM Super Duke 1290 GT takes its already proven formula and makes it even better.

At the heart of the changes are a bunch of aesthetic improvements including the new look of the front fairing, headlight, and brush guards. The fairing and windscreen height adjuster is easier to manipulate, and it provides improved protection from the wind and elements. These hand guards are aerodynamically shaped to cut through the wind better while providing even more coverage, and the new LED headlamp is brighter and more powerful than the one it replaces.

Speaking of power, the 1,301cc twin-cylinder engine now utilizes titanium valves and boasts a few minor tweaks to the ECU aimed at smoothing out the throttle response, improving the overall feel of the otherwise aggressive combination of power and torque this LC8 engine churns out. The suite of electronics is still impressive with KTM’s semi-active suspension, quickshifter, Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), Cornering ABS, and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) systems all back for an encore.

The WP semi-active suspension is updated for improved comfort and increased performance on the road or track too. That's right, the folks at KTM are still billing the GT as the perfect all-around bike that is equally at home touring on the street as it is battling for pole position at your favorite trackday.

Keep in mind the Pirelli Angel GT tires are a great combination of durability and traction so they are more than adequate for some fun times at the track. Where else are you really going to get the most out of that quickshifter and launch mode anyway?

Managing the electronic gizmos and gadgets is made easier with the all-new TFT dash. This good-looking display replaces the old analog unit and houses the KTM My Ride and features Bluetooth connectivity to control audio and accept calls while on the road. There are three drive modes: Anti-Wheelie Off, TC Slip Adjust, and Launch Control. KTM Race On keyless entry makes for easy starts and increased security.

The GT comes with color-matched hard luggage, cruise control, and heated grips too. With this first revision of the model, it shows that KTM has found another niche to stake a claim to and we are excited to see it. In this day and age of politically correct everything, it’s nice to see the subtle sport-touring market get a swift boot in the butt from the Austrians.

The 2019 KTM Super Duke 1290 GT takes what we already knew was a great motorcycle and makes it even better.