KTM polishes 1290 Super Duke GT for 2022

Designed to offer the grand touring experience, being essentially a sports bike (1290 Super Duke) that has touring parts added, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT returns for 2022 cleaner and with more sophisticated semi-active suspension.

Its hulking 1301cc LC8 V-twin is now EURO 5 emissions rated but still pumps out 130kW (175bhp), along with 141Nm. KTM rates the 1290 Super Duke GT as “the class leader when it comes to punching a hole in the atmosphere or hauling in the horizon”. Nice imagery.

Fitted with WP Apex semi-active suspension, preload adjustability of the rear shock is geared for touring and is highly configurable. Riders can set up the suspension to suit the situation, eg, rider alone, rider plus a pillion, rider plus luggage or rider, pillion and luggage. There’s also an anti-dive function that is fitted as standard.

A new seven-inch-TFT display helps make suspension adjustments on the fly a doddle, aided by new switchgear that is said to be both intuitive and high quality.

New wheels borrowed from the Super Duke R save 1kg of unsprung mass over the previous items and the road surface interface comprises new Continental ContiSportAttack 4 tyres. These evidently impart a sportier and a more stable riding experience.

Also new for 2022 is an updated navigation system called Turn-by-Turn Plus, available via the KTMconnect app. Navigation instructions are projected onto the new TFT display. The system also operates offline, meaning riders can plan their journey from home. 

Other features include a 23L fuel tank, and optional Performance Mode and Tech pack, the latter with track items like a quickshifter.

The GT arrives here in Q1 of 2022, along with the Super Duke R Evo.