Refurbished in the 2022 model year, the KTM sports grand tourer was spotted during testing in a decidedly advanced edition. The aesthetics, the chassis would change and the engine would also appear modified.
Released late last year in the revamped 2022 version, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT received WP Apex semi-active suspension and a series of updates shortly before being introduced on the 1290 Super Duke R naked.
In 2024 the new emissions legislation, Euro5b, will come into force, so expect many innovations on many models currently in the range. Even more so if this date coincides with the normal development calendar. We recall that the Super Duke GT made its debut in 2016.
And this is what could also happen to the new 1290 Super Duke GT which, as luck would have it, was spotted during development tests showing some new features. If anything defines KTMs in general, besides their sportiness, it's their design. From the center of Kiska, not far from the Mattighofen factory, all models of the Austrian factory are designed. You will like it more or less, but you can never say that they don't have personality.
The complete restyling stands out, showing a different front in which you can see a new headlight that replaces the current – and opinion-dividing – original mounted on the GT and which later arrived on other models of the Austrian brand .
The optical group extends less forward and, although partially camouflaged, appears with a different design and lighting elements. Above you can also see the front radar seat. Also new are the large deflectors on the sides of the radiator, the design of the tank and that of the bubble. Overall, the GT still seems to have a sporty look but with more attention paid to its Grand Touring aspect, as far as aerodynamic protection is concerned.
On the engine side, currently the 1290 range uses the 2° V75 with a displacement of 1301 cc, on the GT version it provides 175 hp and a maximum torque of 141 Nm. We see in the photos a larger radiator and the presence of a completely revised exhaust system: all this is part of the technical package necessary to meet the new approval standard.
As for the chassis, we can see how the rear loop is different, although still made with a tubular trellis, and it is likely that there were variations for the main frame section as well. The suspensions appear to be semi-active WP and there don't seem to be any noticeable differences in the rear swingarm, 17-inch wheels and braking system.
Photos: Motorcycle News
