2017 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
FIRST RIDE
P50
date, The Beast has notably failed
to achieve. Emissions, alas, alas.
Yet, KTM engineers not only
made the GT Euro 4 compliant,
they did so without losing the R's
peak power claims and actually
improved bottom end torque. KTM
credits a revised cylinder head
and engine mapping, along with
the addition of an exhaust valve,
for the performance changes.
None of these engineering
feats or regulatory emissions
requirements come to mind,
however, while behind the GT
controls. Thumb the starter and
the LC8 twin engages the rider
with an intoxicating growl at idle
that gets more exhilarating as
the revs climb. The KTM twin
presents a different persona than
its European rivals, splitting the
difference between the efficient,
dependable BMW Boxer and
the raspy, evocative clatter of
the Ducati Testastretta. Some
vibration kicks in at higher rpm,
but the vibes register well below
nuisance level, and if anything are
welcomed, because if it were any
smoother the GT might border on
feeling bland.
Of course, the GT engine is
anything but bland! Power surges
from bottom to top, with the GT
really taking off around 5K and not
letting up as it revs into a potent
top-end—where its superbike/
Super Duke R pedigree are plainly
evident. This is a bike that claims
173 horsepower, and feels every
bit like one when running hard on
the gas. Paradoxically, thanks to
electronics and impeccable fuel-
ing, the extreme power is easily
managed. I've ridden bikes with
literally half the power on com-
mand that felt more unruly.
KTM has yet
to announce
an MSRP, but
it'll be in the
20K range.
Unfortunately,
the GT won't
hit American
shores until
after summer.
