2017 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
FIRST RIDE
P52
systems all sync with the elec-
tronic suspension as well, but for
now I'll focus on the powertrain
elements. The MTC intervention
varies from most restrictive in
Rain up to the baseline Street
setting and less restrictive Sport.
The MTC cut-in also factors in
the lean angle sensor, which
ties into the ABS as well (more
on that later). The MTC and ABS
can also be disabled.
On the winding roads of Mal-
lorca, where we sampled the GT
during a day-long ride, I noted
the TC indicator light on the
dash cut-in occasionally—more
so during hamfisted throttle in-
puts in Street mode. Sport mode
gives you more rope to hang
yourself, but not enough to actu-
ally do any damage. The lean
angle also made a noticeable
difference, so zero-lean throttle
stabs allowed the wheel to loft
slightly, while during corners the
tires were grounded for optimal
traction. The MSC in real-world
application is exactly what it
claims: stability control, pure and
simple.
Superhero riders out there
don't need to fret, however,
"I MANAGED
TO GET THE
GT'S BACK END
SQUIGGLY TWICE
DURING OUR
TEST RIDE, BOTH
TIMES IN SPORT
MODE, ONCE
DURING A PANIC
BRAKE AFTER A
CORNER (BECAUSE
I ALMOST MISSED
THE DRIVEWAY
FOR THE LUNCH
STOP)…"
