VOL. 53 ISSUE 10 MARCH 15, 2016 P57
electronic suspension sourced
by WP.
The GT suspension is based
off the semi-active system
utilized by KTM's Super Adven-
ture, but with shorter suspension
travel. Damping rates for the fork
and shock travel are modulated
in real-time based off sensor
inputs and three suspsension
settings: Sport, Street and Com-
fort. The three settings can be
adjusted on-the-fly, while a base-
line preload setting
(Single rider, Rider
+ Luggage, Rider +
Pillion) are selected at
a stop.
Street and Comfort
are less aggressive
than Sport, with Com-
fort the most plush.
Comfort worked well
on the short stretch
of motorway during our test ride
and will be appreciated during
those less than thrilling miles GT
owners pile on during commutes
or en route to sportier roads.
Sport is the most distinctive set-
ting, as it allows for more weight
transfer and front-end dive. Turn-
ing is sharper in Sport, with KTM
reps promising this setting the
most similar to the Super Duke
R, with the GT sharing identi-
cal steering geometry with the
R model, though its 452-pound
claimed dry weight is 35 pounds
heavier. Unfortunately I have
yet to ride "The Beast" so I can't
make a direct comparison, but
I will say the Sport setting was
aggressive without being overac-
tive, with a sensation of the front
wheel communicating directly to
the rider. However, I preferred the
Street setting, which
still accommodates an
aggressive pace but
in a more composed
and settled manner,
without the dive effect
but still communicative
with the road.
Speaking of the
dive effect, the
suspension system
and accompanying electronics
both link into the braking per-
formance, and the GT's brakes
are top-shelf all the way. The
radial-mount Brembo monoblocs
up front provide all the stopping
power desired, with a precise
modulation that is enhanced by
the ABS. The brakes are linked,
but the sensation has a pleas-
ant settling effect in Street and
Comfort and isn't too intrusive.
And the braking dynamic also
factors lean angle into the algo-
rithm along with the suspension
setting (quite similar to the BMW
S 1000 XR, which I'd reckon is
the GT's closest analog in the
market). The net result is corner
braking for dummies. Tip-in the
KTM and then squeeze the lever
without worry—because if you've
gone in too hot the electronic
(Left) Suspension
is fully adjustable
and electronic.
(Right) The seat
is comfortable
enough for long
hauls.
