CYCLE TORQUE TEST
2017 KTM ROAD BIKE LAUNCH
2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Tamer, more versatile, more practical… less exciting THE RUSH you all-but get from opening the taps hard on the 1290R is awesome, but on public roads it’s going to be sullied by thoughts of speed cameras, blue flashing lights and the potential for errant motorists getting in your way. 42 I SEPTEMBER 2017 cycletorque.com.au
And in a complete lack of weather protection and no way to carry anything with you on the ride, it’s no wonder KTM has the Super Duke GT for those of us who like a few creature comforts and conveniences to go riding with. It’s a little heavier than the Beast at 205kg, but that’s very light for an open-class sports-tourer. The engine’s been tuned more for road use, although KTM still promote the machine as being trackcapable, and I think it would be fun… but if that were a regular event, I’d go for the ‘R’.