For a company whose tagline is ‘Ready To Race’, a sports tourer has a completely different meaning. While others focus on making a tame, comfortable bike for the long hauls, KTM has done the minimal work to its 1390 Super Duke R Evo to pass as a sports tourer.
The Super Duke GT uses the same 1350ccc liquid-cooled V-twin from its naked sibling, with changes to extract the maximum performance and efficiency. So, a centrally positioned ram air intake, a redesigned airbox and a wider radiator along with a revised fifth and sixth gear to make the most of the engine’s 188 bhp and 14.7 kgm not only ensure a better use of the rev range but make it a bike with some serious track ambitions.
And of course, the fairing is designed with just that in mind. So, while the big windscreen will take care of saving you from the windblast, thanks to the stupendous torque, the chiselled bodywork with the integrated cornering lights and the slightly committed riding posture will ensure that you don’t compromise on your tack days.
With the chassis being shared with the Super Duke R Evo, the GT flaunts WP semi-active suspension with a heavily reworked Comfort Mode for long saddle hours. Dropping the anchor on this beast are two four-piston Stylema monobloc callipers clamping onto 320-mm discs at the front and a 240-mm unit at the rear.
Keeping the bike (and the rider) right–side up is a comprehensive electronic suite backed by a front radar which brings tech like adaptive cruise control, brake assist, distance assist and even group riding. There’s of course, lean-sensitive three-mode ABS and traction control along with four riding modes, including a Custom mode; Track mode comes as an optional extra.
All of this, and with its 19.5-litre fuel tank filled, the Super Duke GT weighs 228 kg. For a bike that you can tour on and rip the track with, it’s not a bad deal, right? Now, to wait for its arrival in India.
