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KTM reveals 1290 GT, R and 690 models

KTM Super Duke GT
KTM Super Duke GT

KTM as officially unveiled the new Super Duke GT sports tourer and R Special Edition plus the fifth-generation KTM 690 Duke and R at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

The Austrian company confirmed the 1290 Super Duke GT last month and introduced the aggressive-looking new model in Milan with a host of electronic rider aids to make touring safer and more comfortable.

KTM Super Duke GT

They include semi-active WP suspension, lean-angle-sensitive ABS and traction control, tyre pressure monitor, hill hold control, cruise control, slipper clutch, rider modes, heated grips, LED cornering lights, self-cancelling indicators and a quick shifter.

GT means gran turismo and any vehicle with the moniker should be fast over long distances.

The new KTM certainly deserves the GT badge with a retuned version of the 1301cc four-stroke two-cylinder 75 degree V-twin engine from the 1290 Super Duke R. It even has the same 129kW of power and 143Nm of torque.KTM Super Duke GT

Maximum power is achieved higher up the rev range at 9500 rpm instead of 8865rpm while maximum torque comes in at 6750rpm, 1000 revs lower than the Super Duke R.

Stopping power comes from Brembo with two monobloc four-piston radial callipers and 320mm discs up front with a two-piston calliper and 240mm disc on the rear.

The subframe has been extended and strengthened for a pillion and luggage and has integrated pannier mounts.

It comes with Pirelli Angel GT tyres and weighs 228kg with a full 23-litre tank of fuel.

KTM Super Duke R
KTM Super Duke R

KTM has also added the Super Duke R Special Edition with an Akrapovic muffler, wave brake discs, stiffer triple clamps, adjustable brake and clutch levers, lever guards, aluminium orange anodized caps on the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs, two-part 2mm higher seat, carbon/Kevlar clutch and generator covers and a white and ‘Galvano Orange’ paintjob.

Meanwhile, the fifth-generation KTM 690 Duke comes in standard and R models, both powered by the same LC4 690cc single-cylinder engine, but now revving 1000rpm higher and Euro4 compliant.

KTM 690 Duke
KTM 690 Duke

In the standard model it makes 54kW and 74Nm of torque while the R makes 56kW thanks to an Akrapovic muffler.

The intake camshaft now works as an additional balancer shaft to reduce vibration in the big single.

The 2016 690 Duke also gets a new set of triple clamps with 4mm less offset, colour TFT screen and WP suspension, fully adjustable on the R.

KTM 690 Duke R
KTM 690 Duke R

The R adds stability control, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS and KTM’s Motor Slip Regulation system with supermoto mode.

Cosmetically, the 690 Duke R gets a new seat with pillion cover, LED indicators and various graphics.