KTM 1390 Super Duke GT is most focused version to date with new engine and semi-active suspension

[weeksy]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new ... r-duke-gt/









KTM don’t like to take things easy and despite their Super Duke GT being the firm’s relaxed sports touring option, 2025 sees it gain not only some new tech but also a sportier focus through enhanced performance and a sharper chassis.
Starting at its heart, the GT now boasts the updated 1350cc version of the firm’s LC8 V-twin. Identical in its spec to the motor that powers the 2024 1390 Super Duke R EVO, that should mean it makes a claimed 187.7bhp with 107ft.lb of torque, although KTM are yet to officially confirm the GT’s stats.

To go with this more powerful engine, KTM have given the GT a centrally mounted ram air intake, redesigned airbox and a wider radiator in a fairly substantial facelift – all measures aimed at ensuring it doesn’t lose any performance, which is important as they have also changed its focus.

There has been a conscious decision by KTM to move the GT towards the sporty end of the sports touring spectrum and as well as its more powerful engine, the 2025 GT boasts revised gearing to give it added punch in fifth and sixth at the expense of easy-going overdrive ratios. And the sporty enhancements don’t stop there.

As well as a new chassis taken directly from the 1390 Super Duke R EVO, which is both stiffer and more agile than the previous generation of GT’s chassis, the 2025 bike comes with the latest generation of WP APEX semi-active suspension (SAT).

Similar to the units on the current model, KTM have focused development time on Comfort Mode’s settings in an effort to make the GT more compliant for long days in the saddle, a factor helped by a new compact riding position.

KTM 1390 Super Duke GT exhaust
Tech-wise, as well as a forward radar adding adaptive cruise control and more, the GT comes with angle-responsive electronics (including the new Supermoto+ and Sport ABS settings).

A new tyre pressure monitoring system with a track setting, revised rider modes with a new Custom mode (and optional Custom and Track modes) and KTM’s latest 8.8in touchscreen TFT dash with its updated interface and connectivity complete the line up.

The 1390 Super Duke GT will be in dealers in January 2025 with its price confirmed at a later date.

KTM 1390 Super Duke GT highlights
The GT gains the same chassis as the 2024 1390 Super Duke R EVO as well as the latest generation of WP APEX semi-active suspension.
KTM have reduced fifth and sixth gear’s ratios, moving them from overdrive motorway gears to ones that are better suited to fast road riding.
A new MCS (multi-click-system) front brake lever enables a wider range of adjustability than before.
A standard fitment front radar adds adaptive cruise control, brake assist, distance assist and group riding features.
Demo Mode, which lasts for the first 1500km (932miles), unlocks the optional rider modes and more. All will be deactivated unless you pay extra for them

[Skub]

No reason to suspect it may not be fun,but as with Aprilia,I'd be well twitchy at the thought of all those electronics waiting to play up.

Paying extra to access stuff already present is a shit sandwich too.

[westers151]

No reason to suspect it may not be fun,but as with Aprilia,I'd be well twitchy at the thought of all those electronics waiting to play up.

Paying extra to access stuff already present is a shit sandwich too.

I ditched mine after 2 years. Main reason was that it made my right hand go numb on longer journeys. By long, I mean 9 day/2,000 mile tours.

Not sure why as the bar position wasn't overly heavy on the wrists, but at certain revs (never quite worked out which)/certain type of riding, my hand would go numb. First tour it happened on I put it down to me not used to doing so much riding at one go, but last year it dd it again. However, it happened when I was in twisties, with people behind, and I couldn't take my hand off the throttle to shake it back to life. Fortunately we reached a junction, and I had enough feeling left to feel the front brake.

Probably some sort of carpal tunnel, combined with no rest for the right wrist, and the vibes of the bike, but it had to go.

I too was getting nervous about the electrics - the side cornering light ECU threw a couple of errors, but cleared by turning the bike off/on, and the traction control had a mind of its own and would work back up to the highest level. I did wonder if it was an adaptive traction control, but could find nothing to say it was, so I'm putting that down to electronics.

Shame as that engine in 1290 form was a monster - it just kept pulling, but I wouldn't have another.

Traded it for a Tracer 9GT+, Taken a while to get used to the reduction in power/torque, but a much better/fun bike to ride, and such a smooth engine.

[ChrisW]

Paying extra to access stuff already present is a shit sandwich too.

Dealers will probly be offering them with 'full tech pack included' within a couple of months of launch.

[Dodgy69]

I had a nicely discounted 1290 gt back in 2017, also ditched after 2 years. Reason... used oil, just pissed me off in the end topping up. Left hand switch gear failed and a 60 mile trek to dealer. What's it gonna cost outside warranty, I asked myself, so got rid.

Performance was great though and very comfy I found and sounded ace.

Oh ye... paying for all those upgrade things PMO aswel.

[Bigyin]

The first thing that always puts me off a KTM whenever i think about maybe swapping the Multi is the seats are fucking rock hard in comparison and i dont see why i should pay for an aftermarket seat or "optional extra" comfort seat to get close to what i already have as standard on my bike.

The there is the electronics issues i hear from mates who are KTM owners as only 1 person i know has kept one of the newer ones long term outside warranty ....everyone else ditches them before they go Ka Ta booM

The new 1390 one looks a complete beast and no doubt will be mental to ride...... not sure thats what a Grand Tourer needs though and i would expect a GT bike to have full luggage but so far its all track photos

[Wossname]

I’ve had 2 SDGTs, ‘17 for 3 years/17k miles, ‘20 for 4.5 years/ 27k miles, still going strong. Yes, I’ve had a few problems, but they’ve been tolerable/fixable. I like it because it’s compact, has a monster engine, and it’s not an il4.

1390? I don’t need more power (tho obv…), it’ll probably be around £18k+, and I won’t get much for my bike (“you ride it too much, Dave!”). A new warranty would be nice, but.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I've got a Honda, I've had zero problems, before that I had a Suzuki, zero problems, why would I buy a bike from a manufacturer that can't build a bike that is reliable for 3 years?

[Wossname]

I’ve had a Suzuki and 2 Hondas, but I got bored. Neither brand makes any bike that pushes my button at present, and I “need” my button to be pushed if I’m going to spend my money and enjoy motorcycling, which I very much still do, thanks to my KTM.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I suppose reliability can be boring

[Mr Moofo]

Wait until the end of next summer and there will be 4k off

[Count Steer]

Wait until the end of next summer and there will be 4k off

Then you can put the savings towards the cost of the first service.

[Mr Moofo]

Wait until the end of next summer and there will be 4k off

Then you can put the savings towards the cost of the first service.

And the new cams

[Tomcat]

I nearly bought a 1290 GT, but the dealer offered joke money for the bike I wanted to PX. So I sold the old bike for £1000 more than the dealer offer and cancelled my deposit anyway. It's still on my list and I'm on the FB owners page, but I keep hearing stories of electrical gremlins. Nothing catastrophic, but I just don't need the hassle. And I instinctively don't like masses of electronics on a bike. I won't be getting a 1390 due to the price (top of the range bike prices are nuts) although I think it looks better than the earlier models and is undoubtedly a hoot to ride. Undecided, might look again in a few years when used ones come on the market.