Austrian firm KTM has always been known for balls-out crazy motorcycles. Choosing to take the road less travelled, KTM unveiled two new bikes for 2016 at the EICMA show in Milan, the Super Duke GT and the 690 Duke and Duke R.
The Super Duke GT is KTM’s take on a fast sports tourer, with the emphasis on the ‘sports’. Taking a de-tuned version of the 1290 Super Duke engine, the 1301 cc engine pups out 173 hp.
To make the ‘tourer’ part a little more realistic, the fairing and windshield have been redesigned to direct wind blast away from the rider. The rear sub-frame has also been designed to accept a pair of custom designed KTM panniers that give large carry capacity without affecting ground clearance.
The Super Duke GT meets Euro Four emissions standards, and comes with a full complement of aids for fast and comfortable riding. These rider aids wouldn’t be out of place on a track oriented sportsbike, and include cornering ABS, semi-active WP suspension, Brembo radially-mounted calipers, and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which allows the rider to adjust engine braking.
More touring-friendly features are cruise control, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring system and optional Hill Hold Control which electronically holds the bike stationary when starting on an incline. KTM says a full range of accessories will be made available to enhance both touring capability and engine performance.
Meanwhile, the 690 Duke, long beloved of hooligans and wheelie merchants over the past decade, comes back badder and more anti-social for 2016. Revisions have been made to the big thumper, which now puts out 73 hp. The addition of an extra balancer shaft dampens out the vibration from the single piston.
The 690 Duke and Duke R also come with cornering ABS, apparently the smallest capacity motorycle to be thus equipped. The Duke R sports an Akropovic exhaust and two additional hp over its plain-jane sibling, along with frame and wheels painted in KTM’s trademark shade of orange.
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