GRAND TOURER GOES FIRST CLASS

SPIED: KTM’s super-comfy Super Duke GT 2019 update

KTM’s wild-eyed 1290 Super Duke GT is a sports-tourer with a split personality. It’s just as happy carving up fast Aroads as it is taking a leisurely two-up cruise across Europe. The current GT isn’t perfect, but this spy picture reveals the 2019 model should be a more capable distance destroyer. Lead amongst the raft of detail changes is a new frontend, complete with ‘baboon’s bum’ headlamp, which should cosset the rider in a bigger bubble of cleaner air. The reshaped screen should push the wind blast marginally higher and wider. Combine this with the bigger frontal area from the new headlamp cowl and more flared radiator shrouds – and the rider should be better protected in adverse weather conditions. There’s also an interesting frame addition. Badged SW Motech, the colour-matched section is clearly intended as crash protection, but the fact KTM are running this thirdparty equipment on their prototype suggests it could be supplied OE, or at least as an official accessory part. With the addition of the enormous new TFT dash, there also appears to be a bar-clamp bracket that now incorporates a satnav mount, while there’s also a smattering of carbon fibre parts, including radiator shroud covers and a tank-long protector panel.

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It’s intended to cosset the rider more effectively

A year on: Reader’s verdict after 12 months of Super Duke GT ownership, p60