Longterm tests: Dan goes West for a soaking on the 1290 SDGT
Three-day coastal minibreak puts ‘GT’ claims to the test
If you’ve been following my journey with the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, you’ll know I’ve been desperate to sample its touring capabilities. With no sign of Covid clearing and Europe out of the question, I booked some cheap last-minute hotels in mid-October and set off for three days in Devon and Cornwall. With clean clothes, spare masks, disc locks and waterproofs easily stuffed inside the KTM’s panniers (£699.54) and a light rucksack on my back, I headed south from my Lincoln home with the only goal being to eat at least one pasty in Cornwall.
A trip of 859-miles, it turned out to be one of my best spontaneous decisions ever. Not only great fun, it exposed the big Duke to a variety of challenges; from mud-clogged single tracks, to hours of motorway and some the best coast roads you’ll find in the UK. Being an impatient soand-so, I opted to smash out the first and last 250 miles there and back on motorways, maximising playtime in my southern destinations. This was a doddle; simply flicking the screen into its highest setting, tapping on the cruise control and relaxing. There wasn’t even any traffic to worry about. Despite the 23-litre fuel tank, I did need to stop for petrol on both of these stints, having started with a full load. This actually provided respite for my backside, which started to go numb after around 150 miles of upright cruising. Disappointingly, this is due to installing KTM’s ergo seat (£217.98), which offers a cosy three-stage heating element, but also reduces long-distance comfort. If you’re a fair-weather rider, spend your cash elsewhere. I never needed more than the lowest setting to combat the autumnal chill.
Once at my coastal destination, the Duke excelled in every scenario. With the suspension and throttle maps altered at the touch of a button and the screen shoved down for greater airflow and involvement in the ride, the V-twin brute scythed its way through hundreds of scenic wet and dry miles, with the sporty Metzeler M9 RR rubber beneath it never once getting upset.
The trip also highlighted the competence of the electronics package, working in tandem with the circa 2000-mile-old hoops to confidently command every strip of wet or dry coastal tarmac. With buckets of torque on hand and a fresh road-legal Akrapovic slip-on (£787.02) reverberating between the dry-stone walls, I could effortlessly slip past lines of tourist and agricultural traffic – with enough poise and precision to get the most out of every countryside cracker I came across. Even the wettest stints were excellent fun and with each evening’s pub visit, I was left pondering how good it would’ve been in the peak of summer. Not only from a riding perspective, but the excellent views. I can’t wait to head back to the A39 from Lynton and Lynmouth to Porlock in particular, sampling its highrise twists, turns and exciting undulations in the warming sun, instead of drizzly autumnal mist.