Longtermers: Dan swaps a 1290 SDGT for the naked Super Duke
Dan swaps his GT for the raucous Super Duke R, but was that a smart move?
The 1290 Super Duke GT is not the only road-biased bonkers V-twin in KTM’s bright orange toy box. Both generations of the Austrian tourer have been based on the ballistic Super Duke R super-naked. Updated for 2020 with a fettled engine, fresh frame, new styling and more, the R has everything any next-generation KTM GT is likely to have, minus the big tank, electronic springs and screen, but is it the better option of the two? I spent a few days with one to find out. Although powered by a 1301cc twin and featuring an 835mm seat height just like the GT, the R gets a 7-litre smaller fuel tank – meaning a comparatively narrower package despite the bars, pegs and riding position feeling similar. Out on the open road, it feels like business as usual, with plenty of go at every crack of the throttle and a glowing TFT screen up front. It’s slightly heavier on your wrists, but remains comfortable and refined.
Now Euro5 compliant and receiving a number of internal upgrades to trim back some of the snappy aggression, the big naked is one step ahead of our GT, which features the last-iteration’s Euro4 lump. Quieter, less vibey at any speed or revs and possessing less of an appetite to wheelie when you soften off the electronics, it still shunts forward like a full-bore artic truck, but feels more grown-up and sanitised by comparison.
With manual WP suspension at both ends, set up beautifully for UK tarmac and rolling on a grippy set of Bridgestone S22s, you can ride the R at a calm, relaxed pace in comfort, taking in the surrounding views to the gentle burble of its elongated pipe. Like the GT though, this can all change at flick of a wrist, turning the user-friendly upright into a corner carving masterpiece. Although tested in late October last year, the pared-back R inspired enough confidence for me to take full advantage of the dry autumnal blacktop – snatching big leans and even bigger smiles along every B-road you encounter. It’s also supremely comfortable and with a screen, I’m confident you could tour on the R no problem.
The lack of wind protection becomes noticeable when things get particularly animated and on one blustery weekend outing, I found myself riding into a headwind, straining my neck to maintain forward vision. Although this is a factor with all nakeds, I was soon wishing I was on the GT, which would’ve been just as fast and capable, with none of the aggro. On top of this, the R’s fuel range indicator left me in a tight spot on a hard-shoulderless stretch of the M1 when it jumped from a predicted 50 miles to zero in less than the 20 miles I had to the next service station. What’s more, the cruise control switchgear feels like a cheap afterthought, going from an easy-to-reach tab on the GT to two separate speed adjusters.
So, which is the one to have? If you’re looking purely for punch, then the Super Duke R is a nobrainer. But if you fancy a bit more versatility and like the idea of clipping on luggage and smashing out a European tour, then go for the GT. That said, you might want to hold onto your cash for a little longer, because if the R is anything to go by, any new GTs will be nimbler, faster and more refined. Plus, the arrival of a new one could mean serious deals on old stock (MY20 GTs are now just £13,999).
LIKES
Engine is more refined
DISLIKES
Awkward cruise control