KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Is the 1290 Super Duke GT still on sale?

Yes. In October 2026, KTM France still lists it in its Sports Tourer range alongside the 890 SMT, but as a 2024 model: there is no 2025 or 2026 version, and a warranty notice valid for bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025 shows that remaining stock is being sold off. Its successor, the 1390 Super Duke GT, was unveiled at the Milan show (EICMA) on 5 November 2024 as a 2025 model. On 11 September 2025, after KTM’s period of financial difficulty, the manufacturer announced that its production was postponed to 2027: it is not on sale anywhere and has no price.

How much does it cost?

KTM France lists it at €22,849 including VAT, excluding registration costs, in a single version and a single colour, orange (silver-grey and orange livery, orange frame). In the United States it costs $20,499 (plus $750 freight), in the UK £18,999. The Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Performance and Track modes, launch control, hill hold control and heated seat are options. With 175 hp, there is no A2 version.

What did the 2022 model change?

Introduced in 2016, the Super Duke GT is the grand touring version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Its last update came with the 2022 model year: Euro 5 engine, 7-inch colour TFT, new switchgear, lighter wheels (almost one kilo less unsprung mass), Continental ContiSportAttack 4 tyres, Turn-by-Turn PLUS navigation and a standard anti-dive function. The 2023 and 2024 model years bring no changes documented by KTM. The 2019 restyle had introduced the current front end with twin LED headlight, the one-hand adjustable screen, titanium inlet valves and the Quickshifter+.

How good is the engine?

The 1,301 cc 75-degree LC8 V-twin (108 x 71 mm), with dry sump and twin ignition, makes 175 hp and 141 Nm; KTM does not publish the corresponding revs. The 2024 manual gives a 13.1:1 compression ratio, against 13.6:1 in the 2019 to 2022 manuals. MCN gives it 5/5, BikeSocial finds it flexible and frugal, and Le Repaire des Motards praises its torque and character. The six-speed gearbox has a hydraulically operated slipper clutch and a 525 chain.

How does it handle?

The chromoly steel trellis frame carries a 48 mm WP APEX semi-active upside-down fork (125 mm travel) and a WP semi-active monoshock (156 mm), with electronic preload for four load settings and three damping modes (Comfort, Street, Sport). A WP steering damper is standard. Two Brembo four-piston radial monobloc calipers grip 320 mm discs, with Bosch cornering ABS including a Supermoto mode. KTM quotes 209 kg without fuel; its 2024 owner’s manual gives about 216 kg under the same conditions. Cycle News found the 2019 suspension much better than the first generation’s, but MCN prefers the BMW S 1000 XR’s.

What equipment does it have?

Standard equipment includes cruise control, lean-sensitive traction control, anti-wheelie, three riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport), full LED lighting with cornering lights, keyless ignition and, according to KTM France, heated grips (the 2024 manual lists them as optional). The 23-litre tank and integrated pannier mounts make it a genuine tourer: at the 5.6 L/100 km MCN recorded in its long-term test, the theoretical range approaches 410 km.

Who is it for?

Riders who want to cover long distances, two-up and with luggage, without giving up the performance of a big naked. Against it, the BMW S 1000 XR (€20,800) and Ducati Multistrada V4 S (€25,690) are more recent; the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT (€13,999) and Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX (€15,649) cost much less but are less powerful.

Fuel consumption, maintenance and recalls

KTM does not publish a type-approval fuel figure (WMTC), only 133 g/km of CO2. The manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months and a valve clearance check every 30,000 km. The 2-year warranty is extended to 4 years by the Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty, subject to servicing within the KTM network. No recall has been found for the 2019-2024 generation (NHTSA, RappelConso).