KTM has revamped the 1290 Super Duke GT for the upcoming model year. However, it is not really earth-shattering, the updates are mainly in improved electronics, a new TFT display and other wheels with new Continental rubber.
“Get used to it, the time of groundbreaking innovations has passed and will not return for the time being”, we were told a few years ago. “You journalists are often only enthusiastic when something has been completely overhauled, but that is no longer possible. The development costs can no longer be afforded, the differences will be made in apparently less spectacular areas.”
The new 2022 1290 Super Duke GT seems to be a great example of this. Launched at the time as the ultimate Sport Tour bike, the 1290 Super Duke GT immediately set the standard, which somehow made sense. In fact it was a 1290 Super Duke R with panniers and a different nose for extra wind protection, and didn’t we already call that ‘R’ the most versatile bike in its class?
What’s different about the 2022 version? Not much on the block, it has been adapted to Euro 5 and now delivers 175 hp power and 141 Nm of torque, which is essentially not much different from its predecessor. No significant adjustments have been made to the driving modes and throttle response.
However, the 2022 version is now equipped with WP APEX semi-active suspension with a special algorithm. The rear spring preload adjustment range is now much more geared towards long-distance touring and is very intuitive according to KTM. The algorithm allows you to adjust the suspension for four different real-time driving situations: rider, rider with luggage, rider with duo and rider with duo and luggage.
That’s indeed the same semi-active suspension that KTM has already applied to the 1290 Super Adventure this year (but with a street-only algorithm) and that is now also equipped on the 1290 Super Duke R EVO. The WP APEX semi-active suspension also has an anti-dive option that can be turned off as standard.
From the saddle you have a view of a new 7″ TFT color screen that should allow you to make quick and easy adjustments on the fly, thanks to a new layout design which KTM believes is the perfect example of the perfect balance between informative and Style Also the switches on the handlebars have been improved and should feel more ‘premium’.
It should also be noted that the GT has now received the wheels from the last 1290 Super Duke R, which has resulted in a weight saving of 1 kilo unsprung weight compared to the old wheels. And you will certainly notice that when you have to put the GT from one ear to the other at high speed. Finally, KTM has fitted the lightweight wheels with the latest Continental rubber, the Conti RoadAttack 4.
Also new is an all-new navigation system called Turn-by-turn PLUS, which will be available through KTM Connect. This allows navigation instructions to be projected directly onto the new 7-inch TFT display, which should help you navigate more effectively. TBT+ will be launched on the 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, with roll-out to other models in the near future.
Powered by SYGIC, TBT+ can also work offline, allowing you to plan a journey remotely. There is also an advanced search function and a wide range of POIs including petrol stations, restaurants, rest areas, while the system allows you to select pre-saved destinations directly from the TFT dashboard.
All of the above functions can be accessed directly from the new 7-inch TFT dashboard, which allows your phone to remain in your jacket pocket, making it more convenient and efficient to make quick adjustments.
The new system also makes it possible to skip waypoints without prompting a turnaround. The system will only recalculate and find the next available route to get you back on track. Also, the last 10 searched destinations are automatically saved and available directly on the dashboard.
It is not yet known how much the 2022 Super Duke GT will cost and from when the bike will be available.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.