KTM has started testing the 2018 Super Duke GT. While its naked sibling, the 1290 Super Duke, went on sale earlier this year, this sports tourer is still in its early phase of testing and is expected to go on sale in 2019.
The spy shots taken in Europe show the new Super Duke GT undergoing emission and noise testing. It also features a completely new fairing and body panels, designed along the lines of KTM’s new design language. The headlamp is a vertically split unit, the instrument cluster is new, the handguards and lever protectors have been revised and the windscreen is now taller to improve wind deflection.
Propelling the 1290 Super Duke GT is the 1301cc V-twin engine, which puts out 173bhp and 143Nm of torque. While this output is similar to that of the 1290 Super Duke streetfighter, KTM has altered the engine’s power and torque delivery to suit the sports tourer’s character. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission.
Given KTM’s strategy of having a three-year update cycle for its bikes, we expect the new Super Duke GT to be unveiled in the second half of the next year.
Source: MCN
