KTM 1290 Super Duke GT at the Isle Of Man
KTM’s awesome 1290 Super Duke GT takes the outright mental attitude of the 1290 Super Duke R, gives ‘The Beast’ some manners, then adds just about every creature comfort you can imagine, to produce what is the world’s craziest sports touring motorcycle.
One of the worlds most accomplished road racers, Michael Rutter, recently took the Super Duke GT for a lap on the world’s craziest racetrack, the fabled 37.73 mile Mountain Course on the Isle of Man.
Steeped in motorcycling history, the Isle of Man is also an incredible place to go touring on a motorcycle due to its stunning and undulating landscapes, winding roads and historic landmarks.
The Mountain Section remains free from speed restrictions but riders must treat it with the respect it deserves; control and precision from a machine mixed with experience from the pilot make the difference here.
Setting off from the Ben-my-Chree Steam Packet Ferry at the port in Douglas, Rutter’s route saw him tour the town before cruising the overlooking coastal road and then heading to Fairy Bridge to wave to the fairies.
Back through Douglas, Michael and the GT then take to the TT circuit until Ballaugh Bridge, turning off the course to head to the Jurby Motordrome in order to remove the panniers and add some pace.
The race circuit on the north coast of the island providing the possibility for full-throttle thrashing and – thanks to its fast and bumpy nature – is often a testing ground for racers perfecting their set-up during the TT fortnight.
With the ‘boxes’ back on, Michael and the GT headed to the town of Ramsey, where the road begins its climb of the Snaefell Mountain.
Powering out of the Gooseneck, Rutter unleashes 175hp of LC8 power of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT all the way across the mountain before stopping at the Creg-ny-Baa public house.
Michael Rutter
“The GT is a world away from what I usually ride, but I was amazed by the performance – particularly the engine; the torque and drive is phenomenal. Very impressive. Comfort is a big factor; the seat and bar position were spot-on at speed on track and on the road. For a bike designed to tackle a variety of riding types – having a blast and all-day touring – it works fantastically in all situations, even ridden hard on the fast and bumpy Jurby circuit. Best of all, it has heated grips – a big thing for all year riders and even for summer in the UK!”
Big changes have been implemented on the 2019 GT focused on increasing comfort; from new settings for the electronically adjustable WP suspension, improved aerodynamics from a redesigned screen with new adjustment mechanism, wind-deflecting hand guards and a full color, 6,5 inch TFT display.
You can read more about the updated Super Duke GT BELOW, then check out Trev’s review from the world launch of the original 1290 Super Duke GT staged in Mallorca.
