KTM 2019: 1290 Super Duke GT | Intermot show

KTM’s first batch of 2019 road bikes has broken cover at Intermot in Cologne today with tweaks for the 1290 Super Duke GT and new colours for the 1290 Super Duke R.

2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

A new face and even better performance are the key changes to KTM’s massively powerful 1290 Super Duke GT for 2019.

The firm says it’s carried over engine changes from the 1290 Super Duke R to give the GT model a power boost, upping its peak from 170bhp to 173bhp (175PS) thanks to revised resonator chambers, titanium inlet valves and new injection mapping.

The addition of an up-and-down quickshifter means it’s going to be easier to get that power to the ground smoothly, and as usual there’s a massive array of electronic nannies to make sure you don’t get carried away. Lean-sensitive ABS and traction control along with multiple riding modes are standard.

Suspension comes courtesy of WP’s semi-active, electronically-controlled forks and shock, with preload adjustment for different load levels at the touch of a button and the choice of three damping modes; comfort, street and sport.

Visually, the bike gains a version of the latest KTM family face, with a vertically-split headlight – LED, of course – and LED cornering lights on the fuel tank spoiler. On-board, you get a new windscreen with one-hand adjustability, plus a 6.5 inch TFT instrument panel.

2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT spec

Meanwhile, the stripped back 1290 Super Duke R naked bike remains technically unchanged but gets two new colour schemes – black or white – for 2019.