When KTM launched the 1290 Super Duke R a few years back, everyone had to stand up and take notice. This was a bold move for a smaller company that had up to that point, a limited selection of street bikes.
It is an incredibly powerful hyper-naked bike, and truly lives up to its nickname of “The Beast.” KTM realized it could also make an incredible GT bike, if only they could add some comfort; so, they handed that idea over to their design partners over at KISKA and the Super Duke GT was born soon after. “The Beast” got better, at least in our opinion.
Now, 5 years later the bike is into its 3rd generation and KTM is looking set to update the machine in a few key areas. Here’s what we’re expecting to see updated on the 2021 beast.
Euro5 Compliant
If you want to sell bikes in the near future, this is essential. The GT logically gets the same tweaks the Super Duke R needed to get it up to spec.
This is indicated by the new exhaust layout and the slightly wider facia, allowing for a centrally mounted airbox. These little changes that were initially made to the R helped keep the emissions down but still make (crazy) 180 horsepower that has been the trademark of “The Beast.” No doubt like the GT will make the power in a different way, tailored to the type of machine it is, it certainly won’t be tame!
Revised Chassis
Clearly, the biggest change that is set to occur is the revised chassis. KTM has generally kept it pretty simple with the tubular steel trellis frame on their street machines, but the latest revision is slightly more radical (at least for them).
It is still a steel trellis, make no mistake, but the engine becomes a stressed member eliminating the need for the previous three-pronged structure allowing for both a small weight saving and more torsional stiffness. The truth of this upgrade is already proven in the R, again seeing the technology trickle into the GT rather than getting launched simultaneously for the 2020 edition.
This upgrade might have more to do with keeping costs down, rather than an example of a necessary upgrade for the touring machine, it would however make little sense continuing with the older technology when it would cost less to use the same layout as the R. The rear subframe of the GT is still a steel trellis to accommodate the extra pillion weight and luggage.
Updated Electronics
It isn’t yet confirmed by KTM, and with our current circumstances, it may well take some time before all the official details are actually released for the 2021 model. It is however fairly easy to see and confirm that it will at the very least get the updated TFT dash with mobile connectivity.
It is highly unlikely it will just get that though, if we look at the 2020 R, it got a host of electronic updates and an upgraded quickshifter (albeit as an option). The standard upgrades include a six-axis IMU, nine-level lean-angle detecting traction control, and cruise control. Consider anything related to safety a near certainty for the GT.
Overall, the bike will likely become a whole lot more modern, making it more accessible to more riders that might otherwise be intimidated by a machine like this without those features.
Summary
In uncertain times nothing is really a certainty, and we are yet to see any real updates from KTM on any official specs or release dates. It is however certain we will see the release date delayed to some degree.
One thing we can see though is the updates the 2021 GT are going to get are more or less the same updates the R got in 2020, which leaves us with one very important question; are they worth it. On the face of it, none of these updates mean a whole lot to the GT aside from Euro5 compliance, it will get stiffer, more electronic aids, and more expensive. These are all things most tourers (and tourer buyers) can do without, the 2020 version is still more than powerful enough and has everything you really need from a tourer.
So, the real upshot for consumers looking to buy a Super Duke GT should be to wait for the 2021 version to hit the market, not to actually get it but rather the 2020 version at a discounted price. The bike is still exceptional and will be for many years to come.