Motorcycle specifications KTMSuperduke 1390 GT 2027 Scroll through the scenery

KTM’s precarious financial situation has led to delays for certain models. This large roadster-GT is bearing the brunt of it and won’t hit the market until 2027.

Touring means cruising along small roads, taking in the scents of the countryside, the pine trees in the Landes forest under summer temperatures… This definition could almost come straight from the Larousse dictionary in French! In Austrian, the translation would surely be different, especially when it’s KTM doing the talking with the new 1390 Super Duke GT, which has its very own vision of the GT…

Highly Sporty Grand Touring

The folks at KTM have a very different vision of grand touring than their German counterparts at BMW. For this new-generation Super Duke GT, the foundation is already very sporty—even extreme—since the bike is actually based on the technical platform (frame/engine) of the brand’s very aggressive, even violent, roadster, the Super Duke R EVO. For 2027, however, the team at KISKA DESIGN has completely revamped the GT’s styling compared to the old 1290. Undoubtedly to mark the change in displacement, but also because the old one wasn’t very… attractive!

This 1390 still pushes the envelope and exudes aggression, but I must admit that its styling seems less strange than its predecessor’s. The headlight opens up in the center, still sporting that alien-like face; the side air intakes have been modified, as has the fuel tank (which holds 2 liters more fuel than the roadster). The rear fairing now hides the trellis frame loop and features a new seat that appears (or feels?) thicker for the passenger. Behind its appearance, could the Super Duke GT actually be docile? The windscreen (adjustable to two positions) is now black, and the hand guards are still there—a plus for winter touring.

Behind the windscreen, the rider finds an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen dashboard (H88). Featuring a simplified menu structure, the CCU3.0 also ensures easy reconnection with your smartphone every time the bike is started. Although touchscreen-enabled, the display’s functions can be operated by pressing a button on the handlebar controls. The quality of this display, recently introduced by KTM, should ensure readability regardless of lighting conditions. With a resolution of 1280 x 720, the display is capable of displaying 256,000 colors, up from 65,000 colors previously. This screen features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity, has 32 GB of storage, and is also Android-compatible. The sheer amount of information it can display is virtually limitless, and you’ll easily find navigation features (including offline) and the ability to customize the display. Your friends are bound to be jealous of your cool gadget.

From 1,290 to 1,350 cc and 190 hp!

Even though it’s called the 1390, the Super Duke series actually has a 1,350 cc engine. The GT shares the latest LC8 V-twin engine with the 2024 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO. Compared tothe previous GT, KTM didn’t see fit to keep the 5th and 6th overdrive gears. Too restrictive for the engine… no, in Austria we like it rough and mean. These final gears have therefore been revised to extract the full potential of the twin-cylinder.

With an increase of 49 cc, the engine also gains quite a few horses. 16 wild horses thus bolster the power on the 1390, bringing the total to 190 hp. Torque increases at a slower rate (+4 Nm) and now stands at 145 Nm. KTM should provide a seatbelt to secure the passenger; if you’re revving like a madman, the acceleration out of corners might just surprise your sandbag.

This revamped riding experience extends to the various modes, which have also been reconfigured. The owner will have access to Rain, Street, and Sport modes, as well as a brand-new standard Custom mode, in addition to two optional Custom configurations and an optional Track mode. The addition of a front radar adds numerous features such as adaptive cruise control, brake assist, distance assist, and group riding. Demo mode is also available for the first 1,500 km, allowing customers to try out all available technologies to make an informed decision on the technology package that best suits their daily needs.

On the chassis side, the 2027 Super Duke GT 1390 features the latest generation of WP APEX Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension at the front and rear. Comfort mode has been improved to offer greater comfort during long days in the saddle. Rest assured, the sportier settings will still let you head out to the track to set a lap time.

The Super Duke GT is equipped with Brembo brakes. Up front, it features a set of Stylema four-piston monoblock calipers gripping 320 mm floating discs, while the rear is equipped with a Brembo two-piston floating caliper and a 240 mm disc. At your fingertips, you’ll enjoy the new MCS (multi-click-system) front brake lever for ultra-precise adjustment of its position. This aggressive braking system is controlled by cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS, as well as the new Supermoto+ and Sport ABS modes. Enough to get lost in…

The tires are Michelin Power 6s featuring dual-compound technology. Ultimately, Michelin’s classification of these tires as “Sportif Trackdays” perhaps best captures the spirit of the GT. A roadster disguised as a touring bike capable of handling the track. Austrian touring is, after all, quite exotic! .

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer photos