The new GT uses the same LC8 engine platform as the Super Duke R and Super Adventure, with their familiar 1301 V-Twin. The modified fly-by-wire motor now produces a claimed 173bhp, the same as the Super Duke R with a whopping 106ftlb of torque. While the figures match the R, the torque has moved lower in the rev range to suit the GT’s sports touring focus.
Controlling all that power are some very clever electronics including traction control, cornering ABS and WP semi active suspension, which all come as standard. There are also three rider modes (sport, street and rain) to help deliver all that power in the best possible way.
But it’s not all about the headline grabbing performance figures, with a 23l fuel tank, a manually adjustable screen, and relaxed riding potion; the GT has been designed to take on some serious miles in comfort. Additionally there’s heated grips, cruise control, quickshifter (up only) and tyre pressure sensors – all as standard. There’s even integrated indicators and adaptive LED cornering lights, which illuminate progressively dependant on the bike’s lean angle, as fitted to the Super Adventure. The subframe has been strengthened to take the extra weight of the luggage and pillion, there’s a decent grab handle for the pillion too, while optional hard panniers easily click onto the standard rear pannier mountings just below the pillion seat.
Obviously all this comes at a cost, £15,999 to be precise – which is on the expensive side. When MCN’s Andy Downes rode the 1290 Super Duke GT prototype last year he was “highly impressed by its blend of towering performance and comfort,” so now we’ll see if the production bike really has what it takes to be a best seller.
Check back here for Chad’s first impressions throughout the weekend, and see the full launch report in this Wednesday’s MCN.
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