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Sport Tourers

2018KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

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The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a sport-touring powerhouse designed for aggressive riders seeking thrilling performance and everyday practicality. Known for its potent engine, advanced electronics including ride-by-wire and traction control, and versatile windscreen, it excels at high-speed touring and spirited road riding.

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 205.0 kg
Seat height: 835 mm
Power: 170.3 HP (127.0 kW) @ 9500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

Other years 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail20%

Cornering92%

City riding65%

Daily riding70%

Touring82%

Two-up75%

Track75%

Best for: It's built as a sport-touring machine that blends hyper-naked performance with long-distance comfort, making it ideal for fast road riding and spirited touring rather than commuting or off-roading.
Built for: It rewards riders who enjoy aggressive, engaged cornering dynamics and appreciate high-tech semi-active suspension and electronics packages over plush, soft comfort.
Not ideal for: It's not a good fit for new riders, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a low, lightweight, low-maintenance commuter bike.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 835mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Range and running costs

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Units

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Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Power: 170.3 HP (127.0 kW) @ 9500 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 177 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: JKTXC1.30SGT-007
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 7.54 L/100km (31.2 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 3.4 CO g/km
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.8307 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 71.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: PASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated

Performance

0-60 mph: 3.10 seconds
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.20 seconds

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1482 mm
Seat height: 835 mm
Dry weight: 205.0 kg
Wet weight: 228.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.00 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Front suspension: WP Semi-active suspension USD Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension: WP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Front wheel travel: 125 mm
Rear wheel travel: 156 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.9°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Radially mounted four-piston brake calipers.
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. Two-piston brake caliper. fixed brake disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
ABS: Yes

Other

Color options: Orange, black
Comments: Windscreen. Traction Control. Ride-by-wire.
Fuel Tank Material: Plastic

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2016	2018	2020	2022	2024
Capacity	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc
Dry weight	205 kg	205 kg	209 kg	208 kg	208 kg
Seat height	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm
Fuel capacity	22 L	22 L	23 L	23 L	23 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a powerful and versatile sport touring motorcycle that offers a thrilling riding experience. With its 1301cc V-twin engine and advanced electronics, this bike delivers impressive performance and agility on both city streets and long highways. The sleek and aggressive design of the Super Duke GT makes it stand out on the road, while its comfortable ergonomics and advanced features such as cruise control, LED lighting, and a TFT display make it a top choice for riders looking for a high-performance touring machine. With its combination of power, handling, and comfort, the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a top contender in the sport touring motorcycle category.

Overall, the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT offers a thrilling and comfortable riding experience for those looking to conquer both city streets and long highways. With its powerful engine, advanced features, and sleek design, this sport touring motorcycle is a top choice for riders seeking a high-performance touring machine. Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping performance or long-distance comfort, the Super Duke GT delivers on all fronts. If you're in the market for a versatile and powerful sport touring motorcycle, the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is definitely worth considering.

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