MRW Issue 1

The 2020 KTM 1290 SUPER
DUKE GT will arguably be
the most sophisticated, high
performance long-distance
sports tourer on the market
when it arrives in showrooms
later this year. Taking the best
from ‘The Beast’; the GT combines
the phenomenal engine
performance, street handling
and race track capabilities of
the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE
R and brings them into a machine
that is as happy munching
massive miles in comfort
as it is carving up challenging
corners with a passenger and
luggage.
In order to fully test out
these credentials before its
upcoming release, KTM invited
multiple Isle of Man TT,
Macau Grand Prix and British
Superbike race winner, Michael
Rutter, to take the new
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
to the legendary Isle of Man.
With a racing career spanning
30 years and also as a bike
journalist, the Englishman has
ridden a hugely diverse range
of machines and knows what
he wants from a bike on track
and on the road.
Steeped in motorcycling
history largely thanks to the
challenging 37.73 mile (60km)
TT Mountain Circuit, the island
is also an incredible place to
go touring on a motorcycle
due to its stunning and undulating
landscapes, winding