VIDEO: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT at the TT. WITH Michael Rutter.

KTM has taken the chance to put its new 1290 Super Duke GT through its paces, ahead of its official release. Handing a set of key over to TT, Macau Grand Prix and British Superbike race winner, Michael Rutter, KTM let the man himself loose on the Mountain Course.

Setting off from the Ben-my-Chree Steam Packet Ferry at the port in Douglas, Rutter’s route toured the town and cruised the coastal road before heading to Fairy Bridge to wave to the fairies. Back through Douglas, Michael and the GT took to the TT circuit until Ballaugh Bridge then headed to the Jurby Motordrome to remove the panniers and add some pace. The race circuit on the north coast of the island provided the possibility for full-throttle thrashing.

With the ‘boxes’ back on, Michael and the GT headed to the town of Ramsey, where the road begins its climb of the Snaefell Mountain. Powering out of the Gooseneck, Rutter unleashed the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT’s 175hp of LC8 power, all the way across the mountain before stopping at the Creg-ny-Baa public house.

Rutter said: “The GT is a world away from what I usually ride, I was amazed by the performance – particularly the engine; the torque and drive is phenomenal. Very impressive. Comfort is a big factor; the seat and bar position were spot-on at speed on track and on the road. For a bike designed to tackle a variety of riding types – having a blast and all-day touring – it works fantastically in all situations, even ridden hard on the fast and bumpy Jurby circuit. Best of all, it has heated grips – a big thing for all year riders and even for summer in the UK!”

For more information on the new 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, click HERE.