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KTM 1290 SM-T Spied in Italy

The New KTM 1290 SM-T was caught testing in Italy, and it looks like the machine is almost in its final development stages. It is yet uncertain which demographic is being targeted by KTM with this bike, as the T most likely stands for "touring". That is, the 1290 SM-T might be a more travel-oriented version of the Beast, possibly with some of KTM's newest technologies on the menu, as well.
KTM 1290 SM-T 4 photos
Photo: insella.it
KTM 1290 SM-T spy shotsKTM 1290 SM-T spy shotsKTM 1290 SM-T spy shots
So far, nobody seems to know anything about the new KTM big-bore machine, so we are only able to speculate. If anything, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a bike that's perfect for hard riding on both street and track, but it addresses more radical drivers with a penchant for very powerful bikes. Still, ergonomics is not exactly a touring-friendly feature of the Super Duke R, and the 1290 SM-T might arrive to solve the problem.

The old SM-T was derived from the supermotard variation of the 990 platform, but the new machine seems to be an extension of the Super Duke R philosophy. How KTM plans to deliver the sought-after road worthiness is still a mystery, though we'd go for a revised seat and taller bars, plus a new suspension.

Will the KTM 1290 SM-T receive all the electronic goodies?

Another thing of mystery is how well-equipped the 1290 SM-T will be. As info is sparse in this matter, it;s again down to speculations. We could almost bet that Mattighofen will put semi-active suspensions on the standard trim list, as the bike should go up against other sporty touring machines.

Traction control is also a most welcome presence in the basic trim camp, while ABS is standard anyway. However, whether KTM will also offer the Motorcycle Stability Control/ corner ABS feature at least as an option is unknown.

If you ask us, KTM will have nothing to lose from putting all the features that are currently reserved to the 1290 Super Adventure on the extra options list for the 1290 SM-T for the right price. The overlap between the Super Adventure and the SM-T customers is small enough to prevent the two model from cannibalizing.

As to when do we get to see the beaked 1290 SM-T, we guess that it;s going to be November, at the Milan show.
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