2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT vs 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sport

Engine
75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Power
129 kW / 173 hp @
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
228 kg / 506 lbs
2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
148.6 kW / 199.2 hp @ 13200rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
440.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Push-button selection of three performance settings.
Year20172017
Colours-Metallic Triton Blue
Make ModelKTM 1290 Super Duke GTSuzuki GSX-R 1000
Warranty-12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Seat Height835 mm / 32.9 in825 mm / 32.5 in
Wheelbase1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in1404 mm / 55.5 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in130 MM / 5.1 in
Height-1150mm / 45.3 in
Length-2075 mm / 81.7in
Width-710 mm / 28 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 6.1 US gal16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight228 kg / 506 lbs201 kg / 445 lbs
Performance
Max Power129 kW / 173 hp @148.6 kW / 199.2 hp @ 13200rpm
Max Torque144 Nm / 14.68 kgf-m @117.6 Nm / 86.7 lb-ft @ 10800rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement1301 cc / 79.4 cu in998.6 cc / 60.9 cub. in
Engine Detail75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valveFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, TSCC
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke108 x 71 mm76.0 x 55.1 mm
Compression Ratio-13.2: 1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingLiquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump with oil cooler
Exhaust-Titanium
Fuel InductionKeihin EFI, throttle body 56 mmSuzuki Fuel Injection with Ride-by-Wire throttle bodies
IgnitionKeihin EMS with RBW, dual ignitionElectronic ignition Transistorized
Lubrication-Wet sump
Lubrication SystemPressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V, 12 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate type
Final DriveChainChain, RK525GSH
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Chain drive, #525
Transmission / Drive6-Speed6-speed constant mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeChrome-moly steel trellisAluminum
Suspension - FrontWP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm43mm Showa Big Piston inverted telescopic forks, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension - RearWP Semi-Active monoshock, single sided swingarmLink type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped
Rake24.9º23.2°
Seat-Optional single seat.
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in94 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in125mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear156 mm / 6.1 in130mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-LCD
Lighting system-LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-220 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-8.7 inches
Brakes - Front320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS2 x 320mm Discs radial mount Brembo 4-piston calipers
Brakes - Rear240 mm Single disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABSSingle 220mm disc, Nissin, 1-piston
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT190/55ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Wheels - FrontAluminium, 3.50 x 17"-
Wheels - RearAluminium, 6.00 x 17"-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 130 MM - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 156 mm vs 130mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 201 kg vs 228 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT vs 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, while the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000?
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is lighter at 201 kg compared to 228 kg for the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - a difference of 27 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has the larger tank at approximately 23 litres vs 16 litres for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 383-460 km vs 266-320 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has the edge in larger fuel tank and greater ground clearance, while the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.