A KTM 1290 Super Duke Tourer?

We have already seen “spy photos” of the KTM 1290 Super Duke based tourer. Some more photos are making the rounds again, you’ve probably seen them on other sites.

We stumbled upon this render of the new model, and think it looks pretty spot-on to what the general public can expect to see later this year, when undoubtedly the new model debuts.

Whether you call it an SMT or a Grand Tourer, this new model looks simply to be a Super Duke with a windscreen and luggage options — an interesting choice from the Austrian brand.

On the plus side, using the 1290 Super Duke platform allows KTM to rapidly produce a sporty touring model, which should help KTM keep a horse in the sport-touring category.

On the negative side, looking at the options coming from the Japanese and European manufacturers though, it’s clear that KTM will need another model to fill the gap between the KTM 1190 Adventure and this new Super Duke SMT/GT model, to service the budding adventure-sport segment.

With all that on the table, a couple thoughts come to mind while thinking about this KTM model:

I’m still curious if what we’re seeing is really going to be billed as a new model from KTM. Other OEMs seem just fine in making available touring screens and luggage options.
If there really will be a new model, how will it distinguish itself from “The Beast”? The two options seem to be price and performance — I’m betting on the prior.
True sport-touring models seem to be far and few between nowadays. Is that because manufacturers are no longer making them, or because motorcyclists are no longer buying them?