★ 2020 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R REVIEW ★

[@parko1965]

5'6" here, one foot flat on floor, no problem whatsoever. Love my 3.0

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Left cheek sneek :-)

[@montha123]

That’s good to know , I’m 168 cm a shade over 5’6 & I’m thinking about this bike , I have a 30 inch inseem in the leg , was just wondering would I reach the ground , I currently ride a 2019 Bmw s1000r sport which is 814mm

[@Th3G4nk]

wearing cuban heels boots sorry don't count :P

[@wilswood8137]

I've bought one this year , and it's incredible. It does it all , I'm 6,2" and with the powers parts seat on as well, it increases the seat height by 20mm I tour as well as tide locally on days out, and it does it all with ease . I use Kriega for luggage and that fits on perfectly as well and with a tent on top to boot . All in all , it's an amazing bike , fast n fun on a day out , and brilliant for touring adventures as well , brilliant 👍🏻

[@allnighterist]

Would you recommend a windshield for touring ride?

[@AngelSapundzhiev]

How is the wind protection?

[@MrBoybergs]

Excellent video Mark. The seat height footage of you mounting and sitting on the bike was especially useful for us shorter bikers. Amazing bike !

[@markpulling12]

Thanks ...yes it's quite tall but I'm finding it ok as it's not too big and heavy cheers mark

[@ghostechvids]

Finally!!!! A review video that looks at the bike itself and not just numbers!!! Thank you!!!! Fantastic review, clean editing, easy to understand and sharp looking video. Great job!

[@markpulling12]

No probs glad you enjoyed it Happy new year Best regards mark

[@trevorphillips3055]

Great video Mark. Good to hear you're in with ktm uk! More ktm reviews to come I hope. 👍

[@m27931]

Your reviews are better than most - sober and reliable, not all about showing off your wheelie skills ore other stunt riding or other dangerous behaviors. I like that you generally ride safe in your videos and react from our point of view. Keep it up, stay safe.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks Michael 😁

[@Davidlouis3]

Great review Mark as usual what a bike love the sound👍

[@nigelkelly8924]

Great Review Mark. Savage looking Machine. Tank seems very high overall. I wonder is that so you can effectively lie on it when tucked down?

[@markpulling12]

Yes Nigel I love the looks of it :)

[@ross5506]

If your small guy yes , am 6'1" no chance but I see so nice prototype bikini fairings. I weigh 255 pounds, the beast does 3rd year throttle wheelies.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

❤ 1290 Super-Duke R ❤ I’ve rode and have had a few bikes, this has to be my favourite.

[@RedlineRossi]

Great review as always Mark. The off-bike footage showing you sat on the bike is great for us shorties - You should do this more often. The bike is a stunner and I would love to own one, but not coming with a QS as standard is criminal at this price point.

[@markpulling12]

yes have to agree with you re the qs

[@tomdelia]

Very cool bike. Great review MP!

[@markpulling12]

Thanks tom ! im not going to want to give it back ;)

[@garyburton6833]

Hi Mark, wow what a beast of a bike! Really enjoyed your review and that sound of the exhaust, just incredible. Unfortunately I'm a little too short in the leg to ride one but still, watching you was great. Looking forward to the next one, ride safe cheers Gary.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Gary shame it's such a tall bike

[@davidcolin6519]

As I pointed out in a comment above, my brother's best friend is 5'4" and has been riding big bikes since before I was riding my first bike (YB100). He was riding CB750s, the he had an original Gold Wing and then a CBX1000. The GL1000 was absolutely VAST, and he had to always park it facing away from the kerb. But none of that stopped him from riding any of them. The fact is that the R weighs less than HALF what the GL weighed AND when you consider the sheer width of the GL's seat, I really don't think that the R is out of most people's possibilities. Those late 70s, early 80s bikes had seats that were as wide as park benches. They had no narrowing of the seat near the tank, they were wide and high. I admit that I'm 6'0", but I've sat on the R and it certainly feels no taller than many other modern bikes, and certainly shorter than many earlier KTM V twins. Get yourself a test ride and see whether you can adapt to the seat hight. Most people can if they want to hard enough.

[@matthewtrinh4872]

Great video! Some features I saw on your video I didn't see on other reviewers so A+ on that. I'm around 5'8" and I can see how I would fit on this bike. As fall as luggage, Ventura luggage has a bike specific system for the KTM sdr. I have it on my 08' suzuki BKing and I'm going to get it for the sdr in the near future. Just can't wait how my Bking (1340cc Inline 4) compares to the SDR (1300cc Vtwin). Cheers!

[@AJ-fo7rm]

Fantastic review as always Mark, I really like how you showed a real life approach to seat heights in the video, Well done you should keep this part in your reviews, Thanks A.J

[@markpulling12]

Thanks aj yes will do ....you won't believe the number of questions I get on all my videos re seat heights I suppose it's one of the critical factors really on choosing a bike Cheers mark

[@alexmorgan3435]

It was looking to be a boring evening, then your video popped up and what a treat. What's it like riding at night? Headlight performance and is the switch gear illuminated? Would be nice to see these if you have time to show as you have it for a few days. Ride safe. Enjoy your time with it. The weather is set fine. Look forward to your forthcoming thoughts in your follow up reviews. Maybe the Suzuki Swift (21:45) is faster? It was a Suzuki Swift that passed you ;@) LoL.

[@rzu7120]

Yes, a bit of a night ride would be interesting. Most reviewers don’t seem to include any night riding.

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@rzu7120 TMF used to, but I think he's stopped it now.

[@markpulling12]

Haha yes alex re the swift..i will take it out for a night ride and see how the gopro deals with low light :)

[@subman6515]

Great review Mark as always. Nice to see you include getting on and off the bike. I'm a short arse as well. Got to get one now!

[@markpulling12]

Yes ...you definitely want one of these :). Awesome to ride Regards mark

[@wanterman5641]

Am 5’5”, I can get one foot down good on my SDR 3.0 and 1200miles latter am still loving it.

[@victorw5796]

This or the Z H2? Which one do you prefer Mark?

[@markpulling12]

Hi victor well just for pure thrills and sledgehammer performance ,money no object the ktm would just win it for me but it's very close ....but day to day use and 100% reliability probably better of with the h2 Cheers mark

[@victorw5796]

@@markpulling12 I really don't know how you don't have a million subscribers Mark. Your channel is heads above the rest in terms of quality of reviews. Always enjoy any vid you post. Always will. Greetings from Canada :)

[@markpulling12]

@@victorw5796 ahh many thanks victor :)

[@1990-t1j]

One of my favourite bikes but way too powerful for me. I'd rather have the 390. I did eight years on a B-King, and that frightened me. My big bike days are behind me. Excellent review.

[@markpulling12]

funny enough im really considering buying a 390 duke oneday they are such good value

[@1990-t1j]

@@markpulling12 If there was a dealer within 200 km of Chiang Rai, I would next week, but the nearest is in Bangkok.

[@-DC-]

Went from Gsxr1000 to a 40 bhp Supermoto absolutely love it wide open everywhere riding the wheels off it.

[@nealebradford6417]

bang on review mark, as always, take care.

[@Brad-RB]

Great review Mark. This is another bike I want to try!

[@markpulling12]

thanks brad ..youll want one !

[@chrisgraham9203]

Sounds like a marvelous piece of logging equipment.

[@trueman1326]

Excellent video clip. I learned a lot from this. Thank you.

[@warrenphillips3990]

Thanks for the review Mark and I have just subscribed. I have the 2017 SDR Mk 2 which has been awesome. I'm tempted to update to the Mk 3 because of all the very well thought out improvements which would make this a near perfect bike. Would you please look carefully at the purpose of the C1 & C2 switches and what you can actually achieve with these buttons ( I'm hoping for a full configuration setting storage for each position, Eg: C1 position (say for Track mode & Clutch slip setting 3 , ABS rear off etc. etc.) then C2 position (say for Street mode & heated Grips, Bluetooth on etc.) or is C1 & C2 for two stored shortcuts to get to certain selected screens only? Sorry for the extra homework Mark, but it seems that you might be the man to ask!

[@markpulling12]

Leave it with me warren I'll look into it for you :)

[@markpulling12]

From what I can see in the manual c1 and c2 are fully customizable to however you want . I'll be posting up a video soon and you can have a look at the settings yourself cheers

[@warrenphillips3990]

@@markpulling12 Thanks Mark, I look forward to your next upload. Warren

[@Aiken47]

C1 C2 are custom shortcut buttons, ie my C1 get me to ride mode instantly, great for change of mood 😋

[@windyrun7979]

Nice review. Thanks for posting. No dealers nearby or I'd like to give one a look and test ride. I rode the 1st gen and found it a bit different handling wise. This one, maybe due to the new frame, sounds like its more of a sporty style handling wise which I prefer. The looks have definitely grown on me ;)

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the comment ...love this bike ...unfortunately ive got to give it back tomorrow all the best mark

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video nice bike stay safe looking forward to next one 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@markpulling12]

More to come!

[@kmfiz]

Very nice review. You cover some things on the display that others don’t.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks :)

[@Motorcycle_Mike]

Fantastic bike and review! What about your kit? What boots and model of RST suit are you wearing?

[@markpulling12]

Hi thanks...boots are sidi..mag ..and the suit is tractec two piece Cheers mark

[@Motorcycle_Mike]

@@markpulling12 Thanks Mark 🤜🏻🤛🏻 I’m going to binge all your reviews this weekend. You’re absolute mega at this, fantastic edit skills, perfect camera angles and sound. 🔝🎬🎥🆒

[@Icem4n84]

I love this bike but it does p*** me off that they have the audacity to charge an extra £800 to unlock features already there. (Are they owned by EA?) Because of this I am actually considering a different machine as I just can't support that BS. Regardless of how good the bike is.

[@robertmacforesman3523]

I watched all the Reviews on this Motorcycle and read all the Data. Then I went out and bought it. I never had ridden this bike so I didn't even get a test ride on it from the Dealer who sold it to me. I had a 2014 Goldwing and it weighs over 900 pounds. Before the wing, I have had Superbikes and Race Bikes my whole life. This Bike is definitely SICK ( Radical Beyond Belief ) and you can ride it just like a mellow easy going Totally fun Bike...or... IT is a BEAST and it will smoke a lot of bikes up to a hundred + (MPH) but why would you want too ??! It's way too much fun to carve the roads and feel the wind and it will make you SMILE and want to ride it all the time. You can wheelie in just about any gear if you want and the torque hits like the Millenium Falcon in light speed.....GONE!!! I Love IT!

[@markpulling12]

Brilliant robert ....like it buy it ...my thoughts entirely cheers mark

[@Aiken47]

I’ve had mine for 4mths, ride it like a giant teddy bear or like a monster it’s the SDR for me. I last had the 790. I love the MotoGP blue and orange, the screen is set on orange nightmode permanently

[@-DC-]

About time they got a 390 Supermoto on sale customers been asking for that for years !

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Rumour has it, a 490 supermoto is coming :-)

[@TzeiEm]

How is the bike so cheap in the UK? Or does the price not include any taxes? £15.500 is around 17.200€ which is 8.000€ less than what it costs in Finland

[@markpulling12]

Hi I think different countries just have different prices unfortunately ....yes £15.5 k does include the taxes Regards mark

[@nickdunn7289]

Mark, would you pick the KTM super Duke R or Kawasaki H2, or Aprilia, if it was your own wedge and your only bike, for everything?

[@markpulling12]

Hi nick i reviewed the zh2 sometime ago ...truely awesome machine..honest answer is id have to ride the zh2 again...the torque from the 1000cc was incredible due to the supercharger...plus it was so smooth and probably a little bit better as a day to day bike over the banging twin pot duke...the ktm feels lighter,more chuckable,very tough choice in some reviews the duke wins ..in others the kawasaki wins...just for pure holiganism/fun id go duke ....if i needed to do some town work now and again ride to work/slow stuff id go kawasaki.....wheres that kawasaki to ride again !! :) my friend has the tuono v4 and thats a proper race engine from the rsv4......my own money would go on .................the superduke ...just love the v twin :)

[@nickdunn7289]

@@markpulling12 Cheers Mark. Could you test a, current Z1000 and also a ZZR 1400 too, in the very near future. Thank you again. Very enjoyable and informative. Nick.

[@markpulling12]

@@nickdunn7289 will do Nick if Bournemouth Kawasaki get those on demo :)

[@theprodigymotovlog2070]

I'm also 5'6 foot tall and this bike's seat height is tall but has a narrow seat plus for a 1300cc engine its quite light. Few days ago I rode a Suzuki Katana which has lower seat height than this but its wider and I could not reach the floor with both of my feet, and its heavy.

[@baconbaconbobacon]

Not sure why people seem to be scared of taller bikes, all you have to do is just keep your left foot on the ground and right foot on the peg and rear brake, and voila you have yourself a bike for all ride heights, there is no reason to have both feet on the ground at all times, if people need that then they need to get a chopper or cruiser.

[@leventeyuboglu4501]

how is the vibration?

[@markpulling12]

Hi levent ....it's perfect no issues ...just a nice v twin thump feeling all good :) Best wishes mark

[@leventeyuboglu4501]

Thanks! Thats good news

[@trevb464]

Great review Mark 👍

[@markpulling12]

Glad you enjoyed it Trev ....I want one now ! :)

[@trevb464]

@@markpulling12 I used to have a Duke390 Mark. Was a lot of fun but did have a few cutting out problems with it unfortunately ☹️

[@markpulling12]

@@trevb464 what year was that Trevor ? Maybe they have ironed out all the niggles with the latest model I'd love a 390 :)

[@trevb464]

@@markpulling12 I bought mine new in June 18 Mark. Such a shame as it was a nice bike, but lost confidence in it after a while. Kept it for a year then swapped it for a CB650R.

[@davidcolin6519]

You keep on about the seat hight with you being 5'7", but you are quite clearly capable of dealing with it. It may not be perfect, but it is manageable. My brother's best friend is 5'4", but he rode Honda 750s, the original Gold Wing and a CBX1000 when they were new. So the seat hight may be a nuisance, but there is no way that it should be a deal breaker for an experienced rider. I mean, there really aren't that many large capacity V Twins (or even 4s) that have a significantly lower seat hight - unless you want a custom.

[@cephassekhar4565]

Not sure I would describe those tires as fantastic. If KTM's going to charge a premium price, they need to put some premium tires on the bike.

[@PaddyWack999]

Loved my Beast 2.0 but traded it in for a brand spanking new Z H2 for £13700, all the goodies included. No brainer.

[@GameWinner85]

OMG< just received mine today, truly beast, done 35 miles on night time, its so torquee, but its seems dont like when you going to slow...its always keeps pushing you, the speed is higher than my ex kawasaki Z900 on the same 4-5k rpm.

[@markpulling12]

Great choice darius . ...enjoy !

[@theGoonezone]

I have that lovley Beast, but after 1 seson i went for the Full Carbon Kit & the Akrapovic forged carbon & titanium. & a Set new Metzler . Its a stunning bike from the framejustment ! ..for a nice aggro style... perfeckt cornering ! ( the only thing... the back plate-holder destroys the look.. ) but at Time no biking for me... chrashed my ZXR 750.. a nostalgie love.. a taxi came from a left side..& my bike stucket in his taxi up to the middle... me, like the rocketman over that Taxi & from 100-0 ..... & i toutchet the sky .. & a hard landing... but ja racedress & Raceboots helpt me allot.. but have burns from sliding over the street... 2 feets broken , Nails & srews... burnings...but iam home again. Next season i go it on.. ( the taxidriver 1.2 promille.. ) thx for showing ! Real nice ! ( ohw.. that One is with the Akrpuovic carbon-titan.!? .. i had to Upgrade my System.. cool ! ( sorry my bad english.. iam at learning. Sorry)

[@markpulling12]

Fantastic comment many thanks

[@Ferbeldeyberb]

Any issues with the switchgear, Mark?

[@markpulling12]

no issues...took a bit of getting used too as its all raised up but i like it now :)

[@Beeds5]

Mark forget the KTM i want one of them blue cars, you were toast !

[@BharatSingh-lt5pz]

good and nice review, what about mileage

[@markpulling12]

About 40 mpg uk Thanks mark

[@markbaker5221]

I have got the 2020 KTM SDR and seriously it does it all and does it all so good as well. By far the best in its class👍🏻 if you fancy a ride out and your down Billingshurst West Sussex, give me a shout back.

[@markpulling12]

cheers thanks mark :)

[@tancakar8987]

all good but i wish there is no keyless ignition. sports bikes, naked bikes shouldn't have these or at least get an option to not have it. look at ducati V4 streetfighter or aprillia tuono both have electronic suspension but normal key. I much rather to have nice suspension instead of gimmic key which will be broken easy. i want to buy this bike but keyless is really putting me off. Keyless bikes are the easiest to be stolen too.

[@aluisious]

The KTM warranty in the USA is total bullshit, it doesn't cover anything except for the frame, engine, and swingarm. Electronics, everything else are "sold as is." KTM can shove it until they figure out how to build bikes they won't go broke warrantying.

[@ross5506]

Just purchased this machine how does KTM sell you there absolute best, not have LED blinkers. There Damm big Enduro has LED blinkers! Overall if you like doing 3 gear throttle wheelies, you'll be in heaven! So comfortable, handles as good as superbikes. Why they have 6 gears no idea never need put it in 6,th. Keep it around 4500 rpm she barely vibrates. My only wish small aftermarket bikini fairing that looks good and works. Perfectly said a fun machine,for us older rider aka Road Warriors! Next upgrade full exhaust and lithium battery and near 400 pounds wet. Carbon Rims and you'll be under 400, almost 195 up.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Pete...I've still got it for a few days,,, weather is looking good

[@pistolpete6321]

Hey Mark, let us know if you get any of those infamous KTM warning lights during any of your rides, thanks!

[@benjicollins1]

Nice review. I really want 1 or the gt version

[@markpulling12]

yes id like to try the gt

[@yorkshireR9T]

What a bike. You need alot self control indeed.

[@rockyp3917]

First time I have seen a puny little hatchback car overtaking a motorcycle that too a Super Duke R 😂😂

[@imranelalami629]

Can I travel on it sir?

[@markpulling12]

Yes Imran but it's not really meant for touring ...two hour long blasts then you'll need to get off for a rest for a while cheers mark

[@robertprosser6856]

Gen1 the best looking!👍

[@GameWinner85]

Looks amazing bike, but price OMG :D :D :D

[@markpulling12]

Yes it's a bit eye watering darius !

[@Benjay1975]

great review

[@markpulling12]

thanks benjay

[@robertprosser6856]

Absolute disgrace that KTM still charge customers to access features that are already installed on the bike! A big error if you ask me and will cost them some customers!

[@tracer1127]

Too right. It’s a bloody disgrace, at these sort of prices everything should be standard including the can. If I was going to buy this bike and the dealer said no go to including the extrasI’d walk.

[@robertprosser6856]

@@tracer1127 install foc or no deal! Cheeky greedy bastards!🤬

[@tonebonetones]

There's nothing more blinkered than a KTM rider.

[@tracer1127]

I guess if people are happy to pay for extras the manufacturers will always have your trousers down. Look at the Ducati street fighter, heated grip button but not activated. Add a splash of carbon fibre , a sportier exhaust and your on the way to 30G.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

The quickshifter is on the bike, it's obviously done to get you to pay twice. There's no way they put it on the bike without factoring it into the price.

[@mikesampont6091]

Please review the KTM Super Adventure 1290R

[@markpulling12]

Hi Mike it's an older model but here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqtm5Koh9KJaNk

[@mikesampont6091]

Thanks but, I meant 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

[@markpulling12]

@@mikesampont6091 haha yes thought you might have ! ;)

[@jimmyboimazarti1234]

Looks like your front forks need adjusting bruh

[@stephenchapman8344]

Had a go on one today. 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@craiglydon8840]

Very nice

[@billfreeman398]

Top video

[@markpulling12]

Thanks bill more on this bike soon :)

[@earnestgriffin4838]

I dont understand Ktm charging to unlock features and people defend it. A premium brand and they feel they need to do this. Thats why i ride a Ducati.

[@MyMednas]

The same reason you pay for software. It costs money to develop, so they can charge for it. People who don't want the feature shouldn't be forced to pay for it.

[@earnestgriffin4838]

@@MyMednas No other bike brand does that its either there or it isnt period. Its a money grab plain and simple.

[@にもて]

nice bike

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

It's a whole lotta cash for a whole lotta bike

[@hafo1979]

👍

[@ysvyash8519]

Make a key review plz

[@egg250]

My dream bike

[@markpulling12]

I won't want to give it back lol

[@egg250]

We demand a 2nd video

[@markpulling12]

@@egg250 it's on its way soon :)

[@callumjenks6202]

They are all amazing just wish they wouldnt slap them ugly exhausts on them

[@markpulling12]

yes callum ...they are all so huge

[@callumjenks6202]

@@markpulling12 but the reviews are great. Get every bit of detail in! Carry on

[@Winkkin]

Of the big 4 (Superduke, ZH2, 1000R, MT-10) it was the least successful at identifying as a transformer. To me it looks like so wierd Harley being used in a circus act. Nah.

[@rolandbristow2050]

Looks like a license loser to me. All that power begging to be let lose how could anybody resist. Nice review but the price tag is eye watering.

[@ross5506]

I purchased one end of July , this is comfortable! I weigh over 255 lbs this will throttle wheelie in 3 rd gear. If they come out with good little aftermarket bikini fairing they it's the perfect machine! No idea why it has 6' years I've never had put in 6 th even going at 170 kph sustain. The engine feels great at just around 4500 rpm very smooth even as V-twin. My ride app KTM makes you pay $12. What joke, that's what don't like about KTM they nickel and dime for everything.

[@davidm6975]

Im buying

[@markpulling12]

Superb choice David ! so much fun Regards mark

[@Supernova12034]

Pulls out on to road, immediately jumps into 5th gear XD Someone is scared

[@throatball]

Gen 2 looks better

[@johnrocker2986]

Think it looks cheap, ugly and too expensive did a child pen the shape?

[@tonebonetones]

It may be awesome, but the cheapo looks and colour schemes are from a 1970's kids Tonka toy....garish, cheap, horrible and limited. On the one hand it can be argued you don't actually have to look at how shitty it looks when you ride it, but as Fortnine says about KTM styling......".a design turd". I'll get a 'slower' Ducati that have styling and looks worthy of their high premium.