2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - Full Review - More than just a Beast?

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a beast of a motorcycle, KTM themselves even refer to it as such. But is there more to the 1301cc 177hp super naked bike than just wheelies, powerslides and general hooliganism? I look under the skin of the Super Duke to find out if it's actually a more rounded machine.
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Riding Review
00:48 - Ergonomics & Comfort
02:25 - Controls & Modes
03:32 - Is it an intimidating bike?
05:26 - Engine & Performance
06:03 - Quickshifter & Sound
06:26 - Suspension
07:35 - Brakes
08:53 - Handling
10:17 - Price
11:10 - How is it in town?
11:38 - What about longer distance riding?
12:00 - Summary & Verdict
13:59 - Final Thoughts

[@kevinperree7764]

I was really apprehensive about buying an SDR due to the reputation. Yes, it has monster performance but once you have gotten the idiotic’s out of your system, you can get a pretty easy 50mpg in total comfort whilst still riding at a brisk pace. The electronics look really well after you and you “can” go faster down the twisties than on anything you’ve had before. Tony seemed like he was taking this one out to around 5k revs when he was giving it a little bit. There is a ton of power down at the bottom, but once you get into the 6k and above, you will find out why it’s called “The Beast” mine has the full evo system and will power up the front end in 5th, so needs respect

[@why2kmax]

I owned a 2014 Gen 1 for 4 years and just picked up a 2023. The gen 3 is a MUCH smoother ride all around but can still be a handful when you want it to be. I had no problems doing 400 mile days on the old bike and this one will make it even easier. Love them both but this one is an incredible upgrade.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

If I were 15 years younger, I'd probably want this. Touring: a couple of 22-litre Hepco & Becker Orbit cases and a tail pack and tank bag. No problem. The usual comprehensive, understated review.

[@tylerwarren8139]

Thank you for this. I'm 6'5. This is one of the only naked bikes that comes close to fitting me. I was a little wary due to its reputation as "2 wheeled insanity" but you've helped me to consider it more seriously.

[@Dan-56]

Excellent review 👍! We all know it’s fast, so it’s nice to hear how it performs as “general use” motorcycle.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks! 👍 it really surprised me, easy to ride and easy to live with....

[@bbouchan1]

I'm on my 5th 1290. Had 2 gen 1s and 2 gen 2s. This gen 3 is on another level. Yes of course It's fast but only when you want it to be. You can cruise comfortably if you want and with the huge torque instant acceleration is just a little twist away. A much better road bike than the street fighter, which I tested but found the performance was much too top end.

[@LifebyDesign]

wow thank God I didn't trade mine in for the V4S. Thinking I'll get another SDR in that case

[@ricardolourizela5961]

Gary, how has reliability been throughout the years?

[@bbouchan1]

@@ricardolourizela5961 I think Japanese bikes are still probably the best in terms of reliability but I haven't experienced any issues.

[@ricardolourizela5961]

@@bbouchan1 If you haven't experienced any issues why would you say that...?

[@bbouchan1]

@@ricardolourizela5961 ....err!.....because I was asked a question & I answered it.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Hi Tony, a great, honest and humble review. Exactly what I wanted. Thank you. The only thing I’m scared of about this bike is after I take it for a test ride and when I get home and need to explain/justify the additional purchase to my CFO (aka wife)…. 👍👍😎🇦🇺

[@daveo9844]

Cmon mate, grow a pair 😜

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@daveo9844 😂 I’d need to as she had them removed whilst I was sleeping one night. Happy wife, happy life and all the rest. I’ve actually been given the go ahead if I part company with two other bikes so now I have a different problem. 🤪

[@markone1020]

That's exactly what happened to me. I did a test ride 2 weeks ago and then I had to buy it. Sold my one year old bike and ordered the 1290 SD EVO. Now I'm looking forward to getting my (tame) beast next week.

[@Voondiaz]

Im curious, how do u define humble review?

[@xadorn.6120]

12:09 ”nice work KTM, nice work” until the electronics fail. One test ride is definitely not enough. Rent it for at least a couple of days and count problems. I own this motorbike. It is in service for meanwhile five months now. If the problems aren’t solved this time I will definitely give it back to KTM. By the way: it is the second 1290 SDR-1290-R. I gave back the first one because of massive problems and the loss of trust and got a brand new one. And guess what: 4000 kms and then 5 months service. If you want to call it service… but beside all that it is a wonderful motorbike. Ride safety!👍

[@steveball2307]

Excellent review from a refreshingly different angle .

[@hermitmonk52]

I had to go and re-watch your Speed Triple RS review. Spookily similar review, on the face of it you couldnt get a Rizla between them, they even sound similar. But somehow there was a higher note of enthusiasm in your voice for the KTM!

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, pretty similar feelings, but I found the suspension set up better on the KTM, leading to more 'settled' ride. The power delivery is quite different too. I prefer looking at the Triumph, but would rather ride the KTM given the choice.

[@crunks420]

I have a 23 evo, and I have not tried a bike without the electronics... but the bike with the electronics is insanely good. You can hook up low coming out of a corner and lift the front if you wanna change the line... it's really clean, and it expects you to ride it hard.

[@mancavemoto]

Couldn't agree more!

[@crunks420]

@@mancavemoto It's cold weather here now. I need to play with the track mode settings more on my bike. I have the tech pack. Sport has been reasonable when I crack it wide open. I need to get more upper-mid throttle for the wheelies to be smooth.

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

aggressive looking machine with great color combination midnight blue/orange has something to do to human brain for sure, lovely overview as always, thnx Tony

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Mr.Ali_Ryuji]

After watching a few review Im gonna put this into my list.

[@mancavemoto]

👍

[@JensAddictions]

Nicely done review. Having seen one of these in the flesh it does seem a bit like a hooligan bike. Good to see it can be ridden like a Super Cub though. That exhaust note sounds quite epic.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, yep turns out it’s a really good everyday bike, with a hooligan sitting on your shoulder should you want it

[@avrc9285]

loved the review, good job!

[@powamoto]

Just subbed brought all these thumbs ups for ya algorithms Mate 👍👍👍👍🔥🚀

[@dalehawkes1698]

Yup totally agree with your assessment Tony I tested it back to back with the Aprilia v41100 factory the factory won but only just ,it all came down to grin factor when on them .🏍🏍🎉🎉👍👍

[@shanestites]

best review i've seen of this bike

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@ONEly-uc4et]

Great review as always. Not fond of the looks but love the ergos. Your review will have me heading to the showroom to give one a spin.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, and enjoy the rest ride!

[@lemonjellies4985]

Would love to hear your review/opinion of the Ducati Streetfighter V4s. I bought one over the SDR

[@LifebyDesign]

How do you rate it? Almost traded my SDR for the V4s

[@lemonjellies4985]

@@LifebyDesign Incredibly good performance overall and an absolute beast past 8K rpm. I had a Aprilia Tuono before that and was a huge pain in the ass to driver around town/city at low rpm's. Ducati have nailed the compromise of a bike that is useful yet powerful, with performance that will rip your arms out of your sockets. It's mind blowing. Overall design and finish is top notch. I found the SDR less comfortable, less well finished and too eager just when I didn't want or need it to be, but clearly also a very powerful machine. The design, comfort and it's duality is what made me go for the Duke.

[@synesthesia00]

Fantastic review and KZbin video. This bike is one for the stable.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@marksmith8663]

Never robe gen 1 or 2 .I bought the Sd evo early this year I done a euro tour (air seat and ktm panniers ) May take it to track tho I’ve got a Daytona for that . I total agree. It’s a easy controlled bike in road mode not egging you on unless you In sport or performance mode it will egg you on .

[@neilallen460]

Hi Tony, nice review; however, this bike does suffer an inefficient cooling system since the fan is on almost permanently. Other issues include key range warnings, and other spurious electrical issues. My advise is if you get this bike, get the wiring diagram, you will need it, I guarantee. I own a 1290r 2021.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info, I didn’t have any issues with the fan, or indeed the others, but then I only had the bike for a couple of weeks.

[@LifebyDesign]

No issues on my 18, I wonder if the new gen has more issues?

[@Jim-hm7fb]

@@LifebyDesign I've had a 22 Evo for a year without any issues. I think you need to be careful to keep the battery fully charged as low voltage can throw dash errors.

[@nf4833]

I test rode this bike last year at ktm’s demo it was great as was the 890r I want to test ride the SAS 1290

[@blop-ml9xc]

Hello. Nice review! Could you tell me what is the model or your helmet? Thanks!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, it’s a Shoei RYD which is now sadly discontinued

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Thinking of getting one. I’m on the BMW s1000r which is a great bike, but is under powered for torque which is the 1000r biggest problem.

[@oliash92]

honest review thanks

[@mancavemoto]

My pleasure

[@iivaridark6850]

At least our 2021:s have a little questionable action of the indicator cancel (but it also has automatic cancel so it will not stay on forever.... on the conditon you are not trying to cancel it all the time after the turn) The intake sound is also a little plasticky as oem. The quickshifter (the action, that is) could be more thoroughly designed, this solution looks to me as a cheap one. But after a while you get it (learn to) working for most situations. Earlier, we had a 2014 and 2015 and at least I liked the more supermoto-like ride position of the gen1. But this is acceptable - and the balance of the bike is much better than at the old bikes. But all in all SDR 1290 is much more than the advertising studios (and other instances that seem to aim the marketing to 12-year-old level people) present - truly and honestly. I would be always delighted to watch a factual review, normally people just say ooh and aah and scream but should I say (as an old man who is not easily upset) there is not so much information in it.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, and yes I try to stay balanced and objective with my reviews

[@Mr450pro]

I have always loved the look of KTM and love the hooligan look. They have 2 things against them though,price and reliability. If I put that amount of money in a bike I need to trust it and I don’t trust KTM sadly.

[@powamoto]

Yeah bro the bike is bad ass 🤟

[@R3RLEE]

Nice review, l get the orange but l think if more colours were available ie lose the Orange for an option I'd be more inclined to take one out...but l just couldn't live with that damn orange!!!!

[@mancavemoto]

Agreed

[@IanTed]

Great engine, but for me it would be the GT and I’d get rid of the orange, my least favourite colour😆

[@Ravan_Caw]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@stacyford1711]

How tall are you? Thanks great vid

[@mancavemoto]

5ft 10 or 178cm

[@jfro5867]

Too ‘power ranger’ for my tastes but no doubt impressive.

[@Unitymoos1]

Could you let us know your height ? I'm 6.5 ft high and I really like the bike but never tested it yet and I wonder if il fit ?

[@mancavemoto]

I’m 5ft 10 in

[@stacyford1711]

Have you test ridden one yet? I’m 6’5” and thinking about one .. currently on a MT09SP 2021 but thinking about the SDR

[@rodrigoafonso1995]

​​@@stacyford1711 those are the two roomiest nakeds for tall people. Have you seat on both side by side? What makes you consider switching to the sdr?

[@brucekendall52]

Peach of a motor.Thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

No Problem

[@terrysantamaria6069]

You completely forgot about the words sledgehammer and scalpel mate.

[@mancavemoto]

haha yep!

[@sandeepdulal1987]

Hlo unlc me form nepal iam watching this video

[@mancavemoto]

hello!

[@lechtaczka1272]

Nothing about maintenance and reliability of this bike.

[@mancavemoto]

I had it for two weeks, so I can’t comment on either of those points.

[@Arn_Pa]

let there a little Like for great Vid !

[@ziggyboyish]

the guy bores me with his voice

[@mancavemoto]

Nobody’s forcing you to watch….

[@gurdipaujla7939]

@@mancavemoto 😂 indeed