KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Review

I review the Brand New KTM 1290 Super Duke GT (courtesy of Ride on Moto in Winchester, VA). I rode the bike for 3 days in all sorts of riding conditions. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review.
To check out the full specs of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT please visit:
www.ktm.com/sports-tourer/129...
Ride On Moto - Authorized KTM Dealer
www.rideonmoto.com
540-722-7100
[e-mail]
4110 Valley Pike
Winchester, VA 22602
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Mario Orsini
PO Box 64
Bunker Hill, WV 25413

[@detroitdizzle5513]

One of the best reviews I've ever watched,and I watch a lot. You got a new subscriber

[@2WR]

Thanks man! And welcome to the channel!

[@OlavoLira]

Your review was great! Best review on the KTM1290 GT and I can say after my demo ride yesterday and all reviews I've seen you convinced me! I'm buying one today! Thank you!

[@2WR]

Thanks man and congrats on your (soon to be) new bike!

[@berrywijnen8653]

Excellent review! Quality in the editing and storyline all through....great job, looking forward to future reviews!

[@2WR]

Thank you sir! There will definitely be some more reviews coming.

[@dj2000lbs]

This is how bike reviews should be. So tired of first time rider reviews. Great work

[@dj2000lbs]

I wish I could afford 20,000 motorcycle

[@2WR]

Thanks man! I was tired of seeing "demo ride" reviews, too.

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Many thanks for probably one the best videos on the GT. Very informative and nicely done. I agree totally with your view on the centre stand. Regards from the UK.

[@chriscrain2878]

Best m/c review I've seen on the net in a long, long time. Kudos .. Picking up my '17 GT tomorrow in Asheville..

[@2WR]

Thanks man and congrats on the new bike. Have fun!

[@RaiderTheGhost]

Thank you for including the turn signals, I have been looking high and low to see what the front LED turns look like.

[@brucebemisderfer7739]

Nicely done, great review. Thanks.

[@tiborttt1]

One of the best most thorough reviews I've ever watched/listened to on KZbin. Great job!

[@2WR]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@jakeizlove]

Loved the review!

[@marcogman8905]

Great review. It was like getting the honest opinion of a buddy. Love the scenery, too. Happy Holidays.

[@2WR]

Thanks and Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@rustyshackleford6092]

Great review - thanks for posting! I am considering an R, but enjoyed your take on this particular GT variant. I appreciated the wide range of subjective impressions and bike features you addressed (some I had never heard before - self-cancelling turn signals, for example). You have got a good formula and personality going for reviews. Subscribed.

[@2WR]

Thanks Rusty! Happy to have you as a subscriber.

[@robbiehall80]

Best review I've watched yet, cheers.

[@2WR]

Thank you!

[@christianello5721]

Cheers from Italy. Good review from all bikes' aspects!. Got a new subscriber! Congrat!

[@2WR]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@rolandsmith2141]

thanks for a great review,the best ,most helpful review of this amazing bike, ive ridden it and I want one,

[@gabrielo8922]

Good job on this video review man. Very informative to me

[@2WR]

Thanks for watching!

[@SRKarting]

What a great review, so capturing and detailed but also informative and interesting. Great editing. 10/10. You should do this professionally. Best reviewer on KZbin. Well done.

[@2WR]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

[@The88champion]

Best KTM 1290 Super Duke GT review . Great job!! Thank you!

[@2WR]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@kilux85]

Nice review man. Way better than most of the "big" guys that ride them for 30min on a straight line and without any kind of knowledge of the bike (like modes and stuff). Subscribed !

[@2WR]

Thank you! I've watched some of the types of reviews you're referencing and never really got much out of them. And thanks for subbing.

[@masterspin7796]

Fantastic review!

[@outdoorsmansgarage]

That was an awesome little ride you took us on man I love the new bike

[@2WR]

thanks for watching!

[@siread4611]

Nice review. I've just pulled the trigger on one of these after a lifetime of sports bikes. Our roads are getting worse and worse and you are spot on - bikes like this make much more sense. I didn't want to get away from the sports bike "rush" but also wanted comfort. Id tried ST4's. trumpy tigers, even s1000r's etc etc etc but nothing bit me like this GT...love it.

[@2WR]

There's nothing quite like that 1,301cc engine combined with a humane seating position and luggage space. Congrats on your purchase.

[@AlexMageethefirst]

Nice review! I just bought one of these puppies and cant wait to pick it up!

[@2WR]

Thanks Alex and congrats on the new bike!

[@DukeOfDC]

Informative as ferk man, great video!

[@2WR]

Thank u!

[@robertgallon9793]

DukeOfDC l

[@joestanding2370]

brilliant review, thanks for taking the time to do that, you actually mentioned everything that is relevant! keep up the good work

[@2WR]

Thanks Joe! Glad you found it informative.

[@joestanding2370]

2 Wheeled Rider fancy doing a review of a new tuono? that's the other bike I'm interested in

[@2WR]

Currently I'm somewhat limited to KTM and Ducati for full reviews. I'd need to find an Aprilia dealer and I don't believe there is one anywhere close by.

[@joestanding2370]

There are worse makes to be stuck with ;)

[@2WR]

I said something similar this morning to my girlfriend. "I'm kinda limited to KTM and Ducati reviews at the moment until I get some relationships with other dealers...guess I can't complain about testing $20k bikes."

[@DrStephenVerdon]

Just Traded my 2016 SDR for the 2016 SDGT. Should be an Interesting Chapter. Thank you for Sharing your experience

[@rogermorello9910]

Givi do a specific and awesome top case for it. simply lift the seat, remove the rear handrail with a couple of screws, and screw in the bracket. The case is quite well matched to the side cases too.

[@rosstinelli]

Rode this beast last week. Was amazing, so surprised by the power of it but also how usable it all is. Great review bro !! Btw test is on my channel too ahahha

[@wurger13]

Great review of a great bike... considering one of these as I had a KTM990 SMT that I loved and toured all over the states with. Now riding an R1M everyday and I love it, but I miss the utility of a bike like this. Your review just might of convinced me to make the switch back to KTM! Thanks again. Loved the Rossi flag too! LOL

[@pknlpr]

my dream bike. thanks for the review. seen so many on the duke r not to many on the gt.

[@2WR]

Yeah, I'd take this one of the the R model in a second...but then again I love touring.

[@NZ2STROKE]

Great review,i am off to look at one now! sounds like it has everything i want!

[@2WR]

Truly amazing bike

[@NZ2STROKE]

Went in to buy one today as they had a runout special on the 2016 model for $22,000nzd and they had sold the last one yesterday =(

[@jackdaniels4888]

A great honest review , the best I have viewed . I have owned my GT here in Australia just on six weeks , and have just finished my 1,000 Klms run in period . I paid just over $30,000 here in OZ . I pre-ordered my bike and the extras on my bike are the hard bags ,the Akrapovic , a few other smaller items , but the best being the powerparts seats , the extra height and comfort making it feel great for myself . The power is amazing,and at night the cornering lights also amazing . Around town the easiest bike to ride on the throttle , so docile but open the throttle and the beast will open up .I find the bike to be a hoon bike , a tourer and great all rounder . By far the best I have every ridden . All your words are what I would have said .

[@2WR]

Thanks for the positive feedback (and great screen name). I was very impressed by it. Because I do more touring riding than anything, I plan to take a 1290 Super Adventure out for an overnight demo after I return from my big trip later this month (and September). My FJR1300's days may be numbered.

[@jackdaniels4888]

The GT ticks all my boxes,I sold my Moto Guzzi V11. Rosso corsa to purchase this bike, I have a Yamaha XT660X motard, but the GT is easier to ride around town on than it. I also have 3 Honda Cbx 1000 six. That are the 1979 equivalent. Haha. We are so spoiled today compared to what we grew up on. Keep up the great work

[@2WR]

Thanks Jack! Enjoy that GT!

[@CPSJSMSUUMUGA]

Excellent review. My previous bike was a KTM 990 SMT, which had a claimed 115hp and weighed about 435 (reduced to about 415 with a lithium battery and aftermarket exhaust). I now have a 1190 Adventure - claimed 148 hp, 462lbs, without fuel. It feels like it has a lot more than 33 additional hp than the SMT. It's not designed to be fast, but rather to do everything well, including a little off-road. But Cycle World's road test reported a 10.66 quarter @ about 130. I don't ride it like that but enjoy accelerating hard out of corners, and I've had it as fast as 115 or so, on an interstate to clear some trucks. Effortless. I didn't know I was going that fast until I glanced at the speedometer. It goes so fast so easily, I have to be very careful about speeding. The 990 would go that fast but gave plenty of feedback to let you know without the speedometer. I'm trying to imagine what 30 more hp feels like - and in a lighter bike. Unfortunately, it's next to impossible to get a test ride. You, however, have that access. Have you ridden the three KTMs - and a fourth, the 1290 Super Adventure. (My 1190, and both 1290s, have the same electronics, ride modes, Brembo ABS, etc. - of course, the Super Duke doesn't have an "off-road" mode). But to make it simple, can you compare just the power?

[@2WR]

Thanks John. I've ridden the 1290 Super Duke GT, (ridden & currently own) the 1290 Super Adventure and the 1190 Adventure R. I haven't been out on the 1190 Adventure or regular Super Duke, though I suppose I should just to be complete :) On road the 1290 Super Adventure and 1190 Adventure R are comparable in terms of acceleration/power, which is to say they are absolute beasts! While the SA has a bit more power it also has a bit more weight so I found them to be fairly close in terms of real world acceleration on the street. I believe the drag strip and 0-60 numbers are pretty close (but they weren't really made to drag race anyway). If the R had more a street-oriented as opposed to the TKC80s I had on it, I'm sure I wouldn't have spun up the rear wheel as much coming out of corners...but then I wouldn't have had as much fun either. Off road I found the 1190 Adventure R easier to maneuver and ride. That said, I'm not being totally fair to my 1290SA since it is wearing Conti Attack Trail 2 v the TKC80s on the Adventure R. I've had my 1290 off road on well groomed trails and dirt/gravel roads and the rider aids do great job of handling the HP but the Adventure R is the clear winner off road.Compared to the acceleration/power of the 1190 Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure, the 1290 Super Duke GT is in a class of it's own. It accelerates like a rocket! In sport mode, the throttle response is instantaneous and the rider aids are at their most relaxed. With the traction control kicked off, it'll wheelie on demand. As crazy fast as it is, it's also very well-behaved. In street mode, the throttle response was a bit more mild-mannered which was great for in town or with a passenger on the back. It was also good for riding back roads/mountain roads as you still have the full HP on tap. I guess to wrap it up, the 1190 Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure are really quick. The 1290 Super Duke GT is really, really quick.

[@mertkutluozen2862]

this is what we are looking for a bike review.thanks

[@2WR]

Great! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@orpaztron]

good throughout bike review. thanks.

[@thefriendlygrizzley6728]

Great video thank you

[@Jambome]

A very balanced review. Thumbs up mate. As for the looks I gotta say I was blown away the first time I saw it! In fact this looks way beautiful than the 2019 model whose headlight is hideous if you asked me! The only thing that would add to this model is the 2019 dash. Good job!

[@2WR]

Thanks man! Appreciate it. I'm looking forward to testing out the 19.

[@TheRickclark32]

Well done review!!

[@2WR]

Thank you!

[@kwatters63]

Great review, I rode one last Saturday and it was amazing. Made me a much better rider than I am.

[@2WR]

Thanks! Those electronics are NICE!

[@bigdukesix7580]

Damnit Mario, now you have me eye-ballin a 2023 1290 GT. I currently have a 1290SA like yours and a 1190 Adventure. But damn, I have to now go ride this bike.🤔

[@FerranBellavista]

Awesome video man!!!

[@2WR]

Thank you!

[@kdimitriosg]

Great review thanks

[@2WR]

Thanks for watching!

[@pompedo23]

Hi ! Very nice presentation of the bike. I just sold my Harley Davidson Nightrod 2013 and now wating for my brand new GT i grey line. What i did was that i pimped it like the SDR Special Edition :) So now just w8 for the bike to arrive full spec with a lot of candy ! And again well done man :) Thumbs up.

[@2WR]

Pompedo23 thanks! And congrats on the new bike!

[@nsbharad]

Nice review - thank you! I have seen reviews of the Super Duke 1290 where reviewers complained that the TC settings reset every time the bike is turned off. Did you notice this with the GT?

[@2WR]

Thank you. It is true that TC defaults back to "on" once you turn the bike off (you can purchase a dongle to override it). Your other settings, Drive and dampening modes, however stay in place.

[@plpwheeler]

Great review, very impressed. Just a couple questions, 1) did you notice if you can fit a full sized helmet in the saddlebags? 2) how low in the RPM's is it comfortable lugging? I've ridden the Ducati Diavel and it gets awfully chuggy down around 3K. Thanks!

[@2WR]

Thanks! 1) Yes, they will fit a full face helmet but...I think any helmet size large or bigger (shell size) is going to be a tough/tight fit and ultimately come down to different makes and models. 2) While it pulls really well form 3k on up, I think it's best to be above 4500rpm, maybe even 5k while cruising (at least in 6th gear). Anything below that and it gets "chuggy" as you put it.

[@joedoe7506]

great review! thumbs up!

[@2WR]

Thanks for watching.

[@brucehasan5821]

I'm sold will be buying one

[@masterspin7796]

I don't think you have to lube a o-ring chain as often as you think...I have 14,000 miles on my Dragster rr and have lubed the chain 4-5 times with 1 adjustment.

[@markromer5234]

I have owned one for 4 years now.I have owned over 40 motorcycles in my life (loved them all,but in different ways), but there are only 3 bikes that standout in my ownership (I currently only have SWM 650 R enduro,and the 1290 GT)that is my GT,2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000,and my 1981 Suzuki RM 125.Iv,e got over 40,000 KMs on her, and will keep her till she hits 200,000 KMs.

[@2wheelcobra]

I live in Martinsburg. Driving up to Winchester tomorrow to sit on a Kawasaki Versys 1000LT. I tried to find one of these to sit on at a dealer, but from what I see on all the dealer sites, I can't find one. The Kawi would be the "smart" choice, but maaaaaan I keep thinking that this may be the one that keeps me happiest for the longest time. GREAT review. The BEST I have came across.

[@2WR]

Glad you enjoyed it and best of luck searching for your next bike!

[@2wheelcobra]

Ended up test riding a Super Adventure S they had in there...too much motor. GREAT bike, but I have enough tickets for now. Haha. Glad I got to expierence it, but don't think it's the right bike for me at this moment.

[@2wheelcobra]

Keep up the good work. Subbed

[@2WR]

"A man's got to know his limitations."

[@trevormillard1339]

In Australia your back roads are like our Highway no 1

[@micaKTM1290]

Excellent review! You didn't mention if it has a quickshifter or auto blip downshift like some of it's competitors. Easy work around for lack of center stand is a SnapJack, google it, snazzy little device.

[@2WR]

The model I rode (not sure if it's been updated) was equipped with a quickshifter but no auto-blip on downshifts.

[@willamfrick5559]

I'm a new subscriber and you may have covered this in another video I haven't seen yet but how does your super adventure compare in touring compared to this gt

[@2WR]

William, 1) thanks for subscribing and welcome to the channel 2) yes, I have covered that but don't mind repeating myself. The Super Duke GT is still arguably the best all round street bike I've ever ridden but I went with the Super Adventure because it's better for two up riding in my and more importantly Kristen's opinion.

[@Baconterrain]

Did you do any lane filtering/commuting on it?? Wondering how she'd go fitting through gaps in traffic? Great review BTW.

[@2WR]

Lane filtering isn't legal where I live.

[@Rowebote]

Great review. Based on what you said I guess you wouldn't recommend this for a Saddle Sore IBA ride? also what are your thoughts on a say a 9 day trip with ~400/day with a couple long days (700+) thrown in? being in MN we have to pay some dues on the slab to get to the fun roads then want to ride as many of them as we can!

[@2WR]

Saddle Sore IBA? It could be fairly comfortable with a few mods; larger windshield, maybe a sheepskin or pad on the seat. As for you 9 day trip, if you're riding solo I don't think you'd have any issue doing back to back to back to...you get the point 400 miles days. I found the bike to be really comfortable. It's sportier than most sport tourers but still comfortable enough to pound the slab for a day or 2.

[@hedonzx822]

Finally someone who knows how to make Bike Reviews 😀😀😀👍 A big thumbs up. What I’ve read is that the 2019 model is even better. I am still in dubio if I am going for the new BMW 1250 GS or the new GT Super Duke. Fully fueled the KTM ways less than 21 kgr than the BMW. Decisions, decisions 🙄🙄🙄

[@2WR]

#FirstWorldProblems The SD GT is still the best all round street bike I've ridden. i'll be interested to ride the 2019 model Thank you for the kind comments.

[@troy9er]

Just subbed. I really like this bike, but the cost is crazy. I may look at them used to try and save a few thousand bucks!! Great review.

[@2WR]

Thanks! Definitely a premium price on these things but I'm sure they'll pop up on the used market before too long.

[@harrisinva]

How do you figure the cost is crazy? If you compare it to other quality sport touring bikes or adventure bikes, like BMW or Ducati, it is very reasonable. I can't think of any Japanese bikes even close to being in this category. Out the door for 20K list with the bags? That is a good price!

[@nick4506]

i bought one last year, they have depreshiated like a rock and you can get one for well under 10k now. few things: if your battery voltage dips it will pull up an error for the front brake light switch and tear you out of cruise control. got one of those antigravity batteries and it does that constantly. the luggage isn't great, goofy shape and plastic latches are bad. they would be fine for a top loader but as a side loader its hard to tell if they have latched properly, they can also half latch and fly open on the freeway. otherwise good bike. i like how the windshield adjusts, just pick it up and move it, dont have to stop or have an electric mechinisam. dont know why they dont use it on the adventure.

[@jupiter22177]

great review. new subscriber now

[@2WR]

Thanks man! Have quite a few bike reviews coming up this year.

[@2MuchTorque]

Ktm super dukes, so nice!! Rode a 990 once. It was awesome. Everytime I go in ride on Moto, I want one of those things.

[@2WR]

I'm not ruling out adding a 1290 Super Adventure (which I haven't ridden yet) or the GT to my stable. They are so sweet!

[@2MuchTorque]

Oh yeah!! Expensive though. That's what keeps me away from them. :(

[@qwerwolf69]

Really good review. The right mix of facts, helpful tips and personal opinions. I will buy a 2018 model tomorrow.

[@eyeballs50]

Should I replace my aging Concours with one of these..not too many negatives. I would want more wind protection..easy enough..center stand..not so easy but paddock stand readily available. good video..I'm in..new non-current 2017 will reside in my garage

[@2WR]

Center stand is a dealer option and easy enough to install. Rear stand is fine when you're home but not so much while traveling. Awesome bike though!

[@cessnatpa]

Looking forward to hearing head to head reviews with the Ducati Multistrada.

[@2WR]

I'm going to have to be REALLY nice to the local Ducati dealer...and MAYBE he'll let me take one out.

[@bcclark8681]

Love the bike❤️. What a dream machine.... I do think the bike is a bit expensive for sure.

[@rogermorello9910]

The screen being small is an issue as I do like long weekend trips and plan to tour Europe when I retire. My heart tells me GT while my head says either superadventure or GSA. Time will tell in just over a year's time.

[@2WR]

My heart and heart are telling me the Super Adventure. Stay tuned. I'll be uploading a full review of the 2016 KTM Super Adventure tomorrow...and hopefully adding one to my garage next month :)

[@MrAndrew1953]

Good review hot damn that bike hustles. I'm 5.'8" so I'd have to find a way to lower it a little but it would be worth the trouble.

[@2WR]

Thanks Andrew! Wouldn't take much. Drop the front forks a bit and lowering the rear is pretty simple as well.

[@helgejohan3604]

Hooligan touring machine✊🔥

[@donkramer2579]

How do think it would be for short 2 up trips/day rides? 3-4 hrs in the Wyo/SD Black Hills & Wyo Rocky/Big Horn mountains. I would put a back rest on for wifey. Would also commute 32 miles rnd trip, it's Wyoming so really no traffic to speak of. Last 2 bikes where ZX11 & RC51. Great review. I was also considering the new FJR1300ES.....But really like this 1290GT. Again fantastic review!

[@2WR]

Don, it'd be great for the types of riding you mentioned. I'd definitely look into a top case or some sort of backrest for the wife though. I think the FJR is a fine back. I put a ton of miles on mine but the Super Duke is just outstanding.

[@jrb506]

Great review! I'm trying to decide between this bike and the Multistrada. Which was your favorite?

[@2WR]

It's a close call but I would give the nod to the KTM because I think its engine is the tie breaker.

[@cannondaleit]

jimmy burt I have had a Multistrada for 3.5 years, and it is an unreliable piece of junk. Looking to swap to this KTM

[@DrStephenVerdon]

Q. How did you Shield the Seat from the Heat of the Engine.? It's a Pain in the Arrs after about an hour. Tried the Aluminum Heat 'Roofing' Insulation but that didn't work. Love the Bike but definitely not the Engine Heating up the Seat...

[@2WR]

Personally, I didn't experience any issues with engine heat.

[@DrStephenVerdon]

@@2WR advrider.com/f/threads/2016-1290sa-t-seat-heatshield-upgrade.1255832/

[@beamdoctor5637]

I loved this commentary on this video. $20K price is about $4K more than I would want to pay if KTM cares. I have bought BMW RT, Goldwing ,Duc 998 and more but $20K is just pushing my commitment to this bike. Maybe when I was 40 years old and loved speed more I would appreciate the speed, quickness and handling more to accept price. At 50 comfort is higher priority for longer distance riding although I still love the speed. I just pick up left over new ZX10R for under $11K. I trailer it at this age. Set up base camp and have it out with speed on rides under 150 MILES in distance. When on long rides I take the Super Tenere

[@2WR]

Thanks Bill. I'm guessing the combo of the ZX10R and the Super T weren't terribly much more than the KTM and you have TWO fun bikes to ride.

[@beamdoctor5637]

Correct! But I do like this KTM GT enough to keep dreaming about it. Keep up the great reviews

[@2WR]

With the recent release of the new 1290 Adventure series, I hope to get my hands on the new models as soon as some show up in the US.

[@lorenzovonmatterhorn2317]

Great review mate. I'm still deciding between this and the BMW S1000R. Hard decisions :D

[@2WR]

Thanks! That's a good decision to have to make because I think you'll have fun either way!

[@C_R_O_M________]

Different kind of fun. Personally I'd take torque over HP any day hence the 1290.

[@brad_Ca]

I'm really interested in this motorcycle but the dealership that I went to this weekend would not allow me to test ride it unless I start the purchase process. ☹️

[@2WR]

That's a shame. There's no way I would part ways with $20k without taking it for a ride first. I would also be unwilling to start filling out sales paperwork. Try calling another dealer. You may be able to find one that has a demo model available to test ride.

[@brad_Ca]

2 Wheeled Rider I feel the same way. It'd be like buying a car first then taking it for a test drive. Crazy.

[@imso_tavo]

Something that happened to me after seeing a whole bunch of reviews and purchased my bike (Yamaha FJ-09) was that not even one of them said that it was speed limited which brings my question: Is this one speed limited?

[@2WR]

Nope. Tho KTM doesn’t recommended going faster than 150kmph with the saddlebags attached.

[@2WR]

Didn’t realize the FJ-09 was top speed governed either.

[@4420dano]

What about engine heat ? A problem for other KTM 's, 1190, 1290's.

[@2WR]

I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary when it came to engine heat. I also always wear Kevlar jeans or some sort of other riding pants so that may be part of the reason I don't notice it as much.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Thanks for your response. Interested to know when you review a 2019 Triumph 765 RS Speed Triple.

[@2391jessie]

10:29 linked brakes smooth out chassis

[@graham68ktm24]

hows the fuel range ?? sweet unit too

[@2WR]

Should be able to get around 250 miles out of it...if you don't get in the throttle too heavy...which is hard NOT to do!

[@zesousa]

any feedback of quickshift?

[@2WR]

It worked well but I never really got used to it. I'm used to clutchless upshifting so it was difficult to get myself to stay in the throttle while shifting. Also, the clutch is still required for downshifts.

[@mayhemmike1789]

This is a better bike than the R... more usability & 6.1 gal fuel capacity?😀😀😀

[@cuzimaluzer777]

I currently own a 2016 super adventure. I see no reason to part with my Super adventure for the Duke gt other than the fact that I want one but can't justify owning both.

[@2WR]

Totally understand that. As much as I liked the GT, I'm considering a Super Adventure as my next bike because of how much touring I do (especially 2-up). You enjoying your SA?

[@cuzimaluzer777]

+2 Wheeled Rider , my dealings with KTM have been strenuous. I have owned 2. first a 2014 1190 adventure now the super adventure. both had issues from the start. the 2014 bike never really got resolution, but was given a good deal on a trade in for the super adventure at my request not their's. all of the issues with my 2016 bike got resolved....after a lengthy trip where all the problems arose. and the right side bag will not open. at one point it wouldn't come off the bike at all. the dealer had to get physical with it. it's still being worked on. unsure if ktm will replace it. the standard luggage on it is GARBAGE.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

+2 Wheeled Rider I know that all seems really negative but trust me, I'd still buy the bike. it's kind of like having a very pretty girlfriend. high maintenance. But when everything is right, I've never ridden a better bike. wow. any road surface, bike just soaks it up. a friend told me my bike is like a really fast tractor, because it will plow over anything. Honestly I ride like a sport tourer. Fast and to the edge. With good tires it handles like a dream and rolls over potholes like a 1988 Fleetwood.

[@2WR]

I appreciate all the info. I understand the 2016s are better than the 2015s. I'm demoing one this weekend so I'll see how I like it. I love the tractor comparison! If I decide to get one, I may still hold onto my FJR1300...at least for awhile.

[@lecramred4453]

you were very positive about the GT, but why did you prefer the Adventure?

[@2WR]

+Lecram Red while I like the SA's off-road ability, I mainly went with it over the GT because of the added room/comfort it provided for 2-up riding. If I toured mostly solo, I'd have bought the GT

[@lecramred4453]

Thanks for your reply. BTW, I love your vids, great job!

[@2WR]

Thanks man! Appreciate it!

[@lecramred4453]

I did a short ride on my friend's GT and, although I love this bike, I prefer my 1190 Adventure for its comfort. The GT is less comfortable than the Adventure bikes. And the power of the GT is not really more usuable than the 1190's power.

[@saddle8bag]

Really needs a centerstand and luggage rack to be a viable tourer.

[@2WR]

agreed. I've been told both "should" be available soon.

[@urban9659]

can you change ride modes on the go?

[@2WR]

bikes4life sure can! Suspension modes are almost instantaneous while drive modes will require you to close the throttle for about a second. Changing suspension from 1up, 2up etc will require you to stop though in order to access them from the menu.

[@urban9659]

2 Wheeled Rider thxs for the reply. great videos man!

[@2WR]

Thanks man!

[@ciraloke]

Get a chain-luber people. Track stands are always a good thing too.

[@ciraloke]

Bought a cheap one to see if I'd like it (Loobman - www.loobman.co.uk delivered world-wide) and haven't looked back. Both bikes have had one now. I didn't bother getting a more expensive (automatic) brand as you don't need it. You just mount the reservoir somewhere you can reach it easily, make sure the tube always goes downhill and the end nozzle touches both sides of your rear cog without fouling. 18,000 kms both bikes with no issue, and got rid of both bikes with the original chains. Just have to remember to push the button every now and then, and as a bonus, before each wash go for a long ride and give the button an almighty long push - your chain is basically self-cleaning. Use gear oil in hot climates/seasons and motor oil in the cold. I think the only thing that goes against them is that personally I would never trust a mechanic to mount it - if you get any brand luber mounted wrong, it won't work or the chain will eat it. It's fiddly to mount and takes a considerable amount of time planning and to get right. I bank on it taking the better part of a day, which includes fabricating a few bits and pieces to get the perfect fit - that's just me - I like and often do fabricate bits for the bike. For servicing, I move the nozzle out of the way and tell the mechanic not to bother adjusting it if they (re)move the rear wheel. I've had bad experiences (and one notably good one) before I adopted this policy.

[@tereyzheng8869]

any heat issues?

[@2WR]

No. I'd read on some forums about the rear cylinder heating things up but I didn't notice anything and I was out on some pretty hot days.

[@kwatters63]

I thought it was pretty warm, even with my heavy riding pants on though it was about 85 F when I rode it. I ride a Super Tenere normally and get no heat through these pants on it.

[@nortondlcl]

What about engine vibrations ?

[@2WR]

Good question. It definitely vibrates more than an inline-4 but it was still smoother with no more vibration than my SV650, which was pretty impressive for a V-twin of that size.

[@nortondlcl]

Have you test rode BMW S1000XR to compare to ?

[@2WR]

I have not. I don't have a BMW near me. I would think that would be an interesting comparison.

[@C_R_O_M________]

I have and I was disappointed by its lack of torque up to the mid revs. It's a tiresome bike in that aspect. A 4 cylinder 1000cc is not the best choice for sport touring. Torque is what most need to have a relaxed ride without hunting for the right gear all the time. After I test rode the BMW, I got on my ZZR1400 and the difference in torque was huge. The 1290 is a very very torquey engine and being it a 2 cylinder V-twin gives it much better traction than my 4 cylinder Kawasaki.

[@2WR]

Thanks for chiming in!

[@masterspin7796]

2019-20 models have a few improvements...

[@Broncoride]

Appreciate the review brother. I'd kill myself on that bike...ha. I'll stick to the cruiser.

[@2WR]

It's a bike you can get in a LOT of trouble on.

[@Harleyforever20]

Would you trade your FJR for this bike? Thanks for the review!

[@2WR]

I actually got rid of the FJR about a year ago, about 6 months after buying a 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure. If I were planning to do more solo touring than 2-up touring, I'd have bought the Super Duke GT as I still think it's probably the best street bike I've ever ridden.

[@Harleyforever20]

2 Wheeled Rider Great!, Thanks.

[@RennyRacer]

$20,000. Sport touring. No center stand. If only the FJR wasn't such a top heavy porker!

[@2WR]

It's a hefty price but...it is a hoot to ride!

[@Jackson1973ification]

This is the Best Moto Review I have ever watched! Thank you, man. Excellent job covering everything relevant!!

[@2WR]

Thanks Christopher! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MauricioSilva-gq3qc]

Great review!

[@2WR]

Thanks for watching

[@thefriendlygrizzley6728]

Great video thank you

[@2WR]

Thanks for watching!