Beast 3.0 | 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

KTM upped the ante in the Super Naked group. In this ever increasing power/performance/attitude group the question becomes: is this still a rideable every day street bike or has it become a track-day weapon unfit for the street?
Thank you Motorrad Huneke: ktm.motorrad-h...
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Scott Warner
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[@M4rkmcc21]

Great review on the SDR. I got mine back in march and traded my 2019 sdr in for it. The bike is massively improved and ktm have listened to owners complaints on the gen2. I missed my tuono factory and my 2019 sdr didnt fill that void space. My new bike does and I love it. More feel and so much more responsive and it is £5k cheaper than the Streetfighter 👍🏽

[@brianglendenning1632]

Be great if they gave an all black option. Like Scott, I just do not like orange. Even a black frame would be enough.

[@mintpaul]

That's great to know, I have had a gen 1 SDR and a 1100 tuono

[@rlsearch1]

Scott, thanks for another great review. I am finding your vlogs even more welcome than usual, during these unsettled times, for us all globally. As to the improvements KTM have made, I have a question, have they addressed the vibrations through the handle bars? I was so keen to test ride the Super Duke in 2019, but was instantly turned off it by the buzz through the handle bars - I was so disappointed. I ended up buying an MT-10, which having remapped the IMU, has been absolutely sublime - what a wonderful ride and as far as I am concerned, great value for money.

[@geraldperry7779]

Just purchased the orange version,over 40 years been riding inline 4s. At first I had buyers remorse after 600 kilometers,starting to love this machine. I'll take it any day before my ZX14, except highway. This bike is on one wheel first to third gear. Great bike for city and country riding. No buyers remorse.

[@Icem4n84]

I've just bought one! Pick it up next week! :D

[@mindspinn311]

I am so tempted by this 3rd gen, as I never was by the first two. It’s absolutely now the quintessential supernaked.

[@mindspinn311]

Dick Thundernutz $19K is beyond my budget. Even the $16k S1000R is really pushing it. Funny enough a Tuono 1100 is more affordable than both.

[@272paulmac]

I just traded my 2016 S1000r (67K km) for one of these and I absolutely love it. Never owned a Gen 1 or 2. Setting position as Scott said is the same as the S1000r and that’s where the similarities end. Great bike and no regrets, don’t miss the mechanical sound of the Beamer either.

[@brianglendenning1632]

Interesting. Looking for the upgrade to my ‘17 S1000R, and the gen 3 SDR is on the list with the StreetFighter.

[@spetersonmusic]

How can you argue with that? I love the look of the black version. Awesome improvements that would make riding in the real world more fun. Great review!

[@TheSuperGnus]

Great style way cool dig this guy.

[@sebg2086]

yeah guy have a greta style.....i would do him

[@David-xg6ws]

Every review I watch on this bike the reviewer is giggling. Fun factor on this must be huge!

[@SuperDamnNation]

And that is indeed the pure Nature of this 2020 SuperDuke

[@Trivium-cv4xb]

So glad you did this review! Especially because you explained about the forward tilt on the seating position versus the older models. Thanks!!

[@RutgerSmets]

Thanks for the video, Scott!

[@dogshmog]

So, how does it compare to the S1000R for road riding? Every time I think about trading up my s1kr, I take it for a ride, and my thoughts of changing are completely erased.

[@montha123]

I’m the same I have a ‘19 s1000r sport that I bought new last year & got to say it’s a great all rounder & proving to be very reliable , I think about trading for 2021 , I test ride a new tuono 1100 factory & was impressed but I don’t know how reliable it would be so now I’m looking at these super dukes , Bmw are very slow in bringing out the new version of S1kr

[@elvulch]

I love my 3.0! It is truly better in every category than my 2014 SDR!

[@aoshi30]

Loving this. Keep it up bro, hope to see a long term review on it ! Take care & Cheers !

[@ESX021]

R.I.P Ant. Another great vid.

[@MarkusBBT]

Many thanks for the video! After 33 months I am coming home to Paderborn from Ohio. Can‘ t wait to buy my KTM from Dietmar 😀

[@blazeoconnor9899]

great review as always. since you are a former ktm owner did you ever encounter any oil leaks? Many people say that is the main problems ktm have on their motorcycles.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you, No, nothing on mine. 👍

[@robholloway5935]

Great review Scott 😎

[@dariot707]

You crush ants 🐜? Monster, nice reaction made me laugh like you got worried

[@NothingToProve]

yea but only the mean ants...

[@ross5506]

If you driven a ZX-14 will I be happy with this machine? Not selling my ZX-14 turbocharged it's my touring missle. Love the black version! Great breakdown. The laugh factor has sold me. 🇨🇦 Must get fully exhaust system.

[@okankarabulut003]

Just stumbled upon the channel. Great content and concept 👌

[@tomtraynor5384]

Thinking the new 2021 GT with all these improvements will be THE one great bike. I bought a Duke 890R for ripping solo rides. I'll keep it for that. Riding my current 2019 GT which is a still great--only potentially superceded by the new 2021 GT. Interesting to note most recent dynos show the new motor here is actually about 10 HP more than the old one--and a mere 10 HP less than the new Ducati Streetfighter v4 on same dynos. the SDR is also 20 Ft. pounds more torque than the Streetfighter--verified on same dynos. KTM over-delivered on the motor.

[@tomtraynor5384]

@@WpgBarry Agree with all you mentioned. Added my own risers.

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

This V-Twin can no way put down 220-HP like the V-4, I owned a 1.0-SDR, i liked the motor from 0-100-mph, but after that it was gutless. The Ducati has power everywhere,it never lets up!! Ducat exhaust sound is phenomenal, the SDR is non eventful

[@casefarley5744]

Slide the indicator up on the fork sleeve before you ride it and see how much suspension travel you use. Even for a loaner or review bike it is useful to know. It looks like you bottomed out the fork during your ride, which seems unlikely. : )

[@nickyd2913]

Hi ! Great channel and reviews ! Keep up the great work 😎👍 In thinking about buying this or the GT. How do they differ in your opinion in terms of riding experience ? Tried the GT 2020 a couple of days ago but have not tried the R. Thanks !!

[@alunpiggott6452]

Ok. I give up, searched and searched. But clearly not looking in the right place. Can you tell me what riding jeans you use please. Great review btw 👍

[@roybatty-]

Did they fix the steering damper?

[@NothingToProve]

Come to think of it, I didn't notice that at all on this gen...hmm...so they probably did improve it

[@roybatty-]

@@NothingToProve I hope they at least improved the factory oil fill.

[@erolyalim2911]

If you were to choose between the KTM 2020 1290 Super Duke R or the 2020 Super Duke 890 for riding around town, which one would you pick?

[@NothingToProve]

I don't know, I have not ridden the 890 as of yet 😒

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@iwanevans9325]

Great review Scott, looks like KTM have nailed it with this Super Duke R a huge improvement on V1 & V2 just wondering if it’s better for road riding than the Ducati V4 Streetfighter S perhaps you could screen a comparison.

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, I don't know if I'll get a chance to ride a streefighter, Ducati dealerships are kind of arrogant/off-putting when it come to youtubers wanting to make videos of their demo bikes. For example I have a Ducati dealership that said he'll let me ride the streetfighter but in a few weeks, well a few weeks went by and then he said a few weeks again, and I've been up there 4 times now and it's still a few weeks. I've had enough from 2 different Ducati dealerships, he said he'll call me, and of course that has not happened since January of 2020, so for almost 6 months now, basically he's been lying to me or at the very least just "leading me on" and I don't appretierte it at all. I will not call or go there again, which basically means I will not ride another Ducati again. Sad, just sad.

[@David-xg6ws]

One more thing Scott...how's the heat coming off this bike?

[@orewaescanoresamada5740]

Soon am going to take one of these the S1000R and Super Duke R 2017 models, Tried them both.. Still cant really decide, if someone had them both it would be perfect to share his experience and some advices... Am looking for a daily fun complete bike, with trips in weekends and MAYBE 1 time track day every month (or not)...

[@willraven7]

Thanks again Scott. (1290 SA-S Pilot). So after riding both now, would u pick the Duke or the ZH2 for a second all round fast bike??

[@NothingToProve]

Duke is so good now that it is hard to beat.

[@kellelein]

Why is the S1000R faster? I don't understand? The SDR has 180Hp vs. the S1000R 160Hp... Has it something to do with the monster torque of the SDR and is it harder to control this power vs. the BMW 🤔

[@NothingToProve]

Simple, HP is always faster than torque. But torque is always more manageable than HP.

[@tracer1127]

The cost of these playthings should allow for way more colour options as standard just like a car. Plus special custom design options. Imagine trying to sell a car car with just 2 colours, come on. Great bike and review.

[@TOPSK2015]

You prefer SDR over ZH2 in earlier comments below, is there any reliability issue compared with Japanese brand that I should take note of? I can see how much you enjoy riding this bike over the Z H2 you just tested a week earlier and that moves my eyes on this SDR.

[@NothingToProve]

Well, all I can say is that I've owned the first gen SDR for 4.5 years and not had one single problem, not even one single error msg. and I really rode it hard most of the time bouncing it off the rev limiter, never using the clutch, and no I didn't have a QS. And put more than 20k miles on it. So for me they are great machines.

[@TOPSK2015]

NothingToProve Thanks for your sharing. One more question please. Is the clutch of 2020 SDR is as light as ZH2 or still much harder like the old day’s model? Thanks

[@LiveFreeMoto]

i don't think anyone buying a super duke wants it to be tamed. whole point is that bike is a monster!

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

10:31 genuine torque laugh

[@samiam5326]

I've been waiting for this one. Thanks Scott. Shame it costs A$28.5k here in Oz.

[@NothingToProve]

😒😢 sorry to hear that

[@willraven7]

Scott, would you pick this or the ZH2 overall for a naked ??

[@NothingToProve]

Tuono, then this, then S1000R, then MT10SP, then Streetfighter & ZH2 fighting for last place. That is how I would spend my own money. The Tuono is just on a whole other level above all as far as a super naked. And a super naked has to have an attitude about it's self. It tells you how to feel, how to ride it and most of all it makes you have fun, it will put a smile on your face whether you want to or not. The Tuono & SDR do this and do it in spades. When you get off of these two you feel tired and energized at the same time and that is the sign of a good super naked. The other 4 don't do this to me. The ZH2 is too heavy (by 20kg/40lbs) to be a super naked, imho.

[@kmfiz]

I think this bike would fair very well with the other super nakeds on the track.

[@NothingToProve]

yep and be more fun too!

[@6Twisted]

I'm looking at one of these at the moment and I almost went for it until I found out they charge around £600 for a code to unlock the quickshifter, MSR and track mode software. When did micro transactions on vehicles become okay? If the functionality is already there then let us have it instead of locking it behind a paywall on an already expensive bike. Unless I can find a good deal on one with the software already unlocked I'm going to get an MT-10 instead because I expect a quickshifter on a £15,000 bike that doesn't even come with heated grips either. Also why does the TFT dash have such a massive bezel? It makes it look tacky.

[@Adventure_blac]

6Twisted couldn’t have said it better maself. Shit is lame.

[@doodle0007]

Great video as always. Do you think this is now tamed enough for someone who is coming up a 500cc cat? I am keenly looking at F900XR though..but this bike...

[@NothingToProve]

I'm very careful when suggesting a super naked as a persons second bike maybe, the performance is so high that it will get you to speeds that you may not be ready for and in that instant you pay for it in a bad way, meaning hospital or worse.

[@doodle0007]

@@NothingToProve thanks :) may be F900XR it is for a start and to stay alive. Will look forward to the Street fighter review soon!

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great review Scott. Begs the question, would you change your new BMW for one? 🤔👍

[@NothingToProve]

ahh, nope, I need an all-rounder, highway, carrying equipment...etc. so no can do with any naked bike. But as a second bike...OH YEA BABY...this be the bike!

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

great review buddy, ill save 5k and keep my new Gen 2 which I think looks better, also not sure why you are backing off the throttle when you change up the gearbox, just leave the throttle open as it will be way smoother with the quick shifter, cheers, G-man

[@NothingToProve]

this one didn't have the QS on it. 😒

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

NothingToProve Ah buddy that makes total sense now, so poor it’s already fitted and you have to activate it by purchasing the performance pack, shame on you KTM 😬

[@BaerenAkita]

Very good video, it was fun. Quick question, what kind of pants are you wearing? I'm looking for a new pair of motorcycle jeans and yours look very good. Thanks a lot.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you, Those are the Trilobite Agnox jeans 👍

[@BaerenAkita]

@@NothingToProve thanks a lot

[@1teem]

How do you those camera shots from the rear right hand side? I've been trying to figure it out for a while now.

[@izik5]

T M he’s using a 360 degree camera. It’s attached to his backpack, the software hides the mount. Watch for the shadow on the ground.

[@NothingToProve]

Yep what he said 👍😁

[@Aiken47]

I agree on white, I don’t like the 890r looks simply because of the white.

[@warra6600]

Hi Nothing To Prove (love this motto) great watching all of your reviews 👍👍, have you got a ride on BMW’s new S1000XR booked in yet, I’m looking forward to see what you have to say about it.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you, Yes, Thursday April 4th is when I'll shoot the video, then usually a week later edit and post it 😁 Ride safe, Scott

[@warra6600]

I hope you mean June!!! I’m looking forward to that one 👍👍

[@NothingToProve]

@@warra6600 oh yea, sorry, June!

[@SuperDukEvo]

I hate the sound of vtwin engine but here i am i bought this new sdr hhahah now i love the vtwin

[@willraven7]

Thank you Sir. So after riding this and the ZH2 now, for a second bike (i have the 1290 Super ADV)...would you do the Super D or the ZH2 overall??

[@NothingToProve]

SDR all the way 👍😁

[@joeridestrijcker445]

Why so clearly in favour of the SDR compared to the ZH2? If track-riding is not to be considered (in my case, I have a track-only bike), in what way would the SDR be vastly superior to the SDR? (FYI, I had a mere 30 minute test ride on the ZH2 and was quite impressed; haven't tested the SDR 3 yet but owned the Gen2 with full Rottweiler setup, decat system and OFT tuning)

[@AgentOfLogos]

@@joeridestrijcker445 The ZH2 is just super heavy

[@fzlsalim]

Nice!

[@alishaschlichter387]

in terms of mid range, comfort and in town manners: vs speed triple ?

[@NothingToProve]

Now, the Beast 3.0, they are both very very close to each other but the Duke is slightly easier/comfortable to ride in town now, I was really surprised at how well KTM has tamed the Beast.

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Scott I'm now upset with you.... now I have to trade my brand new 2019 2nd gen. for a 2020! :-) Thanks for the honest review! If I take into consideration the price I paid, and that included the TracPack & PerformancePack, I will keep my 2nd gen. The 2020 SDR is quite a bit more expensive and one will have to buy the T-pack & P-pack.... Still love my 2nd gen!! Regards! (You did not mention the new QS - I assume the T-pack & P-pack were not installed??)

[@NothingToProve]

LOL! Blame KTM not me 🤕 Yea, this one did not have the QS and the two packs installed on it but it really didn't need it to be honest with you, it was great without them.

[@M4rkmcc21]

I bought a gen2 2019 model in white in oct. Tested the 2020sdr in march and traded in straight away. Didnt look back.

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Exhaust note is a deal breaker!! None existent

[@joeridestrijcker445]

on my Gen2 I put a Bodis decat and GPX2... 1/4 the price of a full Akra and was absolutely deafeningly loud... (and I've had a Diavel with full Termi, open-pipe Harley, gruesomely loud Buell etc... but the SDR was just too loud to live with) ; I ended up installing huge db-killers with 3 layers of dampening-wool, but still impossible to endure. For a wee bit of money you can probably make the Gen3 very loud and bassy too

[@stephenchapman8344]

Had a go on one of these today. 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@jordygarrido766]

Great video! I’m in the market for a super naked only problem is I can’t decide. Super Duke R, Aprilla Tuono, Speed Triple RS. Any recommendations? Greatly appreciate it!

[@rehanmohamedkhan5625]

Go for street triple RS

[@myagoodbody7942]

Jordy Garrido speed triple rs

[@lloydclaycomb3153]

Speed triple rs is awesome

[@jayrock497]

Hey brotha , question. Is the 2nd Gen SDR waay more comfortable than 3rd Gen ? Asking for my aching lower back 😐

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, the third gen they moved to the more conventional 3° forward lean like the rest of the super nakeds, so now the only one that is still up-right is the MT10. 😒 Gen 1 & 2 SDRs are the standard up-right riding position and that is the reason that I got the first gen back in 2015 because of the up-right riding position.

[@jayrock497]

@@NothingToProve I hear you , so would u say the 3 degree forward lean would be a deal breaker for someone looking for a more relax upright body position ? Or are the upgrades on this 3rd Gen overshadow those 3 degree ? As always much appreciate / respect your reviews ! I’ve always wanted an SDR , was shooting for the 2nd Gen , but this 3rd gen keeps me up at night.

[@NothingToProve]

Na, take the gen 3, it's worth it! Really! There is a huge difference, gen1 to gen2 is a little difference but going to gen3 is huge, it's a game changer, from the power delivery to the chassis to the fun factor, and it's easier to ride and more forgiving. If you've got the cash, go for gen3. Now I'm waiting for next year for the Tuono Factory to be updated to see if Aprilia will keep up with KTM.

[@jayrock497]

@@NothingToProve I see what u did there 😩😂 now I must pump the brakes !!! Herd the 2021 MT-10 might have some type of snail bolted on to it , for a whopping 200hp. We shall know late Oct...

[@Rayk76]

Beautiful review, this bike is the king of the hypernakeds, more torque than the zh2 and ducati Streetfighter and on the road it's all about the torque for pure thrills, I do think the ktm would be faster than an S1000R ! Maybe not the tuono

[@joeridestrijcker445]

Who wins in a battle between the Superduke and the Streetfighter? ---> the Tuono ;)

[@mbal4052]

@@joeridestrijcker445 me I win, whatever bike I'm riding will win because im better than 99.99% of riders. And even then I'm only scratching the surface of what any of these bikes will do. Its all irrelevant to the average biker..buy the one u like or getting the best deal on and you will be happy 😊

[@John-hf1ig]

Great review as always, I have the all black 2017 2.1 with full akra, I don’t like the plastic around the tank design on this one or the seat also the trellis frame has gone, I also had the black 2015 but dident like the orange on it so I won’t be upgrading this time round

[@kevinarmstrongyoutube]

Good review Scott. Like the shirt. If you aren't selling them, can I contact the retailer to order one for me? I am living in Kaiserslautern Germany sf os I don't have an issue working with someone local. I love the idea of riding like there is nothing to prove.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you Kevin, I've been thinking about doing some "Merch", I'll look into it this week 👍😁

[@LifeofSmokey]

Not a fan of orange to! 😂👌👍

[@AgentOfLogos]

How's the comfort between this model and then gen2?

[@NothingToProve]

The gen3 riding position was changed to lean forward about 3° forward from the previous 2 gens, so they brought the gen3 up to the "normal" super naked class riding position. Now the only super naked that has the upright riding position is the MT-10. But still the comfort is good but not as good as the previous 2 gens. 😒

[@AgentOfLogos]

@@NothingToProve Thanks!

[@toltod]

Gosh this machine has my eye...toss up between this and a factory tuono. Even though I have a composite subframe on my Husqvarna, I'm not sure about this one. Someone will make a fender eliminator kit I hope to clean it up. Also the software options should just be included in the price...make it pricey'r. I've heard of so many KTM complaints or Triumph complaints about taking them into service and leaving just to find out the compture got set to factory defaults and you need to visit the dealer yet again to have them turned back on....just include it in the price. Can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want track pack/cruise/autoblipper on this machine.

[@tracer1127]

Too right. How come any faults and issues aren’t picked up at the development stage?. Especially with the electronics, these toys cost as much as a car. Crazy.

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@Islandboy099]

By the sound of your laughing 😂 this must be your all time favorite bike!

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, it's up there, this bike just exudes fun to the point that it's contagious like the corona virus. Very easy to catch.

[@kevincraig8257]

What I've seen you wont be disappointed with the Duacati but what I've seen their throwing everything but the kitchen sink at em

[@SteveWKk]

Orange is my favourite...lol :)

[@commanderroddi7742]

That bike looks SO GOOD in black!. Sounds good too! Really tempted to trade in my bike for one...

[@jamescedricdavid6454]

HM MHM HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA Peace bro, nice review. Can't wait to own this once I grow up and laugh the same way you do because of the thrill!

[@anupee1]

Great review again. They are such good machines but the color schemes and the design scheme is the almost the same which is off-putting.

[@theresonly1truth138]

Always entertaining. May my Lord and savior Jesus Christ bless you and your family.

[@pistolpete5805]

The name above all names

[@GameWinner85]

I just sold my z900 2020 , that could get this beast....maybe I done mistake :D

[@upendrareddivari5530]

I think you are riding in wrong side... You have to be in road right side not left

[@rikt1541]

engine heat ?

[@klauss.2096]

🤟🏼👍🏻

[@maulanaridwan26]

Donald Trump bike review be like..

[@markusschulte195]

2nd! 🥳

[@bakabezzraka]

1st