KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or Super Duke GT for sport-touring on the road? There’s a clear winner...

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[@jackdaniels4888]

Interesting thoughts Matt. I own both. A 2016 GT which I've owned since new, with 36k klm on it. And 2021 sas with 12500 klm since new. Two different types of bikes the sas is far more economical on the fuel and the lower final gearing makes it a hooligan bike which lifts the front wheel anytime in the first 3 gears. The engine is much more capable below 4000 rpm than the GT. The electronics are way more on the sas. The adaptive cruise control is a new must for any long distance travelling. I run Michelin road 5 on my SAS and have since new. The handling is great but doesn't have the great front end feel of the GT. Both bikes I have the power part heated seats which gives great comfort. The seated triangle on the sas is far more comfortable for my knees and hips. The sas is one of the best bikes I've ever owned in 46 years of riding.

[@MrMotorider100]

KTM, as a repeat customer and brand loyalist, please give this man a GT. I am hard pressed to find any other reviewer online that offers so much technical, practical and real world insight into their content. I also appreciate that he clearly articulates his biases so you can differentiate and filter his subjective findings. In addition to the bikes he also lightly covers the culture, history and gps app. My goodness, these are the things we often silently ask ourselves when we watch these reviews that are not addressed - he comes across very authentic and reliable! After 30 years of track and touring, these are questions that we ask ourselves in our helmets, ‘would I ride this road twice”, “what bike do you want/prefer when you get to the good stuff”, “which bike makes you feel alive and will it break you getting there”. At 55, I will gladly do 30 minutes of pre and post riding yoga stretches just to have more fun, more body English involvement and better brakes (going down fighting😉). One of the very, very few reviewers I would actually allow to influence my buying decisions. Ok, that all being said I am still in this phase of soft saddlebags, possibly a tail pack and typically under 500 KM’s per day, so a naked bike with 30-50 less pounds fits the need (no sugar and yoga works wonders). You can still have a great and competitive time in advance and expert groups track days and still feel fresh enough to ride a lot more sessions than the track bikes. At the end of long day of twisty mountain roads I found the XR very top heavy and it was much more pronounced with a passenger. The SA feels better and the GT even more so. I truly enjoy these comparisons, hey why not do a back to back with a GT and R1200R. Anyway looking forward to the next outstanding review. Cheers

[@danelofsson3754]

You have done the research well. I came to the exact same conclusion, and pretty much for the same reasons. I come from road racing and sport bikes too. Both bikes are gems but are built for slightly different purposes and in some cases even overlapping. Though I do feel the 19” to 17” front difference. The GT performs much better but only when you approach reckless and foolish riding levels. The suspension on the GT maybe feels a little harsh in the beginning but when speed picks up it enters its zone, and its simply brilliant. I have my personal test road that is quite bumpy and twisty with lots of jumps, and I feel the GT hits the sweet spot. Its bloody FAST! Lots of sport bikes struggle on that road. At those speeds the SAS chassis and suspension makes it little wiggly and unprecise. I have no problem keeping up with the average GS rider on gravel and fire roads with the GT. Get some handlebar raisers and a comfort seat and it’s a “multistrada” but by no means“gelände” weapon. I like offroad too but for that purpose I would rather have a light and cheap dual sport bike. No need for all that tech on that kind of bike. The GT is a remarkable road bike. Otherwise I will thank you for excellent bike content a real joy to watch. The best!! 😊

[@riggsyb]

Fantastic overview Matt. I owned a Superduke GT for 2yrs, now own a 21 1290 SAS (which I sold a R1200GS and a Tuono 1100 V4 Factory to buy, and I still own an RC8, like yourself I am a sports bike rider at heart). What you say about them as a direct comparison in terms of their prowess as road bikes is spot on, however... I would add the caveat about what roads you ride. If you're primarily riding groomed A roads here in Britain, or beautifully kept European roads, or the fantastic sweeping black tops out in Mpumulanga that you used to conduct your road tests on, there's no contest that the GT is the better bike... Here in the west of England, where my usual riding roads are quite broken and bumpy, Wales is on my doorstep, most of the best roads are tight and twisty and bumpy and strewn with gravel in places etc. the SAS with its 200mm of fork travel (vs 125 on the GT) and 19" front wheel just gives a lot more confidence chucking it around at speed, and is both easier and faster to ride as a result. The GT is the better pure road bike, and I can't wait to try the proper 3rd Gen bike out when it comes out with the updated suspension linkage off the SDR and same electronics package as the current SAS, but for now I'm happy with my recent 1290 SAS purchase... The electronics package alone is worthy of note with the latest tech pack and adaptive cruise, but it's how useable the bike is on crappy British B roads (and the ability to head down a gravel road should the opportunity present itself). Keep up the great reviews... There's yourself and Chris Northover head and shoulders above all the other motorcycle press, I have to sift through countless rubbish youtube vids to find one worth watching from other youtubers, but you two always deliver the quality content... 👍🏻

[@davidlutton4560]

Just subscribed. I know this video is nearly a year old, but it is truly fantastic. You research your bikes and destinations so well and bring a lot of rider emotion to the party, so very well done. Having watched this video, if I was in the market for either the GT or the SAS, I'd still be having sleepless nights thrashing over my ultimate decision, such were the excellent attributes of both, which you alluded to so well. I look forward to viewing your other videos with considerable interest. Take care.

[@bartvv1770]

Love the comparison. I ride a 2018 sas before that a 1190 adv , and though i come from " the darkside" riding gsxr , tlr's , super dukes etc . There is something with the SAS that makes me more of a hooligan then all my previous bikes ... Wheelies , supermoto style through hairpins , kneeeowns in long sweepers and scraping the center stand , tearing up gravel roads , but also just cruising with my gf , it is just an amazing package that handles everything you throw at it ...

[@mickhep]

Both good choices, though I felt too cramped on the GT and preferred the 2020 SAS.Which I've got and done 15k on. Love it

[@loboscvngr3508]

Excellent video, congrats!

[@martynlaverick3405]

What a great vid👍 Really enjoyed it and great review of the bikes as well as stunning roads and countryside

[@carlosalonso9866]

Matt, thank you very much for the work and enthusiasm you put into your features. I really appreciate that, much though we love bikes and riding, you always have curiosity for the settings in which this riding takes place. On to the bikes, then... I come from a big adventure bike, yes you "gssed" rightly, from a GS and moved to a sports tourer (Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx) much to the dismay of my fellow riding mates who all seat tall and proud on their GSs and KTM SASs. I live in Western Europe (Belgium) thus off-road riding isn't really possible like I guess it is in South Africa, we have nice roads though and unfortunately too much traffic. I ride throughout the year and we do weekends on our bikes once a month and a big tour in the summer, to the Alps, to Corse, Italy... I bought the GS for those reasons, a capable travelling machine, and it was all that but after test riding the Ninja at the dealer which is literally around the corner, I fell in love with its engine and it has proven to be a more engaging ride than the GS, more civilized and smooth but if you want it to be, it can really roar. For somebody not as tall or corpulent as many people in Northern Europe or in the US, I think that a sports tourer is as convenient but much more fun than the big adventure bikes as long as you stay on blacktop and don't carry a pillion. Cheers

[@kvman50]

Great video... very entertaining! Good luck on getting the long termer!

[@orangeorphan]

Excellent show. Easily my favorite bike show.

[@lovegar]

I've got the 2020 model & absolutely love it. I've done a lot of touring including recent Spain & Portugal from Scotland. its also used every weekend for small group rides in Scotland where serious scratching gets done My bike has most of the extras, track pack, carbon bling & Akra, ergo heated seats & plenty aftermarket crash protection from Evotech. Also have SW motech street rack & convertor for givi top box & oem panniers. I've also got some key mods such as bar risers which also angle towards you which improve riding position. Additional oberon slave cylinder to deal with a known failure point & last but very important is an uprated steering damper Hyperpro RSC, which dramatically improves front end control when really pushing on All in all its the ultimate road Swiss army knive, 18,000 miles later in just over a year I can say there is nothing I want to replace it with

[@BarryMDHo]

Great analysis of two great bikes! My 20,000 km of experience on a '19 SD GT showed a very fast, sorted, razor sharp, track ready, top quality machine (other than the saddle bags). The thigh frying engine heat however caused me to change rides. Love the review! Thank you!

[@daimonmt]

Great review, I have the GT and like it a lot, love the torque and the fact that I can be a hooligan knowing that, the bike or tech aid will not let me down. It has instilled a lot of confidence in riding and dies it with great ease. Lovely scenery and great video editing. Thank you

[@frantisekhrdina7387]

As a fan of your channel, its nice ti see you in our Czech republic 👍👍

[@johnDukemaster]

Good show, one of the best! Thank you!

[@Secularworld60]

Thanks mat for another great no bullshit review . At the start having your earlier review of both bikes i thought you were going to give it to the sas but it seems your sport bike heritage shone through in the end . I’m the rider who when getting a new bike googles “most comfortable seat for….) . My one hour quick spin always turns into a 3 hour jaunt and the polyvalence of the sas would clearly make it the choice for me . Appreciate the subject appraisal , thats real world if i want an objective one i can look at the spec sheet 👍🏻

[@maikoui]

The. Best. Motovlog ive seen. Hats off, mate you seriously explained and gave me what i was looking for , in exactly this comparison. Subscribed. Keep it up, will check your videos out.

[@Motobikereviews]

Great review love your channel !

[@LambGiles]

I really enjoyed that last ten minutes with Mat at his desk! Having owned both bikes, and being a self confessed petrol head that still enjoys being pretty lairy, I completely get what he says. I currently have this 1290 GT (along with an 890R) in the garage and just love it. For fast distance, that front end feel, and a hybrid position that is neither full on sports bike, but is also not Multi / XR sit up .... I'm struggling to think of a better bike! I just love mine.

[@monzadh]

excellent video Matt. I really thought I needed one of these for a while and lusted both. After having an 890 Duke for 2 years I just love the engine and its just enough here in the crowded NE of the US .....so for me the Norden fit the bill and have had it a few weeks. Your video on that is spot on...enough power, great electronics, super comfortable, looks great and about $10k less than the 1290 SAS or GT.

[@mraki1980]

Hello from SDGT MY2019 owner from Czech republic. Great video and great pronunciation of czech :-) I came to same decision two years ago from same reasons.

[@steve5825]

By far the best presented, filmed, edited and informative road test channel on here bar none. Superb work. Watched this after making my choice of a GT (a bit daft maybe?) but very happy with my decision having come from BMW’s S1000XR (loved first generation, hated the 2nd) my only gripe is…orange, not much of it on mine but would prefer none at all.

[@SSS-mp8th]

Beautiful scenery, envious you can see so many countries in such a short distance.

[@Greggspies]

Great camera work and good reporting 👍 I've done Passau and use Kurviger but tend to download a GPX on to my Garmin

[@chrismurphy4724]

This has got to be THE best bike review I've ever watched. So in depth and very well articulated. I'm hooked ..... carry on Matt

[@SpecterSeventy2]

Sadly, Mat passed away earlier this month. 🙁

[@MajorDrama1]

@@SpecterSeventy2 Thanks for the update - Very sad to hear - Enjoyed such detailed colourful reviews from Mat - What a loss

[@adrianleach1670]

A thoroughly enjoyable review and self analysis. Definitely worth reflecting on before choosing a bike.

[@pgkr67]

Brilliant. Hoping the long termer will happen.. 👍🏼

[@ericniedelman4929]

Great video!! I’m looking to buy a bike and these 2 are at the tip of the spear for me. I’m not that experienced but scheduling the test rides as I write this. Very informative!! Thanks for creating this video and looking forward to making my decision 😊

[@theawakening2611]

Brilliant review, analytical and eloquent. Perfectly detailed.

[@jamesfisher1827]

Matt, great video, I really understand where you are coming from and was like you thinking this is going to be an easy win for the Super Adventure. Just illustrates how good modern bikes are, and that we are blessed with the choices we have.

[@matthewelliott7333]

This is exactly what I was chasing. KTM, give the man a long term loaner! Great review!

[@MrLycan7211]

Awesome review Mat. I have the 20 plate GT and was struggling with this very decision recently. There are very few reviews covering this topic so was very pleased to you in my feed covering the topic.I love my GT, being 6ft3 I was looking for some more leg room, but think I will hang onto it for a while longer. Top man!

[@garethmayfield4014]

I have raised my GT's seat with gel pads. The power parts seat cover will stretch. raised the bars and lowered the pegs, all by 1 inch. game changer in comfort mate.

[@ksheehan330]

Wow you went deep there at the end on why you ride, why we push it, the “dark side” etc. I say, Amen brother. Well said. Really well done. Thank you.

[@RikkyTang]

Excellent set of ramblings (and castles) Matt! I am tempted by the mighty upper midrange of the KTM's but I think I'll miss the smooth grunt of my 1250 boxer. I never hear as much honesty from a professional motorbike journalist either, thank you; you're saying the things that other folk (including me) don't want to say on camera.

[@andrewshore262]

Highlighting the difference(s) in words that actually make sense, instead of the usual drivel on offer elsewhere. Bloody good review Sir 👍

[@MikaelLewisify]

Great review. Thank you. I’m leaning towards the GT, mainly because the seat height on the sas is just a little too tall for me. Both wonderful bikes.

[@troppo4872]

Great real world review, Matt. Thanks. Over the last 3 years, I went from a GT to the latest gen R to an SAS. I agree with your conclusions. A couple of comments: Gearing The GT and the R are geared too high for Australia. 6th is useless under about 130 k’s - our national limit is 110, so the bikes are effectively 5 speeders. I went up 2 on the back for both, and it improved things a lot….although they were still not 100% happy at 110… The SAS is geared perfectly - you can sit on 110-115 all day in 6th, although you use 4th where you would normally use 3rd on the other 2. Ergos I put 30 back/20 up risers on the GT and the R as I hated the standard ergos. Even with that, the R was still a bit bent over for me. The stock SAS fits me perfectly - with the bars rotated ever so slightly back from the stock position (which reminded me of an MX bike), I can ride the SAS all day…lovely. Refinement The R gearbox and FI are more refined than the GT, and the SAS is another level of refinement again. As you said, you can chug around town looking at the scenery, no problem. The quickshifter on the SAS is night and day better than the GT and the R - although the GT you rode probably has the same gearbox as the SAS. The suspension on the SAS is fantastic - like you, I just leave it in auto and let it work it all out. The R rattled my teeth… General I had a few electrical and mechanical problems with the GT, which were annoying, although they never stranded me. The R was absolutely perfect. The SAS has a glitch now and again, although I have found that starting it in N helps - the gremlins are battery voltage related - if you start it in gear there is a slight amount of clutch drag, which puts more load on the starter = lower battery voltage = gremlins. Just a KTM thing… The GT was a great bike; I did a long tour on it - the biggest problem was holding it back on our police infested roads! The R was an absolute animal/weapon...made me laugh out loud...and I've owned a Busa and a ZX14... The SAS is a real iron fist in a velvet glove. I haven’t toured on it, but it would be great. As you say, the 1301 donk is the best engine in motorcycling. Thanks again. Your reviews are excellent, both in terms of content and production.

[@matthewelliott7333]

@Troppo I'm about to buy a new bike either the GT or SAS, I commute around Western Sydney so, stop start, traffic etc, and travel on the M1 to Newcastle weekly. Weekends I'd be getting around some twisties which could be bumpy around the Hunter region...What's your pick?

[@troppo4872]

@@matthewelliott7333 SAS. Much more comfy, you can see over the traffic, better road presence and suspension is good for bumpy goat tracks... Really depends if you like adv bikes. Only downside is if you are a bit vertically challenged... ride them both...

[@matthewelliott7333]

@@troppo4872 awesome mate, I'm thinking the same, I'm 186cm so think I'll pull the trigger on the SAS. Cheers!

[@AKAOmnivore]

Yes the 6th gear is pretty much useless, if you follow speed limits lol I got a radar detector with BT that connects to my helmet audio.....Not that I would ever exceed a speed limit 😝

[@AVweb]

I've been riding an SDGT for two years and 25,000 miles. Most of it two-up long distance touring with my wife. To upright the body position a little, I installed bar backs. Love the machine. I came from an S1000XR and one thing you didn't mention is seat height and center of mass. Both are lower on the GT, making it easier to handle for a rider with a short inseam. I was surprised to hear you laud the GT's brakes. Compared to the BMW GS and XR, they aren't nearly as good. Less progressive and just less overall braking energy. If there were one improvement for me, that would be it.

[@TheSuperpod]

Good review and thoughts. And exactly the dilemma I am faced with. I’ll give my 2 cents and gotta ask one question at the end, if you care read this far. Although I admit I haven’t watched the video in its entirety yet. I am a top pace advanced group track day rider. My track bike until recently was 2018 Panigale V4S. I certainly share the dark side you are speaking off on the road and I am blessed with access to some of the worlds best roads where you can fly away from traffic, etc :) My 2020 Gen 3 SDR equipped with full Akra has 17000 miles now and it is an absolute benchmark for me on the road. But I was finding myself wishing for a proper tourer on multi-day bike trips and since I enjoy its LC8 so much (10 out of 10 engine) I added 2022 SAS to the stable. After 6 months and 6000 miles SAS is for sale now and the main reason is the engine! I toyed with off-roading on SAS a little, but the reality I much prefer my 500 EXCF for that sort of stuff and I ended up using my SAS as 100% sport tourer. The way SDR engine delivers power and happy to rev above 5000 cannot be further from the way SAS stock engine and tune feels like. The rest of the bike is fine by me. Surely it is not as sharp and collected as SDR or any proper Superbike but I could corner edge to edge on the rear tire and I don’t use brakes much anyway on the flowing roads. So I would say that it’s chassis is OK for sporty riding, certainly I appreciate the modes and comforts offered. But I was very underwhelmed by its engine, it makes lots of vibrations above 5000 psi and just overall doesn’t “feel happy” when riding aggressively with lots of full throttle. In long sweepers where SDR is amazing in 4th and even in tighter stuff where I would use 3rd on SDR , it never felt good to me in lower gears. On SDR I don’t use 6th at all, but on SAS to keep its engine from unwanted feel I was finding myself having to shift as high as possible and ride in a much more calm manner. And again , I am not talking about just the power as SDR feels way more powerful, I am talking about the engine “feel”, how juicy and happy it is. Unfortunately for me 2022 SAS does not cut it as a sport tourer. I have not sampled GT at all in any form and 2022 is not supplied to the US, I feel like it is the right bike for my touring trips , but I need to test ride it’s engine as I bough SAS because of its engine (LC8 I was worshiping to on SDR) and I am selling SAS because of its engine.. how would you categorize the differences above 5000 rpm on them? Is GT engine and stock tune favor full throttle and lower gears much more than SAS in your opinion.

[@Ctaff63]

Great review as always Matt. Love your enthusiasm and passion for bikes. I m older guy now , wanted something comfy yet could have bit fun when the dark side comes along now and again ,rode GT liked it but ended up buying v4 pikes peak , your review on multi v4s was very helpful and partly to blame 🙄. So happy I bought it ,it’s brilliant . Keep up the reviews . Hope KTM give you a GT 🤞🤞👍👍

[@mancavemoto]

Great Video, thanks for taking to time to make it. I’ve never been a ‘sports bike’ rider so i come at it from the opposite direction. Both blisteringly good bikes, but it was the SAS that grabbed my attention more. MAybe thats because I’ve not built up years of riding in a sporty position? Oh and you’ve got a new sub too

[@jamesdean8951]

Great combination of travelogue and review - thank you. I have the GT and won’t be going back to adventure bikes….

[@blackline66]

Another great video

[@21ED7]

This is probably the best review I've seen for this category comparison and most relevant for anyone considering a switch from sport bike to sports tourer (who isn't?) In fact the latter part of this video discussing the options beat watching the castles go by. In my experience sitting upright (Africa Twin, Tenere 700, KTM 890) just aches a different set of muscles. What's more important than luggage capacity is the fun factor in corners. I can relate to this comparison as I was considering the Super Adventure S as a change from my 2019 Kawasaki H2 SX SE+. I may think again and look at the GT.

[@kjellivarjohansen3952]

hi. i ride the 2019 gt with all ekstras inkluding comfort/heated seats. Drove from Oslo in Norway to Altea in Spain this summer inkluding Grimsel, Furka, San Gottard, Nufenen and St Bernard Pass and had a blast. Hometrip from Avignon in France (2645 km) in 21,5 houre was prove for good comfort

[@mxcostadelsol3651]

Nice to watch you vidéos Matt,i raced one day with you in Killarney,Cape Town,you were on a Ducati... After a lot of thinking i choosed the S.A.S over the G.T, i don't regret my choice... Take care,greetings from Spain!

[@Eric-Marsh]

I bought a (Euro) 1290 SAS a bit over a year ago. It's a good bike in many ways but after a year I started to seriously appraise what things I feel it could improve upon. Kicking around whether it's really the ideal bike for me I started pondering the benefits of other machines. It's not like I'm ready to sell my SAS if for no other reason than the fact that I've made some changes to the bike and I'd take a bit financial hit if I did so. But still... One of the bike I've wondered about is the Super Duke GT. So when I saw this video I immediately clicked through. BTW, Český Krumlov is lovely. Karlovy Vary is worth a visit too. Before my SAS I was riding a R1150 GS. I bought it after moving from the US to Spain because restricted for my new Spanish A2 license it still ticked enough boxes. In the States my previous rides were a Ninja 1400 and (turbo) Haysbusa. I thought that in Europe a bike that could handle some dirt and gravel roads would be a plus and went the Adventure Bike route. But it turns out that I really haven't taken my SAS off the pavement. Note that these bikes have four cylinders as have most of the other motorcycles that I've owned over the past 50 years. So what does this have to do with anything? Nobody was offering to buy my GS so I ended up trading the GS for a friend's tired 2006 K1200 GT. One of the failings of my SAS is when riding two up it can be a bit tricky to balance at a stop when two up. I figured I'd get the GT back in shape for Sunday rides with the wife. It sits lower and does a better job of protecting the rider and passenger from the wind. I've not quite fallen in love with the vibration created by a twin and once I got used to the GT's somewhat short gearing I appreciated that it doesn't really vibrate. To my surprise, and it really is a surprise, now that I've got the K1200 GT in good working order I'm finding that it really gives my Super Adventure a good run for the money in terms of being an enjoyable bike to ride. The engine is smooth, the ride is comfortable and the bike handles better than I expected. This is a sixteen year old machine and as such it lacks a lot of the electronic magic of a modern bike. I've unexpected dragged the pegs a few times while riding at what felt like a fairly relaxed pace on mountain roads. I also miss the adaptive cruise control, which I love on my Super Adventure (as well as my car.) This has got me to wondering if there's a modern equivalent of this old bike. That brought me to being curious about how the KTM GT measures up, among others. Looking at the reviews it seems like most contemporary sports touring bikes lean more towards the sporting end of of the spectrum. Your review is most interesting and I think it satisfies my curiosity about the GT. Perhaps I'll take one out for a test ride one day just for fun.

[@williamwatson4110]

Love the show

[@alanprice9938]

Love that, and loving the inspirational road choices…… next we want your top ten euro routes 😃👍………. Please? Bit shocked though……. After watching the reviews on the multi and SAS, I’d have been sure the SAS would have come up better on the twisties. So…..multi V4s vs GT??

[@bigred8438]

Thanks Matt for the review and the views. I herd a report recently that Danube was so low over summer the Boats couldn't navigate it. I wonder which part of the Danube that is a problem?

[@AlastairT509]

Great review. Never wanted an adventure bike - don’t like the image of riding round the UK tarmac with aluminium luggage, spots and several £ks of Klim gear - I am more of an old (very old) hipster with a Thruxton R, T509 Speed Triple and a BMW R1200S (which was supposed to be a sports bike but is really sports tourer from 2007). However, went to the Alps in 2019 (there was 1 GS and 3 KTMs in the group) so I bought a new 2018 SAR - and I loved it - should have bought the SAS but thought the SAR looked much cooler - however it was a little tall for me (great presence on the road but you had to plan ahead for stopping and turning it around on country lanes was scary). So I traded it for a 2021 SAS (I also fancied all the tech). It is ever better on smaller bumpy back roads and you can still see over the hedges - and with the comfort seat you can ride for hours (despite iffy knees). Hence on the UK on the roads I use (a lot are very much not smooth ribbons of tarmac), with the speed limits being lowered on so many good riding roads and the generally crap car driving in the UK - the SAS is fast enough for me - and great for motorways. You could also argue occasional 200 mile trips is not sports touring! I totally see the appeal of a traditional sports tourer as they are more exciting for tipping into bends - but being a law abiding fellow when would you use the GT properly? TBH even the SAR gets very bored at 50 mph. That said I could have bought a GT for the Alps trip and could see in many respects it might have been more fun on the Stelvio etc and the N500 (especially as it was cheaper to get all the bikes trailered to near Grenoble so no sitting on motorways to start with). I’d actually always thought I might get a GT but the previous model year SAR was so much cheaper when I was buying - and I am really glad I did.

[@allenjenkins289]

Excellent video I own a 21 plate gt it's an awesome bike But it does bring g out the dark side of me So I also have a gsa for two up sport touring Which iz also an awesome bike but calms me down which one do I prefer 🤔 Gt hands down won't be getting rid of it any time soon 😁 great review keep them coming hope you get your long termer

[@shannoncrawford7212]

I owned a 2016 SDGT, and I loved that bike. Minor accident (I rode it home after), but the insurance company totaled it. Replaced it with a well modded MT-10. Upgraded suspension and brakes, decat exhaust, ECU flash, and QS +/-. IMO the lighter and modded MT-10 offers more precise handling, with plenty of power and fun. And there are aspects I enjoy more, as I don’t do much long distance touring, mostly 1/2 day to day long rides on local back country roads. But I do miss the torque, electronic suspension, and the luggage capacity of the SDGT. And my wife misses the comfort. I got Tracer 900 passenger foot pegs for the MT-10 as they offer more legroom, but she still doesn’t like it for more than an hour.

[@donmarios6344]

I took them both in 2022 they both drive well the adventure is cool but in the end strangely I mostly go out with the gt

[@PutOnYourLid]

Thanks for the Video. I liked it! You said that you are using Kürviger. I have moved on to Calimoto for my Navigation. if you havent heard of it,do look it up. i believe it to be the best out there, especially if you are in search of some epic twisties!

[@jccalabuig]

Great vid Mat. I think the same as you. Maybe the SAS is a more rational option than GT. But when the Dark Side it's calling you... There it's nothing to do. Recently I do a five day trip by the Alps with four colleagues, two of them with SAS. Probably I arrived each day to the hotel more tired than them with my GT, but the GT it's an enjoying machine in the 9 of Andermatt.

[@luclemoine5668]

I loved your review (as always). Proud owner of a 22 GT since a couple of weeks and if you ever have an urge to ride one: let me know 👍

[@ultimateaddons]

Interesting review, recently went from a KTM SDR to a Yamaha Tenere T7 to a KTM 1290 GT, the GT is such a good road bike, tho I am missing the extra leg room on the Tenere.

[@bobvincent5921]

Thanks. Top notch report. Suggest you left out the Vstrom 1000 as an alternative??

[@cpuuk]

Like you I was also in a quandary over the GT or the SAS. I have put 11K miles on my SAS, no regrets (except the seat).

[@AKAOmnivore]

I have a very similar background to you (ride wise) but moved away from the sport bikes in my mid 50's due to the fetal position and my old knees. moved into my 60's and I had a polaris slingshot and on a whim traded it for a GT. Good Lord, who knew. I've had too many bikes to remember, but the GT is the absolute best of all of them, all I needed for it was a radar detector and some high speed sweepers. Where was this tech my whole life, this bike is incredible.

[@Fernando90054]

I never have ridden the SAS, and maybe I will test one in a near opportunity. But I own a GT and I absolutely agree with your opinion, because what you have described is exactly the same that I think and feel about the GT. It is genuinely a masterpiece of a bike! I hope that you get the bike long term loan ✌️✌️

[@ttjafi]

What a nice ride. Have to do that one day. Hopfully it will work with a BMW also :)

[@stitchjones7134]

I have the SAS. Love it. Only thing that pisses me off is the intermittent brake switch light coming on. Only gremlin

[@user-mx2ei5cj9r]

Last year I tested the GT and the SA, for me the GT always pushes me to go faster while the SA feels more relaxed and thats what Im looking for when touring. I enden up buying the SA. Love it!

[@philiplaurell1163]

Thank you so much for this review. It was exactly the questions I had and I too was leaning towards getting the Adventure, for my bum, shoulders and wrists, but my heart wants the GT. I am getting the GT and will do what I can to make it more comfortable.

[@BikingVikingHH]

Put some Reinthal “streetfighter” handlebars on it, will widen it up and lift your arms an inch or two (perhaps, not sure about the stock bar curvature on the ktm) and some handlebar risers. I did that on my FZ-1, it’s my “urban adventure bike” LOL, I am a tall guy and it’s very comfortable now. Putting some adventure tires on it and fooling around in the Sierras in the spring time 😀

[@dejanmarinovic2000]

a simple and cheap modification can bring the steering bar a bit closer and higher up....If you really have to. I found out that if you give it some time , your body and muscles will adapt. With original slight forward incline position you get a better feel and control....

[@badger4361]

As much as I love super nakeds, I'd take the SAS as that long travel suspension does really well only local uneven potholed roads. But I'd probably be better off with a supermoto as that would do that job even better.

[@Tocino_Wheels]

I've ridden both versions, although 2017-18 specs. (although I haven't upload them due to technical issues...) Each of these KTMs has its own special way on how you want to ride them. The SAS are for people who are used to riding dualsports & traditional adventure-dirt bikes. But the SDGT are for people who are used to sportbikes & crotch-rockets. If you're planning to have a passenger on your bike, the SAS is it. But if you ride solo most of the time, the SDGT fits the perfect bill. These bikes are a happy medium within the sport-touring genre. (Although I still consider the S1000XR as an Adventure-Sport (17in front), while the SAS is an Adventure-Touring (19in front). Personally, I'd take any traditional sport-touring bikes like the SDGT, Ninja 1000, & GSX-S 1000GT over many traditional sportbikes. But hey, I like Nakeds on top of them! lol

[@My347LX]

I am currently on a 2020 GT and I am just shy of 30K miles so far. I was a cruiser guy for 20 years and so my background is not a sophisticated as others...but this is my 2nd GT. First was a 2017 that I had for almost 3 years. I want a Gen 3 SOOOO bad and I am bummed...bordering on pissed off about it. I know that if they bring it over as a 2023, I will get one and if they dont...I will wait and get one whenever they decide to get them to the states.

[@kennethwilliams9924]

I stumbled on Cesky Krumlov on a bike trip a few years ago. Lovely isn’t it? 😊

[@vanggr]

I am thinking of a swap to get the gt! Is unbelievable how i think EXACTLY the same for the two bikes as you describe at the end. Feels like alter ego I feel everything you say to the last detail. I think i will swap after two years with 1290sas. Gongs!!

[@kj385]

I’m considering trading my 2017 GT for a 2022 SAS because of the GT’s vibration below below 5k, tall gearing and heat. Plus looking for a little more comfort on longer rides. Plus I still have a 2015 SDR when I want to go “too” fast.

[@paulvanhout9695]

Very detailed and informative review. I am a big fan of KTM performance and engineering but would like to see them slow down a notch and up their quality assurance game. Appreciate the personal perspective and down to earth style of your commentary 👍

[@dsiz9421]

I’ve noticed a few of them have electrical problems. I’ve also noticed a lot of people sell when the warranty is up. Lol

[@cristiano69y]

Muy buen video, en especial que viene subtitulado en español, se agradece, ya que no hablo inglés, saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@davesnowpros6785]

I think it's because you're a rider's rider Mat (if you see,what I mean). I think you like to get on with it and to ride a bike that rewards you for riding it. I think like likes of the SAS and the GSA are almost too easy to ride

[@simoncherry4442]

Good review. I have both, a 2020 GT and a 2019 SAS, and without doubt the GT is the best solo bike to ride. But for two up touring the SAS wins hands down for comfort. It might also tip back towards the SAS if you really are crunching the miles solo on a mixture of roads. Good luck on getting a GT out of KTM!

[@Fernando90054]

You’re absolutely right. The GT can do some touring but on solo capacity. That’s mainly I guess, the reason that leaded you to have also the SAS. I have the GT and it is my fast bike. But when I got it I was thinking to go on touring with two would be possible. And possible it is but not comfortably. In the sequence of that I had to get a comfortable bike for two people and got for traveling, the BMW 1250 RT. Now I have the situation solved ✌️

[@simoncherry4442]

@@Fernando90054 the suspension set up on the Adventure is also much more aligned to touring and more comfortable. The GT is firm, it’s a sports bike set up, it’s pushing its limits too far I think for two up touring. I have Givi boxes on the Adventure, panniers and top box, you’d never get them on the GT with a pillion. Having the 1290 KTM engine beneath you when you are fully loaded is fantastic, it still goes like a rocket and handles brilliantly. Definitely would suggest you consider it as an option, that said the BMW is a great bike.

[@Fernando90054]

@@simoncherry4442 thanks for your kind reply. I intent to test the SAS. Although there are some nit pics in KTM electronics wise that I don’t have in my experience with BMW. Prior to the RT I had two GS’s the 1200R and the 1250R and none of them gave me strange messages like the GT has produced on the screen “GENERAL FAILURE “ or “SUSPENSION” and when you restart the bike they go away. Having two expensive bikes of the same brand can be a bold move. I like to diversify 😉✌️✌️

[@quicksilv3r469]

Brilliant

[@nukezat]

I wish they bring back the GT to us markets

[@67daltonknox]

I'm 74. I can ride my SAS for several hours, but doubt I would last one on a GT. Adventure bikes are great for us oldies.

[@MikaelLewisify]

The GT is incredibly comfortable

[@kirkdunn1379]

Good for you Matt.....spirited riding keeps you youthful and easy going.....people I know who are older and followed every single rule their whole life are rigid, serious, uptight and a lil bitter in a way Stay youthful, and drag a knee and pop a wheelie once in a while......you'll be better off fir it! Enjoy your reviews

[@4tech69]

I would not consider the GT myself until it gets the updated chasis and electronic suspension.

[@yoavziv69]

I ride a 2019 GT and enjoy every moment. For me, the only minus of the motorcycle is the seat, which is simply too hard.

[@superstretch215]

I'm actually in the market for an SAS. It was going to be the GT until I sat on one. My other bike is a kawasaki z1000 and the duke riding position is almost the same. It actually feels sportier than my z1000 and it's a GT 🤣🤣. I'm looking for a comfortable bike to do some moderate touring that is still a beast. I'm also 6'6" and need a 2nd bike that will actually fit me. SAS all day.

[@andreadavanzo2975]

Nice rev Matt! I have a question: if i like to go out 60% with a passenger and 40% alone. Which bike should i choose? Or what else should i consider? Thx

[@marijnkramer6897]

I am a bit in the same problem as you put here now. Started on a Suzuki GS 500, now on a KTM SMT 990.. what I am looking for is a “SMT 1290”.. but here is not.. so I am still in doupt between the SAS and the GT.. I do big tours 5k km at the time. (All on tarmac). But I take a lot of stuff.. thinking about buying the SAS or SAR and put 17inch wheels in it..

[@jonomasonILoveU]

I was so impressed with the 22 Duke390 I`m trading in on the 24 Duke390 Blue. I love kTm😁.

[@bradleybaker8894]

An exceptional review. There is not one right answer between the two bikes. I understand the attraction of the GT. That said, my riding needs and preferences are better met with an SAS.

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Thanks a lot for showing us the other side of the world 🥺😅👏🏻. I don’t have much experience for these machines. However, I agree I would have the GT. For my skill level though Il take a KTM duke 890 - albeit they create a GT of that then I’m happy 🙂😀. But the kAwasaki z1000sx seems to be great value for money on sport touring front🙈🤔

[@paulpartridge2674]

A very balanced and informative view of both bikes, and like you have a KTM obsession, they grow on you to the point where personally I don’t think another bike would suit me as well all considered . Therapy is in the form of online obsession of all things orange 🍊 😀

[@NZ2STROKE]

I spent quite a bit of time on both bikes before buying a GT.The SAS is just to big and tall for short ass riders like me especially 2 up with luggage.With a couple of mods the GT is the perfect road bike for me.My wife is very happy on the back even 500k+ days of tight twisty NZ back roads.

[@DaveDayve]

What's with the 2 indicators on at the same time on the KTM 1290s ? Breaklight failure warning? Just after crossing the first boat 'bridge'

[@alfiethefeline3311]

I have a gen2 GT , its a nice bike But its difficult job to ride it reasonable and at slow speeds you always trying to tame it. So its difficult. On the other hand SAS i test ride, i did straight away miss the torque on GT however it was more nible at slow speeds and also felt more comfortable all round. So i might need to give another test ride to it :D

[@kn58]

This video essentially made me buy an SAS as I need something that’s brilliant on the road and something that can let me do occasional light off-roading. Thanks Mat

[@jerryh2954]

You are very seriously talking me into the GT over the SAS which I was sure up to now I was going to pick up before summer's end. Decisions, decisions...

[@jasonsearle2512]

Fantastic review! Really. I’m a SAS owner and love it. I’m driving on Irish roads and think it suits best for me. Did you have the tech pack? I didn’t notice you using it. In Rally mode the SAS is definitely more lively and wheelie happy. Although the electronics do randomly get in the way sometimes. When TC is off it can still intrude. That aside they are both very exciting bikes. Good luck getting the long term loner. 🤟

[@fabiena1787]

You’re right. The Rally mode (esp. the rally throttle response) is rarely mentioned but it makes the engine much wilder. The fuel consumption as well, but that’s another story.

[@ulaskvlcm]

Can u compare the wind protection?

[@gunthernussmuller4863]

I missed the difference of the hot air is going to heat the legs, especially in slow city mode ! ( is there no significant ? )

[@michaelmckenna2882]

Well done Matt, I'm just imagining how good a KTM 890 GT would be if they made one. Scalpel handling with more comfort for longer distances on the twistier roads. Please KTM ?