KTM 1290 Super Duke GT first impressions: Better than a Sportbike?

[@SoulReaper599xx]

I just bought one cos my wife wanted to ride pillion. Its fast, fairly comfortable, has panniers, handles like a true sportbike. Insane power. a true beast!

[@averagemoto]

It's a great all around bike, and deceptively quick. Have fun!

[@johnbini1929]

Awesome review !!! Good explanation, very calm voice and very good riding style. I'm on the market, own an MT 09 and looking for a bike with good performance, but also with touring capabilities. Is it nimble in the tight corners and hairpin turns, too? Here in Italy we have a lot of them and it' ll be very nice to climb with a bike like that. Cheers from Rome - Italy.

[@averagemoto]

Thank you! Yes the 1290 SDGT is a great bike for tight corners due to its torque at low RPM and engine braking. The bike lives for the tight technical roads and handles great (recommend keeping suspension in sport mode when having fun😀). Everytime I ride the bike I forget how effortlessly it can be pushed even with 6 gallons of fuel in the tank it handles, transitions, and brakes more comfortably than a sport bike. On most large CC bikes, in really tight corners or during climbs I would usually have to down shift to 1st gear, but on this bike you can keep it in 2nd and just roll onto the throttle. The same goes for down hill. Where most bikes would be in 1st or 2nd on tight downhills, I keep the bike in 3rd and it feels great providing just the right amount of engine braking. The one negative about the bike is that it doesn't like to be lugged around town, but that's most large CC performance bikes. I'll try to find some footage of it being ridden on a tighter road. Thanks for commenting and riding along!

[@johnbini1929]

@@averagemotoThank you for the detailed answer to my questions, I'm always more convinced to go for it. Have nice ride, cheers from Rome - Italy

[@averagemoto]

@@johnbini1929 Yeah no problem, anytime! 🛵🏍🚀

[@hughiemg2]

Good review. Just bought a used gen 1 model. Upgraded screen and new headlight wasnt enough of a difference to pay the premium for a second generation in my opinion.

[@averagemoto]

Thanks for watching. I completely understand given the outrageous prices of bikes now.

[@watchdancing]

Plus, I think Gen 1 looks better.

[@Jluck78]

This is a great review - I like this style, informative - thanks for posting.

[@averagemoto]

Thank you, I really appreciate your kind feedback. 🛵🏍🚀

[@christoph8130]

I have been driving the GT since 2016, without any breakdowns and I am very satisfied.

[@averagemoto]

It is a really fun bike🍊🚀

[@AntaresSQ01]

I used to have a 2015 S1000XR and I replaced it with the same 2020 1290 SDGT, it's interesting, I do yearn after the XR here and there but the GT is much more capable sportbike all around. The XR is a bit more relaxed, still ballistically fast but not quite the same urgency and edge that the SDGT has, the SDGT is also "smarter" whereas the XR is more "refined" even my early Gen 1 XR with a full system. What I do miss from the KTM is that rowdyness, it's very business like in it's noise and how it carries itself, the XR you could play around with a bit more and it crackled, popped, banged, shot 2ft flames etc and it was a great hoon.

[@averagemoto]

I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision, they are both such capable bikes, but as you mentioned the GT just has that slight edge, especially when you want to have fun. Even with just a slip on, the bikes sound great and is still semi stealth when just lugging it around town, not quite sure I could ever straight pipe the GT but there's nothing like hearing those pops and bangs when you decat and downshift 😃

[@jamesmelendez4549]

Excellent video. I have a 2021 BMW S1000XR which is a similar bike to your GT and I love it. I love rides like in tour video. You're in the twisties just having a great time with good friends. On Monday my friends and I did a little over 400 miles in the NC/TN mtns. Cherohala skyway, the dragon, and moonshiner 28 and the ride was basically the same as your video. It was a great day. The beauty of sporttouring/sport adventure bikes is they are comfortable but still excellent in the twisty mtn roads. Just found out today from my dealer that BMW is set to discontinued the S1000XR for 2024. Its a real shame. So when I'm looking to buy another bike the KTM SD GT might just be the right one for me. Rubber side down... 🤙🤙

[@averagemoto]

Thanks for riding along! It sounds like you all had a really good time. Have to take advantage before the cold weather moves in. 100% agree, sport touring is definitely the way to go now, especially on those long rides. I consider getting a XR, but really wanted the torque and low revs of the GTs twin and it exceeded my expectations in its stock form. Well if it is true that it will be discounted, I guess there is also the Multi v4 pikes peak...but the prices are ridiculous. Just curious but what kind of MPG are you averaging the XR?

[@jamesmelendez4549]

@@averagemoto I almost bought a SD GT when I was looking for a new bike in 2021 cuz of the engine. When I test road it the fueling wasn't great below 3k in the rpm around town it didn't really like it so much. The engine "chugged" pretty bad. So that put me off. I'm coming up on my 18k service for my XR that's a big one lol $$$$ lol. So my plans are to get two of those big services done before I start looking for another bike. That will put it at around 40k and another 3 or 4 more yrs. We'll see what's out on the market then. Its funny you mentioned the Ducati. I was at my my local BMW/Ducati dealer on Friday and they had a V4 Pikes peak on the floor sold. 35k by the time all the taxes are figured in. That's alot of bike and a price tag to match. I just checked the mpg on my XR from the 427 mile Cherohala skyway ride. I averaged 41.2 mpg. Not too bad I don't think. One of the guys I rode with that day was on a 2021 kawasaki ZH2. Basically I was at 1 gas stop for everyone of his 2 gas stops. Lmao 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@averagemoto]

@@jamesmelendez4549 The fueling at low rpm is a bit rough, thankfully I don't have too much stop and go traffic on commutes, I can see where an inline 4 would feel more comfortable. But the maintenance cost and wait times nowadays are ridiculous, can't imagine how much it must be for a ducati, but with a 35k price tag I can get a few more bikes and still have money left to upgrade them all lol😂. And that's good mileage, I average about 48 mpg with the 6 gallon tank I only stop twice just to avoid worrying. I know the V4 multi has terrible gas mileage which was another deterent. Gotta love having to stop at every gas station you see with those bikes😂😂

[@jamesmelendez4549]

@@averagemoto that's one thing about inline 4s "for the most part" they are very smooth. I'm in my late 50s now so I grew up riding sportbikes (80s, 90s and early 2000s) all inline 4s. I was hesitant to get any other type engine. I live in SC now Greenville County. Which is a great place to live and ride. Puts me close to some very nice roads in western NC, eastern TN and Northern GA but getting back home there is always some type traffic. So having a bike that fuels nicely was kinda important. I didn't want to get into the whole pipe, remap stuff. Bn there, done that (50x) hv the t-shirt and the pics. All in all I luv my XR. I hear KTM is coming out with a new SDR and SD GT. They're bumping it up 100cc. That's gonna be a beast. Can't wait to check it out. In a few yrs when I'm ready for a new bike I will certainly give it a look see. As well as the multi Pikes peak if Ducati still carries it. Lol.

[@jamesmelendez4549]

@@averagemoto I did hear the multi has bad fuel milage. I don't know why that is though. It's a shame cuz it's a great bike. 👍

[@ΓιώργοςΕυτυχηςΠρωτοπαπαδακης]

Great Video. Nice Handling whilst dealing withbthese serpent roads.. A question with regards the bike stability after 230 to 250 km/h Have you observed any issues ??

[@averagemoto]

Thanks for watching. The bike remains stable and predictable at higher speeds.

[@allanhickey2190]

I am using bridgestones s22 tyres on my gt...been great for road and track days...

[@Stclairm1]

I may have to go ride one. I have a GSXS1000GT that I love, but looking to add a 2nd bike. Got rid of a 23 MT09SP because of rough ride, crap seat, and not enough power. The 14 Superduke R before that didn’t have cruise, no quickshifter, and didn’t turn in quite quick enough for me in the NC mountains. It’s like the lighter bikes turn quick, but ride rougher and don’t have the power. So many trade offs. I see 16-18 SDGT’s so cheap. KTM is proud of their oil filters though.

[@averagemoto]

Sorry for the late response, didn't get a youtube notification. I think that you will enjoy the SDGT. I've heard that the early superdukes handled like oversized supermotos and weren't as precise so I understand why you passed on the duke. The SDGT is the best of both worlds. All of the power and handling of a sportbike (handles better than my r1 on road), with long-distance comforts. It may not be the most comfortable bike around town, but twisty roads are where this bikes shines. Maybe try test riding one and let me know your opinion.😃

[@Stclairm1]

@@averagemoto I’ve been eyeing the 17-18 Tuono RR’s and factory versions. My best friend has one and I’ve ridden it twice and never laughed so hard in my helmet. Best handling and feel of any bike I’ve ridden. I

[@averagemoto]

A Tuono would be fun. A few years back, an Aprilia dealer gave me a factory Tuono to ride for the day and told me to ride it like it was my own...I agree great handling bike haha. The only problem I had with the Tuono was that it basically had the same crammed ergonomics as a regular sportbike, but if that isn't an issue for you then the tuono might be a fun bike for rides less that 150 miles.

[@averagemoto]

Plus they sound good 😄

[@Stclairm1]

@@averagemoto that is very true. I’m 53 and I definitely felt it in my wrists. My best bud is 63 and rides his a few hours to the NC mountains and back every now and then. Cruise helps. Most of the time he rides his S1000XR though.

[@robertobruselas3952]

Nice review. What's the aftermarket exhaust? This looks awesome!

[@averagemoto]

Hey thanks for commenting. It's an unbranded Ali Express slip on that cost $33, I'll add a link if I can find it. Since the catalytic converters are still installed the bike runs fine and sounds great!😎

[@averagemoto]

Here it is, option A2 (unbranded): www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804996335030.html?spm=a2g0n.order_detail.order_detail_item.3.65b3f19cbpNPgS&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[@bubsiesiegel]

I would love to ride a SDGT to see how it compares to my 19 SDR. Have you had any comparison between the two?

[@averagemoto]

Unfortunately I have not. Originally I wanted a 1290 r but decide on the GT for the wind protection, side luggage, and electronic suspension. I can see where the slightly lighter weight of the "R" would be a tad bit more fun to flick around, and it looks better than the GT, but honestly I'm glad I chose the GT over the R because it handles great, and I can cover 300+ miles in relative comfort.

[@erickullmann9037]

How is the suspension? I've read a mess of reviews and nobody goes to in depth on the suspension. I had a 2016 S1000R that I never thought Id sell, but as the roads got worse so did my back. Now I have a Tuono V4 factory, a R1250GS and I picked up a Multistrada pikes peak last week. I'm trying to hit the sweet spot of comfort and raw excitement. The SDGT seems about as close to a Tuono with Multistrada suspension as I'm gonna get. Does the suspension send shock waves up your spine if you hit a pot hole? Does the bike get upset leaned over in broken up corners?

[@averagemoto]

The suspension is alot more capable that I expected it to be. When in "sport" mode (which is what I keep it in most of the time) the bike transitions and handles better than my R1, especially of bad roads with various types of pavement. Overall the bike just feels planted. The different suspension characteristics is noticeable between the various modes. If you want the super plush dirtbike suspension feel on the highway, "Comfort" mode will absorb those bridge joints and occasional potholes but will have noticeable stability decrease at speed and when cornering. "Street" if you want to ride at medium to higher speed on a beat up road and don't mind a little front end dive when braking. "Sport", a more stiff ride, but you can come into a corner hot, brake very late, correct a line mid turn all with a full tank of gas and the bike will handle it smoothly. If you like the Tuono, you will love the SDGT and appreciate its more comfortable ergonomics. At one point I test rode a tuono on backroads and loved it, but liked the GT more. I can now do 300+ mile loops at a spirited pace and even a tad bit of gravel road exploration (in comfort mode) and feel relatively comfortable. The one place the SDGT is not happy is when lugging around town, but thats nost bikes.The BMW or Multi would be better suited for that. Overall I chose the SDGT because I wanted a comfortable bike that could be pushed in the twisties or on a track almost as comfortably as a sport bike, and this bike has more than exceeded my expectations in its current stock form.

[@averagemoto]

I haven't ridden a Multi, but it seems like it would be more comfortable than the SDGT, no? Unless you are looking for a bike that has an exciting amount of torque on tap, and better fuel efficiency (41 MPG spirited riding), then I can understand the desire for another option.

[@erickullmann9037]

The MSPP is great but so is the 1250GS that it is comparable to. And thats the problem. Although it is faster than the GS it isnt any more fun to ride. It looks more fun but it also costs 25% more. Im still getting used to it, and the front tire is shot, so im holding judgement. I am doubtful that i will ever feel as “in charge” with an adv bike as a sport tourer. What I really want is a V4 Tuono with 6” of ohlins 2.0 electronic suspension.

[@andersandersson5483]

På min GT har jag monterat styrhöjare för att få en bättre upprätt körställning. Mycket bekvämare och du slipper belastning på handlederna. Jag har också högre vindruta som avlastar axlar och hjälm.

[@averagemoto]

Thanks for commenting. Those are good upgrades. Personally I prefer the stock position and angle of the handlebars. What after market windscreen did you decide to go with? Wind is a bit of a complaint, especially for tall riders so I can see how a taller screen would help reduce head and neck strain.

[@andersandersson5483]

Puig screen.

[@andersandersson5483]

Iam 188cm tall.

[@averagemoto]

@@andersandersson5483 That's good to know. I'm a bit taller so the windshield at max height forces the wind right across my neck. I'll have to check the Puig out.

[@simonkwiecinski7979]

I didn't ţry Puig (a lot negative reviews about fit) , but I got a touring screen from WRS. Much better than stock and, mine being dark smoke, looks better too. Much less buffeting at hwy speeds. BTW, I'm 5' 11" (180cm). I agree w all other comments, it's still a beast, just more comfortable...

[@johnvandijken]

I have the same bike and i like it very much. Lots of torque.

[@averagemoto]

Nice! Its a really fun bike.

[@ivarwolf7485]

is this a good beginner bike?

[@averagemoto]

I think it would be better to start with something smaller like a KTM 390, or at the most a KTM 790 if the rider is larger and more advanced/comfortable.

[@kingdl5657]

I loved mine. Had a 2016. Rode the hell out of it for six years and 30k miles. Never a hiccup. I miss it. I sold it to buy a new Harley. I like the Harley but miss the KTM.

[@averagemoto]

Good to hear!

[@niktopore7734]

I got an option to get a 2021 super duke gt with 0km for 13.5k euros. Or i can get a multistrada 1260s used with that price. Which one should i get?

[@averagemoto]

Unfortunately I haven't ridden a Ducati Multistrada so I can't offer much input. Is there one you are leaning more towards?

[@niktopore7734]

I got the ktm 1290 gt yesterday. Im so happy for the choice i made 😊

[@averagemoto]

@@niktopore7734 😎 glad you made the decision, It's a really fun bike. 🟧🚀

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

how is the wind on the highway?

[@averagemoto]

The wind isn't too bad, all depends on rider height. For riders over 6' I would recommend upgrading to a taller windscreen for the most comfort. Personally I don't mind the windscreen height as it helps with summer temperatures. The wind cuts right about at eye level with the screen all the way up, and seated in the upright position.

[@davidmoeller765]

@@averagemoto What other wind shield are available? I would like to buy a taller one but I can not find one.

[@averagemoto]

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with aftermarket windscreens for the duke, but maybe consider looking into the "touring" screen offered by Puig for the SDGT.

[@davidmoeller765]

@@averagemoto Thanks for the answer!

[@averagemoto]

​@@davidmoeller765 No problem. Hope you are able to find one that you like.

[@rsn8122]

I think I may have been on a ride with you last year. This looks too familiar

[@averagemoto]

Hey, yeah definitely possible. What bike were you riding?

[@rsn8122]

@@averagemoto 2018 super duke r and i think there was another super duke out with us too along with a R6 and a Zx6r. You said your name was Moto. Makes sense now

[@averagemoto]

Oh okay yeah I remember, the Super Duke with the dual austin racing exhaust right?

[@averagemoto]

That was a nice day.

[@rsn8122]

@@averagemoto yes that’s it and yes it was a nice ride. Nice to stumble on to your channel. Very cool. Nice vids

[@kevinpeck9981]

Is there a more comfortable seat for the GT?

[@averagemoto]

There are several aftermarket seats available. I use the stock seat, but have seen some riders swap them out for thicker padded ones or even gel ones.

[@Stclairm1]

The KTM powerparts heated one is an upgrade.

[@Wowophed]

I got a 1290 s but now i regret not getting the gt😢

[@averagemoto]

I guess it all depends on the type of riding you like to do, but the 1290 Super Adventure seems like a great bike!