KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Want The Beast with some practicality on the side? You'll be wanting KTM's 1290 Super Duke GT, then.

[@IkarusFlight]

The blurred out instruments answer the question if this bike is fun.

[@WILDWILDVAPE]

Changed in my S1000XR for this babe :) The S1000XR is a fantastic bike... but I love V2 and V4 engines... and the constant chain rattle on the S1000 engine gave the last needed reason. :D

[@mujtabakamal]

Beautiful place...its always good to see Matt on bike

[@kamleshchand5982]

Mat, humour and information - like your presentation style. Thanks guys please keep up the good work.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Great video. Very funny intro section. Thanks for sharing !

[@ShortTRacing]

Now ill start watching this chanel again with Matt testing bikes

[@15lastone]

Thanks for sharing, it's absolutely amazing and a Monster Motorbike

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

Great review. My 2017 isn't happy in 6th until over 85mph. I wasn't impressed with the idea of having a screen over analogue dials but I'm coming round.

[@regislacomme5238]

Thank you Matt, you still the best!

[@tonyask3229]

Great review, I agree with all you mentioned had quite a few issues with the GT along with sweaty parts of the body when sat on a big v twin. Found the multistrada to just do it all with style and with the character of a twin.

[@jamesfisher1827]

Nice bit of comedy with Spock! Great honest review as always. At least Spock works for simple inexpensive treats!

[@amans789]

You guys are just awesome

[@a.s.5280]

Matt, your reviews are always special. I wonder how you do the filming while driving.

[@stevesherlockrides]

Great vid as always. Ive just put a deposit on a GT and coming from an S1000r recognise your point about slow speed high gears. That said I don't ride a bike for slow speed high gear riding.... bring on the GT. Sports performance with more versatility than my s1000r (which by the way is still a great bike).

[@brownboybiker2952]

Amazing review! I have a 2020 Superduke GT, and agree with all of your gripes about it. I love it though! The best all rounder I've ever had. Light enough to make commuting and filtering through traffic a doddle, more than enough power and sporty inclination to make weekend blasts a hoot, and touring on it is super-easy! I don't agree with just chucking a screen on a SDR and using that instead - but maybe that's because the weather in the UK is so awful! The heated grips, wind protection and extra tank capacity make this a better choice for Blighty! Never ran into any reliability issues with it in 2 years. Worth saying this though - KTM's My Ride app (the sat nav) is absolute pants and KTM have done nothing to sort it out in years. Also, I hate that lots of features are ready to go on the bike but I have to pay extra to access them! Bloody KTM. And I had to get a custom made seat because KTM have no interest in making a comfortable seat. Other than those 3 things, I love it!

[@grenphelps7455]

I've not long bought a 1290 super duke gt in those colours, and the bike is completely bonkers like the R, but I think it's better than the R, a more complete package, I'm a tall guy and find the bike very comfortable, but I do tend to agree with ur comments on the handle bars, I have rolled mine forward a bit and it has helped, but it's still not quite there, so I've ordered a pair of handle bar risers to see if they can help...as for reliability, well bmw has just recalled a lot of their bikes with leaking calipers..🤷‍♂️ It's a motorcycle, none are perfect...

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

Same reason I went for the GT. I still had to get the adjustable peg set to give me a bit more room.

[@splodge5714]

The Japanese maybe just a bit more perfect. I couldn't be bothered with those unreliability issues but you pays your money and makes your choice.

[@grenphelps7455]

@@splodge5714 Japanese bikes are OK, I've got a second bike and it's Japanese and it's from the 90's and is great, I've had enough Japanese bikes over the yrs, but they are built to a price and after 6 months or so, u can see it....I'll stick with my new KTM any day of the week

[@tomtraynor5384]

h2489 Which pegs? Thanks

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

@@tomtraynor5384 look on the KTM powerparts store. They have adjustable rear sets. Spendy!

[@nortondlcl]

Matt don’t ever stop riding or reviews .

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I have 2017 SDGT and I think your assessment is pretty spot on. I found with risers and some time on the power parts seat it gets much better. I do like it but also do not like the rawness of the engine, it all depends on where you are. I have tried every sports tourer out there and they are either too big, too uncomfortable, too sterile, handle poorly or make some sort of compromise. I have lost my love for BMW after 6 of them, they just don't put a smile on my face. In the end I found that the SDGT was the best combination but it will never be comfortable enough to have a 1,000 mile day. I'm still waiting on the perfect sport tourer, but the new (2012) Aprilia Tuono 1100 factory looks promising. My MT10 with bags and a windshield is formidable as well!

[@mpsmyth3000]

Great vid👍

[@splodge5714]

Lovely Schnauzer, I have a mini wonderful dogs. As for the bike I'd rather ride those roads on a Road King and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

[@corentinalpha4784]

Great review, "as usual" I might say! 👍 Keep up your great work. I understand why the GT exists in KTM catalog, but IMHO one should better choose between the R or the Superadventure S according to the inclination toward untamed fun or loads of fun and ability to tour. I went for the latter and enjoyed (understatement) each of the 10 000 km I made since 6 months. 160 bhp instead of 180, but with so much torque everywhere who needs such power on the road? Worth noting you can wheelie effortlessly in 4th gear if that's your thing. 😈 And I look like mature and reasonable guy when I park her at the office 😉 Eventually, about the reliability que I haven't been bothered in anyway. Still falling in love every day when I open my garage door.

[@hagaxxx]

Hi Mat excellent review, funny enough about taking the brain in or out 😊 could you be more precise of this beautiful location as I live in Belgium and I might go there in summer. Best

[@575ban]

Lol to the BMW calling the fire engines 🤣

[@piersdenney]

Great episode, thank you. Still or sure about the looks on the KTMs... all that lary orange, hmm. And then there’s the oil leaks and electronics... that’s when I start looking at the Triumphs and all the Japanese manufacturers

[@MicGil]

I have the bike for more than 3 years. It's a wonderful bike to ride, there is no doubt about it, but your concerns about longevity are really the Achilles' heel with this bike, and maybe with KTM as a brand. During those 3 and a half years I experienced a lot of false alarms, and 3 times of a malfunctioning electronic part, which in 2 of the 3 times the bike had to be taken by a truck to the garage. I wonder why KTM can't make their bikes more reliable.

[@ralphwarom2514]

I actually think that the electronics need to be the focus for current bikes. The engines are great, but the management systems are too complex, but more than that the bike should never interreupt your riding as long as the engine is able to work well.

[@James-hr2ox]

Good review and I agree about the riding position. I used bar risers to bring the bar up and back on my '19 SDGT. I also changed the foot pegs for adjustable ones that also lowered the pegs and brought them forward an inch each. Those changes make it a proper GT bike. The stock pegs are only comfortable in a full on tuck. I live in the Midwest US, so I need to ride 600 - 800 miles to get to proper twisties. An SDR would be punishing to slab that many miles. That's where the SDGT shines. I had a 2016 S1000XR prior to this and loved it. Just wanted the character of a twin for a while. BTW, I've put a few thousand miles over a year on my SDGT and not a single issue. Cheers!

[@garethmayfield4014]

hi James. I've got an 18 with 15,000 miles on it. I'm finding it uncomfortable for long distances. I've got the power parts seat in for gel pads and raising it an inch. see how that goes. I'm going up an inch on the bars, but does bringing the bars back help? does lowering the pegs alter the handling? do you scrape your toes? would you recommend it? As with reliability. in all that mileage I've only had the oil temp sensor go out of limits. didn't affect the bike, but I changed it to get rid of the light. mine doesn't throw spurious warning lights at me. it gets thrashed and loves it. great bike.

[@James-hr2ox]

@@garethmayfield4014 bringing the bars back definitely helps with comfort. I ride with the balls of my feet on top of the pegs, so I've never scraped my toes. If you hook your heels on the pegs I suppose you could scrape your toes. It's a different riding position so it takes a little getting used to, but it didn't change the handling characteristics of the bike at all. I highly recommend these changes for general comfort. For me it made the bike so much more enjoyable.

[@garethmayfield4014]

@@James-hr2ox Thanks mate. I will do those mods to it. I have huge feet, so I have to ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs, otherwise it gets very expensive in the boot department. Thats why I'm trying to expand the riding position. Thank you and enjoy a great bike.

[@kevinmcdermott3559]

That’s all well and good taking us through all the bike modes and rider aids. BUT how does it go when you open the throttle, how does it handle in the twisties and how does it brake, compared to the XR and the Multistrada?

[@Chazaxl]

Ive ridden all of them. the SDR is monsterous but I couldnt gel with it. I dont feel in control. The GT is great, not as vibey as my last Multi (in fairness 2013 bike), but certainly still a twin with oodles of character and performance. The S1000XR is perfection, but therein is the problem. Its a bit soul-less but it is very very good. Feel in perfect control, its quick, smooth and whilst it lacks the torque and immediate fun factor of a twin (if you like being on the backwheel), its an amazing package. I could have either bike in a week, BMW are starting to offer bikes with carbon spec for the same money, clearly sales arent doing well. KTM arent yet offering good discounts, but we all know what happens later in this year and of course talk of a new GT.

[@Chazaxl]

Wanted to add, one guy selling his new XR (already did 4000 miles on it) says its too good. 'Perfection is boring' was his comment.

[@thepsychicpeach8425]

Please do some Japanese tourers like the Z1000sx, VFR800 or the Gsxs1000f coz we know the reliability of these European bikes are often Questionable.

[@slvr1.618]

Matt you forgot the mandatory wheelie,awesome location!

[@robtno1]

Having been a BMW fan boy with both S1000rr and GS Rally...gotta say the GS Rally threw up loads of warnings all the time & leaked oil. I still loved it but having a KTM SDGT is undoubtably more fun and not as heavy ok it’s chain driven but I got over it. How many people really go off road with a GS or big equivalent adventure bikes.... The Superduke r is a bit small for me and yeah it looks better but if you only had one bike the SDGT isn’t a bad choice. Suspension isn’t as refined as BMW but not sure I want the price tag of Ducati either....each to their own I guess gotta add doing the Nurburgring and b500 in Germany was outstanding on the SDGT. Oh and it will wheelie for days effortlessly lol maybe in 10 years I’ll come back to a GS .

[@Parakitedude]

Honest review, if only the R had the same low insurance

[@jerrys.]

What’s going on with the trouser/ boot interface! Biking equivalent of builders backside😂 Great location plan to return next year. I’ve 9k miles on my 2019 mk2 model. Now much smoother at low revs/ town work than when it was new. It gets better with the miles. I came from a BMW K1300S Motorsport, I tried the S1000XR and it was buzzy and too many revs needed for any given road speed. (40% down on torque?) The Multistrada was just Meh after trying the Mk1 1 SDGT. Plus it leaked brake fluid all over my hand and arm, I suspect you have to be blinded by the badge.

[@tomtraynor5384]

I have the 2019 GT. Love it. But WAIT for the V.3 GT in early 2021. SAME top-to-bottomimprovements that the 2020 SDR received. Smooths all the edges and actually ON DYNO--12 more HP that the mere 2 or 3 HP KTM claims. It will have the R's 3x stiffer frame and 15% stiffer swing arm relocated with linkage--and likely a further refined suspension. Or it will drive the 2020 GT down to bargain basement prices. Of which it is 2-$3000 less expensive with bags now.

[@fabianbv82]

You all always forget to talk about the passenger point of view. It is quite usual to ride a GT bike with passenger or just my wife wants to ride with me for some weekends and some others I ride more sportive alone in the mountains... in this multi scenarios the question would be, which is the best for all? Thanks

[@veljkostankovic7970]

Vespa t shirt super!!!

[@CBRboy1717]

I test rode the GT. In my 40 minute test I had 2 different errors pop up on screen. When I got back, the guy asked if I stalled the bike. I said yes, but only because I put the bike into neutral, the neutral showed up on the dash, and then the bike stalled when I let the clutch out. So that might mean 3 issues in 40 minutes. Not a great sign....

[@WillPower46]

Typical KTM then.

[@MrVsingh786]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6jdnp-Eg9x-fq8 Know about ZX14R

[@jwagner1993]

Miss the triumph trophy

[@shawnclements14]

I love my SDR

[@Harris_Ali_]

What's the alpinestar jacket you're wearing?

[@conceptsmart]

I have 2017 GT and it perfectly fits in with what I want from the bike. Aesthetically-wise, all KTMs looks on a very special way, but it does not worry me at all. Current GT looks like wasp and previous one (the one I have) looks like military helicopter.

[@dugthefreshest]

how do you get that trailing camera view?

[@mrcintheuk5596]

Any of these bike with advanced electronics are only worth owing under warranty, unless you have deep pockets.

[@josephfink437]

This must have been a "special" setup for the SDGT. My dealer says that KTM doesn't offer the "Track Pack" for the 2019 SDGT.

[@maltemartini2871]

Then he doesnt know his product. I bought a new one a couple of month ago with the track pack.

[@losteden]

what top speed on this thing?

[@wykittypreps5794]

How comfortable is a passenger on this bike?

[@Anish.M.P]

😍

[@waynefranloubser1847]

Maybe a comment about the rubbish warranty offered by KTM for their road bikes compared to BMW?

[@shaunschrikker9581]

Why is Honda not bringing in the Honda X-ADV 750?

[@fadetoblackMotorcycle]

This or zh2?

[@-DC-]

I'd love to have a KTM I just can't be bothered with the poor reliability coming from the Japanese, great reviews Mat.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

It is a shame really, it’s really hit or miss. Some get 100% reliability, no issues. Some get lots of problems, none of them small. I own a KTM 950, with its fair share of problems, and i am member in a KTM group where i live so i get to hear all the shit from the guys with problems

[@davidbadham3712]

Brilliant review. I love your comments too🤣🤣🤣

[@Captndarty]

I’m very surprised at how much the GT vibrates. I mean it’s a Long distance touring bike after all....

[@stizzygrayson5541]

Too many ads guys

[@Whos-That-Guy]

get an ad blocker.. Lots of free ones.

[@emperorkhan9941]

I'm here for the review, but i can't stop thinking about the dog. Please consider how the dog feels, having a neck strap on around it's neck like a prisoner having handcuffs when inside. Is it really necessary or needed? Would the dog feel more relaxed without it when inside? I think so. Humans don't were a jacket constantly inside when we're not going anywhere. I take my dogs leashes off every time we come in side, and then give them a hard scratch around the neck/body, and they love it. They don't want me to stop and start to lick me in the face, which I'm not that fond of. A sign of appreciation from them. (Now, my dogs do not use neck straps, they use body harness). I do not wish to strangle/choke my loved ones. Would you human like to wear a neck strap constantly? Even when you were going to sleep or for a nap? Na, don't think so. Just something to think about. ;0)

[@mccallj]

I want to love this bike… It offers everything I want, however it looks like a nasty ingrown toenail… I really want to love this bike.

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Wow a 750 made it up a hill

[@Chazaxl]

My predicament. GT vs S1000XR. Both good, but for different reasons. Argh.

[@Nekminute]

i tour on the R all the time, the GT is just too much...

[@WillPower46]

My gripe with these bikes is that they always make the ride quality way too hard.

[@MrMegaTruong]

I have a 2015 ducati multistrada, should I trade it in for the new superduke gt?

[@RRSmurf]

You should get two.

[@garethmayfield4014]

I've had both and they are both fantastic. it all depends on what you do as a rider. The multi is easier to tour with and pillion friendly. its quick and competent. the ktm will do all that at with a very slight compromise. its party trick is that it will run with sport bikes, no problems at all. if I won the lottery, I would have a multistrada with a ktm engine and suspension fitted.

[@tomtraynor5384]

I believe the V.3 GT will be worth waiting for/buying. About the same opinion on most who have had a go on the v.2 SDR then ride the new V.3.

[@garethmayfield4014]

@@tomtraynor5384 I think your right mate. I'm in the market as my finance deal is up. Problem I have is that it will cost me £6000 to buy my 2017 GT. Or £17500 for a new one. The new ones are not that much better. I'm struggling to justify it to be honest.

[@sapalobo9723]

Were you complaining that you have to downshift in town 😁. It's not a Harley, don't lug it. 🤓

[@Whos-That-Guy]

I was going to make a joke about bearded dogs and bearded presenters but cos I ride a 1190 it means I only half half a brain and I forgot that jokes are meant to be funny, so instead I decided to explain why I'm not going to tell you my joke about bearded dogs and presenters. ... Also I would take the R as well.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Don't mention the war.

[@mitsospouliezos6289]

COME ON !!! COME ON !!!! SPIT IT OUT - DONT BE AFRAID -- YOU LIKE THE FOUR CYLINDERS ITS OBVIUS !!!! YOU HAVE SNOW ON YOUR HEAD - AND STILL DONT KNOW THAT THE BEST [ GOLD ] COMBINATION FOR BIKES IS ONE CYLINDER FOR THE DIRT AND TWO FOR THE ROAD ????? FORGET THE RACES -- WE ARE TALKING ABOUGHT COMMON USE !!! ---- CRYPTO BMW FAN !!!!

[@theturkishbadger]

You're like top gear but for motorcycles.

[@rchokelal]

I have not had any issues with my 2017 GT. I did have lots of issues with my 2010 RC8, but 7 years later and all was solved. Not a fan of the newer GT as it looks like a mantas now. Too many bikes that look like insects.

[@ANU-nl1tc]

preload adjuster....

[@ypirnay]

Don or dog? It doesn't matter. Too much facial hair anyway. Great vids, though. We love you all. ... at least, I do.

[@ANU-nl1tc]

I advise against

[@c.g.c2067]

I find the Ktm design simply horrendous but maybe it's just me

[@boogboog8097]

Everyone who tests these gets one with a faulty digital screen...

[@ANU-nl1tc]

The engine is great, but the suspension is a failure

[@brewerbrewer5988]

'freaky psycho Hitler bloke' :p

[@corujariousa]

I might be the minority on this but I find KTMs so ugly. I understand they have a lot of power and supposedly good quality but I'd also need better design to entice me to pay that kind of money for it.

[@paulmunson3049]

Mine destroyed its gearbox within 4000 miles Locking the back wheel at 60mph Lots of electronic gremlins as well ‘Ecu failure , General failure etc Good luck if you buy one ! PS fantastic bike to ride though, !! massively disappointed

[@AmritGrewal31]

A KTM for long rides... lol..

[@johnrocker2986]

Sorry but to me the bike looks cheap like an airfix model.

[@maheshy1]

Matt is old.

[@InfusedBiker]

Wuhahahaha hahaha! That's not nice. But then again he can ride like a teenage rebel on a race track. How many oldies can do that, eh?

[@rossm9676]

And that matters, how???

[@rzu7120]

Old is the new Black

[@maheshy1]

@@rossm9676not relevant at all. I had too much beer just before watching. That's the first thing I noticed and blurted out.

[@maheshy1]

@@InfusedBiker I know. That's true. He gets 50 years or so younger when he's in the saddle.

[@mitsospouliezos6289]

YOUR DIFFICULTY TO FIND BAD SPOTS FOR THE KTM GT -- IS OBVIUS !!!! IN CONTRADICTION WITH DOGS THE HUMANS UNDERSTAND MORE -- MY OPINION ??? CHOOSE THE PROPER WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM AND COVER MORE KM BEFORE YOU ANNUNCE YOUR VERDICT -- NO HARD FEELINGS !!!! AFTER ALL WE HAVE LESS OR MORE THE SAME AGE AND ITS FORBIDDEN FOR US TO LEAVE THE YOUNGER RIDERS WITHOUT ANSWERS -- RIDE SAFE !!!!!