KTM 1290 Super Duke R Review: Beast Or Overkill?

[@giovanniricci2869]

Got my 2021 beast last June and put 10000 km on it in 7 months. So in love with that bike that I couldn’t help but evolving to the Evo last March. When you can eventually open the throttle it’s nothing short of an orgasm on wheels. Thanks for the fair review, I’m in on the channel ✌️

[@redangrevival]

👍 Hi thanks so much, really glad you liked the review. Nice you have put some serious miles on her!!! Especially for a sports bike. Haha it is pure orgasm on wheels, an awesome motorbike. Cheers and welcome to the channel.

[@giovanniricci2869]

@@redangrevival thanks!! ✌️

[@DB-sd3cw]

How many breakdowns?

[@giovanniricci2869]

@@DB-sd3cw None, and I’m hitting 15000 km ✌️

[@ghowells5433]

Got mine last year and fitted an Austin racing exhaust. Great road bike and used it in a few track days and great fun bike, handles a lot better than the version one and two which could be pretty agricultural

[@redangrevival]

👍 It really does live up to its name "Beast"! Also handles very well as well, a brilliant motorbike to own I am sure!! Cheers

[@DB-sd3cw]

How many oil leaks/malfunctions?

[@joedelumen9877]

I've been on a quest for "my" perfect bike for quite the while, many have come and gone and my 1290SDr is still my favorite, 44K miles later. The 990 SMT was a great intro, but the 1290SDr is much more hiughly evolved.

[@redangrevival]

Hi Joe, good to hear that the SDR has hit the spot for you 👍 44k Miles!! Good effort that is some serious mileage on her, bet it has been an absolute blast haha. It is one hell of a good motorcycle and FUN! Long may you continue to enjoy it. Cheers

[@neilallen460]

Nice and honest review. I own a 2021 SDr and I do really like it without any real regrets. Things I don't like though, the cooling system on this bike, and KTM customer service.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks Neil really glad you liked the review 👍 Such a fun motorbike!! Really is a BEAST. Yes I have heard similar complaints about KTM customer service!

[@LionTheHeart]

Maybe a few years back when getting somewhere fast was Important! Nice one Angus!

[@redangrevival]

👍 Thanks glad you liked it. Yes I personally think it is a little too much for me. I would go for the 890 version!

[@marksmith8663]

Totally agree I keep it in street mode more controllable , only thing I don’t agreed with i think the turning circle is good , better than sport bikes and my street triple 675 . The triumph speed rs has seems to have more mid range just no way near as much bottom end pinch .

[@tomyboumboum9822]

I just bought mine 3 weeks ago and daily commute to work with it. I love the bike and I've ran 500km so far. The only downside: the Neutral can be hard to find. I ride in Street mode all the time as there is a lot congestion where I live. I tried the Sports Mode for a few days. It is lovely but a bit brutal in traffic and too tempting to go crazy! I have not yet tried the Track and Performance modes. I will when I find an empty road (hard to find here in Qatar). Apparently the Track mode is something else: the front wheel hardly stays on the floor. I'm quite scared by that...

[@redangrevival]

👍 nice work, good for you commuting on it 😎 It is an awesome bike, the big difference in rider modes is a good feature I think. Means the beast can be tamed when needed. Yes can imagine track mode is wild!! Worth ago though. Cheers

[@mtkoslowski]

Since you commute with yours, please could you tell me what anti-theft device you use. I’m shopping for a system for my beast.

[@sylvainkerzerho3214]

@@mtkoslowski I don 't have any. Qatar is a very safe place. However in France (my home) I use a disc lock.

[@marksmith8663]

I have the super duke and completely agree I don’t use sport mode often as road give full power but have to intend to use it . As it’s evo I always leave the suspension in automatic adjust but road the the R suspension works well to . Taken it touring in Europe next week see how it gos 😊

[@canislupus7768]

Hi mate, I actually like the look of this bike, so much so that I purchased one......... Unfortunately it's only 6 inches long like most of my collection, oh well, dream on. Yet another fine video, thank you 👍

[@redangrevival]

Hey, haha fair enough! It is a rare bread and even in miniature form worth owning 👍I bet you have a fantastic collection. Thanks glad you liked the video.

[@tomtraynor5384]

Your 'beast" is 6-inches long? About average I reckon. Doh! ;)

[@canislupus7768]

@@tomtraynor5384 🤭

[@redangrevival]

@@tomtraynor5384 🤣

[@257796]

I like where you were very humble. Not being a super rider on a super bike. Because I am the same. And I like that you're on the base model. Nobody reviews that one

[@redangrevival]

Thanks I appreciate that and glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Just a normal guy riding a bike, with my honest opinion

[@TheOliveradams]

I have a 2015 Superduke R and 2023 Duke 890R , in track mode my 890R feels more aggressive than my superduke , I think the Superduke is a tamed beast .

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

its the wide handlebars brother, the absolutely smallest push on the handlebars at 100 ish makes it feel wobbly like you are on motorcross tyres, of course if you keep the front end light it won't skip. trading my S1000r for the Superduke very soon

[@redangrevival]

👍 yup that definitely makes sense! Part of what makes the handling so much fun a lower speeds though. Awesome bike!!

[@davidherringgo]

Excellent review very well done I really love my SDR

[@redangrevival]

Hi David, thanks so much I appreciate that 👍 Glad you liked the review. It is a special motorbike!! Bet it is great fun to see that parked in the garage 😁 Cheers

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Great review, I would love to try one but at 5'10" and very short in the leg 27" I struggle to get on and reach the ground on such bikes. 800mm seat height is about my limit. I liked the 790 Duke, very much.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks Michael, glad you liked the review 👍I am 5'9" and it is quite a high seat height, but I didn't find it a problem. Definitely recommend trying one out for a test ride, you never know! Same I would probably go for the 790 over the 1290. More agile and useable power for the road 👍 Cheers

[@lilynorthover8378]

If you watch Doodle On A Motorcycle with Jocelyn Snow, you will see there are techniques for shorter people with big bikes. I agree that your inside leg measurement is more important than your height but it can still be done 😉

[@Steve-motorcycles]

❤ the Super Duke ❤ Must be my favourite bike. 🎉

[@balwa999]

Can you put dirt tyres on the super duke 1290r for off road riding? Or should I focus on the super adventure 1290r?

[@redangrevival]

You should definitely focus on the Adventure R!! 😁

[@grantkokich6906]

Interesting test ride.

[@redangrevival]

👍

[@82000andymac]

Got one of these in the garage to keep my Speedy company👍👍

[@redangrevival]

O nice!! Wow what a bike to have along side Speedy. The best of both worlds 😁 Amazingly fun bike!!

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video just subscribed stay safe 🇬🇧👍

[@redangrevival]

Hi Richard, many thanks 👍 Really glad you liked the video and welcome to the channel! All the best

[@mtkoslowski]

Just got the ‘22 1290 Super Duke R EVO. It’s a very impressive motorcycle - by far the fastest ‘scooter’ I’ve ever owned. Edit: forgot to add I bought the full tech package.

[@redangrevival]

Sounds like you went all in! The best way to do it with a bike like this 👍 It really is a bonkers machine! Enjoy

[@korma9732]

Excellent review, been waiting for this one. MT10 next?

[@redangrevival]

👍 Thanks Kevin, really glad you liked it. Haha yup it was a special one. O yes I have to schedule in the MT10! I really like the look of them

[@leviwhatever6192]

Nice jacket. Name brand?

[@redangrevival]

Thanks, it is quite old now! It's Richa, sorry I don't know the model name. I believe they have stopped making it. Hope that helps.

[@kirkdunn1379]

doesnt seem crazy in rain mode.......street probably ok too....sport probably starts to get fun, and track is mental......just rode my duke 890 r in track mode today for first time and it has quite a bit more than sport....sport in 890 isnt that bad......i would bet sport would be liveable if just shortshifting......nice torque in bottom revs that the 890 lacks......track mode is livable on street with 890 r idk if it would be for 1290 though......very delicate throttle hand required am sure

[@redangrevival]

Thanks Kirk, very well said 👍 I want to get a ride on the 890, I think it might be the sweet spot for on the road! I think the 1290 is a bit much to be honest. Cheers

[@theflyingyetti_666]

Love my superduke, it’s nuts 😁

[@redangrevival]

Crazy bikes haha 👍

[@remigusker6024]

Planning on trading my MT-09 for one of these guys soon. Kinda wild that rain mode still has more power than my 09. XD

[@redangrevival]

It really is a BEAST!

[@marksmith8663]

It’s the 200 back tyre that slows the turn in . Not sure if could fit 190 I like Michelin pilot road 5 but only make up to 190

[@redangrevival]

👍 Thanks that makes sense! I suppose the 200 helps put that power down a bit.

[@Hr.M.Aphrodite]

Hey, please tell me what handlebar bag you use. i like it

[@redangrevival]

Hi, it is actually meant for bicycles! I bought it from a store called Halfords in the UK. Sorry it doesn't have a model name so I cannot tell you. But it is in all their stores!

[@Hr.M.Aphrodite]

@@redangrevival thank you. it's quite a smart way to secure the phone. porbably better for the camera too. never thought about it on a motocycle.

[@redangrevival]

@@Hr.M.Aphrodite No problem, it works great on most motorbikes 👍

[@Kingpin909]

I'm new to all of this but how do you know when your new tires have achieved maximum side grip? I'm affraid of leaning over too much on new tires.

[@redangrevival]

You should take it easy on new tyres for the first 100 miles or so. Then after that it is generally kore down to the lean angle of the bike than the tyres!

[@alexmorgan3435]

Snap. I rode the Speed Triple 1200 RS and this pretty much back to back two years ago now I think and have to say like you, I much preferred The Beast. The Speed Triple RR wasn't out when I rode the SDR 3.0. Tbf the SDR Evo is the direct competitor of the Speed Triple RR not the std Beast. Yeah I loved it. Why didn't I buy it over the Speed Triple 1200 RS? Well it was a bit more of a stretch on my budget, but could have done it as at the time my local KTM dealer was offering The Beast 3.0 with Tech pack - QS, track pack/modes etc all thrown in for £15,500. But in the end I went for a pretty much new Speed Triple RS 1050 with around 1k miles on it as I value my license, whilst the 1050RS is not a slow bike either, it is nicer than the 1200RS for road riding. Like the Beast lots of instant low down torque. I just didn't get on with the Speed Triple 1200 RS and the deal on the 1050RS was just so good and it was fully loaded with pretty much all of Triumph's goodies plus a full Triumph approved 12 months warranty as any new bike would be sold with. But I still loved the SDR 3.0 The Beast. Love the looks and the orange and blue tank. The Beast is the next step up into another time warp of hyper performance. As you say the suspension and brakes were fantastic, the ride, the intuitive TFT dash, everything was good except maybe the seat was a little hard but honestly like you say it feels premium. Maybe some time in the future I get one, but first I still have to get a Speedmaster ;@) Thanks for riding and reviewing the Beast. Like you say all bikers at some time in their biking lives should try and ride a top super naked or hyper naked bike providing they have the necessary skill and riding capability that won't get themselves killed. I would like to ride The Beast again perhaps back to back against the MT-10 which I have not ridden which I should imagine is a great riding experience as well. The Tuono and Ducati Streetfighter don't do anything for me. Sorry. I know they are great bikes and what I say is heresy but I have just never gelled with the looks of the Tuono and Ducatis really aren't my thing. Got my fingers burned, wallet emptied and heart broken with Italian cars so don't want to do it again with their bikes. ATB Angus.

[@redangrevival]

Hi Alex, 👍 nice is see exactly where you are coming from! Seems like you made the right and most sensible decision at the time. To be honest the Speed Triple 1050 is probably more useable on the road than the BEAST! If you ever fancy a change it is something that you can look forward to, that bonkers power delivery of the KTM. I think even if you don't like these super fast bikes they are worth a go on, just to appreciate the engineering and how amazing they are. Yes I really want to test the MT-10, I think I may even prefer that to the BEAST! Have always really liked the look of the MT-10. Haha yup you need a Speedmaster in your life, just to relax on and soak up its charm 😁 Thanks and see you in the next one!

[@alexmorgan3435]

​@@redangrevival Thanks for your warm wishes. Yes indeed, scratch the itch. Glad I rode the Beast and never say never. I rode a KTM 890 Adv just before which I really liked as well which was still pretty quick, but more useable power as opposed to bonkers fast like it's sibling The Beast. Yeah I felt the 1050 Speed Triple RS is just a more useable bike on the roads, fast, but not bonkers fast plus Triumph build quality and hopefully reliability. Also the addictive sound of the triple engine with QS and the Arrow exhausts. Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes as well. Like KTM illuminated switch gear which makes SUCH a difference riding in the dark once you've ridden a bike with it you think why can't ALL bikes have illuminated switch gear? Yeah the MT-10 is a bike that has grown on me looks wise, even more extreme Transformer looking than KTM's Beast which I love looks wise. Still not sure on the MT-10's looks at the front, but it's engine out the R1 sounds awesome as well. The only thing that really put me off the MT-10 is the brakes which do seem to come in for some criticism for being, well, not great for such a bike which is a shame. Maybe I should ride one and find out for myself rather than listen to bike snob journos. Just been looking at Speedmaster specs and availability at various Triumph dealers. The Speedmaster is a totally different world of motorcycling to the super/hyper nakeds and one I am increasingly becoming attracted to. Still think the bike looks absolutely gorgeous. You can forgive the quirks and slight negatives of the bike eg ground clearance just on the looks alone. I just wish it had Triumphs lovely twin clocks on it like the fitted to the Thruxton and Speed Twin, but none the less, it is still a fantastic bike. Carry on enjoying yours. So many good bikes to choose from now. I don't think the mainstream bike manufacturers make a 'bad' bike any more. Obviously some are better than others but this depends on what your requirements and desires are. Looking forward to you doing another tour on your Speedy and of course videoing it for YT. :@) Enjoy riding those great country roads and picturesque villages where you live. ATB Angus and thanks for taking the time to reply.

[@redangrevival]

@@alexmorgan3435 It is always a pleasure 👍 Thanks, always a good read! I think we have very similar likes in motorbikes. Yes the QS on the Triumph triples are gorgeous! Same the twin alloy clocks are just lovely to look at and change the quality of the bike. I have NO idea why they did not do it on the Speedmaster. Absolutely agree, modern bikes from good manufacturers are all so good. It is just down to personal likes and dislikes. A new tour is coming in the next few weeks 😁Cannot wait. Take care and have a great evening! Thanks

[@MsHamilton181]

Get video I am curious on the mount you have on the bike for your phone I have been looking for something like that would you have a link thanks in advance

[@redangrevival]

Hi Colin, thanks really glad you liked the video, I appreciate it 👍 Unfortunately I do not have a link, however it is from Halfords store in the UK! It is actually meant for bicycles however it fits most motorbikes brilliantly. They have it in most Halfords stores in the cycle department. Hope that helps.

[@sambagogo777]

One of the fairest reviews of this bike that I've seen so far. Quite how some of the other reviewers failed to notice (or if I were to be cynical, chose to not mention) the skittish front end when travelling at speed in a straight line is beyond me. The common solution seems to be fitting a decent quality steering damper - not the one KTM offer, but one such as the progressive damper kit from HyperPro. Hopefully KTM will remedy the issue next year with the 1390 SDR.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks I appreciate that and glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Yup will be interesting to see how the new model is updated

[@simplicityrm]

Honestly I ride my SDR in street 90% of the time mainly due to the bike in sport mode is very rough on the rear tire. Just stepping down into street mode for street riding makes the rear tire last alot longer

[@redangrevival]

👍 yes I can imagine it gives the rear tire a good working haha. Nice to have the option there when you want a bit of craziness!!

[@simplicityrm]

@@redangrevival absof-inglutely!

[@redangrevival]

@@simplicityrm 🤙😂

[@Kingpin909]

What phone bag is that on your handlebars?

[@redangrevival]

It is actually meant for bicycles! I got it from a shop called Halfords in the UK 👍

[@sparkypogo]

What do you do with it over a 100

[@redangrevival]

100mph?

[@mrkang4080]

Late to the convo, but after 30 years of riding and over 30 bikes, my gen 2 SDR has been in my garage for 4 years -- I've never owned a single bike this long, and I have no plans to sell it. My Streetfighter V4S didn't last a year. The SDR is simply the best, all-around, bike I've ever had.

[@redangrevival]

👍 Certainly very impressive bikes! Great to hear that you are enjoying it so much. Interesting that you preferred it so much over the V4S. Addictive torque! 😁

[@mrkang4080]

@@redangrevival I'm also 6'4", around 192 cms, so the Duke also "fits" me better than any other bike I've ridden. Love the ergos.

[@redangrevival]

@@mrkang4080Thats a big bonus 👍 Take it you are not into adventure bikes haha

[@denisg4288]

Hi Angus How on earth can this weigh the same as my SV650! Do Suzuki use lead for the frame. That weight figure is amazing considering the engine. Are you on a bet or something? Recently you are riding some of the biggest, baddest bikes out there😲

[@redangrevival]

🤔 KTM know what they are doing!! Do bear in mind that that is the dry weight (excluding oil/fuel etc...) So is more like 225kg when road ready. Haha I know I have been going for it!! Need to pencil in some more down to earth reviews. Cheers

[@R3RLEE]

Not a bad looking bike but the colours are terrible...l get it that its the ktm thing but more colour options would appeal to more. A full black versions would look amazing...l just couldn't live with that damn orange.

[@redangrevival]

I agree, would definitely like at least one more colour option!! Great bike though

[@R3RLEE]

@@redangrevival yes great bike...nice vid very informative.

[@redangrevival]

@@R3RLEE Many thanks

[@wwfww]

The one and only thing keeping me from having one is the price

[@redangrevival]

Hopefully there are some good second hand deals out there!

[@lilynorthover8378]

They are for normal humans too. Interesting, would never have thought of it that way.

[@redangrevival]

😂 I know! Weird right! I thought the same as you, very intimidated by it. However they are so good now a days that anyone can ride them. With the adjustable power output etc... And the fuelling is so smooth. It can be crazy fast if you want it to be though.

[@lilynorthover8378]

🤔🐸🏎🚨

[@crumblymal8479]

I find myself interested in this one the looks of KTM's for me aren't the best and I do not like orange 😁 but I would like to try one but it probably would not fit me . Also it is a lot of money to pay for a bike to me maybe a test would change that and make me sell my soul who knows 😄👍good one .

[@redangrevival]

Hey, thanks 👍 Same here I am not completely sold on the looks either. They definitely have very much embraced the orange on every bike they make haha! After riding it I have warmed to the looks some what!! Definitely recommend a test ride, it really does live up to its name "BEAST".

[@bikerboi1983]

Ride mine faster than this whilst running it in. Come on, full throttle and stop shifting at 6k... things go wild after 7k!

[@MangoMike316]

😃👍👍👍😃

[@redangrevival]

👌👍👌

[@keithstewart1979]

Very cool bike, but not my cup of tea. The front end reminds me of a wasp or hornet, looks mean.

[@redangrevival]

Yes I am not completely sold on the looks! The dynamic ability is incredible though, sooo much fun to ride!!

[@keithstewart1979]

@@redangrevival oh I'd definitely love to take one for a rip. I took off from work today so I'm about to go for a ride this morning.

[@redangrevival]

@@keithstewart1979 👌 perfect, enjoy your ride!! 😁

[@cocky_potato]

Overkill?? Never heard of her...

[@redangrevival]

😂👍

[@jimmyboimazarti1234]

Mate it’s got 180 bhp not 130

[@redangrevival]

👍 I know. 130bhp is restricted in Rain mode!! Full 180 in street and sport.

[@Astonishist]

It hasn't got 180 bhp either. It's 180 hp.

[@jimmyboimazarti1234]

@@Astonishist well if you wanna be a girl about it’s not got 180 hp it’s got 177 witch is actually shit numbers when it’s got 1301cc engine😅 they are shit bikes after joining 1290 page on fb it’s put me right off with all the problems people have with these bikes they ain’t cheap either multiple problems should not be happening with they price tag they have

[@tinolino58]

Can I get my 2 min back?

[@redangrevival]

Nope!