KTM 1290 Superduke GT - 2016 vs 2020 Model Comparison

Looking to spend some cash on the the 2020 Ktm Superduke GT 1290 , or are you thinking about getting the older 2016-2018 model for 5000$ cheaper. What are the differences between these stunning and amazing motorcycles. Is it worth for you spending the extra money.
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[@com2ghz]

After the latest software update on the 2016 it will ride the same as the 2020 model. The semi automatic suspension also got improved after the update. For example the Comfort mode was like a pogo stick before. Now it damps smoothly. The acceleration became also smoother.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I paid $14,900 for my 2017 new, they upgraded the suspension software to the current software for free. The 2020 may be slightly more refined but the 2017 is a phenomenal machine so slightly better would not inspire me to trade up. I also prefer the old analog setup and I think the 2016-19 design is better looking. Don't get me wrong both are great but not enough difference yet. The 2020 Super Duke with those new slick buttons etc seems much more updated than the GT.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Chris Van Tassel I can totally agree with you on that one. The 2020 R is 90% new as we can believe Ktm. They are working on the GT on that same base now. Found some spy pics already 😁. And riding the 2020 R last week i can only say “HOWLY COW!” 😅 But the buttons on the 2020 are not my cup of tea. The turn signal button for example is so light to the touch. The rubber buttons feel weird and the kill switch is HUGE! 😂

[@Bornie205]

Nice one mate - i did a similar review in RIDE magazine Jan 2020 and came to similar conclusion. One thing to remember that the pre 2020 model suspension can be upgraded to full 2020 spec for approx £25. It’s just a dealer software flash and a huge improvement,

[@LifeofSmokey]

stephen born I learned about that yesterday to. Hardware is the same , just different software. 👍

[@andyboyes05]

Great video. You've explained the differences really well. Thank you.

[@NooBiker]

Very nicely done! Thanks for all the information, presented in a very entertaining way.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great comparison video!

[@crownmoto]

Ha! You're as much of a KTM addict as I am. Good for you! (I currently own a 2015 Super Duke, 2017 Husqvarna 701SM & 2020 Super Duke)

[@LifeofSmokey]

Gotta love a good combination of motorcycles haha! Nice collection!

[@Morpheuus88]

Couple of small notes - Both bikes have electronically adjustable preload In EU on the GT 1.0 (mine is a 2017) you can get free of charge (during regular service) both the 2020 Engine Map and the Suspension update as well Basically it turns the GT 1.0 into a 1.5 Also the hanguards can be installed as a spare part Basically the difference would be headlight and screen, Track mode Blipper TFT dash the fairing pockets keyless backlit handlebar switches On the PP seat I do not agree with you but it is totally subjective. Some friends had the original reshaped with memory foam and it is muuuch better

[@LifeofSmokey]

I totally agree with you , the original seat reshaped is not that's a pretty good idea! Thanks for the info 👍

[@yimmeistaryimmeistar7239]

Good review. Lotsa info

[@MrPerfusionist]

Nice comparison as I was looking for one . The wheelie cartoon in the beginning of was awesome 😁

[@LifeofSmokey]

Meyy Arunachalam thx dude! Before i bought my 2020 i was looking for this video but i couldn’t find it. So now i made it myself 😊

[@240fxst]

Very informative thanks .

[@LifeofSmokey]

You’re welcome 😎👍

[@rleon8339]

I picked up a new, leftover 2016 in January of 2020 for $12,000. $8.5k less than a new 2020. You can have the LED headlight and TFT display.

[@kidda74]

I paid 10k british pounds for my 2018 model with only 7k miles on it, I didn't really see the point in paying all that more extra for minimal upgrades on the new one.

[@aeroprojects]

Little error : on the 2016 you also got the 1/2 persons plus with/without luggage.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Yep i did a boo boo on that one! Sorry about that 😊🙈

[@linusselur9561]

Awesome review. 👍

[@simonbeal2148]

When my 2017 model went in for its 9000 mile service they updated the suspension software to 2020 specification free of charge

[@MrKdr500]

They are bullshitting you because it's not possible.... internal hardware is different.

[@philipdarnall787]

2016 can be updated to the 2019 from what KTM post in their service document. Is the 2020 using another revision fork?

[@nick4506]

@@MrKdr500 nope its the same internals. ain't that cool

[@sahilbalmiki813]

Both are awesome ☺️❤️

[@rogerwilliams2902]

You can adjust the damping on the 2016 model for rider, rider with luggage, rider with passenger etc too !. Excellent video.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Oh damn Roger i didn’t look at that setting. Sorry about that , but thanks for telling me. 😊👍

[@markchandler531]

2016 EASY.! It’s the original and best GT beast and blew everything else away. It was a game changer. When I was looking to change no dealers had any to demo, they were just selling. You had to demo the R and make your mind up based on that test and the reviews available at the time. I was totally compelled to go for it. When it arrived from the dealer, rolled it off the truck, sat on it and fired it up, twisted the throttle it was like WTF!?!? I haven’t stopped smiling since. The 2016 oozes originality along with some of the rough(er) pioneering qualities that have been ‘improved on ‘ since but you won’t get away from the fact that it was/is a once in a generation legend of a machine. I think it says a lot of KTM for launching such an awesome bike. Well done KTM!

[@kugangles9860]

Call me old school but I prefer the look of analog tach on the 16 model.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Yeets Mgeets I don’t like technology on motorcycles or cars ether 😉. I would take a good old dash anytime. Like 2 big gages , 1 for revs and the other one for speed....good old times 😎❤️

[@Chris09978]

Life of Smokey I agree the tech on any type of transportation is not good in some case you can easily get side track and get into an accident but on the other hand it’s good for gps and music that’s it but I do prefer just a regular traditional old fashion dashboard cheaper to fix and replace

[@Tom-sp2xs]

Christopher Woo talking about old school, maybe you also like the old wooden spoke wheels....

[@rleon8339]

@@Tom-sp2xs Not that old.

[@turkishexpress]

I have the 2015 superduke and for some reason I like the analog tachometer better as well.

[@mmt7046]

Good... ^^ thank you

[@Youtuberngajelas]

cant wait for the 2021 gt with the super duke 3.0 frame

[@barrytimm5497]

You can get the latest damping profiles updated on the older bikes as the hardware is identical, and KTM offers this as a service - 30 minutes of labor cost.

[@davidmarquez966]

Excelent video! one quick comment, the suspension settings (at least in my 2017 model) can also regulate 1 or 2 w or w/o luggage, not sure if the 2016 did not have that and was an improvement... (Do you have the R too??? I thought I was the only one with crazy ideas haha)

[@LifeofSmokey]

David Márquez Yep i screwed up on that one! Didn’t go through the menu 😂🙈. The 2016 also has that settings lol. The hardware from 16 untill 2020 is the same. You can even get a suspension software upgrade on the 16-17-18 model so it’s the same as the 19/20 model. And yeah check out my latest video , i bought an R to. What should i do with it? 😂

[@davidmarquez966]

@@LifeofSmokey I would make it like a Pikes Peak version, like super super sport and the GT more for the all-around another thing I have investigated about the 1290 engine having issues in R/GT/ADV/R but nothing! do you know about any? I got my 17MY with zero miles a year ago as a remaining inventory of the dealer for 12,5K USD can you beleive it! I could not avoid getting it (traded in a DR650S haha)

[@LifeofSmokey]

David Márquez I have been told that in The Netherlands they still have 2017 models in stock for a very low price. Their designer made one with orange wheels , orange frame , orange gas tank and silver fenders. It looks like a train wreck and almost nobody bought it 😂 I also have not heard about any problems with the latest 1290 engines. My 2015 had a slipping clutch after 1 year and Ktm registered about 10 cases as far as i know so it’s not that bad 😁

[@tomjones1684]

Nice

[@bobbybuis2733]

How is the vibration at high speed? Just sold my 2017 was thinking of upgrading but the 2020 or going back to a 4 cylinder

[@donaldduck9424]

good work. I would like to know if the engines feel different? Am a little afraid of the V2 because im not used driving V2 . Had some triples and inline 4 Cylinders. How about the revrange below 3000 rpm?

[@LifeofSmokey]

Donald Duck The engine are both the same so no difference there 😊. They are very high torque motorcycles. Can’t compare it in any way with a 4 cylinder. You gotta feel it to know it 😁

[@steveyork8069]

Great video comparison,the few that I have sat on in the states in my area “3” all had the power parts seat just curious as to how hard the cheaper seat my be?👍🏍

[@Bornie205]

Steve York I’d say the original pre 2020 seat is good for 100 miles, this issue is the sharp edges dig in and cause fatigue. The power parts seat is 200% better (and heated). KTM should supply it as standard on a £17k bike though i reckon

[@steveyork8069]

stephen born Thanks for the info,this guy bashes the power sports seat all the time.I weigh 280lbs at 6’6” and the power sports seat seemed ok to me but the test ride was only 42 miles at highway speed maybe on it 35 minutes.

[@philipdarnall787]

I have a 2016 and drool over the 2020 for the QS down function. Please film the QS and evaluate each quality of shift. Thank You!

[@LifeofSmokey]

It’s as smooth as a shift up , really strange haha. Google Superduke 2021 GT. 2016 and 2020 looking at the hardware is almost the same bike. Just some more modern touches for connectivity 😁

[@fran3940]

Great video! I am thinking of buying 2017 model. I have ride a 2020 model and i like it. Is there a difference in the feel of the motor and the vibrations?

[@LifeofSmokey]

The older they are the more brutal everything is. The newer you get them the smoother they become. The latest model is really fast but feels way more comfortable as for example the first generation.

[@1990jip]

Hi , like your videos. What is the switch underneath your saddle (1-0-2 swiths possibility) . Got one myself but can't figure out what it is.

[@LifeofSmokey]

I was just online. It’s the switch for the passenger heated seat 😁. The rider seat is set in the tft screen. The passenger is a manual switch. I know , makes no sense 😊

[@MotoMedicine904]

You dont need all those 1290's, just send one to me! Lol

[@MrBoybergs]

I'll come and collect one....

[@musamusa2961]

Now these are what you call motorcycles

[@phillysouthpaw]

Do you notice any difference in wind protection at highway speeds, especially around your helmet?

[@LifeofSmokey]

phillysouthpaw If you look at the front light on the old and new model that does make the wind gets sliced some more for sure. Wind around your helmet has alot to do with the helmet you have on at the moment. I have a moto gp helmet and that thing is smooth as can be. But the helmet that is most used for these bikes can be opened all the way so it will have some more wind sound issues for sure. I once took a ride on my buddies Gsxr with my motorcross helmet on! I thought my head was gonna get ripped off 😂🙈. I own alot of helmets and every one of them is totally different in the wind. 😉

[@kannankichu1997]

The GT is clearly for long rides. KTM! make the seats softer. If we need racing seats we will buy a SuperDuke R

[@marcusmichel84]

thx

[@alperark9546]

Is it possible to mount the headlight of 2020 model on the 2016 model? 😁😁😁

[@Mrmotoraki]

What’s your opinion about vibration in higher rpms level? Because of vtwin cylinders? For example in a long trip for along time on the bike the vibrations are acceptable or you become tired?

[@LifeofSmokey]

Mrmotoraki The faster and smoother you ride it , the less vibration it will have. But it’s nothing compared to the older vtwin engines they used to make. Did a 500km trip last week and i could another the next day 😁❤️

[@Mrmotoraki]

Life of Smokey thank you for the quick reply. I intend to buy a light used sd gt but the 2017 model and I was thinking about the vibrations. Thanks a lot again.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Mrmotoraki No problemo! It’s a fun cruising rocket 😁👍

[@brewinginc.769]

Is the riding position/ergonomics different?

[@LifeofSmokey]

Nope hardware on these bikes are the same. 😉

[@agrisbatna1797]

If l am on the budget, will you recommend take 2017 version SD gt?!

[@LifeofSmokey]

Yeah 2017 is just the same as 2021 so :-)

[@saptarshisutradhar9379]

2016 for sure...

[@geraldperry7779]

Great review, can you afford doing one on the R version.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Gerald Perry Riding the 2020 Superduke R this evening 😎👌👍

[@geraldperry7779]

@@LifeofSmokey please do a review.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Gerald Perry uploaded yesterday. If you can afford one , buy one! Best bike ever 😂❤️

[@valefur72]

I found a 2018 full optional with 17000 km for half the price of the 2020... so, for me, the 2018 is better...😂😂😂

[@rdesign5688]

So you ride around Europe on a Superduke GT... What's the chain maintenance routine like & what tools to pack?

[@LifeofSmokey]

R design Chain maintenance nothing yet , only 1800km on the bike 😅. And not taking any tools. I got Ktm insurance so if it starts to burn i call Ktm support to pick me up 😅

[@rdesign5688]

@@LifeofSmokey hehe you need to go on a TRIP before winter arrives. Sicily? Belgrade?

[@LifeofSmokey]

R design Going to corona , corona red countries.....i’m not going anywhere anymore 😂🙈

[@sandybriggs1795]

Does this bike suit a taller rider ?? I’m 6’ 2”, wondering how it would be for longer rides, especially w a passenger ....

[@LifeofSmokey]

Sandy Briggs i’m not a small guy but i’m on my tippie toes when sitting on the bike. Ktm does provide a adjustable footpeg system as wel. But not sure if it lowers the pegs or not 😊

[@jurepecnik9054]

​@@LifeofSmokey how tall are you actually? i'm 173cm tall, and i'm afraid that i wont reach the ground with my feet, that is the only thing keeping me away from S1000XR (that is a really tall bike), and SDGT would be a great alternative to a BMW. Keep up the great work 😁😁😁

[@TurboChecker12]

Does the 2020 has a different fuel tank than the 2016 ? Cause my only problem on a 2018 was that my knees are in conflict with the sharp edge of the tank...

[@LifeofSmokey]

I believe they are the same 😉

[@garytaylor7611]

Good morning . I'm thinking of trading my 2019 multistrada in for a the the gt but I've read there's alot of problems with electronic. Have you had any problems? Cheers Gary

[@LifeofSmokey]

Morning! I was just online 🙂 I had a Ducati before to and as far as my experience goes over the years , people have spoken to and problems i had myself Japanese bikes are the most reliable. I feel Ducatie and Ktm are the same when it comes to reliability. Hope it’s made a Thursday and not on a Monday 😁. My engine turned off like 4 times now when i used the quickshifter + going down from gear 3 to 2. Besides that and sometimes gear 5 to six 6 not as smooth as i want it to be , it’s a very good and fast bike. But long term reliability a KTM is never in my book 😅

[@garytaylor7611]

@@LifeofSmokey great thanks for the quick reply. I've the 2019 Duc1260 enduro so comfortable. Quickshifter is terrible loads of false selections . My local dealer has the 2020 model GT new with nearly €3000 off including luggage. Really tempted. On 3rd ducati and fancy a change. Great comparison review alongside the R. 👍jj

[@LifeofSmokey]

Ducati’s for me personally have some of the best looking bikes on the market! But it’s how the GT rides and how fast and powerful it is that i bought it. Same goes for the Superduro , it makes no sense having that amount of power....and i love cars and motorcycles that have way more power then they should. It makes them thrilling to ride 😁

[@rdauto-moto]

2016 !

[@gilbertyvel1614]

Vraag je: die dongle waar je het over hebt bij de 2016 waar haal/bestel je die?

[@LifeofSmokey]

gilbert yvel Op Ktm-shop.nl kan je die bijna 100% zeker terugvinden. Best hun even mailen. Dan onthoudt je motor de laatste instellingen. Dus je zet 1 keer je wheelie control af en die blijft afstaan. Het coole is dat je de motor start dat hij zegt “Illegal” 😂. Check mijn 2015 Superduke R filmpje hier op mijn pagina daar zie je de display aanspringen met een dongle erin. 😁👍

[@gilbertyvel1614]

Top bedankt! Laatste vraag: hoe heet het?

[@LifeofSmokey]

gilbert yvel Dongle 😁. Rare naam ik weet het haha. Maar zo noemt het ding wel. Plug en play 👍

[@gilbertyvel1614]

Top bedankt!! Als je een keer in de buurt van Amstelveen Holland bent gaan we even knallen

[@LifeofSmokey]

gilbert yvel Dit is ie : www.ktm-shop.nl/dongle-1290-superduke-r-2014.html

[@simplyriding1199]

Just curious, but why did you have to start the engines on all the bikes just to roll them out of the garage?

[@LifeofSmokey]

The Swedish Enduro Wannabe Most viewers would kill me if i would have multiple Superduke’s and don’t start them up 😁🙈.

[@simplyriding1199]

@@LifeofSmokey I totally get that. It just didn't make sense to me why you needed the engine on while just rolling them out

[@user-ss6tq1dg6n]

来自中国 ，目前有一辆2016款GT。买的二手的，21000美金.

[@nick4506]

ive got a 2016 and you can adjust it for the people and the luggage. but the comfort dampening mode gets rid of brake dive witch is a little unsettling. and what's the point of a keyless start on a bike? is it so someone can just walk up to your bike and ride it away if you have your keys close enough to where you park it. and there is already a spot for a key on the bike. just seems like a useless feature that just means more pairing issues and battery problems and massive keychains. i got my 2016 for a screaming deal a year ago. only a thousand miles and less than 9 grand us out the door. for 99.9999% of the bike for less than 50% of the cost of a new one, it's a no-brainer.

[@mikael5677]

Please tell me you own both

[@dave8832]

Sorry mate, but the bikes are the same. They ride exactly the same, they have the same geometry and suspension. You’re just justifying the 2020 model to yourself as you’ve just bought one.... the only main differences is the quick shifter/blipper and the dash. Yes the lights look different, but everything else is the same.

[@LifeofSmokey]

My 2020 was probably alot smoother because it’s a new bike i guess. I was looking for the first model but because i put this bike on my business as a company vehicle it was cheaper for me to get the new one. But you are right , hardware they are 100% te same 😉

[@dustinwood4489]

Stop, you're making me want an upgrade

[@LifeofSmokey]

Hardware is the same , just electronics and a new headlight. 2021 is going to be a different bike 😁

[@drdragon9206]

You look like a rider version of Bernd Leno of Arsenal

[@LifeofSmokey]

Thanks for the complement 😁👍

[@masterspin7796]

The earlier models have different cams/tuning=Less H.P....I haven't got any answers from anybody about the life of these bikes...will it last longer than 75,000 miles?...the 1400 Concours sets the example for sport touring...200,000 miles on some of them...

[@LifeofSmokey]

I never heard people talk and discuss the life of these KTM’s haha. When people talk about 200.000 miles motorcycles most of the time KTM does not come into play 😂

[@binggobravo2089]

Sticker KTM, no pain KTM 😆😆😆😆

[@mototracksofficial]

Intro🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@njoroge2061]

Is is true KTM has reliability issues.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Njoroge Yep it’s not a 1998 Honda Civic. Every brand has issues , it’s just how the brand deals with these issues that make or brake them 😊

[@Hypure2wheels]

I'd love to have one. But this is what bothers me. And the warranty seems shady too. I almost owned one last week. But I walked away due to these two reasons. Torn😒

[@zoltanmatyas3434]

Hello. My question is, I hear from many places that there are many electrical faults. What is the reality of this? Is it worth buying, isn't it a surcharge and the money only goes to repairs? This motorcycle is my dream and I want to buy it now. I'm waiting for your divorce.