KTM 1390 Superduke R VS 1290 Superduke R: The Comparison

[@giovanniricci4369]

As an addict of the former headlight I cannot appreciate the new one, apart from that both are great bikes. Thank you and best wishes for 2024 ✌

[@johnnyboy1586]

I like the new one 😊

[@giovanniricci4369]

@@johnnyboy1586 absolutely legitimate ✌️

[@seanbennett1137]

Feels like a lot of folk are just glossing over the "pay to unlock" features. This is a disgusting anti consumer move. Everyone should just boycott bikes with these features. The bike would have been 10/10 but is a 0/10 for me now

[@expatbiker6598]

I see no problem with it. You don't want heated grips. Don't pay to unlock. Manufacturing uses economies of scale to reduce price. Customization adds cost to manufacturing process. Something as simple as same bike. One with heated grips installed and the other without adds cost to the whole process.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

The reason they gloss over it is because they are marketing professionals disguised as independent reviewers. That is why they call the influencers.

[@sprocket-YT]

To be fair it’s been the case for years now! more concerned with the warranty period not being long enough!

[@TIMHARTTT]

@@expatbiker6598aren’t they already within the bike??! But you have to buy the software for it ??

[@Soulasgard]

​@@TIMHARTTTeverything is already there, just simple activation by KTM. Abominable.

[@paulfowler7618]

I dont normally like videos just looking at bikes with no test ride but it was good to see an old vs new comparison. If i was buying id get the old one with a massive saving. When I come to sell it id be glad I did this. I've actually done this with several bikes and its always paid off a few years later and I enjoy the old model just as much as it still a new brilliant bike to me. BTW happy new year Kate.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks Paul. Wish I could ride it 😭 I'm with you. I couldn't justify the 1390 but a 1290 on this offer with 4 year warranty is tempting me!! Happy new year to you too Paul. Hope it's a good one! 👍

[@paulfowler7618]

Btw I was in Accrington a few weeks ago as bought my new car there from the ford garage. First time I've ever been there as I live in Somerset. Should have had a look in the bike showroom while I was there as will probably never visit Accrington again in my life🤔

[@animal100000]

Got my superduke 1290 from kd motorcycles great bunch of guys great service 👌

[@keitht3055]

Nice bikes Kate and, congratulations with the new sponsorship 👍. I'm really looking forward to next year's reviews and adventures. Here's wishing you and all your family a very happy New year 🥂🏍.

[@jasonwood6100]

I really like the headlight on the 1290, however the headlight on the 1390 is awesome and makes it look more aggressive. Definitely an improvement.

[@MV-vv7sg]

Brilliant overview and really comprehensive comparison. So glad I found a really clear comp. Also even better that’s it’s British!

[@UsernameKate]

Awesome thanks so much!!

[@MV-vv7sg]

@@UsernameKate will you do another video on it? :)

[@robertmenzies6939]

7:05 got to see the new 1390 headlight at the motorbike show in November and got to say I am not a fan, however not really a fan of the 1290 light but prefer it to the 1390, much preferred the 990 Superduke headlight myself.

[@simondemetriou7750]

Amazing how quick I've got used to the new headlight design..........really like it now! Happy New Year Kate........Best wishes to you and your channel foe 2025!🎉

[@UsernameKate]

Happy new year!!! And thank you!! 😁

[@Manx_T]

I was thinking the exact same thing! I love my 23 model Evo and when i first saw that 24 headlight i thought oh dear. Now i love it!

[@iainf6]

Great news for 2024 Kate, have an incredible 2wheeled new year 🎉🎉

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks iain! Happy New Year to you too!

[@edmondramdingliana656]

​@@UsernameKatevmjww

[@512460]

Less go Kate. Congrats on this new opportunity to carry you throughout 2024

[@chema1546]

Happy new year and new year 🥳 Kate

[@Theorangeman.]

Please universe help this bike get in my garage. Nice one kate, another belter as usual

[@williamaylmer2194]

Congrats on the team up and all the best for 2024 Kate. Looking forward to vlogs in the year ahead. 👏

[@gordonroberts8206]

Happy New Year looking for more of your content 🎉

[@andrewjohnson6297]

Looking forward to getting a 1390 out for a test ride from Wigan , I like the flat orange colour it looks dope and have to say the headlamp looks a lot better in the metal

[@mikep.9371]

Happy New Year Kate. Waiting for you and Mike to have the second "bike building" chat and video. I went from S1500 to K650 to my third bike, a used S200 (2005) .... All three are in my pole built garage (called the barn).

[@mihaicostescu]

insanely beautiful. I ponder between Streetfighter V4S and this.

[@marcbrasse747]

The world is burning but the “oliebollen”-dough ( Dutch donuts, traditional new years bakery) is rising and there is a new Usernamekate video to watch (The poor girl is always at it!). Is it alright if I put all the worrying to the back at my mind for a moment? Best wishes to all people of good will. Have a nice glide into 2024. 😘

[@JDW_Adventures]

Happy new year. Hope to see more adventures rather than bike review after bike review. Will be nice to see some of the videos and the roots to this channel now and again! All the best though!

[@UsernameKate]

2 videos a week for 2 years straight so far so hopefully there is plenty choice! 😁 I'm happy with the direction it's going in but people don't realise it takes farrrr longer to edit holiday/adventure trips than reviews and ive quite a backlog 😊 Happy new year to you too! 🥳 🎉

[@pierrekawa76]

Hello Kate vivement l’essai sur route de la 1390 😊

[@Victic005]

That's an awesome bike.

[@gorangajic9450]

Kiska ,master of the universe......

[@twist_of_the_wrist]

They both look like great bikes.

[@RacerJuan42]

I may be biased as I have a 2021 SDR, but I prefer the gen 3 aesthetics, particularly the headlight. I’d sure like to test ride the new 1390 though as it really doesn’t matter which looks better when you’re riding it.

[@lasseblomqvist9378]

Happy new year, hope the next one will be the best one ever.❤🎉

[@myronhorvathsk]

That rear suspension could probably be softened up a bunch for you Kate. When you plunked your butt onto it I didn’t notice the suspension compress at all really.

[@s.venkateswarpatnaik2484]

Hei Ka Happy New Year 2024🌈🎸.Nice review of SuperDuke 1390.I liked your simple video 🎉

[@user-je7gk7cl5j]

The headlight reminds me of the predator snarling

[@crunks420]

I love my 1290r, but I can't do the new 1390r headlight... wtf even is that thing? I am sure the bike will be the same catapult that the old one was, though. GG

[@UsernameKate]

I love the superduke 1290 so much so defo interested to ride this!

[@jmsmikey]

Yay!!! First comment from Las Vegas! I LOVE your channel Kate!!!

[@ronaldbear1]

Happy new year Kate. Would love to ride with you ❤

[@UsernameKate]

Happy new year to you too 😊

[@rnor3146]

Hi Kate!😉 Many thanks for these video, so 👌👍 as usual! I wish you 2, Family and Friends a 🌟 Happy New Year.🌟 I hope this will bring you all you are waiting for. See you. 🍾🥂😉👍👌🤗💋

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks, I hope you have a lovely 2024 too!!! 😊

[@rnor3146]

@@UsernameKate ...thanks twice!!!!😚 let's see what will happren!!!!☀️😉👍

[@bikerboy1001]

As I just figured out myself is that the grips and whole ride by wire system on the handlebar is different only on 2023 superduke due to supply chain issues. It makes fitting the standard heated grips a bit of a hassle ;) I liked the thicker grips on the 2023 model better in comparison.

[@UsernameKate]

I believe so!

[@DaveDayve]

KTM, you make amazingly looking bikes. They handle like a dream. Power is always at the top of their competition. Why? Why? WHY? can't u fix the reliability? You'd have the best bike all around and treble your sales. Without it, there's just no sale. Sorry. Such a shame 😢

[@ad_the_biker]

Had 3 superdukes zero Issues with any

[@helgejohan3604]

Its bigger and heavier and more Grunty✊🔥🔥

[@rlw85]

Good review, but that head light is questionable 🤨 it’s not for me looks wise. Looks like your riding a super star destroyer 😊

[@martin.on.a.motorbike1048]

Hey Kate, you are so going to buy one of these… 😂 All the best for the new year 🎉

[@morganmartin9286]

I actually love the new headlight, it's very fitting the KTM style and I think it will do wonders for the superduke gt.

[@victorgonza4528]

The beast looks great 190 HP now outstanding.

[@pjbaddict]

Get a 1290R and a custom rear shock from Maxton (better shock and custom 810mm seat height) job done… works for me

[@korazon3spinado]

Beast seems like a good name

[@UsernameKate]

Indeed!!

[@796andy2]

nice ! just picked up an smcr 690 and my speed triples been gathering 😂

[@Theorangeman.]

For me i could never get past the old headlamp, that new one looks lush

[@juliabarnes7528]

Happy new year🎉😊

[@UsernameKate]

Happy new year!! 😊❤️🥳 🎉

[@AntaresSQ01]

I like the headlight shape on the new one despite being a nightmare to clean for bugs, but my issue with it is it's too damn big. The headlights on the 1290s are already quite large, imo the 790/890 is the sweet spot, but with this huge new headlamp also featured on the new 990 I think it's a bit oversized.

[@jaygorakht5135]

Enjoying from nepal ✌️

[@genco8915]

Yo Kate! If you had to choose between the KTM 1290/1390 Super Duke R and the Bmw M 1000 R, which would you choose? :)

[@UsernameKate]

Superduke for sureee 😆

[@drewiediggler1]

Rear lights in tiny indicators is putting form over function at the expense of safety really. I know this after my friend crashed in to the back of my CCM Spitfire with it's similar 'gucci back end' 😅

[@UsernameKate]

Its funny because the Europeans love this set up!

[@drewiediggler1]

​@@UsernameKatemy Triumph Bobber TFC had them too. They do look slick I must admit. Just not sure they catch the eye of the dopey driver behind though.

[@AW8UK]

The latest GS has caused controversy by headlamp design so has this.... Lighting performance arguably as or more important than looks. If I was merely signing a PCP then I would take the newer 1390 witn the minor upgrades 😊 Thanks 👍

[@ulaskvlcm]

1390 is looks like a game changer; but I prefer evo.

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

Nice comparison. The new headlight looks cool. Change is difficult for most, but eventually we become familiar with it and accept the newer styles. Then we complain when they change it again. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈🎄

[@512460]

I'm sad Kate you didn't get an invite to ktms launch thing on track chopsy got an invite

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Not my cup of tea but Happy new Year to you and Mike.

[@UsernameKate]

Happy new year to you too!! 😊

[@ianhalliwell8604]

I always like your videos you do so many different bikes, but this one is the total opposite of what sort of bike i would buy , but each to his own.

[@UsernameKate]

What's your ideal bike? :)

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Currently got a BSA gold star, i love a big thumper and the only tec is me and that's what i love.

[@bsmukler]

Although I’m not a fan of the KTM headlights (either version here) it’s worth a moment’s consideration of the degree of design and engineering involved, both regarding attempts at weight reduction and LED cooling as well as optimization of air flow for the intake. I’m in the camp of anthropomorphism regarding vehicles, meaning their “faces” trigger a sense of “personality.” For instance, the classic Jeep “face” (which is of course a major, trademarked feature) comes across as an old, faithful friend. Ditto the classic Defender. It’s all nonsense, of course, but it affects one’s emotional response and distinguishes exciting vehicles from washing machines. I suppose it is our human equivalent to a dog’s favorite stick. 😊

[@johanhulle]

I love the headlight! Never liked the gen 2 and 3 ones. However I hate the new taillights on the 1390! 😢

[@UsernameKate]

I'm the same! I like the headlight and indicators but wish it had the rear light of the 1290 🥲

[@vdrwheely]

When can we expect your review of the new 990 Duke?

[@UsernameKate]

I'm not sure when they will be landing in dealers or with KTM UK. I'd imagine feb/March at a guess 😊

[@iancraig6070]

If KTM cant overcome reliability issues their reputation just gets hammered in the bike community.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Given the inherent knowledgability of likely customers of such issues, it is fascinating how well these machines still sell. Similar story with Land/Range Rover products.

[@ad_the_biker]

Had 3 ktm’s not an issue with any.

[@iancraig6070]

@@ad_the_biker Good but the reputation is out there and hard to live down.

[@robertmenzies6939]

Oooo like the new indicators

[@LifeoRJKJR]

1290R ANY DAY! Such little improvement in the motor on the 1390 + it looks buttugly, really not worth the money, going for the 1390. And just look at that carbon package you get, including that discount. That is a no brainer!

[@UsernameKate]

It's calling my name that 1290 😭😭😭

[@LifeoRJKJR]

@@UsernameKate i think you deserve it! Great content as always. Go buy it, Kate! 😁🙌

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Give the 1290R an aftermarket tune or get the dealership to put in the "offroad" tune and the bike is most of the way there. The only thing that really makes me jealous of the 1390R is the revised gearbox, 5th and 6th are too damned high in the 1290R... I barely use 5th, much less 6th. It would be nice to have the updated MSR too.

[@LifeoRJKJR]

@@SteveC-Shaman i lowered My gearing, makes it more fun, and I use 5th and 6th aswell Now

[@zCritic]

Looks naughty! Orange and black.🔥

[@UsernameKate]

Critic!!! Looks good doesn't it!!!

[@user-tx3qk3xv4c]

Loving the 1390 particularly in black, but I can’t get away from the reliability concerns, could this new one really be ok?

[@Kurlach]

Had two gen 3 SDRs, covered 19,000 between them and not had a problem 🤷🏻‍♂️ KTM even gave me four years warranty on the current 1290 Evo I have so I’m not really fussed even if something does go wrong.

[@user-tx3qk3xv4c]

@@Kurlach That’s good to hear, I guess there’s just some poor quality control, Motorcycle News had 2 bad ones. I’ll keep my eye on the new one in the media till summer and if it’s looking good il trade in my MT09, thanks for the encouraging reply.

[@combatclifton]

Headlight let’s it down the 1290 wasp style is better than the alien look

[@UsernameKate]

I'd take either :)

[@Swedeman999]

That headlight is simply diabolical. £20k bike with a 2 bob headlight. No way

[@user-mf1ur7zp7h]

Keep up the good work Kate and a happy hew year. Better looking than the outgoing bike. Nice to see proper KTM orange coming back. Never liked that weird drab blue colour or the awful office furniture grey of the gen 2's. KTMs should be orange and white. And with far less mat black plastic. Don't like either headlight. The new one is better, but all this over-stylised aggression is faintly juvenile, like it's been designed by someone who writes computer games rather than an engineer. Given that few people under 40 are going to be able to afford to spend the thick end of 20 grand on what's essential a weekend day bike, I can't help thinking a lot of owners are going to look like old men in teenager's clothes trying too hard to be down with the kids. I always thought the original Gen 1 Superduke looked the most grownup of all the editions. Prices are getting silly now as well, with the cynical electronic add-ons game. When what should be paired-down supernakeds are costing the same as Harley Davidson's flagship Softail cruisers (which have next to no electronics or plastics and are made of solid metal so you can at least see where your money's gone), something's going wrong. I'd like to ride one but I wouldn't buy one. And I bet most who do would in real life be faster on an 890 or 990.

[@andrewfiggins6847]

Not for me hate the looks

[@sprocket-YT]

The warranty period should be longer for the price also with free servicing!

[@aaronrublee3386]

I didn't like the mantis light before, but I REALLY don't like the new one. It looks to me like a sliced-off face. So by comparison, I now like the old lights and will be looking for a duke 890 instead of a 990.

[@mrsmith697]

145 in torque whats massiv.most feel good on overtake..

[@UsernameKate]

So much torque!!!

[@alexpryce555]

KTM's first attempt at VVT? Think I'll wait for gen 3..

[@SteveC-Shaman]

That'd be gen 4, actually.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Either one please !👍

[@UsernameKate]

I feel the sameeee 🤤🤤🤤

[@signore-solomonare1818]

TBH I am here to listen to your voice, British accent with charming

[@JDFIGHTER87]

I like to pay for the software extra :D

[@avantoicetesquoi6863]

Testez-la avec Sarah Lezitow Go , c'est la meilleure pour un show Et bonne année à Ktm🎉🎉🎉

[@UsernameKate]

She is amazing!! Happy new year! 😊

[@tonygriffiths2485]

Wow what a bike ! Its nearly there with the supersports, who are mostly over 200bhp now, sometimes much more like the Kawasaki H2 FFS ! Pffft ! I would love to see you ride that, but the next video could well be for a Honda 90 or some such :) :)

[@PROopticSp33dFr3ak1]

Did you do the nc500

[@UsernameKate]

i have done the nc500 a few years back, i did a full series on it, this is the first of the series kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6KXaZdphZ1loqs

[@PROopticSp33dFr3ak1]

@@UsernameKate I realised that after I’d sent the text though I recognised you4 voice in it great videos good work myself an£ my son doing NC this may ,! Can’t wait didn’t no you were a vloger and definitely much better looking than Chopsy 😂

[@pierrekawa76]

Hello Kate ,moi j ai acheter la 1290 SDR EVO 2023 ,j ai préféré le look a la 2024 et comme j ai eu un très bon prix ,pour moi c était évident,pour le poids la 1390 fait 10kg de plus !

[@UsernameKate]

Je ne crois pas que ce soit 10 kg de plus. 2kg de plus je crois. KTM est déroutant parce qu’ils ont un poids « prêt à courir » qui n’est pas du tout prêt à courir, car il est sans carburant. Ce poids est de 190 kg. La différence de poids n’est pas si extrême :)

[@pierrekawa76]

@@UsernameKate En France la 1390 sdr elle est annoncée 200,5kg à sec ,sans essence et la 1290 sdr 2023 à 189 kg à sec sans essence,c est ce que l ont eut lire partout ,ça va pas dans le bon sens 🤔😁

[@UsernameKate]

Il est intéressant de noter que tous nos médias font état d’une différence de 2 kg entre les poids à vide des deux vélos. Exemple de source : www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/ktm/1390-superduke-2024-review

[@pierrekawa76]

@@UsernameKate Hello ,bonne année 2024😃,il y a une différence de 2kg en plus pour la 1290 sdr evo ! Sur ma carte grise il marque 210 kg à vide ,étonnant,qui dit la vérité ?le constructeur annonce 191kg pour la 1290 sdr Evo ,2023 et 189kg pour la 1290 sdr 2023

[@shakeebahmer]

those puny bulbs at the front do not quite compliment the aesthetics of the bike as a whole.. still this should be no less hooligan 🔥

[@Pompomgrenade]

1290 headlights for sure! That's right, no Cyclops 🤬

[@Chijousaikyo]

Will they make the SAS with this 1390 engine?

[@UsernameKate]

Seems like it could be a progression!

[@marcbrasse747]

I personally like the headlight. I do however have some doubts about it’s aerodynamic efficiency. Not that anybody seems to care at a low wind resistance nowadays. The bigger the protrusions the better. 🤓

[@kennyeaton833]

Ready to send off my bank details to ktm 😂. Amazing vid Kate!!!

[@UsernameKate]

You and me both 😫😫

[@56Spookdog]

The new headlight looks better but the rear blinkers look like cheap Amazon L.E.D. replacements, overall it’s a good looking bike. I like the ease of suspension adjustments, definitely a bike I’d like to take for a rip at least once.

[@docholliday2364]

Nice.

[@hossman8499]

Selling my 890 and getting a 1390 this year. Only thing i dont like is the tail light being integrated into the lame factory tail piece.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Beauties is not a word that i expected in a KTM advert, sorry review. Lol.

[@UsernameKate]

Not really a review, just a break down of specs and a look at the 2 bikes together. Haven't ridden the bugger yet!

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

@@UsernameKate looking forward to that.

[@UsernameKate]

Me too!

[@lold6130]

But Kate, KTM's are DAY GLOW ORANGE. Vile!

[@UsernameKate]

Love me some BRIGHT orange 🍊🤣✨️

[@ianedwards26]

but how tall are you ,to give us shorties an idea

[@UsernameKate]

3:32 minutes shows bike height, my height, my inseam and what it looks like when I sit on it. Thanks! :)

[@tarms1650]

Prefer new headlight. Well-done video.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks!!! The headlight seems to be very hit and miss!!! But I think it looks like an alien which I love haha! 👽

[@kasiameger9117]

I prefer new headlight.

[@williamrae9954]

"As people will notice, I'm about to grow my toenails..." 😂

[@UsernameKate]

What does that mean 🤣

[@williamrae9954]

@@UsernameKate Short-arse problems, that I know all about...28" inseam! :)

[@UsernameKate]

Oooh haha I get it 🤣

[@daveo9844]

Damn. I want the new one now 😎

[@UsernameKate]

Sorrrryyyyyy haha

[@scottdiver36]

User nave Kate i think the 1290 is better

[@markchristianson8178]

You do great reviews i converted this to canadian price for the 1390 Duke 33,333 dollars without tax or insurance or side cases comes to just about 39'000 no thanks . LOL i stop watching out of my price range .

[@UsernameKate]

1390 is out my price range too.. :(

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Kate, don't know how long ago you filmed this but the brake pipe onto the manifold from the reservoir on the rear brake has not been fitted properly and it looks like it's about to pop off the nipple if it is knocked or caught. May have already been fixed, but I just had to say, you see it from 2 minutes into the video. Thank you.

[@UsernameKate]

No worries, I'll let em know. It was pretty much rolled off the crate at that point 🤣

[@Prasujith]

Ride review

[@UsernameKate]

No one can ride it yet unfortunately, the official press launch isn't until late Jan so I can imagine we can ride in dealerships from March.

[@cliffordkershaw7943]

The power to weight ratio is insane on these bikes, UK roads are just not suitable, inexperienced riders are just going to kill themselves,the stats back it up,lost so many friends over the years, because the bike is just too powerful for UK roads,look at how many people die riding the TT every year year,pro riders and non pro

[@Kurlach]

KTM are banging out the SDR gen 3 for £13,999 at the moment. The new Evo is £19,599 and that’s before the tech pack. For 49cc and a shite headlight? Come on. Nobody will notice that or 5nm of additional torque. It’s a rip-off. And I say this as someone who loves KTMs and owns two..

[@UsernameKate]

I'm tempted by a superduke 1290 right now!

[@Govanmauler]

Been a long time KTM fan but that thing is goddam ugly 😢