Mental KTM Super Duke GT 1290 Review. Fast & Furious, But Can It Also Be Tamed?

We review the stunning KTM Super Duke 1290 GT V-twin. It has the performance of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and melds it with the comfort and equipment needed for all-day riding, but intensified with additional enhancements, refinements and features.
This one has the amazing Akrapovič exhaust fitted and it sound great! It has an amazing rumble on hard deceleration!
We look at the performance, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, styling, comfort and size, so you can see if it fits you!
The bike is so advanced that we recommend that you look on KTM's website to read all the tech spec and features, otherwise the video will go on for hours!
The Ol' Man, normally a cruiser rider, gives you his opinion about the naked super sport hyper naked crazy mental motorbike - get the gist?

[@Niranjanbahadurpande]

as i mentioned before,this dude has probably most realest motorcycle channel by any english motorcycle youtuber.keep up the work mate.good video.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

kevin woods Thanks bro! Always trying to improve 👊🏼

[@Kismetix]

This is an example of perfect motorcycle design. Luckily , I'm in Alberta and can ride my 2020 1290GT for long stretches without any population related issues. It is clear, clean cruising on an exceptionally high powered comfort machine from Calgary to Vancouver that is nothing short of pure heaven. Thank god for the Rocky Mountains, fresh air, and a machine that can propel me from here to the coast in one day in pure ecstasy. Excellent review, BTW and !00% spot on.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks Mike! Great to hear about your experiences! Ride safe 👊🏼

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Shoot locations are amazing, a good show of the UK. Kudos the KTM for building the incredibly dynamic bikes they do.. raising the bar!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks G. Yes agreed 👍🏼

[@hellride3979]

Even ktm super duke gt looks smaller near you. Great review. For me the best long trips bike gt is the best. The best channel on KZbin.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Totally agree. It's like wearing shoes that are too small - everything is made for the average height.

[@hellride3979]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Keanu Reeves should send you an arch KRGT1. For free of course for your contribution to the motorcycle channels on youtube.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@hellride3979 That would be nice!

[@kevh8685]

Just came across your channel, very refreshing delivery of a review which I very much enjoyed, looking forward to watching a few more. I have had a GT for about a year now absolutly love the engine is just so good for me, for the past 10 years been riding a Victory HammerS which is the longest I've ever owned a bike but completly different from the KTM but there you go ! still have it, plan was to sell it but just couldnt give the bike and being able to ride a cruiser now and then :)

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy! Nice of you to say! Yes please have a look through our reviews! We’ve got some great bikes in there (and to come!)

[@edermarquez7436]

excellent video

[@henryhawk7038]

Enjoyed the vid!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks Henry 👍🏼

[@Fernando90054]

Very truthful and well done, video. 🙏🏼

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy 💯

[@rassanelasso9558]

I like this review. But warms my heart seeing you make reviews with your son and you together.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I appreciate that! Unfortunately he was working that day so just me.

[@rassanelasso9558]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thank you.

[@dennism1919]

Thank you for this piece. This is one of those bikes that intrigues me greatly, but I don't really see myself owning it. I had the pleasure of riding one about a year ago and I loved it. I'm 6'4" and I felt very comfortable on it. Amazing power. It felt so planted. The suspension works incredibly well. The cockpit is very nice. It's a fantastic machine to ride. But - I do struggle with the look. I absolutely love/hate how this bike looks! The paniers aren't quite what I need either. But it's very close. A great bike for the money. Can't say that a lot these days.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy! We get what you’re saying. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@4RMS7TRONG]

Liked and subbed! Simply because I think you guys are local to me judging by all the locations you film at.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Cool! Thanks bro!

[@gregwolfofwoywoy5046]

I think I might be doing things the wrong way around. I'm 65 and I've just sold my 2018 Harley Road King Special and ordered a Superduke GT. Great review! I have a similar jacket to yourself and I'm glad to see it doesn't look out of place on the KTM. I need the beard though.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes that’s not the usual progression. Lovely bike though! Better stop shaving lol

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome guys cheers 👍🏻

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

claretbuck1882 Thanks buddy!

[@davidbadham3712]

Another very good review, thank you. I tested that bike and found it to be brilliant. You’re quite right about Britain being over populated too, tis a bit of a worry🤔

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

David Badham Thanks bro! Yes very concerning.

[@splodge5714]

Fantastic bike, one of the better looking KTMs, but a bit too much for me. Beautiful location, surprised you wasn't asked to move on.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

splodge 57 Yes I preferred it to the R actually. Same estate so by the time I reviewed the third bike there they were on to me!

[@Lee-70ish]

I get the feeling bikes are now out performing the available roads by 3 or 4 times £17000 is one big slice of cash for what is essentially imho a weekend warrior and not the most practical of everyday use bikes specially here in the U.K.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Lee B Yes I get you.

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

Sounds an awesome bike and its really nice looking 👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Jo Jo Thanks yes! It’s very advanced in all respects 👍🏼👍🏼

[@thomasdietz2211]

This is a must have ... just need some money.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

👍🏼 it’s nice to have something to aim for!

[@arnofrom9350]

Thanks for great review! One question; is the riding position much different from the R? I own a 2020 SDR and having lots of issues with my neck. Is the riding position much more straight up or close to similar??

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy! It’s a bit more upright than the R. 👍🏼

[@bobrock1194]

with the Tuono this is the best bike I've ever owned!!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome! 💯

[@blackpine4517]

I totally agree with you about the population. I hunt on just under 300 acres and have people on the property wearing dark clothing and deer head shirts. When I tell them they are trespassing and it’s hunting season they say they thought they were on a hiking trail. The closest hiking trails are 10-15 miles away.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

We literally can never escape the impact of people; cars, trains, aeroplanes, walkers cyclists etc! Every video we make

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

The naked one is more attractive. I like your jacket. I used to have a great Bikers' Gearbox one, but for some reason I sold it. Wish I hadn't.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I prefer the orange wheels on this one tbh. I had a similar jacket years ago which I also regret selling.

[@tivolit]

What does WP stands for?

[@BicepsAndBikinis]

God I love those wheels!!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Biceps&Bikinis Yes me too!

[@kevinpollard1550]

How do they get so much power out of a twin

[@dennism1919]

I just watched this again. I really like this bike! If I didn't have the Trophy I would be riding either this or the Yamaha FJR. I love the BMW RT also but it's too expensive in it's current configuration, let alone what it will be when the 2021's roll out. To get the Duke GT I would have to get rid of one and I can't do it! The Vision, of course, goes nowhere! The Trophy SE doesn't have the punch of the Duke GT but it's so luxurious and velvety smooth I just can't give it up! Plus it's got everything. And if I'm honest, at 60 maybe it's the more appropriate bike. Never say never though! I may end up on a Duke GT yet.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy. Sometimes you’ve just got to go with your heart.

[@Bill.Papadakis]

came for the review,rewatched for the beard

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Haha great! 💯

[@Bill.Papadakis]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan great review,mate! keep up the great work!

[@johnhinds6540]

Looks like KTM is trying to compete with the Ducati Diavel 1260/1260s. Certainly a bit less pricey, and perhaps more features.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes no doubt. Which would you go for?

[@johnhinds6540]

I went for the 1260s back in May... 4000miles on it so far. Amazing machine!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

John Hinds 👍🏼👍🏼

[@zacbell03]

Currently watching Ewan Mc’gregor’s “long way round”. Such a good series!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

zac bell yes good stuff 👍🏼

[@michaelcoughlan3144]

KTM are still regretting their decision...

[@zacbell03]

Michael Coughlan. Ha ha, I bet the dude responsible for pulling out of the deal got his ass kicked by his bosses

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@zacbell03 Were KTM asked to provide a bike for this before they went to Harley-Davidson?

[@zacbell03]

MrDarcy & the Ol'Man: on “long way round” KTM initially said yes but then pulled out, so they went with the BMW 1200. They only used Harleys on the newest release “long way up” where the used the new electric bikes

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Did I see radial brakes on the front? Another small thing KTM does to get all the performance possible from a bike.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I’m not sure about that. I’ll have to check their website again

[@davyboycolon530]

I own a 690 duke n love it

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Cool! Plenty fast enough!

[@davyboycolon530]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan its a real hooligan bike

[@grahamcunningham4840]

I took a test ride on the GT today.Overall i was dissapointed. The bike is smaller than i thought it would be,vibration all through the gears,difficult to find neutral

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes it’s not particularly big (not much is!). It’s an easier ride that the Duke R. I don’t know if you saw our review of that?

[@alanrobinson2229]

Would you ever choose a KTM over your Harley s?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

For me no. I love the Harley-Davidson and all that low down grunt. I do like the dirtbikes though.

[@1DTrem]

Im close to trading in my Thunderbird Storm and K1300S for one of these babies. 2 bikes can be a bit much but i dont want to lose the sport side or touring side. Im close on this.... S1000XR kinda still has my attention though but this thing sounds like a beast and I love grunt sounds. hmmmm

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It is kind of the best of both worlds: good for touring but flippin quick too!

[@onez9511]

Idk if it's an adventure bike or a sports bike. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think it's a sports bike

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Definitely a sports bike or a sports rts GT

[@an1ma169]

nice review, bought one of these this season & loving it so far. don't know if I could go back to a 4pot screamer after this engine.. the instant response and relatively flat torque curve make it an absolute destroyer..I can only imagine it's what a Tesla feels like in 'ludicrouse' mode 🤘😝 the electronics are great too, keeping you safe without you even knowing they're intervening, yes, you can't flat out wheelie for example, but I've had the front up plenty over crests etc and the bike just let's you ride out out, no panic stations & fuel cuts to get the nose down.. that's a shout out to Bosch though I guess.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome! I can imagine you coming over the brow of a hill !

[@zedspoint4614]

Glorious Beard Good Sir

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks my friend 👍🏼

[@drewyager4020]

Get off those Angel GT and go to S22 or CRA3

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@helgejohan3604]

Love Superduke. 1290 V2 🤙🔥hate ducati Streetfighter v4🤮

[@michaelwinter3132]

It's such a pity it looks like a mosquito. They should really import some design from Husqvarna.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s a look many manufacturers seem to be going for!

[@roostfezza7563]

Yes the looks are a bit odd. The new R model looks awful as well. Agree shame doesnt import some vitpilen style!

[@robertprosser6856]

KTM and Kawasaki really do make the most ugly bikes possible!🤢👎

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Robert Prosser yes not everyone’s cup of tea

[@robertprosser6856]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I wish manufacturers would just put more effort into making their products more appealing to the eyes!👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Robert Prosser there’s a trend for this look at the moment, hopefully it won’t last

[@robertprosser6856]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan agreed and I hope not

[@garynewton4264]

Whatever is wrong with you guys. The Superduke GT 1290 is a beautiful looking machine. I realise we all have differing opinions, but I can't accept the notion you put forward Sir.

[@donaldduck9424]

I hate the V2 engine. I owned one. Worst bike i ever had.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Really. What didn’t you like about it?

[@landedzentry]

Ok so I am from the 70s onwards for bikes. I can't get past the looks - awful, ugly and in discordant colours. It is what a bike looks like after a crash. For me it's rap music...lol. Maybe I am getting old.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes I get you. Theres some seriously ugly bikes coming from the big 4 manufacturers as well