Dan Sutherland answers your KTM 1290 Super Duke GT questions | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com

[@AVweb]

I just bought one. Haven't take delivery yet. Dan, the format for your reviews is the best of at least a half dozen I've seen. Doing the recording while on the bike just makes it harder to shoot, compose and watch. Yours are easy to watch. Kudos.

[@vstm3950]

Makes me laugh when journalists and reviewers talk about reliability after 2500 miles. Wtf. They are brand new bikes. Talk about it after 50,80 or 100kkm!

[@monstermarkone]

@Vstm Actually its a very valid subject. If you’re thinking about spending north of £17K on a bike, I think you’re quite within your rights to ask about reliability, especially with the amount of electronic gadgetry on them these days. Do you want it to be reliable within the first 2500 miles? Damn right you do. And apart from anything else do you really expect him to cover 100,000 km in a few months? So I say well done Dan for discussing this point and thank you for an honest (and eloquent) review. Here’s a young lad with a bright future, I’d say.

[@AntaresSQ01]

@@monstermarkone you cannot call 2.5k a long term review, simple as that, 10k at minimum but closer to 20k, at 2.5k you aren't even at first service interval past break in, first major service is around 25k on most bikes... And yes, if a journalist's job is to thoroughly test a bike, 2500 miles in 5 months is pathetic... I do that much in a single month and at the very least half of that is actual fun not just commuting, and I bike for fun not as a job... The commentary itself is very good with valid points but as it's usually the case with 95% of journalists, it's not exactly representative.

[@B1ueStryk3r]

@@monstermarkone I hope you know they average about 3 bike a year to test. Where will they have time to put 20k miles on one bike?

[@viasevenvai]

@@B1ueStryk3r then don't comment on "long term reliability" is what he's saying.

[@czarekp3552]

Vstm... it's a KTM, not Honda !!!

[@240fxst]

Very informative concise review mate. Muscle touring bike from KTM you got to love it . I love the looks brassy, bold, aggressive look, like a Romulan warbird for you trekkies out there. I have a 2016 black bmw K1300S now that’s a beautiful looking machine I must say. Thanks for sharing.

[@lowbrow]

Screen on the SDGT is perfect. You can pull it up and get behind it if the weather is bad, but you can also put it down and sit up to get cool air when you are hot. Its the best of both worlds for winter and summer performance. The screen size is one of the best things about this bike.

[@projectg408]

Bruh!... this kid has some amazing off the cuff commentary! Like, this is writer status stuff with very minimal disfluency in his speech and he demonstrates excellent usage of his vocabulary. I love listening to people who can say exactly what they mean. Kid is highly intelligent. Also, I do think this bike is beautiful precisely because it is so aggressive... exactly like he was saying

[@simonhudak3763]

Kid also took money from Lexmoto to write a bs review.

[@zoom9897]

This is the most beautiful sport tourer hands down.

[@masterspin7796]

Im thinking about buying one for long term touring...But, I need to know how this will hold up with 50,000 miles on it like a Kawasaki 1400 Concours...Good for 150,000 miles...Anybody have a hi-miler GT?

[@abymathew295]

You lucky people..we cant even take the bike out on the road...all we can do is stare the bike in garage and cry...

[@kugangles9860]

Why is that? Bad weather or something.

[@Kismetix]

Really excellent review, Dan! I ended up buying the 2020 Superduke GT over the R version about a month ago, and ride it just the way you'd mentioned in this review. Leave it in sport mode with the suspension in the comfort setting, and you have a superfast tourer that can be ridden all day long. I think though that I might go for the upgraded seat, the one that comes with the bike is a bit hard after an hour or so of riding (IMO, anyway).

[@Atilla8huno]

How about commuting on this bike (heavy traffic)

[@tancakar8987]

i did it 2 years two up in London, its possible. i used to have GT 2016

[@t2rew]

They are very capable on track even with the stock tyres. Let me know when you do one. I'd love to be in a ktm gt group terrorising the dedicated track bikes.

[@Firestorm637]

I owned a 2016 GT and now a 2018 SDR. The best engine ever. Both torque and horsepower in one engine. Plus all below 9500 rpm. The perfect store bike or cross country.

[@badger4361]

Don't you know it's illegal to give a teenager a Superduke to get them off their x-box...just kidding mate, nice job.

[@RRSmurf]

Really well presented and interesting review, thanks! I'll be getting a 1290r to replace my old Superduke 990 (one day, I'm saving up haha) but the GT is still an awesome machine and probably better suited to my every day stuff.. But the 1290r is 🤤

[@ΑναστάσιοςΠαναγιωτόπουλος-ψ6μ]

Nice job mate... Keep up the good work!

[@jamesdean3569]

32k miles on my 2016 SDGT. Had a gearbox rebuild at 26k miles under warranty (apparently first gearbox claim for KTM) and was happy with service. Apart from that no issues which is more than I can say for my blooming BMW. They do throw the odd warning light but in my experience reset themselves. Most recent crop of flashing light issues solved with a new battery as low voltage on start causes issues. Thrashed year round and still looking good. A cracking bike.

[@FloatsLikeBrick]

5th gear by any chance? Had my gearbox failure fixed under warranty about 2 years ago, and have heard of several others. Don't be lazy with gear changes and it should be ok. But think KTM have hushed up an issue

[@pfishwic]

Nice review - Agree the Heated grips should be on a button was surprised to see it was via the TFT menu system. How would this bike be on a mountain road, switch backs etc ?

[@davidmarquez966]

Excellent video! now the real question is when the new gen comes (based on the 2020 R...)...? for now I think it I will keep my 2017 MY GT and not trade it in for the 2020... I mean, there are improvements such as the TFT digital screen and the quick shifter going down (mine only goes up...) but otherwise...? what do you guys think..?

[@ΑναστάσιοςΠαναγιωτόπουλος-ψ6μ]

My thoughts exactly...

[@valebliz]

Now build one that doesn't break down every 2 months like mine does.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks very much for your comment. What issues have you experienced? Dan, MCN.

[@valebliz]

@@motorcyclenewsdotcom hey, mine is a 2017 1290R. Broken both switch blocks on the handlebar, faulty key that sometimes doesn't read and you can't start the bike, broken QS sensor, broken rear brake pump, broken headlight support screws, worn out foot pegs after just 28k kms (never seen those even on my previous bikes even with twice the use). In addition rust at the base of one fork stem and rust on multiple bolts, all while the bike has alway been parked in a closed garage. That's some poor materials quality.

[@kartikeyapanwar]

valebliz Not to slight your experience but I find it strange that KTM owners experience so many issues in the EU. I am in India and own a used first gen Duke 390. I was skeptical of the reliability from the comments on the Internet but it has been a surprisingly decent experience. Most of the issues I faced could be attributed to user error.

[@kitbennett7284]

Great review. Would be really interested on your view on the KTM vs Ducati Multistrada 950 or 1260. In my opinion, an actually beatiful adventure bike.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Great point! Hopefully we can put a test together later in the year. Dan, MCN.

[@DJPTEXAS]

I own both and the Ducati is the bike i usually ride for any distance as it is so much more comfortable and better wind protection....

[@Toxicdemon2]

You remember me of Frank Spencer from Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Dan is doing a great job!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks very much! Dan, MCN.

[@thabigkahoona]

Agreed

[@arabianjules]

Nice one Dan, i agree with heated grips im looking forward to giving this bike a try, but when i found out about the heated grips, come on KTM, like you say it takes you away from looking where you are going for a short time, great review, thanks, ;) up back in Lincoln the next couple of days, alas :( not on the bike...

[@jasonubarretto]

Nice review. Beautiful adventure bike? Well only 1 seems to check the box. The multistrada

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I have a 2017 and could not be happier. KTM’s have a unique feel and are always a joy to ride! You review is spot on

[@johnomeara968]

Hey Dan, was wondering how planted you are at a stop. I'm 5'10" or so but 30 inch inseam. What's yours?

[@deanadams9404]

Hi, I am 5'6" tall/short with a inseam of 30" (Also a GT owner) I have put on a heated seat which also makes it slightly higher with no problems. I would advise a test ride to confirm all this for yourself.

[@HabitualFixation]

Love the practicality of a sports tourer but YES not the LOOKS

[@TheBikerCrewUAE]

Brilliant. I love the Superduke! Beast of a machine and you cant help but love it! Loving the content you guys put out btw! Great stuff...keeps me entertained!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@VittorioSergi]

mhe, completely indifferrent to these super bikes

[@TheBikerCrewUAE]

@@VittorioSergi To each their own... but what KTM has done with the bike is amazing. I've ridden it...great handling!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks for watching and glad we could keep you entertained! Ride safe, Dan MCN.

[@TheBikerCrewUAE]

@@motorcyclenewsdotcom Always!!!

[@VittorioSergi]

@@TheBikerCrewUAE don't dispute that, I'm not gonna criticize anyone's taste, I'm just alienated by these powermonsters.

[@shcfullspeed]

I watched the video, and the downside of the Duke GT seems to be the seat, but the groin side is too wide and uncomfortable. what do you think?

[@bharath8168]

Hi.. u mentioned that u are 5.6 ft tall.. is it possible for you to reach the ground with your legs or do u tip toe? Curious cause I am also the same height as you.

[@jurepecnik9054]

I would also really like to know that 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@lyndon2634]

You got a like for the ‘nice pork pie’ comment .... keep up the good content. Very useful

[@mickhep]

Decent review, whats the real world range from the tank.? two things putting me off getting one, KTM electrics and no centre stand for a tourer.Unless they do some end of year deals again then I may be tempted to get one.Not at 17k though

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Hi Mick, I would normally fill up every 220 miles, however there is often a little more to go in the tank. Thanks for commenting! Dan, MCN.

[@mikesampont6091]

Very good job! excellent review friend. So, what are your thoughts on having to take it on a well traveled gravel or dirt road?

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks for the question, Mike. In short, I really wouldn't unless I had to! Dan, MCN.

[@jurepecnik9054]

Hallo!!!! Great review of the Super Duke GT 😁😁😁 I'm 5'7, do you think i could reach the ground from that seat? I have a problem reaching the ground on a S1000XR, only toes (but its a tall bike) and i'm afraid that KTM wont be doing me any favour 🫤🫤🫤🫤🫤🫤🫤

[@Paul46.]

I have one I find the handling very hard and bouncy on Uk roads particularly tighter country lanes. Much more than the 1290s I had or the blood bikes I ride. Dan or anyone else fond this issue and any solutions ? Safe riding

[@nathanbarrett6178]

Keep us updated on this bike!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

We will, Nathan! Ride safe. Dan, MCN.

[@davidlewin9585]

How did you/they get to the bottom of the LCU problem/?

[@projectg408]

I only disagree when he says what he says about the cutout at the bottom of the windscreen. That is a very intentional even if really minimal design element. It keeps the front from looking as rounded and vanilla and aggressive in the front

[@sandrotheuma4317]

Of course it's fast ! It's a KTM 😔😔

[@willbennett8711]

Best review so far from this lad 👍👏

[@alexlejon]

Great review! Did you treat the whole bike with ACF50 or just the engine? How did the matte fairings and plastics react? Cheers!

[@NooBiker]

3 months and 2,500 miles really isn't enough to make conclusions on reliability, is it?

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I can only comment on my experience thus far. I will continue to report on my ongoing experience throughout the year. Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.

[@My347LX]

I have 5200 so far on my 2020. So far so good. I have had the LCU fault once. I have had the oil level twice...the dealer topped it off and noted it.

[@My347LX]

@@WpgBarry He said to keep an eye out...no obvious external leaks and nothing at the exhaust can...so really nothing yet.

[@JT-et7ui]

Great future MCN talent! Great review. More from Dan please!

[@cedricvanloo9497]

Great series on the GT! I rode one as a test because I'm interested in buying one. However, I'm riding a 890 Duke right now, and when I love the way it has a burst of power from almost 0 RPM and is very explosive from as soon as you open throtltle, and I found that the GT did not have this characteristic (I was in sport mode). It had a delay in power delivery to about 2500 RPM. Did you experience the same? Do you think there is an easy fix for this, or unevitable due to the weight difference? ?

[@NetMillionaire]

Great video and great bike

[@Bornie205]

Had the bike for 2 years. Love it. The vast majority of ‘issues’ I believe are down to the battery. I’m convinced that’s why a lot of people see oddness on this bike, low current and things like suspension errors or engine failure errors pop up on the dash.The bike really needs a strong battery on full charge. On track it’s ABS is of no use, turn it off! - thanks for a good review.

[@AMMItaly]

I have heard that many owners complain that the engine heats their legs and butt.. too much, can anyone confirm that? I also heard that WP electronic suspension does not work properly at all??

[@MrMax3]

I've sold my 2002 honda vtr 1000 sp02, becouse of my partner (back pain during long rides). I still want some sport (ish) riding, actually I am crading for some sport rides. Do you feel like that this bike has got it all, or is it the one for me? I have some long trips planned also (3000km and more). Is there any optional equipment worth having on this bike (like bigger screen, akrapovic - must have,...)?

[@raluxgaza]

Excellent review.

[@rkbuttonindrydenont]

Have a 2017 KTM Superduke GT - with an Akropovic can. Love the "pop" when shifting up with quickshifter when aggresive on the throttle!

[@hughiemg2]

Would you recommend one? I'm considering one for longer mileage / trips and a then a sports bike for quick blasts..

[@alexmorgan3435]

As a shorter rider how do you get on getting on and off this bike as KTM's are normally quite tall bikes? Sitting on it, can you flat foot this bike or are both your feet on tippy toes? What's your inseam measurement? Many thanks.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I can get the balls of both feet down, or comfortably hold it flat on one foot. Despite a relatively tall seat, the two-cylinder layout makes the seat quite narrow, which makes life easier. The only time I notice the size is when I'm moving it around. A lack of flat footing means I cannot paddle it round whilst sat on the seat. Hope this helps! Dan, MCN.

[@cnw-jd9tt]

This be my dream bike hahaha, I’m saving up and paying off my dirtbike first

[@juliuscarlopoblete2092]

great review (Y)

[@dahjo13]

Someone please explain to me how 2400 miles and 3 months equates to “Long Term”.

[@bryanbrown3873]

dahjo13 2400 miles is like 40% of his age, probably seems a long time to him

[@allanhickey2190]

The fuel caps not to clever when it doesn't open and your on the west coast of Africa

[@nickturnbull4302]

Great informative review. Thanks

[@rastafanitony]

Best review of this bike, ty sir!

[@MicGil]

I have this bike for 3 years. The bike is absolutely great, but regarding reliability, the bike need to be improved. Testing reliability for 2,400 miles on a NEW bike tells nothing about long term reliability. During these 3 years I experienced 3 major problems: A. The exhaust engine (there is such a thing) had to be replaced. When this problem happened, the revs were limited to 5,000 rpm. B. The crank sensor stopped working, which immediately caused the bike to stop, and I had to order a tow truck. C. The front brake pump leaked and stopped working, so had to be replaced immediately. In my humble opinion, this is too much for a new bike. It's pity that no motorbike channel take the challenge to check long term reliability over a period of some years, because that is what matters for anyone who wish to buy a reliable bike. Michael.

[@libinchandran9934]

Awesome review Dan , almost covered every area .

[@supreme5378]

Dan is my favorite👍

[@sqlb3rn]

Those windshields look like a giant air brake.

[@findingneutral426]

The GT seems like a mega all rounder, albeit I find KTM’s a bit agricultural

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Although I'm yet to tour or give it a real thorough backroad thrash, it's proved itself in every arena so far. Thanks for watching! Dan, MCN.

[@888jackflash]

"Sports Adventure"... Hm. As an older SPORT-touring rider, (modded Bandit 1200, flat bars, punched-out motor, suspension upgrades and a RACK)... I am very confused about why I should want to pay for 1) even 10% Offroad capabilities or, 2) Post-Modernistic Austrian art-school Bizzarity. Drop the bars two inches and give us a pleasant SV1000S face. GREAT report though!

[@freedom9122]

When oh when is you voice going to drop?

[@jofr4]

Why when people speak about sport tourer , they always forget the bmw r1250rs ?

[@nunoguerreiro785]

Hello everyone, is this a good replacement for an Honda Cbr1100xx blackbird? I know the reliability isn't the same (impossible) But I would like something more nimble, good comuter in town and easy going. Thanks everyone Nuno from Portugal

[@Pmason718]

Dan we need the following review. SDGT 1290, Multistrada 1260, XR1000 all 2020

[@adiaz316]

Did those hand guards come with the bike? I have a 2017 Super Duke GT and have been looking for handguards. Almost certain the handlebars and controls are the same on the 2020 and 2017.

[@macsporran]

DAN - Apologies to all the other reviewers - but that was expertly delivered and truely great to listen to especially with the use of your made up words!

[@infinion3]

i am 5'6", i would like to try this bike, im worried im too short. im currently on a 19 tracer 900 gt, with lowering links and im still about tip toed, not flat footed, also, i hope this is same weight, if not more than the tracer gt

[@nicksheppard2188]

Thorough review. Thank you.

[@johnbini1929]

Nice review mate !!! Really good in a comprehensive english. A lot of "reviewer" or "journalist" ignore that many people are non english mother toungue and really like a fluent and slow spoken english. Cheers from Rome Italy.

[@boofstien2]

This is a very thorough professional review. That being said can I please get a like for every "can 16 year olds ride in uk" and " I'm 5 foot 6 will I reach the floor" comment. Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

[@stuartbrewer6465]

How did you fix the LCU Failure warning? Mine did exactly the same. It went back to the dealer and has had a new Headlight and front loom and still not cured the problem. Other than that, the bike is brilliant.

[@Maj0r69]

I've done 25 000kms on my 19 model with no real reliability issues. Had a red "General Failure" message pop up twice, I restart the bike and it's gone. It's fast, comfy and very addictive.

[@ghowells5433]

I own a multi 1260 pikes peak, do you think the gt is better Dan.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

It's a great question, Gareth. Lovely bike, sir. Unfortunately, I haven't ridden the Pikes Peak, but it would be great to do a comparison further down the line. Ride safe, Dan MCN.

[@DJPTEXAS]

I own both and while i do love the GT engine the Ducati is a much better bike and higher quality with no reliability issues...

[@davidcolin6519]

I'm 6' tall, so presume that there'll be no problems with seat hight for me, but my wife is 5' 3". She won't be riding it, but do you see any problems for her as a pillion? Noting that you're on the short side, how are you getting on with the seat hight? As for the touring side; do you think that 4-6 hrs in the saddle are likely to be problematic? And do you think that more hours than that would be a problem? When touring, I tend to go around the 4-6 hour mark per day, but there have been times when 10hrs+ were necessary. Under these conditions I habitually supplement the seat with a sheepskin, and that has worked on everything, but do you think that this would be possible with the sheepskin? I've only found that out-and-out tourers can honestly do this, so it certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker if the answer is no. TIA

[@Ukmongoose3]

Hey fellas and females, who agrees that there is a huge difference between riding a bike between cafes/ pubs aged 18 and pottering up the A1 to a ‘motorcycle meet’ for a scone with the missus at 68? Keep it up Dan! 😉

[@Bass.Player]

How much vibration does this bike have?

[@jerichom11x]

Yes

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

At low RPMs, you get that characteristic thud from the giant twin, however once up to motorway speeds things start to smooth out noticeably. Dan, MCN.

[@xzistpo]

5

[@Whos-That-Guy]

Not sure I would compare it to the adventure sports bikes you did. The ninja 1000 is the obvious comparison and looks much better in y opinion. I also prefer the previous single headlight version a lot more.

[@emoservedwithfries]

"way more plush than the R" ... that was the piece of info i was looking for and no one was saying. 👌

[@stepans3267]

Feels like an honest q/a review. Thank you. Sir, Please make more bike in depth long term revews.

[@SolivG]

Great review!

[@geraldperry7779]

Senior writer, guy do look pass 18 y/o,lol.

[@sergeybrody3028]

Good bike

[@MohanKumar-pi1fe]

What is the milage

[@mvdlaw]

Is KTM Super Duke’s suspension less sensitive then for instance the Ohlins of Ducati’s Streetfighter V4S?

[@cosmicstar3318]

It doesn't matter what speed you play this at, that little boy stills sounds like he's on helium!

[@tigerick7291]

Excellent review Dan. Looks like you're ready for a haircut too.😄👍

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I'll be making a SDGT-powered dash to the nearest barber when we're allowed! Dan, MCN.

[@christophegerard952]

the big question I have is the seat, heard from some colleagues who have the bike that the seat is not comfortable.Is this accurate for a lot of people? and what is the best seat after market do you recommend for the 1290 super duke GT. thank you

[@Coldestaevadoit]

I have an adventure 1190r and love the engine character which really makes me want one of these

[@Youtuberngajelas]

the 2021 all new model is comming out

[@rzu7120]

KTM review starts with a Harley-Davidson commercial.

[@johna6968]

Very good that sir

[@davidlewin9585]

How's about buying a higher screen!!!!!!!!!!

[@ronnie.b31]

As far as looks are concerned, Well beauty lies in eye of the rider

[@knightrider54]

Does switching the load setting to rider+ passenger+luggage while riding single give you more torque? Or is it simply a suspension modifier?

[@bahagen]

Suspension modification only.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

I’d think I’d go with a SAR over this. Sitting high up gives that dreamy detached feeling that’s great for touring. The SAR also just looks cooler, whereas the gt kind of looks like a scooter on steroids.

[@ArisioM]

Dope helmet!

[@davidhammond2546]

Thank you Dan, brilliant for you and I respect your skills and riding experience. A 24 year old hero. Well done. 😎