My 2020 KTM Superduke 1290 GT : Top 10 Love & Hate

[@sire9220]

Pull damper, open bleed screw, work damper back and forth 10-15 times to dump old 5w oil. Then the messy part - submerse damper in container of 10w or 15w or even 30w oil (depending how hard you want damper) - work bsck and forth whilst submersed until no more air bubbles, refit bleed screw, wash, refit to bike...be careful, steering will feel stiff at slow speeds but rock solid for crossed up wheel stand landings...

[@drewyager4020]

Just step on the foot peg to get on and off

[@AVweb]

I'm 5'7" and can't mount without bashing the bags, as long as I tell myself to raise the leg a little more. And I leave the ride height set for two, since we ride two up a lot. But when solo, I recommend the cowboy mount. Left foot on the peg, as a stirrup on a saddle, then stand up and over the bike. Works fine.

[@c.g.c2067]

What I love about KTMs is their gentlemen's allure and design....😆

[@kissgergo5202]

3:20 Here's a tip I learned from offroader bikers: If you have a hard time lifting your leg over the bike, step up onto the foot peg and then swing your leg. It makes it a lot easier to mount a bike just make sure the side stand is firmly on the ground.

[@humblebeginnings8328]

I’m with you on the color scheme. A solid black would be bad a**.

[@bestplayeroftheworld7546]

Or Black with red instead of the orange !

[@fattymcgee123]

This is great, thx for listing pros and cons. In the market for a used one now. One thing I'll mention, my buddy has one and one thing i noted was how *not* smooth it was in power delivery compared to my inline 4. Not even close. 🤷‍♂

[@juliusjacob1416]

I dont understand KTM doesn’t ATLEAST gives an all black option for most of their bikes. I’m sure they’re missing tons of sales because I know so many people who love KTM bikes but just don’t like the orange look 😅. Plus, an all black SDR / GT looks badass...

[@LifeofSmokey]

I agree 1 million % on this comment 😂👍

[@JackieTreehoorn]

Agree, I own the ADV 790R & the colors are horrible, it’s an amazing bike on & off but ugly. Considering the 1290 GT & have to research wrap options, it’s a shame

[@MikeVertx]

if I pull the trigger on a 1290 will decal cover the orange in 3M matte black. I agree whole heartedly a blacked out KTM would touch my heart

[@robsmith3671]

Hahaha !!! Bird would fly backwards !!! That's good ! Nice ride !

[@My347LX]

In North America, the color choices for the 2020 Super Duke GT are Black and Orange and... Black and Orange

[@LifeofSmokey]

My347LX no way! 😂 In Europa Belgium we have White-Orange or Black-Orange. I do know that Ktm here even has 2018 models in stock!!! They made it orange wheels , orange gas tank , orange frame and silver panels! It’s so ugly it makes onions cry! I could get a really good deal on that one 😂🙈

[@saptarshisutradhar9379]

Came here for the bike,stayed for the content and subscribed,pls dont sell this beauty(that's kinda my dream bike)...hope to see many more content regarding the bike..take care of this beauty and ride safe,keep the rubber side down...

[@Elysanable]

Me encanta tu moto, estoy enamorado de ella!😍😍 De que año es? Es cierto que en el modo sport el acelerador es muy difícil de controlar? Gracias por todos tus consejos. Cheers!✌️✌️

[@grahaminkpen5436]

You could always get the panniers a good PPF, . Same for the fairing stickers, kinda plop some different colour PPF over them, easy removed when you change the bike.

[@LifeofSmokey]

That’s a very good idea! 😎👌

[@sabagigani3767]

Thank you for sharing your opinion. Have you tried using a heat gun to remove factory decals?

[@LifeofSmokey]

Most factory decals have a clear coat on top. Will never work :-)

[@Pmason718]

I picked my bike up a few weeks before now you got me thinking about doing some videos, lol.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Pmason718 Fun starts when you get 1000 subs and 4000 hours of watch time 😁. When you make your first 1$ on KZbin you are hooked haha

[@tomderkatze5064]

Hi Smokey. I have got the same modell in the current release and I have ride more then 10.000 km since mostley here in the alps. I cannot share the criticism with the power part bench, because even if it is hard, you can sit on it for hours without fatigue. What I didn't like are the brakes. The machine brakes really well only after the changing the brake pump in a MAGURA HC3 and changinge also the brake pistons. I fully agree with all other comments, especially the good ones.

[@LifeofSmokey]

TOMderKATZE My but is just to skinny i guess 😂👌👍. Alps....🥰😍

[@CBRboy1717]

I'm a full 6 inches taller than you and I still accidentally kick my hard cases on my Tiger 1050.... I'll still probably kick them on the Duke GT. I don't think that's necessarily a short person problem. lol! Nice bike man!

[@LifeofSmokey]

CBRboy1717 Gotta watch some more Jean Claude van Damma videos i guess 😂🙈👍

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Im a short arse too, so I agree with you about the seat height, and the fact that the Powerparts seat is uncomfortable too.

[@LifeofSmokey]

1 Of my friends asked me , after he took it for a spin how much i paid for the optional Powerparts gel seat because it’s not worth the money 😅.

[@rogerwilliams2902]

@@LifeofSmokey My gt came with the P P seat and the original, both as bad as each other !. A chap in Plymouth ( UK) modified the original seat and its much better now. Cheers.

[@simonbeal2148]

@@rogerwilliams2902 what did you have done to the seat and by who?

[@rogerwilliams2902]

@@simonbeal2148 Hello, evidently the chap carves the foam away and refills with a white soft material, supposedly gel !. This lowers it a bit and makes it more comefortable. He lives in Plymouth and charges I think, £90. I will try and get his phone number.

[@simonbeal2148]

@@rogerwilliams2902 thankyou very much

[@garethmayfield4014]

I really don't get this wheelie thing, all you reviewers are obsessed with. I ride mine hard and the wheel very rarely lifts. The head has never shaken. it's rock solid. It's just about perfect, to munch miles quickly in comfort. I've done 12,000 miles. killed 4 sets of tyres and agree with your seat comments. The only major complaint I have with this bike, is the pannier closing device. Dreadful piece of engineering.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Yep the closing device is a pain in the ass 😂. And trust me i’m not a reviewer , i just wanna make fun videos for people to laugh with and comment on. Wheelies is just something so easy yet looks so complicated for many. I’m not a corner guy , i love taking corners but i hate riding the limit. I can do 120mph wheelies standing up and i won’t even be scared one bit. Let me take a corner fast and my buttcrack starts to sweat right away. 😅

[@sire9220]

Haha - try twisting your wrist faster...my GT will NOT stay planted first 2 gears and with a bump in Rd, 3rd and 4th under full throttle are also front tyre savers. Are some bikes limited maybe ?

[@garethmayfield4014]

@@sire9220 don’t know mate about a limiter. I do ride it hard. Very rarely I get the wheel lifting. Got a new one coming so I’ll see if there is a difference. For the record I’m rubbish at wheeling. Always used to prang my dirt bikes!!! Jumps? I used to fly like an angel straight to the scene of the accident!! 😊😊

[@sire9220]

@@garethmayfield4014 Haha - I'm hearing you on the jumping lol. I think the seating position is quite critical on the GT's - i'm over 6 ft 2', so that puts my bum further towards the rear wheel = front wheel coming up easier. But even if I consciously squeeze up to the tank and push my weight forward - if I held the throttle wide open in first 2 gears with MTC 100% off and in sports mode power delivery (as if I was at 1/4 mile) and if I just let the bike rev out - the bike would flip...before 7-8000 in each gear. 3rd gear - about 8-9000 and its also on back wheel without provocation...

[@alexbolotin8899]

It would be awesome if they had a Husqvuarna sticker set

[@aagese]

Nice video. I've also bought 2020 gt in June and I like it so far. I've had only one problem and that was the fuel pump. But they changed it from the guarantee. I have few questions for you. I'll be happy if you can find the time to answer. 1) Are you planning to get some Rottweiler performance parts? 2) Have you changed the steering damper? Do you think if I upgrade, ı can exceed 200 km/h with the bags attached 3) What max speed did you reach without the bags? 4) Is there a decent forum for this model?

[@eladarye9817]

Use the peg when you get on and off the bike... This is what I do... lol... make it easy

[@awaken90]

Now you already have squeezed enough of that fun factor ktm has to offer, it's a perfect time to share you abundance of that motorcycle luck to a less fortunate motorcycle lover. Take initiative & donate this lovely motorcycle to me. Tell me in case you've make your mind, chances of that seems very slim

[@stefanmiller8692]

Hi Smokey, great video. Just seen it and heard you mention your Pan, how do you find the two compare? Asking because I'm thinking of changing my Pan for the GT. looking for something lighter and nimbler. Great work and keep it up.

[@Sjsiisnwbe]

Does this pull ass hard as the R? I rode the R a month ago and its mental, i dont like the looks of the R. If this pulls just as hard as the R then i might buy one😅

[@jakeizlove]

You're short, man!! :) I don't know if HyperPro makes a replacement steering damper. Only complaint I have about the bike is that it's always tempting me to go faster.

[@LifeofSmokey]

jakeizlove I believe cops took a picture of me yesterday. Was doing 90 in a 50 zone , if i get a letter from the cops this week i will lose my drivers license for a month and about 800$ fine 😂🙈. Pray for me! 😅

[@jakeizlove]

Just say some kid took it joyriding, LOL! They go fast well and are always asking for more.

[@Deamonrider319]

Agree with ride higth and seat

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

what a beautiful bike

[@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,...)?

[@LifeofSmokey]

The GT screen is huge already , no need for any bigger. I indeed have the Akrapovic silencer with the db killer removed. Dark evil sound but nothing that bothers me on long rides. I tried 3 different pants and after 3-4 hours my but starts hurting for some reason haha. Some people have the same issue with the powerparts seat , that is supposed to be the most comfy seat , is still hard after couple hours 😁. It’s a very fast , high torque bike. But with that 2 cilinder you do get some vibration. I could spend couple days on it without any issues. But i can’t say anything about the back seat besides you gotta hold on for dear life 😁

[@MrMax3]

@@LifeofSmokey thanks for ghe answer. Actually I live about 30km from akrapovic factory and I know a few guys that work there, there for I know it's a quality product. Isn't it illegal to remove db killer in some countries. I had akrapovic on my vtr sp02 and I always had trouble with the police. Anyways I enjoy every movie you post, really like the merc, as well. Looking forward to more! Best regards from Slovenia!!!

[@cedricvanloo9497]

Have you experienced any reliability problems?

[@ShaftDrive]

I picked up a 3m kit for paint protection on the tank slapper.biz to eliminate the boot scuffs myself.

[@junarchua0402]

Can you tell the engine heat of the 1290 sdr once you review it please...planning to get one....

[@LifeofSmokey]

What do you mean by the engine heat buddy?

[@junarchua0402]

@@LifeofSmokey what i mean is the heat that comes out from the engine.....whats the max degree celcius...will it cook my legs or something.....?

[@MikeVertx]

@@junarchua0402 I just did a test ride and can say candidly the heat from the bike runs HOT. May have been because it was brand new just assembled, but at 72F outside it was reading 86F (felt higher than that even though) and my legs in jeans were scorching. I'm going to safely bet this is because the bike was brand brand new and the issue should go away after putting more miles on it

[@drewyager4020]

Careful. You will crack that mounting bracket on the windshield

[@LifeofSmokey]

Drew Yager You think it’s that badly made? 😅

[@drewyager4020]

Life of Smokey sorry to say. Yes. My 2016 SDGT was a hot mess. I lived with it for 3 years and 22,560 miles because it is the most aggressive Sport tourer out there. It was so fantastic when running. Unfortunately the fuel sending sensor failure and not being able to standby the fix sent me to the 2020 R1250RS. Nowhere near as exciting to ride but I had no choice. I can’t give anymore money to KTM

[@LifeofSmokey]

Drew Yager When friends ask me about reliable my Ktm is i tell them i trust the adds on porn sites , saying i got hot women in my hometown alot more. 😂 I had Honda cars for most of my life , revving the crap out of them and never had issues. If Honda or Suzuki would make a bike just like the Sdgt i would sell this one right away. Like i said i’m not a big fan of orange and i always give my friends riding Ktm’s dirtbikes the business because i’m a Husqvarna guy. Even if those bikes are made in the same factory 😂. In our country we say KTM stand for “Kapot Terug Maken” wich means “Break it And Fix it Again” 🙈.

[@drewyager4020]

Life of Smokey I really hope your bike was built on a Thursday and runs perfectly. I can happen! I have three friends with one and they are doing fine with it. Smiles for miles

[@junarchua0402]

@@LifeofSmokey so your saying ktm maintenance and performance is not good? If you were to choose Ducati sf v4s zh2 or sdr?

[@johndoe2516]

My biggest complaint with KTM motorcycles would have to be the excessive tubular frame that’s exposed, some of their bikes just look like a plumber took as much scrap metal pipe lying around add he could and slapped together a motorcycle frame, then painted it orange as if to say “here’s the frame, and more frame….and more frame, and just a wee bit of plastic to call a faring

[@Eerlijkinhetengels.]

Hyperpro heeft goede stuurdempers, instelbaar. Ik heb er 1 op mijn superadventure.

[@Toki1908]

Have you compare this to H2 SX SE ?

[@LifeofSmokey]

Keystone Nope i’m not a Kawa guy. I had a Gsx-R 1000 before and those 4 cilinder bikes don’t work for me anymore 😊. They are fast to but a v-twin is so much more fun. Also Kawasaki is known for some crazy failures on their most expensive bikes. From Intake valve issues for the last couple of years to even an exploding front disc brake 😅. They had recalls on their top models like last 10 years in a row . Also your gearbox could grenade itself and locking up the rear wheel , that was 2018! 😅🙈

[@Toki1908]

@@LifeofSmokey Thanks

[@tazzicek]

Is that bike good for rider 205cm tall?

[@kentpaulbalasegapol]

It is truw that ktm has a problem of overheating when traveling long

[@masterspin7796]

I'm over 1 year into my 2022 BMW 1250 R/T 7,000 miles....I want to buy a Super Duke GT 2024 3rd generation....The R/T is too big for me.

[@tomkeen9421]

How many miles can you get on 1 tank of gas

[@christofertolentino590]

How tall are you my guy?

[@LifeofSmokey]

176cm 😁

[@nimlil]

KTM makes awesome bikes, but the seats are like old wooden bleachers or a 2x4.....

[@masterspin7796]

Try riding my Dragster RR...

[@bunjino]

Who would ever say you can’t wheelie an R? Hahahaha well to be fair, the bike Wheelies you.

[@masterspin7796]

Orange is my favorite color but the KTM orange is kinda off color..I dont care for it very much..

[@donaldduck9424]

silky smooth engine? Muharharhar. Must be a different bike than the one i testrode recently.

[@vstm3950]

thx 4 being honest

[@masterspin7796]

Let me know how you like it if it makes it to 50,000 miles...

[@LifeofSmokey]

Might order the new model already , this one only has 2000 miles on it 😊

[@masterspin7796]

@@LifeofSmokey My Dragster RR has 14,000 miles...im ready for a change...I cant travel with it..

[@LifeofSmokey]

@@masterspin7796 A GT is good for travel , been spending long days on it before. But it remains a 2 cilinder , high torque powerhouse. So it's not as smooth as a 4 cilinder BMW for example :-)

[@davep6286]

Don’t like orange and buys a KTM, that like you said, ( bird brain). Buy yourself some GT85 or WD40, use the straw all can comes with, and you (loss them or is that just me) place said straw on windscreen mech squirt, jobs a good un for a few 100 miles😂enjoy it was/is a great choice 💪💪💪👍🇬🇧

[@dylanjamesweggz3573]

Short people problems😂

[@christophermattucci4337]

you know you can lower the bike

[@LifeofSmokey]

Christopher Mattucci For me personally the hight is good , i’m a big boy. 😁 But for some people it might be hard to stop with both feet on the stop lights 😅. I have been told that lowering a bike will always negatively influence the riding behaviour of a bike. 🤔

[@JW-cq4ez]

KTM makes the worst seats in this Universe. Absolut shit just fired it up.

[@fatboy7385]

If you guys want a soft seat, buy a sofa🤔

[@magic5138]

🐝🐝🐝🤣🤣🤣

[@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.

[@binggobravo2089]

Hahaha, sticker super duke, can you room sticker ktm change stiker guns&roses 😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@vitobelas3699]

It's not MT10 end of story 😂