New 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Review: The Perfect All-Rounder?

[@shaishammai836]

Riding a gen1 SDGT and loving it. Last week I did nearly a 1,000 miles in 4 days. I’m an adventure guy, and have tested the SAS but unless you are doing proper adventure rides, the road handling and riding position are hard to compete with

[@brownboybiker2952]

Amazing review! I own a 2020 SDGT and love it. And you totally nailed the negatives! The seat and the screen are terrible. Pro-tip: Rather than spending the extra on the KTM powerpart seat (it's not much better!), send it to a custom seat place and get it padded independently. Mine's amazing now! As for the windscreen, I went with a much shorter sports screen cos I wanted to get more of the superduke r feel out of riding it. That's personal preference though. Definitely the best bike I've ever owned! Though you're advice for those looking to buy is on point - try all three models before picking one.

[@Kismetix]

I too own a 2020 SDGT and am of the opinion that it is by far the best bike I've ever owned, and I would even say it is the best all-rounder out there. The only way that I differ in opinion from you is that the OEM windscreen should be replaced by a WRS version, which in my opinion is the best looking windscreen (it matches the bike design pretty well) and gives very good wind protection. In general, it is a fantastic bike and of the three different models, the GT is the one to go with.

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

I have an 890 ADV, most of the comments are like yours about the saddle/comfort the screm etc.. well I'm sorry to say that even after nearly 400km of continoous ride I was perfectly allright, and the screen takes tha air pressure away well into high speeds beyond motorway limits,just saying 😉 I even doubt that most of the haters have ever ridden one, honestly let alone posses it.

[@Pmason718]

I have the same bike and I don’t have an issue with the seat or the windscreen. This is by far my favorite motorcycle

[@averagebiker]

My gen 1 GT was phenomenonal... Except for the constant electrical gremlins and faults!

[@abymathew295]

I believe KTM does not cover electricals on their warranty...right.???

[@averagebiker]

@@abymathew295 they actually covered one of my electric faults (left hand switch gear at £450) out of warranty to be fair! But I had a new warning light basically every month! 5,000 miles, 2.5 years old...

[@drewyager4020]

My Gen 1 had starter and fuel pump problems. When it ran nothing was better. Considering getting the next SDGT. Hopefully the share the link, radar cruise and Apple car play on the next one

[@kidda74]

My gen 1 GT shat it's 6th gear using the short shifter, KTM were very good paying for parts as a good will gesture despite the bike being out of warranty. I'm still loving it.

[@alexyang3638]

Yeah previous ktm owner here switched to Yamaha bc of those problems

[@JOEBOWERY]

I was able to demo the 2022 Super Duke 1290 R EVO and the Super Adventure S, both great bikes, However I suspect in many ways the GT might be the best match for me, I currently alternate between a Harley and 1000cc sport-touring bike.

[@sonicpies]

Got a HD FXBB and find this KTM extremely attractive. Need to test ride it.

[@uncountedvoter9449]

Yeah, I'm thinking about turning in my 91 FXR leaving me with a long chopper and picking one of these up. I hate to see the FXR go but this bike just looks too fun to pass on.

[@jaredkobobel1107]

I have a 2020 SDGT. Love it, does very well at the track and perfect for a broken middle aged guy that wants to go fast but not be uncomfortable on the street. Wicked all around sport touring beast.

[@ryand571]

What are you getting for mpg on it?

[@tomg6284]

I have been getting 4 gas stations per tank.

[@AVweb]

I've had my 2020 SDGT for a year and half. My wife and I do a lot of two-up touring--long distances. It's good for that, although you have to be canny about packing because the bags don't hold a lot. A tank bag might be a good idea, but I don't like them much. Wind and weather protection is good enough, but not great. I put on a slightly higher aftermarket windshield that helps. My only serious complain is the brakes. Compared to the BMW S1000XR I came from, they aren't nearly as good. Kind of wooden, not progressive and not as much energy. If I wished for one fix, that would be it.

[@evansnr]

I owned a 2018 GT for a couple of years. Was a cracking bike, stupidly quick and cracking for two up touring in comfort. Found the dealers generally pretty good too. Potteries in Stoke was my favourite they sorted a warranty claim out for a failed radiator core and lent me a bike for the whole period without hesitation. KTM Servicing costs I would say are a little bit pricier than the the competition so budget that in. Would I buy another KTM… yes absolutely!

[@flatcapcaferacer]

While you can only report what you experience during the review it leaves it to potential customers to sort out how those bikes would be to live with. The reliability of some brands is generally thought as good while others is thought to be sketchy. If I had the subscribers and viewers your channel had I would request feedback good or bad from customers who had owned the bike at least on year of a particular brand or bike and report what you found. It may dispell rumors or it may confirm them but at least potential buyers would know what they are risking. Your review is important but like an iceberg it is only a small part of the most important story for customers.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

@HahrtDood I think I might go ahead and do the project on my channel, I'm curious about a lot of brands.

[@Fernando90054]

For someone who doesn’t intend to go off road with a machine of this price range, the SDGT is the best choice available on the market. The screen could be better but as you mentioned there are serious options if you go on touring with it and the part is very easy to replace, four bolts and you’re on! If you want a great all around bike, that allows you to get a lot of fun at the same time , the SDGT is your bike of choice. It’s just a premium piece of engineering Bike that grants you all the satisfaction you can achieve from a two wheels machine.

[@Kismetix]

Totally agree with everything you said. As for the windscreen, I tried the PUIG which was good but the WRS version is the way to go, in my opinion.

[@Fernando90054]

@@Kismetix thanks man, for convergence with my view and also for the opinion about the windshield. I’ll check your suggestion 😎🤙

[@sushi_edits225]

It’s headlight and the exhaust can looks like the 2017 model, anyways great bike but I’m not so fond of sport touring bikes, I’d rather ride a naked

[@PeLtMaN3]

KTM motorcycles are always so ugly. I like the specs, but man they're ugly.

[@Telesko]

The first time it rained I wiped the dash and it scratched it all to hell. I wish I had that screen protector from day 1 because KTM screens scratch just from looking at them wrong.

[@kbearpro]

Wow, that master cylinder on the handlebar was really moving around while on the roadway.

[@fanuilh]

That's a reservoir, not a master cylinder. And yeah it looked like it was tightened in one segment of the video, and really loose in another.

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

That is the most important feature....what do you ride? Asked for a friend.

[@rosstinelli]

My brother has this bike. Bought it new 4 years ago, has covered 30000+km on it. In general it's q fantastic bike. Super comfortable, so so fast and the electronics are fantastic. He never changed the exhaust because it sounds fantastic stock ! Unfortunately he did have a few issues. Starter was always a by weak, eats through batteries so easily. Honestly he has bought 4 batteries already. And damn, the valve service was 1800chf, roughly 1500 euro. All in all it's a good bike but unfortunately a bit unreliable

[@ffengtastic5002]

Good to know my previous 2nd gen duke wasn't alone with the starter problems lol. Loving my 3rd gen SDR though! Whole different beast with the suspension and geometry changes. No longer feel like the sail of a sailboat 😂

[@ffengtastic5002]

Oh yes, my friends and I joke that KTM stands for Kost Too Much. It definitely saves a great deal of money doing all the servicing yourself though!

[@ffengtastic5002]

@HahrtDood same with my 18, but the 20 has been proving pretty good, knock on wood lol

[@Sanemancured]

GT all the way for me.

[@lgrw660factory]

Way too expensive and ugly. Not for me.

[@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?

[@cnw-jd9tt]

im worried about reliability haha

[@notw312]

I would love to test ride and possibly own the GT but as you might not know - it isn't available for sale here in Canada anymore...so I'd have to go with the super adventure bike or the super duke here. Personally, I think a mid-size (~900) adventure bike (tiger?) is my next bike...would look great next to my speed triple. Love the videos. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@wandaddy1412]

This may sound strange, but do you ever review any UK-only/Europe-only market bikes? As an American I think it would be interesting to see a video about the Tracer 7 and other bikes that aren’t for sale here.

[@jessej313]

BRING THIS BACK TO THE US, KTM! If they were here I’d buy one tomorrow!

[@KTMDUDE1290]

Just bought the SD GT. I'm so happy with it. Will soon go for a 3 weeks holiday tour with it and my son. Really really love the bike. Its awesome

[@KTMDUDE1290]

Here is a short resume of our roadtrip. 3000km, a big smile on my face and the bike really delivered! Such a pleasure and joy. Highly recommend it! 👍

[@Tuonov41100mike]

Thinking of getting one a late 23 model. How do you find the seat for comfort on the backside?

[@KTMDUDE1290]

@@Tuonov41100mike The passenger seat have got both 👍 and 👎. My son (9 y) and daughter (17 y) likes it and are ok after a 600km day journey without brake. My fiancee, who are skinny, complained after 100km. She thinks its too stiff/hard even with all gel inside. Hope that helped you.

[@Tuonov41100mike]

@@KTMDUDE1290 thanks for reply, sorry think I mis-worded my question my mistake. I was meaning how you do find the riders seat for comfort? Thanks again.

[@KTMDUDE1290]

@@Tuonov41100mike ok. Sorry for my misunderstanding. I have read a few comments that the seat are too hard and is a pain. I dont know anything about their characteristics. I am 190cm and rights 83kg. I have no problem at all with the seat. No ache after a day ride. Suites me very well.

[@sobedaytona]

Wonderful bike indeed but lousy after sale service. This is my last KTM.

[@waitthisischinaohgodohfuck163]

@Jamie it's not that bad. D M is known for being a wet noodle

[@tancakar8987]

yes and no, I got mine at 2021 pre reg GEN2, its great to commute do everything bike, i always commute with my wife so its better bike for two up. HOWEVER the ktm reliablity is big problem lately, unless they sort that out wont be buying KTM again. Cheap parts like Batteries, clutch masters , clutch slaves, some cabling these parts needs alot of quality control. This bike is too expensive for one to try to start in the morning and the battery cant handle it becasue its -1 degrees outside. Silly little things like that. Clutch is a big problem while it has a beautiful gearbox, you cant 100% use it. electronics is still tempremental like early 2000 ducatis. Like i say i will buy it happily at a correct price which i paid brand new (£13999) VAT OFF, PRE REG, But i would never pay 17K for it no fcking way.

[@lold6130]

But it's f***ing ORANGE!

[@heaththeseira3409]

Those are not Stylema's. M50 calipers if not mistaken.

[@nigelbradshaw8266]

Fab bike, I’d buy one but sadly the pegs are too high for me giving me cramped legs.

[@frnchfrs]

If only Husqvarna could have access to these parts … I am sure this is a great bike, but with looks only a mother could love … hard pass (for me). I like falling back in love into my bikes every time I walk towards them 🤪

[@Kismetix]

When I bought my 2020 SD GT I wasn't sold on the looks, but eventually I got used to it and now I even like the way the bike looks. I think if you passed on this bike - especially on something superficial like looks - you've automatically defaulted to choosing inferior offerings from the other manufacturers. There is nothing out there that is as good as the SD GT.

[@scharnhorsttirpitz191]

I thought always the same about the GT. What ugly etc. but yesterday i stood in Front of ist and it is totally different. Very aggressive and sporty and special- but not ugly. At home i looked at the photos ive done and again strange 😂 i was sittin on it and it felt like it should be. I bought it. The adventure r was head to it and thats just not my style to ride…. Im so shure to Ride it fast with fun. Sometimes we love the ugly ones ❤

[@frnchfrs]

@@scharnhorsttirpitz191 congrats on the new bike! 🎉

[@mattbritton8201]

Am I right in thinking that you need to replace bits in engine at regular intervals with ktm's?

[@Bim941]

XR IS A KING

[@rickseconds7676]

I have a 19 model that I really enjoy. Have had no big issues with it, a few niggles with the MTC, but overall a great bike. Currently at 26k miles, bought as a leftover in 20, on third set of tires. Recently purchased a Benelli TRK 502 as a backup bike, it's been quite fun so far.

[@RohanSanjith]

How's the ownership experience so far?

[@rickseconds7676]

@@RohanSanjith The Benelli has been a great bike, no issues at all with just over 4000 miles.

[@fhumudzaniratshili8017]

I road-tested the 1290 Adventure S recently and that would be my choice.

[@nukezat]

So disappointed KTM USA is not bringing this bike stateside.

[@elmercito77]

Maravillosa máquina. Lamentablemente no ha llegado a México

[@3wheelmannc860]

Very nice offering

[@didierduc7925]

What's disappointing about this long-haul motorcycle is that it's made to go for several days or even several weeks and there is no central stand. This is really damaging for the lubrication of the chain. 2nd thing no real GPS on the screen, a slightly wider and divisible screen would have been better given that there is no room to put a GPS above the dashboard.

[@bigred8438]

Great review, but why are KTM's so fugly though? Very limited appeal.

[@motobob]

Agreed mate - this one ain’t a looker

[@musamusa2961]

Thank God I will buy one for myself

[@ben.aka.bigben]

5:54 I feel the break fluid reservoir wobbles way too much?!

[@hlpang1075]

Fuel consumption is important for a tourer. This will be super thirsty

[@tomtraynor5384]

The thing is with "it's own frame" is it is the old 300%(!) less rigidity and 30% less stiff swing arm. Still fine--but I thought mine was quite "willowy" with two up, bags and corners with undulations. My current Pikes Peak solves this but I will still give the KTM motor the nod for BIG torque hits in gear. A new GT is somewhere on the horizon. And might be a 1390. I'll take look.

[@FourIntoOne]

Super adventure S for me. And thanks for the 20% off my just now order speedo protector! Nice!

[@motobob]

My pleasure! Enjoy 👍

[@leanit5756]

How about that "wobbly tooth" turn signal indicator? I just can't bring my self to buy another big block KTM until they get rid of that abomination. Pissed me off EVERY SINGLE TIME I reached for it.

[@johnnyrvf]

175 BHP against 180 BHP and you can tell the difference? I didn’t see you riding the bike flat out in top anywhere on the road in the video. Stop with the bullsh1te. Unless you’re on a track 5 BHP less out of 180 isn’t noticable.

[@robertcesario8964]

the GT for us....my feet can touch the ground...Adventure, no way and it's even more ugly! Thanks for the reviews. Now if they'd just send the GT to the U.S. (maybe 2023?)

[@AyoHues]

Such a disappointment especially when you consider how accomplished the 990SMT was for its era (2009!) And fugly too. Should be a better bike than both the Super Adventure and the Super Duke but in fact you’d probably be better off with one of those two.

[@ANU-nl1tc]

I have a ktm 1290 sd gt and I will say no more such a failure, the hang crashes and reports problems ....preload adjuster!!!!!!

[@thumperjdm]

I can't understand when mfg's (looking at you KTM and Ducati) call the bike by a name that doesn't match the cc's of the engine. Why not just call this a KTM 1300, or 1301?

[@Justwanthavefun_100]

2023 have newer all new through the Superduke range . Buy it later will saving you load money with extra parts

[@InsanitiesBrother]

Yes, it is the perfect all rounder road bike. On a 2017 doing my mot tomorrow and really getting the itch to upgrade to the 1390 when it comes ou.

[@Coldestaevadoit]

Dream bike

[@njohnson3331]

I only have two complaints. First, it's too expensive for me. Second, it's not available in my country. I guess I could try for the Super Duke, or the Super Adventure (after I find a better job).

[@richardlong4976]

Just caught this excellent review of the SDGT. I own a 2019 GT and it's a phenomenal road/twistie muncher. My one complaint is the seat (as noted in the video) and don't be thinking of going to the optional ERGO seat as that unit is even worse than the stock seat, although it is heated. Other than this annoying fact, brilliant bike!

[@ridewherever]

Fellow Americans, you don’t have to worry about this bike…we aren’t getting it. 😐😑

[@mraki1980]

The seat from racing parts suks as well, trust me, I have one. I bought spedo angel dash glass via your code, so thank You.

[@emoservedwithfries]

Based off other videos of looks like the leg room is more on the GT and as a taller person I love that and The larger tank would be nice... but I don't think I want a bike that makes total sense even as a daily driver. I really don't want a windscreen, cruise control and ill probably turn off the quick shifter.

[@your_royal_highness]

I’d have owned a KTM by now except for the fact that I simply cannot stand the color orange. Happy I’m not Austrian! 😄

[@stephenwright6969]

For me the front end is as ugly as sin, and I'm sure my Mrs would hate the pillion seat, tourer it's not as a piece of technical/ engineering design its the dogs.

[@youngboomerragevictim8857]

Are Ktm really reliable enough for a cross count trip? I I remember feeling like a triumph would never make it which is why I stuck with a Japanese bike

[@ScragNath]

Just bought the new 2022 super adventure S. The only bike to wean me off my R1200 GSA.

[@lallumanohar4107]

One more bike goes into the brain,it will a nice GT but price is bit high,GSXR GT is already occupied in my brain but this one is a hell of looker.

[@bikegeist]

If it were my money, I'd double check that the bank hadn't made a mistake. After that, I'd probably go for the Adventure.

[@FunkMasterJunk]

I hear a lot of ppl are having problems with these bikes. Anyone have any experience with them?

[@jamest5149]

Wish they would make a Super Duke GTR, with the full fat SD engine and some other trick up grades 👍

[@philelsey7639]

Price ouch

[@jansenmacalalad1417]

I don't know, but I am seeing it's resemblance with the New Suzuki Katana.

[@DaRuler66]

Shame they're such an ugly thing 😂

[@coolkatz9012]

Are screens on many bikes getting like factory pipes ...throw away

[@drewyager4020]

Not stylima brakes. Sorry. Still M50. Not a bad thing

[@CC-qg8wu]

Is there really a SDR GT 2022? cant find any, not sure it exist.

[@bikelover644]

Duke390 review pls

[@ANU-nl1tc]

the guy is talking nonsense about a motorcycle that he doesn't know, doesn't ride it

[@leandroflaherty]

These tft screens are gross. Who needs an ipad on your dash. Analog tach, a small uninstrusive speedo. Done.

[@kj385]

Exactly why I’m keeping my first gen SDGT

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

Most likely, yes...

[@meattooth1303]

does not appear these are available in the US. They dropped that model of the website a couple years ago.

[@cumsterdump]

Name any other brand that can make a bike as crazy looking as KTM

[@cubehunter8105]

Mv

[@alexeypashchenko]

for me it looks cheap and boring

[@vinodkumaraug]

Ktm is the lamborghini among bikes. Not in a good way though. The same familiar body shape is repeated again and again

[@bj2294]

Right off I don’t like it because it has that insect look I hate.

[@tonywarisa2905]

They stopped making superbikes and focused more on super duke

[@ANU-nl1tc]

blah, blah, marketing bullshit about the suspension

[@cpuuk]

KTM with a hard seat- what are the odds ;-) Don''t buy another KTM seat without checking to see if Corbin can mod the original, because the other KTM seats aren't a lot better than stock.

[@ffengtastic5002]

Oddly enough I am the most picky about seats with my boney butt, but find my 2020 SDR seat the most comfortable. Just did 4hours on it the other day no problem. Call me weird, but I found it even more comfortable than my R1250GS lol.

[@vito1064]

I own a first gen sdgt and the powerparts seat is very good (and heated). I have no problems riding more than 1000 km a day on it

[@ffengtastic5002]

@@vito1064 glad you found something that works for you! How many miles you got on the gt? I too have heard the powerparts seat is pretty great

[@vito1064]

@@ffengtastic5002 about 60.000 km (around 40.000 miles). The powerparts seat Is softer, more rounded and if you ride in winter the heater warms you up nicely

[@GIGABACHI]

With a face that only a Mother could love. 😬👎🤮

[@gavyusuf9832]

Could you please do a video on the best bikes for beginners

[@Dave-sw2dm]

A retired acquaintance or mine has one and rides within 10% of the limit. He bought it for the tech and handling.

[@stevenhawkes9471]

KTM needs to get rid of that awful headlight / front end design.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

I have seen many issues with the previous iterations of the electronic suspension failing and just get stuck in one setting basically. Hopefully they have fixed those issies.

[@philipdarnall787]

I bought the SDGT a few years back...

[@elfutfoundation]

Fuel pump will crap out around 25,000 KM. You will think it’s the battery or other electrical problem. Good luck.

[@rickseconds7676]

26k miles on my 19, no issues.

[@guttgrinder1626]

A motorcycle that has a DLC package. Lol

[@zheruihu6560]

It sounds just like a MT-07.

[@ANU-nl1tc]

fantastic engine and shit worth the suspension

[@evgeniysir4220]

I wonder how the engine compression has changed? And I also wonder how much ground clearance it has?

[@shaunjennings6461]

Can you do one with ktm duke 125 2022

[@kevh8685]

Had a 2020 sdgt, did 10k on it never missed a beat, have changed it for SAS, as the gt does have a slightly aggressive riding position and my old hands need less pressure on them. It was a great bike apart from seat and screen as you say, bit marmite on the looks but I like marmite.

[@nickbrenner4241]

I love my super adventure s!!

[@Joshua-le1vn]

Sounds angry!! Love it

[@redhytech]

loads of HELL NO.

[@briant5396]

how do you even notice 5 hp?

[@keirreeves766]

You're spot on Bob, Super Adventure S has to be the one & you don't have to tolerate a turd for an exhaust.

[@whittlad]

It always has been the best arounder!

[@ANU-nl1tc]

preload adjuster...!!!!!