The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT joins the MCN Fleet | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com

[@arcuz7862]

Riding the LC8 before hitting puberty. This boy is living the dream.

[@Maj0r69]

I've done 21,000kms on mine since June. Had a "general error" twice that a reboot fixed and other than that it's been absolutely brilliant. Can't get enough...

[@motorbiketoureruk]

Turn your heated grips into favourites and it’s 1 press.

[@Marty43ful]

Absolutely. Simples! Know Your Product! Best bike I’ve ever owned

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

So adorable, these little guys on big bikes. He also has the voice to boot!

[@sahilbalmiki813]

Fell in love with this bike ❤️😘

[@sweebeyh4327]

I like the fact you are not riding the bike as you present. So often reviews are done with the person actually riding the bike so all you see is a road and you don’t actually see the bike. Good vid thanks! 👍

[@whittlad]

if you had done your research a little better then you would have realised settings such as heated grips can be added to favs on the switch gear saving your proposed ten or fifteen seconds. Cruise control switch is on the left hand side just above the switchgear - always happy to help😎👍

[@itzajdmting]

2300 miles in 2 and a half weeks that is pretty good going

[@HansVanh1]

There's no need to buy a additional navigation. Just install the app on your phone and connect it to the TFT-screen.

[@scottstetson2879]

Very good review. I watched all three and you did a very good job!

[@richardnelson1234]

Dan, the 2 up and down buttons on the left hand switch gear can be configured to go straight to, say, the heated grips menu in 1 touch.

[@MicGil]

I ride this bike for 2.5 years, enjoy it very much, but sadly have to say that regarding reliability, KTM has much work to do to improve the bike's electronic control system. During these 2.5 years I got stuck twice because of malfunctioned sensors (one at the exhaust, and the other at the crankshaft), and I often get error messages like you had. With such a premium bike, it shouldn't be like that. Testing the bike for 2-3 weeks is quite different then riding it for more than a year. It's pity that no motorbike site talk about long term reliability.

[@NooBiker]

If they did, they would stop getting long term loan bikes and invitations to press launches.

[@HG-vv8dy]

Exactly, I have a 1290R, had multiple issues at only 5k miles. Their quality is lacking.

[@Aquapepino]

Yeah, electronics.... I had the 2016 GT version and the exhaust valve servo got damaged at only 5k km, the dealer was not helpful at all. Then I traded for a 2017 SDR, first thing I did was to get a exhaust valve eliminator, and the bike asks only for gas and oil, no problems at all. There is also a luck/chance factor. I love how the damn thing pulls!

[@lambethlongshanks4791]

Yes! Don't understand journalists talking about reliability after...2000 miles. IT'S BRAND NEW!

[@drewyager4020]

Absolutely. I had troubles many many troubles on my 16. Having said that I now have two bikes to take the place of one SDGT. A GSXR 1000 and a BMW R1250RS

[@josephfink437]

The LCU is the side lights control unit. I had the same experience on my 2019 SDGT just after I bought it. Took it to the dealer, never turned it off. They read the code, tested all the side lights, everything worked, then shut it off and turned it on again. The error went away. Said if it returned they would replace the LCU under warranty.

[@LifeofSmokey]

Picking mine up this week....if my bike store is open cause of corona lol. We almost got a full lockdown in Belgium.

[@JW-cq4ez]

You can choose to set up Quick select buttons for example heated grips, 3 clicks and you and select heat between Low, medium, high - Done. Very easy takes you 2 seconds to activate.

[@bigbikeshortlegs]

FFS stick the heated grips in your favorites. Quick as .....

[@ScragNath]

Just bought a new 1290 superduke R for weekend blasting to stable mate with my BMW GSA R1200 Triple Black. If I was to have a rolled up bike that gave me the thrill of a superduke and comfort of my GSA, this would be the bike.

[@JW-cq4ez]

How about the seat after sitting on it for 1 - 2 hours?

[@heyitsfakawma4917]

So what your height and do you feel any difficulties to ride

[@lukaslandlinger1981]

Great summary, but the cruise control to be controlled through the menu, is not correct, you have a small lever on the left side buttons, which controls the cruise control. Of course the dashboard shows you which speed you have set and if it is active or not. Regarding heated grips, if you need them more often, you could set it to one of the favourit buttons (arrow up / arrow down), so you can control it by only one button then.

[@lakest7573]

Does your mam know you're on a big bike now? Good luck with it lad, put your major functions on the favourite page,its a ktm thing!

[@Camaro69z]

I have a 06 Harley 1200 sportster. I spent $500 upgrading the seat to single Mustang with backrest, but after 50 miles, my butt goes numb with some back pain. This is my next bike of choice (although probably 15 or 16 year). How is the comfort when touring 50+ miles?

[@Joric78]

Any word on whether there's an "R" style chassis rework for the GT model on the way, or are GT and R models going to start really diverging?

[@ross5506]

I would of went with the GT if the would of updated like the 1290 R, my insurance rates would of been half price almost. This GT is basically a updated version of 2019.

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

"suggestions of what you would like me to do with the bike?" .... Lend it to me perhaps? 😃

[@daystate123]

You have two shortcut button's if it's the same as the R...?

[@ivohage]

How do you feel this compares to the Multistrada or even the regular superduke?

[@knotsable]

So, an error message pops up in the first 1000miles and youre ok with that? :)

[@Soshi12005]

He has to, he is paid to like it

[@andrewshore262]

Thinking the same, maybe a foretaste of what’s heading his way

[@BigUriel]

What of it? Engines throw errors all the time, they usually just don't get displayed and can only be found with a proper code reader. Most of them are completely harmless and a result of normal electrical noise, they last a split second and then everything goes back to normal. It's only when they persist or come up repeatedly that there's actually any cause for concern. Pull the errors history on pretty much any modern vehicle and you'll see a long list of erros happening randomly that the owner was never aware of. People are seriously paranoid about error messages. For decades you drove cars and rode bikes that would have given you errors constantly and you'd probably drive/ride for thousands of miles like that...if they had the sensors and the ECU to inform you of them. Because *they didn't tell you* when something wasn't working perfectly you assume they were more reliable lol

[@dimosk7389]

my 1290 SA-T throws the occassional "cornering light error" message (thats what LCU probably stands for "light control unit) when starting the engine, and instantly goes away. probably it reads a low voltage because of the starter motor and thinks there is a failure, but it never failed since 2016

[@ross5506]

@@BigUriel it happen to me the first week of riding, I was running on fumes. As soon I filled up the gas tank all was good.

[@naranjalorange8584]

Please do your research, add grips, seats or whatever to your shortcut menu. RTFM

[@ADVBrett]

I did a review on this as well and posted it on my channel. Just loved the fun factor of this bike!! That V-Twin is just awesome!! I could certainly trade up for one of these!!

[@ross5506]

I went with the 2020 1290 R, they are not even close in comparison. Whereas the 2019 GT and R are very similar.

[@ADVBrett]

Ross I’m a little envious! You’re going to have so much fun on that!!

[@davesunderland1026]

This guy has the funniest voice Ive ever heard.

[@andrewfletcher9559]

He's addicted to helium apparently

[@Firestorm637]

You can feel those 4.25 inch diameter pistons banging underneath you. It is not a smooth V4 but feels special. I own a 2016 GT. 50,000 miles no problems.

[@infinion3]

hi, can you please tell me, with your height, how do you fit this bike? I am 5'6" , do you need handlebar extension to reach the handlebar better? can you reach the ground easily or need the bike lowered a little?

[@drewyager4020]

Best bike ever when running well

[@UberKvlt]

We represent the lollipop guild, the lollipop guild, the lollipop guild

[@nomad_lad]

I’m interested to know how it feels to ride in comparison to the superduke R? I seen both at the show and they look remarkably similar in stature... I always thought the superduke GT was a bit chunkier. It’s quite an eye watering price tag though...€20k in France where I live. Can get a one year old MT10 for literally half that price.

[@mariosavva999]

My local Ducati/KTM Dealer has recently gone Ducati only, he said that the KTM's were causing too much faff with recalls and issues on new bikes.

[@Gaz1za21]

If I had the budget, the GT would be alongside my GSA Rallye in the garage for sure.

[@Porsche996driver]

The wrong sound on this video. What does the bike sound like?

[@Maj0r69]

You don't access through the TFT. Click the switch the left to activate and just press it down to activate. Very simple...

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

Great bike buddy, I’ve just taken delivery of my new Super Duke R, just need to find time to get it run in 👍

[@HG-vv8dy]

G-MAN'S Bikes & Bits one tip, get the extended warranty. You are gonna need it, and I speak from experience.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@Screamingkiwi123]

“Absolutely”

[@sugarrfree]

Zac Petersen love that word man

[@losteden]

what top speed on this thing?

[@libinchandran9934]

“You look after it, it look after you “that part gave me chills .. This thing looks great with side luggages .

[@HG-vv8dy]

Libin Chandran more like you look after it, and it wil let you down.

[@NetMillionaire]

Does it Wheelie?

[@denzee295]

Beautiful bike

[@DJPTEXAS]

I have a 2017 SDGT and I find the heat off the engine to be way too high in our Arizona summers.....

[@kugangles9860]

Riding any bike mid day during our AZ summer is just too damn hot. Even riding my wr250r out here in Phoenix during July the engine compartment gets 🔥

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@kugangles9860 I agree...

[@stevec9959]

TFT condensation ?

[@fjrboy]

Nope!

[@AbAb-nx2zy]

The headlight... Man.. That looks so mean.. Way way more aggressive looker than all existing dukes. Front definitely looks superb.

[@elmoomle4565]

Indeed...it does sound GOOD.

[@alexjames421]

So after 1,000 miles on a brand new bike you're able to conclude that everyone is talking rubbish about KTM reliability. Gotcha.

[@NooBiker]

Well, that's pretty much Q.E.D. then, isn't it? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@remigiuszrygol]

Hobbs Lane could you tell me something more about your opinion? I’m really interested this bike and I’m thinking about purchase it. What about suspension? Is it really adjustable or differences between comfort and sport are not perceptible? Could it be comfortable? Some time ago I was riding SuperAdventure 1290 and suspension on this bike was so sporty... I worry that SDGT will have the same problem.

[@ross5506]

It looks more like 2019, whereas the 2020 1290 Super Duke R looks so much upgraded. The rims look from the older version.

[@TheSuperpod]

Yes, it is. I was also bummed to find out it is based on 19. I want GT, but I need the latest 2020 R base. I can’t quite figure out how long I will need t wait, but it may be EICMA in November and that would really suck

[@Thizlamic]

Thats a mean rig!

[@MotoM1234]

I really want this bike but too many bad reliability posts every time I research KTM. Went with the tuono - zero issues thus far... had an older MV Augusta brutale that stalled on me a couple times while riding, not a good feeling... loved it but can’t keep a bike that does that...

[@evansnr]

I’d like to see the superduke do some drag races and roll on comparisons against other superbikes e.g. R1, zx10r, rsv4 etc.

[@Pmason718]

Nigel Evans Did one last week with a ZX10 and the SDGT held its own I was really impressed.

[@binggobravo2089]

Fantastic bike touring But iam short man Just watch u touring friend😁😁😁

[@automotomahi]

You have to thanks Bajaj Auto india for backlight switch gear it was their innovation of there range of bikes that they passed to ktm as they are stake holders in ktm now

[@ross5506]

It's too bad that my 2020 1290R Super Duke, don't have any sound from stock exhaust. Just ordered Austin V3 170mm slip on, without the DB killer. Now it sounds just mean!

[@noworries731]

Looks like a really nice bike. Is it better than the BMW S1000XR?

[@Pmason718]

No Worries I would say yes but the 2020 XR was changed this year and I’ve yet to ride one bc they haven’t been released yet.

[@shrey220]

Those backlit switches are a courtesy of an Indian motorcycle brand called Bajaj, as they co-own KTM :)

[@rantANDrave1987]

Dream bike

[@johncampbell5052]

How do I adjust my helium settings on my phone? Or is it just in KZbin?

[@caramoto2868]

Hi, I had the 2016 sdgt (check my channel). Honnestly I really liked the sound and the engine (!!!). But for long trips, It was not good enough. I was too much on my wrists and the windshield was a joke (for a gt). I also had the feeling to be “on top” of the bike rather than “in” the bike (which some may prefer), and I did not felt confident enough when leaning (or even to lean). I don’t know if it was due to the suspension or the weight... But all of this is just my 2 cents, it may totally suit for other riders. Thank you for the review.

[@guybramwells]

You need flouro green crazy iron crash bars on that thing.

[@jimdozen7430]

Suggestion for vids on Ducati Streetfighter V4 whilst bored from isolation

[@Pmason718]

You don’t have to go through the screen to turn the Cruise Control on.

[@semajohn]

Has the audio been sped up?

[@4tune8chance65]

Pillion comfort?

[@Pmason718]

4tune8 chance I would say it’s comfortable not Gold Wing comfortable but not Sport bike harsh either.

[@SpacemanRick]

Munchkin through those gears :))

[@goldilocks913]

Nice video! Though I’m in agreement with some others- £17000 and barely used, l should’ve hoped it would have been problem free!

[@godsimon]

i thought i was playing the vid in 2x speed but no it is just his voice.

[@michaelskajem2940]

Great review !!! I am looking forward to your updates. I sold my Yamaha MT10 to "step-up"... Its either the 2020 BMW S1000XR or 2020 KTM Super Duke GT for my next purchase...

[@Texarmageddon]

I’m almost positive both of those are step downs... unless you are considering the comfort and amenities the step up.

[@michaelskajem2940]

@@Texarmageddon I agree, I am starting to regret selling the MT10. Great motor, chassis and brakes. I had several windscreens for different rides, Yamaha touring handguards, soft luggage, and a Seat Concepts custom seat. I wish Yamaha would make an MT10 "Tracer" GT (similar to the Tracer 900 GT) I would buy that over any other sport tourer and it would likely be cheaper...

[@Texarmageddon]

Michael Skajem yeah I’m a sport touring guy, but I know where to draw the line of some bikes.. Like the only bikes I could definitely say would be a slight move up would be the Suzuki GSXS1000F, but you’ll have to modify it like the MT10 and the Ducati Supersport S as it offers luggage and similar weight. It’s down on power from the MT10, but it’s suspension is way above the MT10 and a lot of supersports on the market

[@davetherave7504]

I’ve had an XR (though not a 2020 model) and now have the MT10. I don’t agree with suspension comment, but then I have the SP so maybe you’re referring to the standard one? The XR is a cracking bike, but MT is more fun in my opinion. Why do you rate the Suzuki higher?

[@fyorbane]

@@michaelskajem2940 Take a look at the new Kawasaki Z1000sx ninja.

[@noaddiction3194]

still old frame?

[@lukaslandlinger1981]

There was no update on the 1290 Super Duke GT since 2019

[@bobbybackmarker9665]

Too soon to speak about reliability. Otherwise a really nice review. I quite fancy one of these but too expensive and too unreliable for a daily.

[@cport955]

They aren't any more expensive than equivalent bikes. I've used mine through the winter with no issues.

[@ross5506]

Electronics package now are so advance, if any problems it will be that. This engine is bullet proof, in production almost 20 year's. Just purchased the 2020 1290 R, comfortable, it's taken me about 1 week get know the electronics package. Handles as if it was on rails, power speaks for itself.

[@snakepitsam]

621 miles?

[@FireTwo]

snakepitsam yep which in turn is 1000km Same thing happens on Ducati’s ext first service light pops up on restarting the bike after the magic 621miles.

[@Roy_Godiksen]

Those headlights though... Very buggy...

[@fjrboy]

I love them!

[@arjmonk]

Old version was way better than new one it doesn't look good

[@MrJohnnyorange]

You sound like Jools Holland!

[@shadwox9808]

i like this bike but im afraid reability wise because i own a kawasaki gtr 1400 and i know the stability of this bike since 2008 its been like a clock no problem at all. so before i spent 20 k on a bike i want to make sure that its realiable bikes humm dont know.

[@bigogger50]

Try a 16 tooth front sproket

[@SpoorenWinne]

Please compare it to the kawasaki ninja 1000 sx. Way cheaper but very alike.

[@rahuldasyam9070]

Winne Spooren this goes against the h2sx though

[@marv2820]

How are you finding the seat height ?

[@Pmason718]

Marvellous Marvin The bike is tall and the Ergo seat is even a little taller than the stock seat

[@Bass.Player]

nice bike...

[@bobbytrendswestsyd9736]

KTM vs BMW 1250 RS?

[@NightN13]

BMW more stiff and sporty.

[@usbsol]

If the bike had rusted after two and a half weeks... that would be pretty crazy... it not rusting, is no reason for calling it reliable though. Also, I suggest backing off the helium 😉

[@nimjarider1990]

They’ve left the outgoing models rear wheel on it 🤔 bad call KTM

[@jace2wheel762]

Good lord...are we sure Jr here should be playing with big boy toys??? Christ i have gloves older than him lol Wouldn't trust a KTM to last a full season without some kind of mess up. Unlike my Speed Triple, rode across half of the EU a couple years back and the only visit to the shop was for the oil change and new tires lol

[@thorhansen5462]

Ok boomer

[@jace2wheel762]

@@thorhansen5462 born in the 80s there sonny 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jaxxo11]

My Street Triple R charging system was pathetic. Triumphs aren't bulletproof either.

[@elithegreat6463]

Did you inhale Helium before this Video ???????

[@KevinGriffinride]

Helium, hell of a drug.

[@drewyager4020]

Get off those Angels and put on some S22’s and hang on

[@herk3122]

still 2019 frame. not the 2020 superduke3.0

[@progste]

this is the GT version, not the R.

[@timmacky8712]

Keep left

[@cooperbrosracing]

I just can't listen to that helium voice!

[@r-rtz]

I know schools are closed now but shouldn't this boy doing homework and not on a big bike ? Hmmmm

[@SanandanDA]

European Harley

[@jaylepp]

Is he on helium ?? 😁

[@steveteas]

Can’t listen to him. Most irritating voice I’ve heard in a long time

[@clashcityrocker2051]

Surprised an English motorcycle journo doesn’t know the way to brands!!

[@deniscalvert6826]

Over priced to much tech. For a bike more to go wrong and its orange not for me.

[@nicholasbentley4434]

Made​ in​ india​

[@kjack8911]

I don’t think the GT is made in India.

[@robertmillison8933]

That sure is a funny way of spelling Austria buddy