2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke R review - why it's so much more than a wheelie machine

[@jonmercer8390]

I've got a Gen3 SDR and I've watched 100's of reviews now, and they all say the same thing... it's a smiles for miles bike, every ride makes me giggle it's just so much fun to ride and that for me is what bikes are all about. I've got sportsbikes, I've raced, I trackday now, but on the road I don't think there's a bike that is more fun to ride. I can't actually wait to try it on track.

[@SuperRob.]

I'm getting my upgrade to 3rd Gen 1290 next year and can't wait, test driven the 2nd and 3rd gen and my 990 SD feels like a moped after riding that thing :D can't wait.

[@michaelmckenna2882]

A great review, and it's good to see you were actually giving it a handful, unlike some testers who wobble around and say how fast it is.

[@emak4558]

That is so true! How many times … cut the throttle at 5k….

[@bharadghost]

I love it when someone can put aside their rose tinted glasses and call a spade a spade ! Nice review !

[@trevorpedersen]

Love the review and the comments . rode a SDR 1290 r last week always been a twin man and yes this bike has some stomp. It makes my 2002 999 that Ive owned 17 years feel so agricultural as any modern bike would. Ive always owned Italian twins , but KTM is getting my hard earned this year . Im all in have a RR on the way. I just love the clean lines of this bike , and i know the motor is bulletproof. Two Australian titles have been won on this engine Pro-Twins and Naked bike.

[@fahadladha6938]

I think your summary at the end perfectly hits the nail on the head. If you love bikes purely for the thrills and fun factor, this bad boy is the daddy. But then it goes even further as it's such a polished road bike in every sense, perfection. And I've come from a '19 Tuono Factory and this is better in every sense in my eyes.

[@AngelSapundzhiev]

How is this better than the Tuono, in your opinion? Could you elaborate on that.

[@fahadladha6938]

@@AngelSapundzhiev because I've owned both and rode them back to back many times. The KTM handles / flicks way better, has instant power all through the rev range, the torque available from the bottom of the rev range is insane and an equally strong top end. But don't take my word for it, ride them both back to back and make your own mind up.

[@AngelSapundzhiev]

@@fahadladha6938 thank you for sharing!

[@richardkillian5657]

That is exactly why I ride bikes. I think I owe it to my inner child to buy one of these in the summer...

[@Sanisani9]

​@fahadladha6938 i agree with you.

[@Heavywall70]

The “F-me” factor is all that matters. When someone who rides literally every bike says, “F___ me!” That’s the end of the review

[@59pontiac68]

It's a great B-Road hack. Get your sag set-up correctly, soften up the suspension, a few clicks less than Comfort settings, low MSR setting and it's just perfect for squirting between corners. Extremely capable and precise, confidence inspiring - just a fun bike.

[@shivadityasarkar501]

Legend has it, the front wheel is still in air

[@TrustUsTonight]

As another 6'3 rider, the ergos on the SDR are a perfect fit

[@timrodierides]

Another lanky bastard! Have you bought one?

[@TrustUsTonight]

@@timrodierides No, but it's the Dream Bike for sure. Maybe I'll upgrade to it in a couple of years

[@parko1965]

5'7 rider and fits nicely.

[@rapidtransfers-uk2eq]

If I was going to review my SDR….this is exactly what I would say about it. My fave expression though, that I use….is this…. “It’s every bike you want it to be. It’s a moped in town…a B road scratcher ….a sports tourer to an extent and a track hooligan!” . I absolutely love mine. Ridden big sports bikes and nakeds for 30 years (still have an old Carb’d Blade) …… and this is the best road bike I’ve ever thrown my leg over….!!!!!

[@ross5506]

If you have this 2020 change the gearing to 16/38 what a difference it will make, more pull at 5000-8000 rpm. Best part the chain doesn't have be changed. 🇨🇦

[@wilswood8137]

I bought a gen 2 last year , and absolutely LOVE it I’m 6,2” and am so comfortable on it , I tour on it and it’s my hooning around mad bike as well Brilliant and will ( if funds allow ) be moving up on to a gen 3 as my next bike 👍🏼

[@blacksonic1005]

I get my new Superduke 3.0 last week! I can't wait to ride this monster next year!

[@richardkillian5657]

Great review and good job at conveying the "USP" of the superduke! Subbed

[@kleinbottled79]

Having had one of the gen 2's on loan for the last week or so from a friend. I can confirm that it is a very naughty sausage indeed. The fronts of my shoulders are sore from holding on. Full throttle in 4th - front wheel skipping down a slightly uneven road at 100mph, like a stone on a lake, is a unique thrill. Your review mirrors my own thoughts on the bike almost word for word.

[@raghavendrasriram1420]

I can watch that bike whole day long.Such a beautiful mechine. 😍

[@timrodierides]

Cheers!

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

You know it's going to be good if it feels naughty standing still 🤩

[@robertmacforesman3523]

It is an amazing motorcycle! I got mine last year on my Birthday and it is the Best Bike I have ever owned.You can ride it slow and easy and it is more than Compliant....or, If your feeling ambitious it will give you everything you can imagine and MORE. It is an angry Bad Ass but is a sweet girl and she will puurrr for you if you stroke it right.

[@kleinbottled79]

She will purr indeed (comfy too) but you can always tell it would rather be roaring. It begs you to squeeze the trigger.

[@emak4558]

Snap the throttle closed , when closed , if that makes sense. Close throttle. Then close firmly like you were checking to see if it is closed, that cancels cruise control.

[@leeh6816]

Great review! Just found your channel and subscribed 👍

[@timrodierides]

Thank you!

[@bikegiant1376]

Have you ridden the Streetfighter V4S? If so, how does the SDR compare in your opinion? I have a SFV4S myself, but I’ve always been intrigued by the SDR. I’ve taken one for a test ride but here in the US they lock the bike in rain mode when you take it out so I’m not sure I really got to experience what it’s like.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Rain mode is down to 100bhp.

[@Sanisani9]

Yeah, rain mode doesn't give the bike justice. Track mode is literally insane.

[@oliash92]

great review, love your jacket mate what make and model please if you don't mind.

[@mickpaisley5816]

swapped out my 2107 Super Adventure for a the SDR a few weeks ago. Loved the Super Adventure, but the SDR is mental and I haven't stopped giggling since I got it. Awesome thing

[@alexandreparadis329]

how does it feel to be from the future ?

[@omega3litre]

Pick my gen 3 up next Saturday 😊❤

[@timrodierides]

Ooo enjoy it. Envious!

[@yahoodlums]

Such a good looking beast of a bike. KTM nailed it!

[@tomserbaducci8559]

Yes!!! Some great minds and ideas come out of Austria 😊

[@timrodierides]

And some evil ones 😂

[@Brookmanrider]

Awesome man I’m looking at this or a hyper 950SP what’s your thoughts on both

[@AngelSapundzhiev]

Completely different bikes with totally different ergonomics, purpose and price range.

[@user-en7js4nd6i]

Can you help me I can’t find one of these in my country to buy 2021 model

[@RBHKBH]

I toured about 4000 km i Norway last summer on my 2015 model. The flexibility and practicality of the bike is incredible. I love it!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Why don't they make a fairing option; an updated RC-8...

[@ticorrei]

How does this bike compares to the MV Agusta?

[@jamest5149]

How do to compare this with your Hypermotard?

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

What jacket are you wearing and would you buy it again?

[@timrodierides]

It's a Richa Touareg 2 - and it's okay. It's got a nice slim fit (well, it was nice before I put on 10kg in lockdown), and it's warm with all the linings. But I've had more waterproof newspapers

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@timrodierides 👍 Thanks. Will be fine for here in Oz. Just found the Handsome Twat review on it. Newspapers... 🤣

[@scuddy100HYA]

Great review..I like your style New subscriber here!!!

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Lee, plenty more amateurish nonsense where this came from

[@racer_v4r]

My dream 😍 😫 ♥ 💖 🥺😘 1290 duke R..

[@troppo4872]

Good review. It is such a mad, fun bike to ride.

[@stevegeorgiou2013]

Great review. Thanks

[@ThekiBoran]

Seems like a fun bike. I have heard the tranny isn't the best feel when shifting. As it sounds a bit like a lawn mower I'd throw on a different exhaust.

[@SmartWatchDumbPhone]

Great video! Can’t wait to test ride one at the KTM Demo Day in September!!🤘🏻

[@werner861]

loved your reactions

[@18Koon]

great clip thanks

[@alexmorgan3435]

Gears 5 and 6 are redundant. It's bonkers. No other super naked has so much character.

[@ghowells5433]

Love my sdr 2021, craaaaayzy

[@DeepakKumar-kj2mh]

Next level ❤️

[@yashinnil5047]

not many ppl get the 1301cc engine capacity right so immediate thumbs up from bike spec nazi me haha

[@slit4659]

I'm from the US and Everytime a Car comes I'm waiting for a HEAD-ON..... Because you Guys Ride on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD....

[@rideoutlondon]

Like having the red button in your drawer…. Push it and all hell breaks loose.

[@DontPanicDear]

This is all important consumer information 🤓

[@rawonboard7831]

1300cc with 390Pound bike = wheelies 1-6 gear

[@ghowells5433]

Had a 2017 sdr and new one is way better handling bike

[@Islandboy099]

6th gear is of no use under 90 mph..

[@ricardoedwardo5799]

Rode it, lovely in its own right but power is just to on and off, wild machine, looks better than it rides personally. Tuono defo still the bike to beat......by a mile!

[@adamf.8564]

F beautiful.