Why I Still Do NOT recommend this bike 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo

I still do not recommend the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo. Why I do not recommend? This is the 2023 version. Lets have a look.
It is still the 1301 CC liquid cooled transverse 75° V Twin engine with 4 valves/cyl and a DOHC delivering 180 bhp at the crank and 140Nm of torque or 103 fl-lbs.
It weighs in at 196 kilos wet, that is nearly 3 kilos less compared to last year or 431 lbs, 6.5 lbs less.
You get a phenomenal acceleration of 0-100 in under 3 seconds.
The motorcycle hits a top speed of over 275kmph or over 170mph!
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#ktm #superduke1290r
Timestamps:
00:00 Dope Intro
00:28 KTM Super Duke R Engine specs, power, torque, weight, top speed, fuel capacity
01:37 KTM Super Duke R gearbox and slipper clutch
02:05 KTM Super Duke R semi active Suspension
03:05 KTM Super Duke R brakes and new frame
03:37 KTM Super Duke R new air intake and airbox
03:53 KTM Super Duke R improved electronics in 2023
04:13 KTM Super Duke R sitting posture
04:58 KTM Super Duke R cruise control
05:14 Final Thoughts & Verdict on the Super Duke R

[@jaredallen8054]

it is the second street bike ive owned ever. the first was a harley davidson electra glide (old man bike) i purchased 1.5 years ago. i have owned the super duke that i bought new for 6 months and have put over 3000 miles on it and i am in love. and i can say this... this bike can be ridden by beginners (that have once learned the basics of how to operate a motorcycle) just leave it in rain mode and its very tame and very fast. no chances of wheelie even when you dump the clutch it will cut power so you wont kill yourself. but as soon as you go in street or sport mode with traction control off. for a beginner, all bets are off it goes from a very tame animal that will give you kisses and say oopsies and will help pick you back up when you mess up to a fire breathing snaggle toothed beast that does not care if you live or die and will put you on your neck the very chance it gets. i was merging on to an interstate and got on the power early in sport mode exiting a corner and thank god i had traction control on because it started sliding and i was about to release the throttle and start correcting it but it did it all for me. im confident i would have come out but just that piece of mind of the traction control that actually does something and helps. also the abs is amazing i know alot of people complain about bike abs saying its too much like a helicopter parent. on the ktm its only there when you are REALLY messing up and doesnt ruin very spirited riding but when spirited goes to oh SH!T its there. So basically if youre a beginner wanting to buy a superduke leave all the aids on. and i mean all!

[@KrishnenduKes]

Thanks for the detailed post. I am going to pin your post on top.

[@ryeann2567]

I'm glad you're having fun, but.... this is not a bike for newbies. I've got 30,000 miles on my original gen 1 1290. The beast is a blast, but you're probably in over your head..

[@jaredallen8054]

@@ryeann2567 just got done with the first track day this past saturday on my heavily modded superduke (dyno tuned to 185 rwhp and 107 rwtq with oz gass rs-a wheels and dunlop q5 tires) i did great! the instructors bumped me from novice to intermediate class within the first two sessions of riding the track. youre right this bike isnt for beginners i will give you that. but im not in over my head i can assure you that. but i still stand by the fact a beginner can ride a gen 3 superduke with it in rain mode and be 100% fine. first i let them figure out the controls on another bike and once they prove to me they can take off smoothly and stop smoothly and maintain control of the bike i dont have an issue with them on my modded superduke (only in rain mode with all aids)

[@tombraathen531]

I am a pretty inexperienced rider. I picked up riding again 3 years ago after not doing it for over 20 years, and so my time on the bikes are limited. I went through several bikes before I ended up on the new 2023 Super Duke R Evo, and I can hand on heart say that I have never felt safer on a bike than I do on this. As long as the electronics do not fail (ideally they won't) it's very safe even for beginner riders. Add to the insane amounts of fun it is with this engine and the agility it has, I couldn't think of anything more fun to ride. It comes at a cost, but I am a big guy so I also would not fit in a lighter 600 or 800 bike in the same way. Absolutely recommend it.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Congrats on your purchase!

[@KrishnenduKes]

The KTM Super Duke R is not for everybody!

[@koshane1534]

Because it is a beast.

[@r.girschik2838]

I`am riding for 30 years and now riding the Beast since 1 year. I like it a lot, it brings out, the boy in me again. Lets get that front wheel in the air. ;)

[@KrishnenduKes]

Lol! Good for you mate. Enjoy! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@calspeed1]

My second SD. Had the 990. They have never been beginner rider bikes.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Exactly!

[@user-cz1dx9db1m]

This is my 3rd motorcycle 2023 ktm superduke 1290r evo, it's a amazing machine, all the aids and there technology is amazing. I think with the technology a beginner could learn on this motorcycle. Also because of its light weight and agility. Most motorcycles are fast,but they only go as fast as you make them. Respect the power 🙏

[@KrishnenduKes]

Hey. Thanks for your comment. Agree with "Respect the power".

[@MumenNightRider]

Imma stick with my 23’ 390 it’s been a great beginner bike, but not gonna lie I love the sound of the 1290 and the ride height.

[@arcuz7862]

Haha 390 is for virgins that love lawnmower engines in their bikes.

[@iivaridark6850]

Well, sort of a clickbait? Actually, it is easy to ride and many of these large engine capacity bikes are mostly more easier to ride than the small capacity bikes, I would say. We had 2 of the 1. gen sdr 1290:s for 7 years and for more than 30 000kms and because they were suitable for us and our riding habits (nice and easy, no hooligan acts for the most) and they were easy to do servicing we traded them to 2021:s in 2021... Not a bad word, only the wiring recall (which is not a large job to do but has to be documented by the official dealership, 3 small frame coverings to be installed) and lousy indicator cancels are aggravating (that is under importer consideration if it is a warranty replace issue or not, there seems to be an updated serial number on the spare parts list). This is more smooth to ride in street traffic - the earlier one were nice too but their balance was at the rear so the front tire was a little light in spite of setting the bars in the utmost front position. Otherwise the gen 1. was great for a 180 cm rider, just like riding a mx-bike... For us older persons and with a little stiff joints, the gen. 3 bars are slightly too low. Risers are available. To be seen if they help. Also, the suspension is on the soft side for a 100kg rider, stiffer springs are available on market but not tested yet. Anyhow, cruise control is great - one cannot undestand the need for it before one tries it. Quickshifter is also great but it need a little development work - still it could be better and more flexible. The possibility to change the shift pattern to upside down without the need to buy any accessories is very good idea! The easy rideability, light weight and torque characteristics are the main reasons for having this bike. Nice bike but just for one, I think (if your lady is willing to ride with you, better buy two of those at the same time...). Recommend? I do not recommend any bike to any person - there are so many circumstancial variables. Rider height, weight, roads and traffic... I just watched a video from Wales in where a 250 Triumph Tiger Cub was ridden - and thought there is no need for a larger bike at all. A KTM 390 Duke or Adventure might be great for those roads on that video.

[@yokleysautomotive]

The first SDR I ever owned, I was the 3rd owner, and it only had 1000km on it. When I asked the guy selling it, why he was getting rid of it, he said "because it scares the crap out of me!" and I replied; "Then it's perfect for me! I've now owned 3 of them, including the new Evo, and they are absolute amazing machines!

[@KrishnenduKes]

Of course it scares the heck out of people.

[@scubasteve3293]

Yep ,I love that bike & I bought it, it's definitely not for beginners & not even for some riders that have been riding for years, the torque is amazing & it hugs turns so nice, I bought mine last March & have over 7000 miles on it with no issues, I know some riders have had problems with the bike but I can't complain. 👍🏼

[@KrishnenduKes]

Awesome ride mate! Happy for you. Enjoy. It is an amazing ride. Thank you for your comment.

[@jaredallen8054]

i thought mine was high miles for 1 year and 7900 miles! damn!!!!!

[@fishfritz1]

Having put a little over 49k miles of trouble free (really big) smile on a 2015 1290sdr in 4yrs. and now enjoying a 2020 790adventure I still find myself missing the 3rd and 4th gear power wheelies! Truly the best and most fun motor in my my 55yrs street riding/racing!

[@KrishnenduKes]

I kinda agree with you. Amazing motor.

[@JustinWillems-kk3ok]

I have this bike almost one year and is my first bike😳 I still in love with me bike😍

[@KrishnenduKes]

Congratulations mate! Enjoy!

[@TheOliveradams]

This will be my next bike , I'm own now the KTM Duke 890R evo and it's great , of course the 1290 superduke is NOT a beginners bike , a Duke 390 is a perfect beginners bike .

[@KrishnenduKes]

Gosh finally someone agrees with me.

[@hossman8499]

They dont make an 890 Evo. Only a GP and R

[@deusk6603]

I got 3 years under my belt with a 250cc. Not going to say im seasoned at all but i rode my 250cc in some shitty weather, in the dark through mountain ranges. Im looking to get this bike as be be all do all bike. I heard the rain mode is very forgiving and lets you learn the bike before you unleash all the power. Is there any truth to that?

[@KrishnenduKes]

That is a good question. The answer is not simple. And your thoughts are very legit. It can be a "do all" bike. But there can be some limiting factors for a few riders like I have experienced with some riders: Experience: more than the number of years, what matters is the number of miles. Conditions of riding: How varied has been your experience? What kind of conditions? Personal build: If the rider is not very tall (short like me) or not strong enough to move around a "big bike", it can be daunting. These factors are more important than the electronics package on the bike. That said, the electronics package can be quite forgiving.

[@luicastaneda1300]

I'm 5'5 and would like to know if I can ride the duke comfortably. Really wanna purchase it badly.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Good question. It really depends on your experience. I am 5'6". And I am perfectly fine on it.

[@TTRJoyrider]

I've had mine 3 weeks now, there is a certain type of rider this bike is aimed at, egits that like to hoon around. i love it 😆 Defo the easiest wheelie bike I've owned, 3rd gear about 6k rpm open the throttle fast and you power upto Ballance point. It's rediculous 😂👌 This is also the reason I don't recommend them to most people 👍

[@KrishnenduKes]

Exactly! Lol!

[@anti-laggroup5492]

As my first bike I’m not gonna lie but it’s scary fun just need to have fun but knowing your own experience don’t go too crazy till start bonding with the bike

[@KrishnenduKes]

Good for you!

[@davidherringgo]

Excellent review of the new Beast. I love my 16 SDR . You are correct sir . Not for a novice rider . Demands utmost respect. Others need to just admire this masterpiece

[@KrishnenduKes]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@user-ec8jh3ce7n]

I stared on a 2001 gsxr 1000cc and would say was a lot to learn. Regardless of what you start on. You have to be respectful and ride to your skill level and learn from there

[@KrishnenduKes]

You are a very mature person. 👏🏽👏🏽

[@MonkeyBro95]

Keep in mind that the changes are not based on the last year model as the video says, but on the last generation of this bike, wich was replaced in 2020 by the current (video) model. A bit of research would have saved a video that for the most part is wrong statements about this fantastic bike.

[@stevemccarthy1973]

I bought this bike as I was unable to enjoy modern sports bikes on the road anymore. The RR however let’s you have fun on the road again and with all the aids switched on is a very safe bike, switch them off and you can have a proper riot ……it’s a brilliant bike 👍

[@KrishnenduKes]

Yes it is brilliant. No doubt.

[@shadostorm8375]

The amount of close up shots here is awesome.

[@KrishnenduKes]

And you are first to notice it! Lol! Thank you.

[@keshav_ksingh6942]

I used to have Ktm duke 200 (2017) model and but in front of this beast that seems nothing!! Nonetheless i still cherished my old bike to this very day!

[@KrishnenduKes]

The Duke 200 is a great bike. I loved riding that machine.

[@Samarth916]

Congratulations, you just ended up convincing people they want this bike. :D I would love such a bike, but age is increasing and smart thought is to not go for a depreciating asset, but maybe I'll have one in life if I reach a place where we can actually utilise it, at least 50% if not 100%.. But for the long term, I think KTM should try to go 1390... they should aim the full faired variant of this bike at the 262 kgs heavy Hayabusa. The 1290 GT already comes pretty close, half faired as it may be.

[@KrishnenduKes]

1390 is out. The KTM rep gave us a quick brief on that. Should be on our floor in a few weeks, read months. That's going to be real badass!

[@Samarth916]

@@KrishnenduKes Are you serious? A 1390 exists? How did I miss that? Ahh... unbelievable. Ok, so I checked online, and some test mule is doing rounds. Overall, I love the idea how KTM gives liter class power, with a liter class' wet weight, but with a hayabusa/ ZX14R grade torque figures. And a 1390 will likely leave no doubt. Let's hope for the best. Here's hoping it makes its way to India...

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@Samarth916 Yes. Our rep gave us a brief of all the new KTM bikes that are coming.

[@Samarth916]

​@@KrishnenduKes I see.. I would love to know more... If its feasible, do let me know.

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@Samarth916 🤙🏽🤙🏽 I hope to be able to make a video in a few weeks I guess.

[@craigmertz5688]

I would ride the brakes off that bike!

[@dtrim7450]

I’d love it, only scared of the tickets it would get me.😂😂

[@BAJLACRO]

is it suitible for a 190 cm tall driver !

[@KrishnenduKes]

Very easy. Should be a cake walk. Provided you are an experienced rider. You will not be uncomfortable if that's what you are asking.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@KrishnenduKes I bought one a few months ago in Australia and to be honest am not impressed with build quality. Upon close inspection, wiring looms connectors and even engine castings are not the best quality. Switch gear etc was also cheap feeling and to look at. The dealer took the bike back and I swapped it for the Yamaha MT-10 which is Made in Japan and has a far superior premium fit and finish. It also sounds better than the KTM. I already have a 2021 Yamaha R1. Subscribed from Australia!

[@KrishnenduKes]

​@@theaustralianconundrum Thank you mate for your sub. I haven't seen an MT10 on the showroom floor in 4 years. Though I see one at the track that I go to in NJ. It is a great bike. I would like to review one some day soon. Sorry hear about your experience regarding the KTM.

[@stephenbrewer452]

Absolutely love this bike and yes it's power is to be respected. As you should with any bike you get on, they can all hurt you. Especially the pit bikes 😂 I haven't been riding on pavement for long. I ride a sv 650 now and am looking to get the super duke in about a year. Mainly for financial purposes but also to build skill level for it.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Exactly my point. Btw, the SV650 is also one of my favourites. Great bike!

[@achraf9946]

Weak argument my mate bought it as a first bike and he is very happy with it. No matter how fast a bike is its depends all on your wrist. You are a small man maybe thats why it felt to overhelming for you but its not for everyone.

[@KrishnenduKes]

I maintain that it is not for everyone. Good for your mate that he got it as a first bike. Regardless of the fact of whether one is small or large. A beginner should not be riding this bike. There are folks out there saying anybody can ride it. Some people can, most people cannot. Seen too many people fall with much smaller bikes just getting out of the showroom. For me, it does not overwhelm me. I have owned 3 Yamaha R1s since 2005. I have been riding for 42 years. Motorcycles do not overwhelm me. Lol.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

As a first bike for someone? definitely yes, too much bike. When I lived in San Diego I used to hear about Camp Pendleton marines that would go out and buy a Ninja 1000 as their first bike, ride like idiots and kill themselves because they did not know how to properly respect such horsepower or have the riding knowledge to know what to do. This bike makes an old Ninja 1000 look like a Vespa. In the hands of an experienced rider the SD is absolutely the most fun naked on the market, especially for the street. To your point though, not a smart first bike but this bike can be ridden tamely so a new rider can certainly ride it but its when you want to get nasty you better know what you are doing. I have owned over 70 bikes and the new EVO version is one of if not the best bike I have ever owned. Thinking about the 23 ADV-S as well. KTM motorcycles have a fun factor that no other brand matches IMHO.

[@KrishnenduKes]

You are absolutely correct. "Makes the Ninja 1000 look like a Vespa", 🤣🤣🤣🤣 So true!

[@rinchemarquinez6108]

What is your height? I'm just curious

[@KrishnenduKes]

165cms or 5'6 as I think I say in the video.

[@jingbangstudio]

I ride the 2022. I am happy going to work

[@KrishnenduKes]

Glad for you. I am sure you are an experienced rider if you are riding this beast to work.

[@Theabhijeet06]

Hi krishnendu how are budy...Abhijit here Kolkata.....Rajdeep frnd.tomar notification amake dekhache na amake...

[@KrishnenduKes]

Hello Abhijit. How are you? KZbin aajkal ar notification dekhayna unless you click "all notifications". I was in India for a few weeks. At that time I did the Triumph Tiger 660 Sport review. I was in Calcutta also.

[@gregmilam2328]

Now I really want one

[@KrishnenduKes]

🤙🏽😎

[@simplicityrm]

I came from a fz09 to a sdr, not gonna lie when i first got on it it was pouring and had a 2hr ride home. After the ride and playing with the settings both on wet a dry pavement in the lower rpms its quite the big pussy cat. That being said you give the buisness it delivers in fold and that you have to be careful of. Been riding it for 2yr now and it is just aabsolutely amazing machine.

[@KrishnenduKes]

It is an incredible machine. I would love to own it too, along with the MT10. That would be awesome! Congrats on your upgrade. The FZ09 is no slouch either. I own the MT09.

[@Rider-yu7mz]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@polski1986]

Great first bike... either that or turbo busa

[@KrishnenduKes]

Lol yeah! 🤣🤣

[@mauricioramirez1456]

I have one, I agree. Not for everyone.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Thank you!

[@CowKingxxx]

i want this bike it will be one of my last ones for some time

[@KrishnenduKes]

Go get it!

[@AdventuresThings]

Definitely not the bike for me. But I like the look of that side by side 4:51

[@KrishnenduKes]

Why am I not surprised. Did you ride one during your adventures in the US?

[@AdventuresThings]

@@KrishnenduKes no but friends of mine have one and I love riding it. I still feel a bike would be better.

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@AdventuresThings Bike is more "adventure".

[@dougie1325]

But of course this bike is not suited to new riders, nor are any big bikes over 1000cc. I don't really get the point of this video if that's the message.

[@c.a.marsupial.1282]

I appreciate your very in-depth video but you are stating the obvious.

[@KrishnenduKes]

And yet people keep telling me that anybody can ride this bike! Lol!

[@Spartan538]

Its too much...i ride a KTM duke 390 2023 dark galvano...and i love the 390

[@joeplem5329]

My 2020 kawasaki z900 is more than enough for me personally!!!! Waaaaay more reliable too.

[@KrishnenduKes]

The Z900 is a very different motorcycle. It is an inline 4. Whereas the Super Duke is a V Twin. They behave very differently.

[@mrnobody9821]

Z900 was a great bike to ride but I preferred the Z1000, I felt it had nicer ergonomics, and the bars were not as wide which made it easier to filter :)

[@Snotroggel453]

@@mrnobody9821the wider bars on the z900 for me are more comfortable. And the 900 also feels more nimble and playfull.. the 1000 is basically a stripped out supersport.

[@blade9000100]

1 Person does not recommend. 1000 People recommend it. Including me 🎉 And I'm buying the new one.2024😎

[@KrishnenduKes]

🔥🔥🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@manskimix]

Hell Yeah!!!!!

[@daReturn1888]

So you said you would not recommend but didn't bother to tell why, apart from it being "wild". Disappointing

[@Winky_Face]

*six minutes of explaining why I want to buy the bike* “Don’t buy it”

[@JohnAdams-mu7xd]

BEAST!!!!

[@KrishnenduKes]

Yes!!!

[@steevejessy5424]

Are u from India

[@KrishnenduKes]

Yes I am. Why?

[@steevejessy5424]

@@KrishnenduKes me too brother 😁🤭

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@steevejessy5424 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@nahunflores5196]

👍👍👍

[@mrnobody9821]

I still want to die so I'm still going to buy it 🙃

[@nycrider1548]

Toooo many problems with superduke 3.0

[@tonywarisa2905]

😎 don't take this seriously anyone can ride it... infact try every bike go on tracks do some miles ....its just so wrong saying its not for everybody i mean instead say not for beginners clickbait why demotivating these young riders

[@KrishnenduKes]

We have seen new riders falling just getting out of the dealership even with an 890R, hitting the central median.

[@jrm4444]

Definitely not a bike for tiny (rookie) manlets who can't touch the concrete with their heels.

[@arcuz7862]

Been riding the 1290 SDR since 2021, I had a 790 before. After two years it became just right for me in terms of oomph. A little bit more power would be great but I guess that's 300 HP club then. Everybody that says 180 HP on a bike is too much doesn't know how to ride a bike.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Been riding an R1 since 2006. Done half a million miles on more motorcycles than I can actually count. 180hp is too much power for folks who are starting out.

[@arcuz7862]

@@KrishnenduKes No it's not. Nobody forces you to open the throttle all the way. Beginners should get a real bike right away, than buying 12 different lawnmowers just to then end up with a 180 HP bike at the end anyway. You'll learn the basics just as fast or even faster on a stronger bike, without wasting your money on sub 1000cc girls bikes.

[@Brenton656]

You're either the wrong person to be reviewing the superduke or you need to go buy a cruiser. The 2023 sdr is the best bike I've owed hands down. Or your title is click bait and then you're a spud anyway. So three choices, you're a spud, a spud or a spud.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Thanks for your comment. Still would not recommend it to new bikers and beginners. Edit: Btw, my daily is an R1. So...

[@stevowyeth]

Say your review, while crouched next to the bike, is based around a Hypermotard not being suitable for beginners, lol.

[@fabiena1787]

2:00 "MotoGP pattern" doesn't mean anything, here. It's a racetrack pattern if you want, but MotoGP bikes use seamless gearboxes, and you go through ALL gears from 1st to 6th by shifting the lever down. On seamless gearboxes, you actuall need to push a button to get into neutral. Edit: also, what's with the subtitles? 2:52 "You can alter justice manually..." I think I'm done with this channel.

[@stfuliberal]

Wow!!! that was painful to watch, I had to fast-forward through it. All Barny had to say was, the bike is too powerful for an entry-level rider.