KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE GT (2019 - on) Review

Semi active suspension appears very good at soaking up the bumps and pot holes. I run it in sport mode and find that gives a nice ride. Tank range is around 210 miles and comfort will support that distance. Brembo's are very effective on the road with plenty of power and feel. The bike is a pretty good all rounder and will do most things well. It is especially good on smooth swooping roads and punching out of slower corners.

I don't think there are any bad engines these days. The V twin is much smoother than I expected, especially around town. Punch out of slower corners is good as it makes power lower in the rev range. Torque is pretty decent all through the rev range but things tail off at the upper end. I still need to give the throttle a "good hand full" to really get it to go, but it does respond positively.

Compared to the Aprilia it's on another planet reliability wise. I have had issues with the key not communicating with the bike and poor dealership back up with heated seat and wiring. Overall in my first 4000 miles it's been very reliable and the switch gear and electrics do not stop working every time I wash it. No signs of corrosion after 11,000 miles and three winters. It's never broken down and build quality looks pretty good.

It's only had one service but the price was very reasonable - it's now out of warranty so I take it to an independent garage. I swapped the tyres for Michelin Road 6's which are brilliant and suit the bike well. Insurance and tax same for any large bike and fuel economy is good considering the weight and power. KTM second hand prices tend to fall quickly so depreciation will probably be high.

It comes with all the standard electronic gadgets. Quick shifter is useful both up and down. Heated seats and grips always good for touring, along with the fitted panniers. I fitted a tail tidy - but now get covered in filth. A smoked screen looks good and an Akrapovic end can reduces weight and looks better. I replaced the OE tyres with Michelin Road 6's - absolutely brilliant and suit the bike perfectly.

I have had no problems so far in 7000 miles since February.

Mine serviced by Teasdale's Thirsk, recommended.

The ride is a little firm even in comfort mode. KTM do an ‘ergo’ seat and I plan to explore this possible change. Just done a 1300 mile tour of Wales and the 300 mile commute was a bit hard on my arse. A true GT, open roads a joy but fiddly stuff can be a pain. The 200 mile plus tank range is about enough.

Mid range performance is superb. Get much above 8000 rpm and it gets a bit vibration prone and there’s not a lot of point of normal roads. I’ve got a few track days to look forward to and I’m sure things will be different then!

I’ve done just over 2000 miles so far. Apart from a few minor false error messages (easily resolved by switching the bike off and back on again, tell me of an electronic device that doesn’t misbehave from time to time!) the bike has been tip top.

Only had the 621 mile (1000km) so far. I suspect the rear tyre will need replaced before the year is out! 103 ft/lb of torque will do that.

Loads of toys as standard! Heated grips work just fine and once you memorise the button pushes they are no distraction. Quick shift is good but doesn’t like part throttle use. Hard luggage very good to use and looks part of the bike. Keyless fuel flap a surprise, so useful.

top rate semi active suspension and quality brakes make it right at the top for ride quality.

The only thing against the engine and gearbox is it should not have 6 gears,you cannot put it in 6th unless you are doing at least 65mph so if you want to go touring forget it as you will have to spend most of your day in 5th revving it higher so using more fuel,it's a real shame because the engine is a peach.

Reliability is a real concern already,it does not bear thinking about when it is out of warranty.

Do not know yet as it is not old enough but if i can get it reliable i think it will be fairly cheap to run.

suspension and the vast array of info you can see on the clocks.By far the worst feature of this bike is the KEYLESS ignition who ever thought it was a good idea to put it on a bike wants shooting.

Very impressed with both

Instant power and torque

Not had any problems on any of them so far

Angel GT tyres suit it well

bloody magic brakes. full stop..... Wife absolutely loves being a pillion, comfy mode (helps when upgrading bikes) we tend to do over 250 k's before coffee stops when touring. Used to always have two road bikes, one for touring 2 up, eg Triumph Tiger 1050 and a sports bike, Aprilia's, Ducati's, KTM Super Duke 990, Now the KTM GT does both extremely well.

Bloody awesome, just cant get enough of that bigggg V twin. Tend to have it on "Street Mode" as it smooths out the power delivery but retains full HP power. I'm an old fart now....

Like the 2016 GT, had the fault warning light come on the odd time when starting the bike but reset instantly on the 2019 GT were the 2016 stayed on and the dealer had to reset. (long story)

Services were quite reasonable, but eats tryes, hahaha but by comparison my 2014 Ducati 1200S Monster services was shocking $$$$$ and kept going into "Limp Mode"

Small things really, like the Pannier bag metal logo getting hooked up and bent it. The petrol liters usage gauge on the screen is crap, drops 20 to 30 k's at a time and the Auto blinker turns off to soon.

Brakes are fab, only niggle is the odd squeak and the rear calliper got a little winter corroded and one of the pads stuck a bit (I'm an all year round rider) Passenger - The only thing i worry about is losing the Mrs off the back with the acceleration!.. could do with a sissy bar for her to lean back on.. but that wouldn't look right. Great road presence - Bright lights and wide front profile get you spotted sooner. The wide profile is great for keeping you dry too, in spite of the 'smallish' screen.

This bike is confidence inspiring, it has great throttle response manners when working through traffic or when opening up on a great road. Eats miles - If you need to get from A-B without needing to look at the scenery, you will be surprised how smoothly and efficiently you arrive at B, esp motorways. Fuel economy is great - 23litre tank, 220miles approx per tank.

A sticky exhaust valve caused warning lights and 'limp home' mode, however, it is fixable by yourself, if you have the confidence. (some winter riding corrosion around the exterior valve components caused the stickiness) Also had a random sticky handlebar lock issue that wouldn't let the bike start. only the once, right outside the dealers (luckily)

You buy this bike know it will cost to maintain. However, I get.. Angel GT tyres 7.5k miles per set (on 2nd new set, £220 per set) 54 mpg 'usual UK' riding 59mpg 'Euro, watching for cameras' riding 48mpg 'disgusting blast' mileage :) All pretty impressive for 1300cc 175hp bike. Brake pads changes at 13k miles (£200)

All the kit you could need.. Quickshifter - great when you dont want you Mrs to bang you on the head with upshifting Cruise Control - The biggest positive for me, enables me to rest my right hand for a few seconds, meaning I can ride (potentially) for hours. Panniers are bit odd-shaped inside, could use a better cargo net or something.. but you don't buy this bike for the carrying capacity, right? ;)

Love the different ride and suspension settings

Slight issue with the handle on one bag, I’ll see what happens with a warranty claim.

Canadian $ this was for the first service

So much usable power, passing the large trucks here in Canada is a breeze.