2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Review

I first rode the KTM Superduke GT in it's first incarnation a couple of years ago, I liked the bike but didn't much care for the looks. Well now KTM have come out with a much improved version of the bike, complete with a new look front end - what do I make of it this time? Stay tuned to find out!.....

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My current motorcyles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale

[grahamtuck]

FYI, you can assign the heated grip function to one of the "quick presets" so it's only a one button click to access the function (same system on my 2017 1290 Super Adventure)
Great unbiased real world review as always. Keep up the good work.

[knitware]

I've owned this new GT model since 1st March. The front seems to get mixed reactions but when i'm riding I don't see it, but I love the quirky looks and you certainly know it's a KTM but that face isn't just pretty. Those eyes pierce through the blackest nights of Oxfordshire with enough lumins to turn darkness into daylight.
It's a pity you had a wet day, sports ride mode and comfort setting make this bike the sweetest handling bike I've owned, simple to ride, fast, comfortable and safe. The GT couldn't care less what gear you're in through a bend, tip in and wind the throttle open and it will you pop out the other end. I had an S1000RR before this, the GT is much more fun, less serious about itself, much easier to ride and is a truly happy bike. Do you need 175 bhp and 144 Nm, yes, yes you do. What don't I like about the GT, erm...

[adiaz]

I have the 2017 GT and am really jealous of that tft screen. Still the greatest bike I've ever owned.

[Hodmeister]

So I started to watch this blog, wet roads a powerful bike and the anxiety set in, when would the inevitable happen, becoming more anxious as Mr TMF becomes more confident with the bike, anxiety levels raising all the time and then . . . . It wasn't a white van but a yellow one, what a treat for us all :-) Great review as always!

[davidbadham]

It can be a faff, selecting adjustments in the menu, Mr Flyer, but you can designate things to two quick select buttons. My quick select 1 is for my heated grips, 2 is for ride mode. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I really love the KTM looks. Thanks for another great clip. PS mine’s a 1290 SAR🖖

[ibnelmuftar]

It makes more sense comparing this to the BMW S1000XR than with the GS, both price-wise and segment. Very nice review nonetheless!

[szaneman]

I usually hit the "like button" on your video's before it's actually up and running. Great Review Sir!

[lifeisgood]

Great review, Rode a 2017 one to Alaska and back, bit over 10, 000 km. Worked nicely. The seat is hard but had less butt pain after 600 km than on a BMW R1200RT. Had some warranty issues. KTM did well by me on those. From time to time I think of selling it. Then I start the engine and those thoughts vanish.

[philbuglass]

"like a rhinoceros, ready to pounce..."   Love it!

[LambChopRides]

Great review TMF, looking forward to borrowing one myself in May 😎😎

[stephenhendry]

Never really liked KTM until now! looks a cracking bike I like the look of it.

[patrickhd]

Hey TMF, I know you get asked to test ride bikes all the time. But, you may want to consider the new Hypermotard 950 and the new Multistrada 950s. Went for a test ride on the stock Hypermotard 950, really nice, great fun. Very much a Sunday morning machine for back roads.

[paulotex]

At 1:00, is that Swindon's Magic Roundabout? I was there once some years ago. Had been in England for a few months, and boy, was I surprised when I saw the vertical road signs announcing the roundabout. Quite daunting. But was able to navigate it without trouble. You seem to be used to it, no hesitations there.

[DJPTEXAS]

Great review as always ! Keep them coming and look forward to them.. One thing I noticed on almost every KTM review ( no matter who reviews them )is that the motor performance (which is incredible) overshadows everything else on the bike and it takes a long term review to actually give a more accurate assessment. Hope to see one soon on this model. Thanks.

[tailtidy]

As usual, great review. What's stopping me buying a KTM is the poor dealer network, the only one localish to me, does not have the best reputation.

[Miata]

I'm right with you on the looks of the beast. It looks like a kid's toy. Looks are not usually that important to me but I simply cannot imagine having to face that in my garage every morning.

[thelikeablerider]

Totally agree with the menu structure regarding heated grips, but you do get used to it.

[springy-]

lean angle....auto blip..quickshift ...traction control ...tft....50, 000 times a second sorry i fell asleep again!!
heated grips now thats practical 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I'm going to have to stop commenting because you put so much effort in and i love your reviews but i guess i just dont like modern bikes ..😁peace and love brother☮❤
edit ...ha it's so modern it has a USB number plate...!!😉

[turbolaserwhack]

THE very best review! Real world observation and usage, Thanks!

[bwxmoto]

A lot of people hate the looks, I think it’s modern and very cool looking.