Always rated him tbh but I met him at a track day at Oulton a few years ago & he went up a level in my book. Very knowledgeable, not arrogant in any way & of course, an incredible rider
Neevsey is my favorite and I immediately watch anything with him in it. That said, it’s odd to hear him say this one bike not breaking down is proof KTM has turned things around. I really really want one of these or a 990R but I have 3 other bikes so I can afford to take my chances with the reliability.
Agree because "this" particular bike has given no issues, but 10 other bikes will have issues..lol...If the numbers were the other way around, I would be more inclined to actually buy one...
The last 8 years I have had two Super Duke GT 30,000 miles on the first one 20,000 miles and still adding more and no plans to change it yet on my present 21 plate everything from two up touring around Europe and track days they have been perfect bikes for me (I’m 63 years young 😁) and have been super reliable glad you have enjoyed the Super Duke Micheal great review. 👍👍👍😁
Had my 24 1390 r (non evo) for a month now and absolutely love the thing! Had a Tuono previously and was going to upgrade but thought I’d try the Duke, better pillion option was a big factor. Paying for the tech pack is a bit annoying and you can’t upload it when purchasing the bike, it has to be done at the first service after the run in period. Only issue I’ve had was the quick shifter not working but that was just a simple software fix at the dealer. KTM threw in the Akra slip on and a tail tidy for free and I definitely went with the extended warranty (4 years total) I’m 6ft1 and the thing that’s impressed me the most is how comfortable it is on long rides, planning my first long trip and getting my luggage setup asap
Let's hope KTM have the stamina to keep this trend going for another 10+ years. At least that's how long it'll take me personally to even consider setting foot in a KTM dealership again.
@@JDFIGHTER87 if you go onto the service section of the KTM website you have to add the VIN and delivery certificate number. This will then show you all the services, if serviced by a dealer and any recalls. Mines a 2020, one of the early ones. If yours is later it may not need the recall. If you’re not the first owner it’s possible the recall letters have gone to the original owner. Either way the website or a KTM dealer can let you know.
I went to the orange side from a Tuono and while the Aprilia was a great bike, never have I missed it. Since then had the Gen 3 SDR and now 1390 and there isn’t a bike out there that makes you smile and laugh as much, whether it’s a 15 commute to work, a fast road ride or a track day. Having test ridden the Gen 3 back to back with my Aprilia several times there was only one winner and the Aprilia had to go. It felt heavy, slower steering and didn’t really get going till above 6k. It doesn’t matter if I’m cruising at 30mph on my KTM it’s still so much fun just popping instant wheelies from 2k rpm and having instant power. The 1390 has moved the game on, it does everything so well now and even the fuel economy with the cam shift is incredible. I generally hate KTM looks but this 1390 is the first one I actually like the look of.
Incredibly in-depth analysis from touring to track, I’m seriously looking at another SDR having previously had a gen 2. Riding a KTM 1290 SAS at the moment and I have also had the issues with the C1 and C2 buttons, Thanks guys for taking the time to provide an excellent insight into the 1390 SDR, absolute gold for anyone thinking of buying one!
I'm on my second superduke R. Second hand obviously. Still to this day, my most expensive motorbike was a brand new Yamaha YZF 1000R Thunderace in '95 @ £9607. These 20K bikes are too expensive and usually an expensive way to find out they are not worth it. My gen 2 was stolen in Brighton this summer BEWARE OF BRIGHTON. I now dread the insurance this year for my gen 3, looking at 3K insurance. Previously 20+ years no claims. A fantastic professional review as always. Gonna have to ditch my SDR soon I suspect
I love my 1390. I've only had it a few months, but it has been trouble free so far. Best all around street bike I have owned in 42 years or street riding and dozens of motorcycles.
"Built down to a price" is a phrase I would not expect to hear in a review for KTM's flagship naked model and one that looks at £20,000 and smiles. And they want you to pay for the Tech Pack...
I paid foolishly to have track pack on my Gen 2 18 plate SDR. It was fantastic especially with a full Akro pipe system. However, the scroats at P and H Crawley also stole my tracker. I fou nd out 2 weeks later when I went under the seat to disconnect it, it was gone. P & H have also now gone, diddums
You're talking about a brand that puts features and then locks them just by placing a flag inside the firmware to disable them so that you have to pay extra to use something the bike already has
Love how that's the only thing that stuck and nothing about how amazing it is and how it's one of the highest mileage long termer tests ever done on this channel...
I'm so glad to hear both of you mentioned the occasional stalling... it happened to me few times on SMT and of course my first thought was please not camshaft issue
I had a gen2 1290SDR and really enjoyed riding it over 10,000 miles and 18 months, including touring to Europe to the Italian Lakes and Swiss mountain passes, until the electronic gremlins started to appear: Random and incorrect error messages on the dash and then temporarily refusing to start on several occasions. So after 18 months I moved it on because I could no longer trust it. Neevesy's experience on this latest bike feels strangely similar and so would still make me wary of buying another.
Great review by two great editors as always. I had a gen1 1290R special edition for one season. Too much bike for my riding skills and could never use it as a commuter as it couldn't keep a constant low rev. Had to be accelerating or deacclerating all the time or keep the revs above 6k. I tried fueling dongles and SAS delete with no success. Fun when rolling on the throttle but just not for me. The SE version was gorgeous.
I put 25,000 miles on gen3 1290 SDR. It was a phenomenal bike and I had very few reliability issues. I did many 1500 mile trips, and although comfortable lack of wind protection is an issue for long distance touring. I love their looks, especially with full Akra exhaust. Currently running 2024 MXR, but will probably get the new GT in a couple of years time
These reviews are top drawer - no waffle or click bait, just plain no punches, straight to the point moto journalism. Nice one lads. The switchgear 'niggle' would absolutely infuriate me. I owned a 2016 Superduke R special edition for four years. By far my favourite bike but it was a niggle too far when the rear brake light mount vibrated itself to pieces. Too many things to list that made me eventually sell the bike, a flawed masterpiece. Annoying on any bike, unforgivable on a bike that commanded a premium price tag.
Great insight. Thank you. Bit surprised about the separate function forks. In my opinion, these simply aren’t a setup that I’d be comfortable/pleased with. Mainly due to the potential major problems, safety concerns, if one leg fails. Especially worse with the inclusion of electronic active suspension. I’ll also go with fully manual adjustable suspension with each fork legs dialled in as your own riding style and end use instead of a computer making decisions on your behalf. Yes adjusting suspension can be an art, just one important aspect to learn how to support the why.
On the Bridgestone S23 I did a ride from Finland to Brno on my Duke 890R. A track day at Brno. Followed by the Cannonball Bike Run 2024. And then rode back home from Sunny Beach Bulgaria, going around Ukraine and Belarus, for obvious reasons. 9000 km on the S23 and it handled all that beautifully. For comparison did a similar trip year before on the same bike on M9RR and that tyre wore out much faster. That trip was Travemünde to Neukirhen Motorcycle Festival + Cannonball Bike run 2023 + ride home.
I’ve had 2 gen 2s 2 x gen 3 now have a gen 4 eco 1390 absolutely luv it looks, power ,comfort smile factor still has a the cutting out at pull away and the electrics going crazy on restart had been a factor spoke to dealer carnt find nothing wrong Still luv it done 2800miles looking forward to the 1490 👍🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣 great content gents
Bought the Orange and Black EVO and I love it! I’ve had GSXRs, R1s, and CBR1000RR’s and this Super Duke is just so much more fun to ride around. TORQUE FOR DAYS!!! Amazing bike! I have to say I am in the camp that likes the new headlight. I think the bike looks sexy. As for the warping of the number plate, I am in America so I don’t have that problem. One of my biggest complaints Is the fuel quantity sensor in the gas tank work like it should and has already been replaced by KTM once. I feel like KTM needs to re-engineer that system. More minor complaint is I don’t really care for the stock seat. After a good days worth of riding, the seat feels super soft, like memory foam that has compressed. I’m gonna have to get that redone or buy an aftermarket seat.
Love your work and really appreciate your reviews. I still find it quite astounding that the Tuono still ranks king in Neevesy opinion. Awesome and thanks.
Hopefully KTM will sort out their issues or perhaps have and their reliability will improve. I could have picked up a 1290 evo last year heavily discounted but opted for a ZH2SE instead mostly for the reliability issue (and supercharger of course).
KTMs reliability has been bad for like.. forever? I highly doubt they will fix anything. I had a 990 Super Duke and I've never had that many problems with a bike. Loved riding it, but it was always interesting if it could start and if I could get home on the bike or on a flatbed. :)
@@nero91 My 2012 RC8R (twin spark revision) is still alive after ten years of ownership and 25,000 miles. It's taken me to both ends of Britain in one day (6'5", 34" inside leg and no aches and pains), and it's previous owner said it took him to the Nurburgring and back. It's not been absolutely perfect - I've had a couple of minor electrical issues along the way - but neither has it been anything like the disaster that some portray. They are not bikes that suit someone who isn't prepared to do just a little bit of work themselves though and mine is from an era without all the bells and whistles that you find on current bikes. Fuel injection and that's yer lot. Mind you, it's a good job I'm prepared to do a couple of jobs here and there because my local KTM dealership's attitude has gone downhill faster than a gold winning Olympic bobsled team in recent years.
Once again the reference in long term review. The french journalists who call themselves journalists just because they seat on a motorcycle should take example on this great piece!!! Keep them coming and hopefully see you a track in Spain or Portugal over the winter!!!
Hey, there are a few good French journos, still, don't you think? The guys from "Le repère des motards", Mehdi from Motorlive, Axel Mellerin from "Moto Magazine", François Barrois (Trail magazine), and don't forget Steph Lacaze and Lolo Cochet. But yes, I started liking motorbikes with Bertrand (Fast) Seblieau, so... I get where you come from (I'm not starting a conversation, btw, I never come back to follow up on comments: too much mediocrity around, but just for you: vé, mec!)
@@fabiena1787 I should have been more precise in my statement. Repaire des motards and motor live are great publication and have great reviewers. And their reviews are not biased. Moto Magazine Those are the guys who should get trained by the UK reviewers.
Most reviewers aren't as big as MCN and don't get to keep bikes for many months or a whole year - usually my way is to totally ignore the glut of 'first ride' reviews that are organized by the manufacturer and get a smattering of opinions from some channels that I like and wait for the mcn long term review if it's available. Otherwise it's down to trawling the depths of forums for owner reviews.
Great review - I`ve got a 2019 gen 2 SDR owned from new, now with 27k mileage - it has never missed a beat - toured Europe, done track days on it - its the absolute dogs bollocks!!
I invested my cash in an 890 duke and was very disappointed, engine randomly dying, front brake pulsing, indicators going mad in wet weather, oil leak, water leak. Had to let it go and will definitely not be going anywhere near one again. Buyer beware
I had a 790 on a 70 plate had three screens replaced and now fourth one three batteries and just put a fourth on it before it goes back on a pcp.brake disc warp too rejected under warranty. Bike has never been of the road. Apart from that what a blast with quicksilver.
@flippy66 I have 55 k miles on my KTMs. We have mostly newer bikes that all get about 10 k a year which is a LOT of miles for this area. So about 120 k miles each year. Maybe you should stop guessing and try facts next time? I can tell by you Elon comment you are emotional with your decisions. Lol
@@sonny9608 I had a brand new 2021 1290 sas. Nothing but problems. Switch gear disintegrated in my hand, major issue with coolant leaking which took the dealer 3 attempts to fix and a massive argument. An indicator filled up with water after one rain shower. It left me stranded after a long ride with an electronics issue. Then the clutch began to fail after covering only 4k miles. My local dealer then went bust after 12 months leaving my nearest dealers 40 miles in either direction. When I'd had enough and came to sell it 14 months later (so it still had warranty left), 2 main dealers wouldn't even give me a price for it. I was not impressed at all. Couldn't stomach buying anything else from them after that experience so went to BMW instead. Customer service with BMW is in a different league but bikes aren't as exciting as KTMs models.
@sonny9608 I had a brand new 2021 1290 sas. Nothing but problems. Switch gear disintegrated in my hand, major issue with coolant leaking which took the dealer 3 attempts to fix and a massive argument. An indicator filled up with water after one rain shower. It left me stranded after a long ride with an electronics issue. Then the clutch began to fail after covering only 4k miles. My local dealer then went bust after 12 months leaving my nearest dealers 40 miles in either direction. When I'd had enough and came to sell it 14 months later (so it still had warranty left), 2 main dealers wouldn't even give me a price for it. I was not impressed at all. Couldn't stomach buying anything else from them after that experience so went to BMW instead. Customer service with BMW is in a different league but bikes aren't as exciting as KTMs models.
Great review, I am nearly finished running mine in. I know looks are subjective but in my opinion the 1390 looks so much better in the black, the Remus can in particular looks way better than the OEM and again suits the black model. To me the Tuono just looks bland. I do think the Streetfighter wins the looks competition in the bunch though. I have to say more than any other bike I have had -and there have been many, the 1390 gets a lot of attention and compliments just from people walking past it.
I have the 1290 Evo and I agree, the fact that u can have a R bike and then a GT with 15 min mods , it's something you can't say about the other brands. In fact I would prefer the SDR over the Adventure R after testing both .
A great long term review, a few weeks ago I traded in my 2022 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory for one of the last available 1290 Super Duke R with a very good deal including all electronic options and 4 years factory warranty. Personally I think the Tuono looks a lot better than the Super Duke but after 10 years of riding Aprilia I wanted something different. I hope the 4 years factory warranty means that KTM has confidence in the reliability of this machine.
If you want one, just wait for a year or so and see them half the price, and obliterate the resale value with no disregard to people that paid full price. And also dump on punters when it brakes down too the after sales are just as shocking as the reliabilty 😂
I've got the 1290 and still love it. I've had 2 minor issues. 1. The front right indicator doesn't have enough slack so over time the wire snapped. I had to solder in an extra 1.5 inches of play. 2. Mirrors came loose and needed to be loctited in. That's it. Don't see a need to get the 1390 tbh.
Great video. I look forward to the new GT. That is the one that I would like to own. Every bike has some crap things about them. I will look for your ducati long term reviews now and see what they have to say. Keep up the great work.
Awesome review! I love my 1290... I literally use it as a commuter and weekend hooligan machine. Funny, I have the same problem with the stalls particularly when it's cold. The only reason I would sell it is to get something more comfortable/less maniacal. I'm thinking that's probably gonna be a rocket 3 in a couple of years.
I’ve had 2 gen 2s 2 x gen 3 now have a gen 4 eco 1390 absolutely luv it looks, power ,comfort smile factor still has a the cutting out at pull away and the electrics going crazy on restart had been a factor spoke to dealer carnt find nothing wrong Still luv it done 2800miles looking forward to the 1490 👍🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hello Michael & Dan, great video's as always, thank you very much! Michael, you mentioned a group test with this bike in the beginning of this year. Unfortunately I have never seen it on RUclips. Still need to upload it or maybe forgot about it? Cheers!
Nice real world review. What was the fuel range tourning in the mountains? Because I chose the GT over the naked, because of the bigger tank and as I do mostly touring, that matters for me.
When you get a person with so much knowledge saying the bike is versatile,, what more do you want,, apart from the price,,my K6GSXR 1000 just have to do me 😁😁😁☘️☘️ from northern Ireland,, great videos
I own a Super Duke GT 1290 . I always tell my buddies if you don't like the way it looks give me a minute and all you'll see are the tail lights. Only problem I've ever had was the high/low beam switch. By the way...
Neevesy, nice long time review. Do you think 1390 is better than the 1290 sdk r? I have the gt and hypermotard 950sp, and I am considering seriously sell both and buy the 1390 r
I have a 2019 SDR 2nd gen and I am very interested in the 4th gen 2024 SDR 1390. I am very curious to know if I should buy this new version of the bike as well. This video is very helpful. Thank you.
Recommend fitting race torx throttle spacer kit. I kept stalling my gen 3 1290 until i did. There's too much travel/slop as std, same on the 1390 i noticed.
single side dampers aren't necessarily a cost cutting measure. it's mostly weight saving measure on high performance machines. There are other obvious benefits as well that aren't "cost cutting", like running cots, ease of maintenance, ease of tuning, ect.. It's been around as long as telescopic forks have been and it's been in every major brand of bike at some point. KTM has lots of bikes in history with single side dampers, including fairly recent MX bikes.
Excellent work, Gentlemen ! 😎👍 I'm not looking to buy one of these Mega $ cycles but l like to stay informed about all the options Out there, affordable or not.
They say that after around 40,000 or 50,000 miles the engine needs to either be rebuilt or have a new one installed because it's not meant for long term durability. Whereas the Triumph Rocket 3R can go 100,000 miles and then some more. Hell, even the hayabusa can hit 100,000 miles...lol....Also Rocket 3R has a 24 month warranty & 'UNLIMITED MILES' as part of their warranty with another 2 years of warranty extension(4 years altogether) which also has UNLIMITED MILES; whereas KTM R version ONLY have 12,000 mile in a year or 12 months warranty, whichever one comes first ! Sucks..if you ask me....why not at least give a 3 year warranty with a 36,000 mile warranty instead?...things that make you go hmmmmm.......
15k miles is when a valve clearance inspection would be required? Also, what kind of range on tour? Was it using about the same amount of fuel as the S1000XR in your group?
Appreciate everythink Neevesy says but....... I would/am still going to get H2 SX. 20 grand on a ungly bike which is "built to a price" is completely unacceptable. The H2 SX espeicially in black is absolute beauty and I know it is built like a tank.
Wow Some miles was that in works time , looks like they sorted the clutch slave cylinder problem out . I bought the last MCN gen3 long term ,The slave cylinder failed over time again after i had it replaced under warranty just went the same way. Again . so I bought a Origen been fine ever since. I like the KTM panniers design the aftermarket need extra bit of bars .
I REALLY like the package... but I have a 701 Enduro and so have had to deal with KTM reliability (not stellar)... but even more than that I've had to deal with KTM trying to dodge providing support for issues that are CLEARLY manufacturer related. On a $12,000 USD bike it's annoying but I love the bike and so I suck it up. On a nearly $30,000 bike (where it'd be by the time I had all the bits I want) I'd be REALLLLY annoyed if they played the same games. I've had Ducati's and with them I've NEVER had them try to dodge warranty repairs... so my inclination is to go for the Streetfighter (or the M1000R/XR though I've not got experience with BMW bikes) but the 1390 is really more in my design sweet spot (I like twin's, I like luggage). Torn.
The problem I think KTM has it that people get properly disappointed with their lower end bikes, which means that they don't progress to these models. I can't remember when was the last time I saw one of these out on the road...
Thing is KTM dealerships tend to be a bit second tier say compared to the Japanese and BMW. They need to up their game. My 890 Avnt R needed a new battery only 18 months old and not under warranty I was told.😢 Original was a cheap Chinese branded thing. Retained value is pretty poor in my experience too. Thanks for the video. Looks like you had fun.
My local (15 miles away) used to be superb. Never used a main dealer before and came away feeling very satisfied with the service. Unfortunately in recent times their attitude has nosedived as their labour charges have skyrocketed. My next bike will not be a KTM because I want absolutely nothing to do with the dealership or their workshop.
![Twenty One Pilots - The Line (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCz7WUotXs8/mqdefault.jpg)
Anything with Neevesy is worth listening to/watching, this was no exception 👍🏻
Always rated him tbh but I met him at a track day at Oulton a few years ago & he went up a level in my book. Very knowledgeable, not arrogant in any way & of course, an incredible rider
I always say when Neeves speak, I listen..
100% I can't watch MCN without Neevesy.
Neevsey knows his stuff
Neevsey is my favorite and I immediately watch anything with him in it. That said, it’s odd to hear him say this one bike not breaking down is proof KTM has turned things around. I really really want one of these or a 990R but I have 3 other bikes so I can afford to take my chances with the reliability.
Agree because "this" particular bike has given no issues, but 10 other bikes will have issues..lol...If the numbers were the other way around, I would be more inclined to actually buy one...
The last 8 years I have had two Super Duke GT 30,000 miles on the first one 20,000 miles and still adding more and no plans to change it yet on my present 21 plate everything from two up touring around Europe and track days they have been perfect bikes for me (I’m 63 years young 😁) and have been super reliable glad you have enjoyed the Super Duke Micheal great review. 👍👍👍😁
Well done brother, I am a veritable spring chicken at 59 on my second 1290 SDR
@@ninja12lawbreaker iam 61 and on my third superduke love em, sorry to trump you sir
@@julesaskham9182 what I'm hearing here is that it's a bike for rich old farts
@@jsleeionot really I’m a builder who’s worked since he was 16 years old and still working I got a good deal you must of missed the young bit 😊 👍👍
😂
Had my 24 1390 r (non evo) for a month now and absolutely love the thing! Had a Tuono previously and was going to upgrade but thought I’d try the Duke, better pillion option was a big factor. Paying for the tech pack is a bit annoying and you can’t upload it when purchasing the bike, it has to be done at the first service after the run in period. Only issue I’ve had was the quick shifter not working but that was just a simple software fix at the dealer.
KTM threw in the Akra slip on and a tail tidy for free and I definitely went with the extended warranty (4 years total)
I’m 6ft1 and the thing that’s impressed me the most is how comfortable it is on long rides, planning my first long trip and getting my luggage setup asap
Let's hope KTM have the stamina to keep this trend going for another 10+ years. At least that's how long it'll take me personally to even consider setting foot in a KTM dealership again.
So you looking forward to the Super Duke 1790 then?
I had a brand new 1390R. Problem after problem with electronics. Gave up after 6 months and bought a new Speed Triple 1200RS
Waht electronoics problems did you have. I havc MTC error on my 1290 atm. Disapiers after a while... Maybe i will switch to the new speedy.
You're far from the only one.
@@JDFIGHTER87Have you had the exhaust cables recall done. This was usually the issue with MTC errors.
@@Robbiemoto Nope. Will ask the dealer about it. On my last ride, i had no problems. Cheers.
@@JDFIGHTER87 if you go onto the service section of the KTM website you have to add the VIN and delivery certificate number.
This will then show you all the services, if serviced by a dealer and any recalls.
Mines a 2020, one of the early ones. If yours is later it may not need the recall.
If you’re not the first owner it’s possible the recall letters
have gone to the original owner.
Either way the website or a KTM dealer can let you know.
Driving a naked style bike around the world like it's a common adventure bike takes some courage! My hat's off to you for that accomplishment 🫡
I went to the orange side from a Tuono and while the Aprilia was a great bike, never have I missed it. Since then had the Gen 3 SDR and now 1390 and there isn’t a bike out there that makes you smile and laugh as much, whether it’s a 15 commute to work, a fast road ride or a track day. Having test ridden the Gen 3 back to back with my Aprilia several times there was only one winner and the Aprilia had to go. It felt heavy, slower steering and didn’t really get going till above 6k. It doesn’t matter if I’m cruising at 30mph on my KTM it’s still so much fun just popping instant wheelies from 2k rpm and having instant power. The 1390 has moved the game on, it does everything so well now and even the fuel economy with the cam shift is incredible. I generally hate KTM looks but this 1390 is the first one I actually like the look of.
I crack a smile every single time I ride my 1290s out of the garage. Cheers!
It is the highest mileage bike however it has had 5 new engines, 3 new headlights, 2 new sets of brakes and this KTM is also nicknamed Triggers broom
15k miles is a proper test. Neevesy is a weapon
Incredibly in-depth analysis from touring to track, I’m seriously looking at another SDR having previously had a gen 2. Riding a KTM 1290 SAS at the moment and I have also had the issues with the C1 and C2 buttons, Thanks guys for taking the time to provide an excellent insight into the 1390 SDR, absolute gold for anyone thinking of buying one!
I'm on my second superduke R. Second hand obviously. Still to this day, my most expensive motorbike was a brand new Yamaha YZF 1000R Thunderace in '95 @ £9607. These 20K bikes are too expensive and usually an expensive way to find out they are not worth it. My gen 2 was stolen in Brighton this summer BEWARE OF BRIGHTON. I now dread the insurance this year for my gen 3, looking at 3K insurance. Previously 20+ years no claims. A fantastic professional review as always. Gonna have to ditch my SDR soon I suspect
I love my 1390. I've only had it a few months, but it has been trouble free so far. Best all around street bike I have owned in 42 years or street riding and dozens of motorcycles.
@@leanit5756 Just bought one after owning a string of inline Jap 4s. It’s freaking awesome.
"Built down to a price" is a phrase I would not expect to hear in a review for KTM's flagship naked model and one that looks at £20,000 and smiles. And they want you to pay for the Tech Pack...
Scammers
Every production bike has suspension that’s built down to a price.
I paid foolishly to have track pack on my Gen 2 18 plate SDR. It was fantastic especially with a full Akro pipe system. However, the scroats at P and H Crawley also stole my tracker. I fou nd out 2 weeks later when I went under the seat to disconnect it, it was gone. P & H have also now gone, diddums
You're talking about a brand that puts features and then locks them just by placing a flag inside the firmware to disable them so that you have to pay extra to use something the bike already has
Love how that's the only thing that stuck and nothing about how amazing it is and how it's one of the highest mileage long termer tests ever done on this channel...
I'm so glad to hear both of you mentioned the occasional stalling... it happened to me few times on SMT and of course my first thought was please not camshaft issue
Loved this assessment 👏 so good to see you two together in a vid 😊
I had a gen2 1290SDR and really enjoyed riding it over 10,000 miles and 18 months, including touring to Europe to the Italian Lakes and Swiss mountain passes, until the electronic gremlins started to appear: Random and incorrect error messages on the dash and then temporarily refusing to start on several occasions. So after 18 months I moved it on because I could no longer trust it. Neevesy's experience on this latest bike feels strangely similar and so would still make me wary of buying another.
Great review by two great editors as always. I had a gen1 1290R special edition for one season. Too much bike for my riding skills and could never use it as a commuter as it couldn't keep a constant low rev. Had to be accelerating or deacclerating all the time or keep the revs above 6k. I tried fueling dongles and SAS delete with no success. Fun when rolling on the throttle but just not for me. The SE version was gorgeous.
I put 25,000 miles on gen3 1290 SDR. It was a phenomenal bike and I had very few reliability issues. I did many 1500 mile trips, and although comfortable lack of wind protection is an issue for long distance touring. I love their looks, especially with full Akra exhaust. Currently running 2024 MXR, but will probably get the new GT in a couple of years time
Superb. MN's typically candid/transparent yet polite/diplomatic. Thanks for this, guys
Brilliant!
I especially enjoyed the tyre choices and why.
Makes me want to buy one.
Thank you for this in-depth review.
They will happily run on a 190/55 tyre too.
Great presentation! These are better all-rounders than you'd think! Appreciated the commentary around tires. Cheers.
These reviews are top drawer - no waffle or click bait, just plain no punches, straight to the point moto journalism. Nice one lads. The switchgear 'niggle' would absolutely infuriate me. I owned a 2016 Superduke R special edition for four years. By far my favourite bike but it was a niggle too far when the rear brake light mount vibrated itself to pieces. Too many things to list that made me eventually sell the bike, a flawed masterpiece. Annoying on any bike, unforgivable on a bike that commanded a premium price tag.
Great insight. Thank you. Bit surprised about the separate function forks. In my opinion, these simply aren’t a setup that I’d be comfortable/pleased with. Mainly due to the potential major problems, safety concerns, if one leg fails. Especially worse with the inclusion of electronic active suspension. I’ll also go with fully manual adjustable suspension with each fork legs dialled in as your own riding style and end use instead of a computer making decisions on your behalf. Yes adjusting suspension can be an art, just one important aspect to learn how to support the why.
Awesome video! I love these. I owned a KTM 1090 and it was completely reliable. Engine heat and seat height were the deal breakers. Best!
On the Bridgestone S23 I did a ride from Finland to Brno on my Duke 890R.
A track day at Brno.
Followed by the Cannonball Bike Run 2024.
And then rode back home from Sunny Beach Bulgaria, going around Ukraine and Belarus, for obvious reasons.
9000 km on the S23 and it handled all that beautifully.
For comparison did a similar trip year before on the same bike on M9RR and that tyre wore out much faster.
That trip was Travemünde to Neukirhen Motorcycle Festival + Cannonball Bike run 2023 + ride home.
Thats good mileage out of a s23
@@frankeichhorn7979the s23’s are amazing.
Love my 1290GT, 10K no issues. I've had them all and it's the most fun and plenty comfortable too for my old arse.
I’ve had 2 gen 2s 2 x gen 3 now have a gen 4 eco 1390 absolutely luv it looks, power ,comfort smile factor still has a the cutting out at pull away and the electrics going crazy on restart had been a factor spoke to dealer carnt find nothing wrong
Still luv it done 2800miles looking forward to the 1490 👍🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣 great content gents
Just curious what is your job to afford so many Super Dukes? I can only dream...
I really appreciate these long term reviews! I ride a 2018 1290 and I was quite surprised by how good a touring bike it is!
Bought the Orange and Black EVO and I love it! I’ve had GSXRs, R1s, and CBR1000RR’s and this Super Duke is just so much more fun to ride around. TORQUE FOR DAYS!!!
Amazing bike!
I have to say I am in the camp that likes the new headlight. I think the bike looks sexy.
As for the warping of the number plate, I am in America so I don’t have that problem.
One of my biggest complaints Is the fuel quantity sensor in the gas tank work like it should and has already been replaced by KTM once. I feel like KTM needs to re-engineer that system. More minor complaint is I don’t really care for the stock seat. After a good days worth of riding, the seat feels super soft, like memory foam that has compressed. I’m gonna have to get that redone or buy an aftermarket seat.
Love your work and really appreciate your reviews. I still find it quite astounding that the Tuono still ranks king in Neevesy opinion. Awesome and thanks.
Hopefully KTM will sort out their issues or perhaps have and their reliability will improve. I could have picked up a 1290 evo last year heavily discounted but opted for a ZH2SE instead mostly for the reliability issue (and supercharger of course).
KTMs reliability has been bad for like.. forever? I highly doubt they will fix anything.
I had a 990 Super Duke and I've never had that many problems with a bike. Loved riding it, but it was always interesting if it could start and if I could get home on the bike or on a flatbed. :)
The big KTMs have very little problems. Mine has 25000km done, 0 Issues. My mechanic has a GT with 50000 and no major issues either
@@nero91
My 2012 RC8R (twin spark revision) is still alive after ten years of ownership and 25,000 miles.
It's taken me to both ends of Britain in one day (6'5", 34" inside leg and no aches and pains), and it's previous owner said it took him to the Nurburgring and back.
It's not been absolutely perfect - I've had a couple of minor electrical issues along the way - but neither has it been anything like the disaster that some portray.
They are not bikes that suit someone who isn't prepared to do just a little bit of work themselves though and mine is from an era without all the bells and whistles that you find on current bikes.
Fuel injection and that's yer lot.
Mind you, it's a good job I'm prepared to do a couple of jobs here and there because my local KTM dealership's attitude has gone downhill faster than a gold winning Olympic bobsled team in recent years.
Once again the reference in long term review. The french journalists who call themselves journalists just because they seat on a motorcycle should take example on this great piece!!! Keep them coming and hopefully see you a track in Spain or Portugal over the winter!!!
Hey, there are a few good French journos, still, don't you think? The guys from "Le repère des motards", Mehdi from Motorlive, Axel Mellerin from "Moto Magazine", François Barrois (Trail magazine), and don't forget Steph Lacaze and Lolo Cochet. But yes, I started liking motorbikes with Bertrand (Fast) Seblieau, so... I get where you come from (I'm not starting a conversation, btw, I never come back to follow up on comments: too much mediocrity around, but just for you: vé, mec!)
@@fabiena1787 I should have been more precise in my statement. Repaire des motards and motor live are great publication and have great reviewers. And their reviews are not biased. Moto Magazine Those are the guys who should get trained by the UK reviewers.
Most reviewers aren't as big as MCN and don't get to keep bikes for many months or a whole year - usually my way is to totally ignore the glut of 'first ride' reviews that are organized by the manufacturer and get a smattering of opinions from some channels that I like and wait for the mcn long term review if it's available.
Otherwise it's down to trawling the depths of forums for owner reviews.
Great review - I`ve got a 2019 gen 2 SDR owned from new, now with 27k mileage - it has never missed a beat - toured Europe, done track days on it - its the absolute dogs bollocks!!
Thanks for the video Michael, Can I recommend playing this back at x1.5 speed, not to save time but just to listen to your colleague!
I invested my cash in an 890 duke and was very disappointed, engine randomly dying, front brake pulsing, indicators going mad in wet weather, oil leak, water leak. Had to let it go and will definitely not be going anywhere near one again. Buyer beware
4 ktms without a single issue. 12 KTMs between my friends and I, no issues. I read these things and just don’t believe them.
I had a 790 on a 70 plate had three screens replaced and now fourth one three batteries and just put a fourth on it before it goes back on a pcp.brake disc warp too rejected under warranty. Bike has never been of the road.
Apart from that what a blast with quicksilver.
@flippy66 I have 55 k miles on my KTMs. We have mostly newer bikes that all get about 10 k a year which is a LOT of miles for this area. So about 120 k miles each year. Maybe you should stop guessing and try facts next time? I can tell by you Elon comment you are emotional with your decisions. Lol
@@sonny9608
I had a brand new 2021 1290 sas. Nothing but problems.
Switch gear disintegrated in my hand, major issue with coolant leaking which took the dealer 3 attempts to fix and a massive argument. An indicator filled up with water after one rain shower. It left me stranded after a long ride with an electronics issue.
Then the clutch began to fail after covering only 4k miles.
My local dealer then went bust after 12 months leaving my nearest dealers 40 miles in either direction.
When I'd had enough and came to sell it 14 months later (so it still had warranty left), 2 main dealers wouldn't even give me a price for it. I was not impressed at all.
Couldn't stomach buying anything else from them after that experience so went to BMW instead. Customer service with BMW is in a different league but bikes aren't as exciting as KTMs models.
@sonny9608
I had a brand new 2021 1290 sas. Nothing but problems.
Switch gear disintegrated in my hand, major issue with coolant leaking which took the dealer 3 attempts to fix and a massive argument. An indicator filled up with water after one rain shower. It left me stranded after a long ride with an electronics issue.
Then the clutch began to fail after covering only 4k miles.
My local dealer then went bust after 12 months leaving my nearest dealers 40 miles in either direction.
When I'd had enough and came to sell it 14 months later (so it still had warranty left), 2 main dealers wouldn't even give me a price for it. I was not impressed at all.
Couldn't stomach buying anything else from them after that experience so went to BMW instead. Customer service with BMW is in a different league but bikes aren't as exciting as KTMs models.
Great review, I am nearly finished running mine in. I know looks are subjective but in my opinion the 1390 looks so much better in the black, the Remus can in particular looks way better than the OEM and again suits the black model. To me the Tuono just looks bland. I do think the Streetfighter wins the looks competition in the bunch though. I have to say more than any other bike I have had -and there have been many, the 1390 gets a lot of attention and compliments just from people walking past it.
I have the 1290 Evo and I agree, the fact that u can have a R bike and then a GT with 15 min mods , it's something you can't say about the other brands. In fact I would prefer the SDR over the Adventure R after testing both .
Mods such as?
A great long term review, a few weeks ago I traded in my 2022 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory for one of the last available 1290 Super Duke R with a very good deal including all electronic options and 4 years factory warranty. Personally I think the Tuono looks a lot better than the Super Duke but after 10 years of riding Aprilia I wanted something different. I hope the 4 years factory warranty means that KTM has confidence in the reliability of this machine.
Love the cable tie holding the brake fluid reservoir on at 26:54.... Proper factory! maybe you need to pay extra for a real bracket 🙂
😅
Death, taxes, and Neevsy saying the Tuono is best. 😂
the sound itself is enough
Tuono is life 😅
If you want one, just wait for a year or so and see them half the price, and obliterate the resale value with no disregard to people that paid full price. And also dump on punters when it brakes down too the after sales are just as shocking as the reliabilty 😂
I've got the 1290 and still love it. I've had 2 minor issues.
1. The front right indicator doesn't have enough slack so over time the wire snapped. I had to solder in an extra 1.5 inches of play.
2. Mirrors came loose and needed to be loctited in.
That's it. Don't see a need to get the 1390 tbh.
Like he said , it's in the eyes of the beholder because my SDR3 is beautiful 🤩
Great video. I look forward to the new GT. That is the one that I would like to own. Every bike has some crap things about them. I will look for your ducati long term reviews now and see what they have to say. Keep up the great work.
Great review. It would be great to see blind spot indicators on the new 1390 gt with adaptive cruise.
Will have to wait and see !👍👍
Awesome review! I love my 1290... I literally use it as a commuter and weekend hooligan machine. Funny, I have the same problem with the stalls particularly when it's cold. The only reason I would sell it is to get something more comfortable/less maniacal. I'm thinking that's probably gonna be a rocket 3 in a couple of years.
Have you fitted the racetorx throttle spacer kit yet?
I’ve had 2 gen 2s 2 x gen 3 now have a gen 4 eco 1390 absolutely luv it looks, power ,comfort smile factor still has a the cutting out at pull away and the electrics going crazy on restart had been a factor spoke to dealer carnt find nothing wrong
Still luv it done 2800miles looking forward to the 1490 👍🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣
It looks awesome! I like the comfort and windscreen but still looks like a fast bike.
Great review love these vids.
After review I think I would buy Tuono❤
I love how the bike looks with the SWmotech pannier rack and windscreen, really almost a "pocket" 1390 GT
I enjoyed the sense of humour as much as the info.
Hello Michael & Dan, great video's as always, thank you very much! Michael, you mentioned a group test with this bike in the beginning of this year. Unfortunately I have never seen it on RUclips. Still need to upload it or maybe forgot about it? Cheers!
Great engine character but there are problems. I owed the 1290 gen 2 & 3, I wouldn't get another. Brilliantly detailed review 👌
Watching this while my 1290 SDR has been in the shop for almost 2 months from backordered parts. I need my orange bike back for Halloween!
Great review, thanks for making it.
Totally agree about the info and size of the dash does need to be bigger and a little taller so you’re not looking down so far.
Got the 2024 blue Duke390 with all the powerparts, I love kTm😁.
Nice real world review. What was the fuel range tourning in the mountains?
Because I chose the GT over the naked, because of the bigger tank and as I do mostly touring, that matters for me.
160-170 ish…
When you get a person with so much knowledge saying the bike is versatile,, what more do you want,, apart from the price,,my K6GSXR 1000 just have to do me 😁😁😁☘️☘️ from northern Ireland,, great videos
5 sets of tyres in 5 months. It's not the PCP repayments you need to worry about 😂
Neevesy is the Godfather…❤
I own a Super Duke GT 1290 . I always tell my buddies if you don't like the way it looks give me a minute and all you'll see are the tail lights. Only problem I've ever had was the high/low beam switch. By the way...
How can this man do 160km EACH and EVERY DAY!!!! For 5 months.....? 🤔 He's Superman!
Great review as usual from Neevsey and co love the bike, but as you said 20k is well out of most peoples reach… 👍
.....and now it's worth £14.62 !
sounds like a steal to me.
😂
Can we do £10😂
How much is that on pcp mate
Not looking for a quick sale then. Good luck holding out for the £14.62.
I love mine and like the looks way more than the 1290....considering the seat after that level of positivity
I put a little over 10K miles on a Honda Grom in just over 4 months 😂 Still runs like new with zero problems other than replacing the battery..🤙😎
Great video, second hand prices are decent on these too.
I’ve had nothing but issues with every KTM I’ve owned. That being said when they were running they were my favorite bikes..
I would love to hear the feedback after a multiday ride with the XR and the Pikes Peak.
Neevesy, nice long time review. Do you think 1390 is better than the 1290 sdk r? I have the gt and hypermotard 950sp, and I am considering seriously sell both and buy the 1390 r
I have a 2019 SDR 2nd gen and I am very interested in the 4th gen 2024 SDR 1390. I am very curious to know if I should buy this new version of the bike as well. This video is very helpful. Thank you.
Recommend fitting race torx throttle spacer kit. I kept stalling my gen 3 1290 until i did. There's too much travel/slop as std, same on the 1390 i noticed.
Fantastic critical review.
single side dampers aren't necessarily a cost cutting measure. it's mostly weight saving measure on high performance machines. There are other obvious benefits as well that aren't "cost cutting", like running cots, ease of maintenance, ease of tuning, ect.. It's been around as long as telescopic forks have been and it's been in every major brand of bike at some point. KTM has lots of bikes in history with single side dampers, including fairly recent MX bikes.
Actually really started to like new KTM Duke design 990, 1390. As usual great to hear wise words from legend itself Neevesy🤟😍
Nevesey is the grandad we all aspire to be one day!
Personally, with your own money, this or the MT10....like for like, ie. Maintenance, reliability, fun factor?
KTM...if I had the money.
Great thanks! Very informative video.
Excellent work, Gentlemen ! 😎👍
I'm not looking to buy one of these Mega $ cycles but l like to stay informed about all the options Out there, affordable or not.
do you have the link of the accessories installed ? bags + wind diffuser ? greetings and kisses.
Neeves is such a legend
They say that after around 40,000 or 50,000 miles the engine needs to either be rebuilt or have a new one installed because it's not meant for long term durability. Whereas the Triumph Rocket 3R can go 100,000 miles and then some more. Hell, even the hayabusa can hit 100,000 miles...lol....Also Rocket 3R has a 24 month warranty & 'UNLIMITED MILES' as part of their warranty with another 2 years of warranty extension(4 years altogether) which also has UNLIMITED MILES; whereas KTM R version ONLY have 12,000 mile in a year or 12 months warranty, whichever one comes first ! Sucks..if you ask me....why not at least give a 3 year warranty with a 36,000 mile warranty instead?...things that make you go hmmmmm.......
Who says?
They also said bikes are dangerous and you should not ride one.
Awesome review 👌🏻
15k miles is when a valve clearance inspection would be required? Also, what kind of range on tour? Was it using about the same amount of fuel as the S1000XR in your group?
37200 miles on gen4 for valve check
Appreciate everythink Neevesy says but....... I would/am still going to get H2 SX. 20 grand on a ungly bike which is "built to a price" is completely unacceptable. The H2 SX espeicially in black is absolute beauty and I know it is built like a tank.
I would like to see a comparison of two models. Say, the MT 09 auto and the MT 09 manual on the track. See which one is better. Best!
Any time travelers form the future? if so, how good is the Duke 1890?
Wow Some miles was that in works time , looks like they sorted the clutch slave cylinder problem out . I bought the last MCN gen3 long term ,The slave cylinder failed over time again after i had it replaced under warranty just went the same way. Again . so I bought a Origen been fine ever since. I like the KTM panniers design the aftermarket need extra bit of bars .
I REALLY like the package... but I have a 701 Enduro and so have had to deal with KTM reliability (not stellar)... but even more than that I've had to deal with KTM trying to dodge providing support for issues that are CLEARLY manufacturer related. On a $12,000 USD bike it's annoying but I love the bike and so I suck it up. On a nearly $30,000 bike (where it'd be by the time I had all the bits I want) I'd be REALLLLY annoyed if they played the same games. I've had Ducati's and with them I've NEVER had them try to dodge warranty repairs... so my inclination is to go for the Streetfighter (or the M1000R/XR though I've not got experience with BMW bikes) but the 1390 is really more in my design sweet spot (I like twin's, I like luggage).
Torn.
Where can I find the super naked Group Test?
There's no video. You can find the written test on the MCN app.
Huh? Where’s the link to the MCN supernakeds group test 2024??
Yea trying to figure out the same thing :/
It’s available in print on the MCN app 👍
@@neevesybikes thank you very mucho! And thanks for the review :)
The problem I think KTM has it that people get properly disappointed with their lower end bikes, which means that they don't progress to these models. I can't remember when was the last time I saw one of these out on the road...
Thing is KTM dealerships tend to be a bit second tier say compared to the Japanese and BMW. They need to up their game. My 890 Avnt R needed a new battery only 18 months old and not under warranty I was told.😢 Original was a cheap Chinese branded thing. Retained value is pretty poor in my experience too. Thanks for the video. Looks like you had fun.
My local (15 miles away) used to be superb.
Never used a main dealer before and came away feeling very satisfied with the service.
Unfortunately in recent times their attitude has nosedived as their labour charges have skyrocketed.
My next bike will not be a KTM because I want absolutely nothing to do with the dealership or their workshop.
I like the looks of it
Which color is accurate in real life, the interview shot or all the in between shots?
The non interview pics are more accurate. It’s a hard orange
I guess stalling is from the Cat converter, it makes many bikes stall terribly when cold!
My gen 2 ate a timing chain at 51000 miles... 30+ trackdays..... I'll buy another ktm soon