I don't remember when I genuinely enjoyed a motorcycle review this much even though I am not remotely interested. Amazing narration and good production mate. Felt like listening to a friend.
Chris, your skills far eclipse your ego, an extremely rare quality and the hallmark of a fine motorcycle journalist. You and Neevesy are my guys! Chilled, informed, skilled and understand what actually matters to us riders. Keep it up sir.
Now I know why the KTM logo on the front side fairing (0:38) is angled! Perfectly level during a good power wheelie. 😅👍 Now, about that new "Alien meets Predator" headlight array. 😱
You are my favorite bike reviewer/journalist because you seem to focus on how the bike makes you feel from a visceral standpoint and characteristics that might irritate me, not long-winded data that’s in a brochure. Relatable, educational, entertaining & professional.
@@therealquaid1694 I smile because I never had to go to the dealer for any major maintenance and I have a 2015 1290 Superduke and it is much more fun and raw than your Yamaha.
@therealquaid1694 mt09 brend new I had weak brakes.. front turn signals falling all the time got ticket for that and electric problems and clutch so maybe it's just me lol
If I land this new job next week, I'm going to buy a 2023 Super Duke R Evo that's been sitting on the showroom floor for 450 days - it's a good discount and the raise would cover the bike!!!
my speed triples been gathering dust since i got an smcr690 ... motor makes a racket , clunky transmission , bolts vibrating off ! wouldn't trade it for anything , ridiculous fun !!
I never could find words for why I love my 1290 so much compared to all my previous "civilized" bikes. You nailed it. I was more comfortable on my FJR, put down better track day lap times on my R1, and probably looked better on many others..... But I still haven't figured out how to wipe the grin off my face after jumping on the 1290. Because it's a little bit stupid. Pointless. And mad fun.
When KTM offers factory extended warranties like the Japanese I will trust them. I've bought 9 new KTMs. The last one I bought (EXC-F) had no nut holding the starter wire to the starter motor. The ring terminal was just set on there. No way it fell off as it is a nylok nut and the rubber boot was still pulled back out of the way for installation. This is the kind of thing to expect with KTM. At least this time the issue was cheap and easy to fix. As fun as their bikes are, QC is not their thing.
I freaking love my 890 SMT. I realize the Dukes may be better for many riders, but there is nothing like wheeling and skidding around a “touring bike in disguise” with luggage 😂.
@@mikes.8305 Yea its 990 smt and 1390 / 1490 smt . Finally smt are making a comeback.. I'm thinking in buying the smt 890 but I'm afraid of the 890 cam problem, i heard they fixed it in the 2024 versions but I'm unsure if i buy the 890 smt 2024 or wait for the 990 smt. XD
I owned lots of bikes, including brands like, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Harley Davidson and KTM. I recently returned to KTM and Duke family, since no bike gave me so much fun while driving. I am not saying that they are the best bikes in the world, but for my taste they are :) Never had more issues with them then with other brands, and my dealer is great and helpful. I do not even worry about camshafts and all the fuss around that. 48 years old now, driving for a long time and I just love KTM and what they did to motorcycle world. As usual from Chris, awesome video, really excellent job mate.
You have a talent in making these video's very entertaining, by your comments and your riding. Not interested in ktm's these days anymore, something with reliability and I really don't like the new designs... But I couldn't resist watching this video as you always make a lot of fun on any bike. Keep up the great work mate !
Their reliability issues are boring. As fun as they are, probably the most fun motorcycles out but it’s no fun being stuck in a garage waiting for the dealership to source parts or workshop time
@@bullgrim I don't see electric vehicles broke down on the side of the road or held up in service centers waiting for parts/valve checks/oil changes...
Thank you, Chris, for highlighting the value in learning stunts! It demands motorcycle control as much as any bike discipline. Speaking positively, or at all about the sport will help with the sideshow stigma we have stateside. Cheers
I had a Gen 1 Superduke R for 2 years and it was the most enjoyable bike I've ever owned in forty years of riding, when it was working.......... Sadly, I'd never buy another.
Unfortunately this is the experience of many KTM owners ... myself included .... awesome when they work - but all too often they don't work as they should. I had to raise almost a dozen warranty claims on my 2019 790 Duke in the first 2 years. It didn't even make the first ride home from the dealership, brand spanking new, without developing an oil leak (that took 3 claims to finally get fixed). As soon as finances allowed I chopped it in and defected back to japanese bikes again ... and peace of mind was reinstated 😉 Sure, my Honda might not be as exciting to ride as the KTM was ... but the Honda works really really well and has completely relieved the "is it going to fail massively??" anxiety that KTM ownership brought. I can be pretty confident that the Honda wont eat it's own cams ... the KTM was 50/50 on that one at best .. such a shame .. 😟
@@MotoGoato It is sad though that you've had to go through all of this and KTM doesn't seemingly care about your experience. It's not unsurprising then that where I live on the south coast 3, different dealerships have taken on and then lost KTM franchises in the last 6 years. 2 of those dealerships have also gone out of business. A fourth dealership has, in my opinion unwisely, now taken on the south coast's KTM dealership. Sadly, I think it's only a matter of time before they too close-up shop, or, end up taking a massive financial hit.
same experience with a gen 1 2015 super duke. Best bike I ride, but the problems really put me of from buying another. I do feel gutted, because I really loved it and the way it handled, but I simply don't trust KTM ability to build a reliable machine. The newer generation also seem to be plagued with problems...
@@futre83 Yeah I had a 2014 Superduke 1290. There was some kind of recall on the fuel tank and once I had that replaced the bike never ran properly again. In less than a year I had to have the fuel pump replaced and it wasn't covered under warranty. Super fun bike but I won't buy another one either.
Love my 390. I ride it almost every day to work. Some days I take the highway and the 390 holds its own and 55-60mph. Some days I take the twisty back road 45mph tops but the Duke makes me feel like I'm taking the lead at the Isle of Man TT. I have a blast at normal saine speeds. To me, that's the whole point of riding.
I just test rode the 990 today. Initial thoughts, bike was very light and agile, almost felt like a toy. I had it originally in Street mode but quickly went up to Performance mode and I still felt it lacked jam. It seemed more quick than powerful and I'm only coming from a GSXR 600. Perhaps I needed it in Track mode but I only had 30 min with it. The Quicksfiter produced a whole bunch of false neutrals for me even in the 4-5k rpm range, eventually just went back to the clutch. The sit on the bike was very comfortable ( main reason I'm looking at an upright bike opposed to my Gixer) but the bike itself felt small for me (I'm 6'2 185lbs). I'm sure with adjustments of all the options i would like the bike but i feel the $14k Cdn is just too expensive for the bike you're getting
Great video Chris as always. I wish I could ride as good as you. Got rid of my 1290 Superduke quickly. Just too much, too much, too much for my riding skill. Bought a Suzuki GSX 8R and am in love. Best bike I've ever owned. Keep up the great reviews. I always look forward to them.
Great that you didn't listen to your ego and downsized! I also went for a Duke 790 instead of a Superduke back in the day, because the superduke was just too much for me. Now have an 890 R and I'm perfectly happy
i test rode the 1390 and 990 in 1 day , being the owner of the 1st edition 1290 I found the new 1390 very dull and didn't behave like a v twin or sound like a v twin , however I pulled over and worked out how to turn everything down and put into track mode , then yessss it was as good as my 1st edition .. then I jumped onto the 990 , instantly it felt like I was on my 790 ?? maybe because of the switch straight from the new beast .. all I can say is the 990 is like my 790 but on steriods .. loved it
I’ve had the original Duke 990. And that thing was a weapon!! Also had the duke 390 great fun on twisty back roads. All these new models would now be ballistic… but so much fun!!😂
I love the absolute crap out of my 3rd gen 1290 R. No bike I've owned has quite managed to keep me smiling as much, or just continuously asks me to ride like a crazy person quite like my 1290. And even so, it's still easy to put around town when you don't have the space to be a total idiot without guaranteeing jail time. I'm planning on taking it to the track for the first time this year and get the feeling I'm going to fall even more in love with it when I do.
Amazing review again Chris l've been watching your stuff from day dot and your the Best in the Business so enthusiastic. Great job mate keep it going...
Nice racetrack and roads in Almería to ride in all seasons. Summer is hot, but rest of the year is dry and nice temperature to ride any kind of bike. Altitude from 0 to 2.000m
Raw, aggressive and wild...Sure. But they don't also have to come with cream cheese camshafts. The 790 and 890 are doomed with these things and there has yet to be any mention of this by any of the major reviewers. (Former 890 R owner, now riding a boring, but reliable, MT-09)
@@chirag4 Compared to an 890 R? The KTM is much more visceral, raw, and immediately responsive. Chris's review of the 890 R is a big reason why I bought one in the first place. Also, second gear on the MT09 is completely neutered (horribly restrictive throttle tuning) until you get about to 6500 RPM.
I had a 2015 1290 Super Duke. I really regret selling it but I'm 39 years old, my knees are getting bad and the seating position just wasn't comfortable. But it was such a fun bike.
I remember my brand new Shoei helmet getting squished back along my cheeks while riding on this track on the 1390. Scared the shit out of me since it was my first track experience.
They even got an upcoming AMT mode which by seeing it, could easily be identified as Honda's tech. Hopefully the tech will be much better within KTM motorbikes.
One of the most interesting videos I saw from Chris was that comparing the superduke 1290 with the 890r road test few years ago. He was honest critical and give details of pros and cons will love to see a road test video comparing 1390 and 1290 so I can understand if those extra 10bhp worth the large cost difference between them . 🏍️🫶🏍️
My thoughts exactly on the 1290/1390 . I can’t see the difference being worth what will cost me approx an extra £8k . I’d have to finance it and don’t think it’s worth the debt!!!!’ Unless I can be proved wrong.😉
Perfect is "having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics". Assuming being boring is not desirable, then perfect can't be boring.
Love my 390 (MY 2017), great as my first bike. Even taking it on track, good fun. Not sure what my next one will be, still figuring what I want. Current shortlist is rs660, MT09, street triple, Husky 701
I was in the market for a new bike this year and ended up choosing between the new KTM 990 Duke and (the more financially-wise) 890 Duke R. In the end I decided on the 890 and after seeing all of the reviews on youtube I'm pretty excited with my decision (the bike wasn't shipped to me yet). I was itching to hear Chris's opinion on the 990. From what I heard, I'm glad I stuck with the 890 R :)) but things might change when the 990 R model gets released :D looking fwd. to seeing that video \m/
Chris I hope you can do a comparison test between Duke 890R and the Duke 990. A great day out for you and lots of fun for us to watch 👍 and also very interested in your opinion about the differences and if it worth the change… 🤔🙏
Chris another awesome video, Duke's are perfect for you. You should come to Slovenia and visit Rok Bagoroš at his shop and build together your stunt KTM❤❤❤. When are you getting hands on Husqvarna Svarpilen 801? Keep up with great work and ride it out ❤❤
I don't know how to feel about the 990, I was really hoping to see 80+ tq and around 150hp... Maybe I was too hyped, maybe I just don't understand 120hp & 76 ft-lb on a twin, but I know I really should ride one before I decide if it could possibly fill the roll of a "best of both worlds" bike between something like a torque monster Busa/ ZX14 and a light K5 Gixxer scalpel like bike. I think the big Duke is probably what I need, but I'm pretty sure there's no way I can afford one.
Have 890r has problems leaking stuff.. I'm riding all year round had 20 bikes this is the most fun by far .. It will die I'll buy second had half price no market lol
KTM is just our of my pricerange unfortunately. Also their practise of selling softwareunlocks on top is despicable. But oh boy they allways get me on the emotional level. If i had the money and the space for a second bike, it would probably be a ktm.
I do envy you guys ..who can buy these beauties and fun with them..i just bought a Duke 250 my first bike..I have to keep in mind the wear and tear in mind and not to be a hooligan...😅....I'm enjoying the bike fully by just riding ..office commutes and some rides on wide roads ..
Been skipping so many Duke videos recently but couldn’t skip one starring Chris!
yeah
Chris is the "goat"
Ditto
Chris is a fucking beast bro, of course we can't skip him..
The best reviewer!!
I don't remember when I genuinely enjoyed a motorcycle review this much even though I am not remotely interested. Amazing narration and good production mate. Felt like listening to a friend.
That's cool, thanks!
Watch the recent ducati 698 vs ktm 690 vid!
@@BikeWorldTVshow Curious why the 790 was not mentioned. Has it been discontinued?
@haszoka Look up MotorInc reviews by the world's finest Punters which will make these videos look amateur.
Any video with Chris talking about superdukes is a video that I’m all in for
Chris, your skills far eclipse your ego, an extremely rare quality and the hallmark of a fine motorcycle journalist. You and Neevesy are my guys! Chilled, informed, skilled and understand what actually matters to us riders. Keep it up sir.
Now I know why the KTM logo on the front side fairing (0:38) is angled! Perfectly level during a good power wheelie. 😅👍
Now, about that new "Alien meets Predator" headlight array. 😱
You are my favorite bike reviewer/journalist because you seem to focus on how the bike makes you feel from a visceral standpoint and characteristics that might irritate me, not long-winded data that’s in a brochure. Relatable, educational, entertaining & professional.
Thanks, exactly what we’re going for.
And that final quote is the essence of every KTM owner. The others will never see how we smile
I smile when I go to my Yamaha dealer for a service and don't need to replace all the cams on my bike.
Lol boom, roasted 😂😂
@@therealquaid1694I smile because I don't even have to go to the dealer with my Yamaha. More time operational = more smiles
@@therealquaid1694 I smile because I never had to go to the dealer for any major maintenance and I have a 2015 1290 Superduke and it is much more fun and raw than your Yamaha.
@therealquaid1694 mt09 brend new I had weak brakes.. front turn signals falling all the time got ticket for that and electric problems and clutch so maybe it's just me lol
If I land this new job next week, I'm going to buy a 2023 Super Duke R Evo that's been sitting on the showroom floor for 450 days - it's a good discount and the raise would cover the bike!!!
Do it…
Let's go Brother
You got this
All the best man
keep us posted and good luck at prepping for holding onto dear life after 6000 rpm
my speed triples been gathering dust since i got an smcr690 ... motor makes a racket , clunky transmission , bolts vibrating off !
wouldn't trade it for anything , ridiculous fun !!
I will take one of those triples off your hands!
I love the new headlights. Makes the bikes look very distinctive. No one will think it's an MT-0x.
I never could find words for why I love my 1290 so much compared to all my previous "civilized" bikes.
You nailed it. I was more comfortable on my FJR, put down better track day lap times on my R1, and probably looked better on many others..... But I still haven't figured out how to wipe the grin off my face after jumping on the 1290.
Because it's a little bit stupid. Pointless. And mad fun.
When KTM offers factory extended warranties like the Japanese I will trust them. I've bought 9 new KTMs. The last one I bought (EXC-F) had no nut holding the starter wire to the starter motor. The ring terminal was just set on there. No way it fell off as it is a nylok nut and the rubber boot was still pulled back out of the way for installation. This is the kind of thing to expect with KTM. At least this time the issue was cheap and easy to fix. As fun as their bikes are, QC is not their thing.
As long as you can afford the camshaft repairs, nothing can beat Ktm in terms of sheer fun.
I feel the new headlight is good cause you could still sell it after a head on collision with a train and nobody could tell the difference
When I hear about KTM, the only thing I just think abut is Camshoft and all those people dealing with the numerous problems.
More stories than cases.
Have a duke 125. I’m 5”7, and it fits perfectly. Not too big, not too small. Love that bike
Have they fixed the cam bearing issues 🤔
Chris is the man!!
Even Neevesy from MCN said Chris is the best rider by far on the press review events ✊
I freaking love my 890 SMT. I realize the Dukes may be better for many riders, but there is nothing like wheeling and skidding around a “touring bike in disguise” with luggage 😂.
i think they will release the 990 smt soon, maybe next year maximum, smt's are so much fun xd
Oh interesting. I heard that a 1390 smt was spied…
@@mikes.8305 Yea its 990 smt and 1390 / 1490 smt . Finally smt are making a comeback.. I'm thinking in buying the smt 890 but I'm afraid of the 890 cam problem, i heard they fixed it in the 2024 versions but I'm unsure if i buy the 890 smt 2024 or wait for the 990 smt. XD
I'm doing the same on my 1290 adventure S, but next year I will convert back to a super duke. I just miss the feeling the front gives you.
I owned lots of bikes, including brands like, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Harley Davidson and KTM. I recently returned to KTM and Duke family, since no bike gave me so much fun while driving.
I am not saying that they are the best bikes in the world, but for my taste they are :)
Never had more issues with them then with other brands, and my dealer is great and helpful. I do not even worry about camshafts and all the fuss around that.
48 years old now, driving for a long time and I just love KTM and what they did to motorcycle world.
As usual from Chris, awesome video, really excellent job mate.
You have a talent in making these video's very entertaining, by your comments and your riding. Not interested in ktm's these days anymore, something with reliability and I really don't like the new designs... But I couldn't resist watching this video as you always make a lot of fun on any bike. Keep up the great work mate !
Those bikes are just like you Sir Chris, just damn good ones
Their reliability issues are boring. As fun as they are, probably the most fun motorcycles out but it’s no fun being stuck in a garage waiting for the dealership to source parts or workshop time
You're going to get that with all gas powered motorcycles. This is why we need to push for electric.
@@Waldo1122 said no gearhead ever 🤪
Don't break it Steve! 🤣
@@Waldo1122 Becouse electric has no issues or failures. This has to be, by far, the dumbest thing I've read in 2024. Congrats, Waldo, you're a winner.
@@bullgrim I don't see electric vehicles broke down on the side of the road or held up in service centers waiting for parts/valve checks/oil changes...
Thank you, Chris, for highlighting the value in learning stunts! It demands motorcycle control as much as any bike discipline. Speaking positively, or at all about the sport will help with the sideshow stigma we have stateside. Cheers
I had a Gen 1 Superduke R for 2 years and it was the most enjoyable bike I've ever owned in forty years of riding, when it was working.......... Sadly, I'd never buy another.
Unfortunately this is the experience of many KTM owners ... myself included .... awesome when they work - but all too often they don't work as they should. I had to raise almost a dozen warranty claims on my 2019 790 Duke in the first 2 years. It didn't even make the first ride home from the dealership, brand spanking new, without developing an oil leak (that took 3 claims to finally get fixed). As soon as finances allowed I chopped it in and defected back to japanese bikes again ... and peace of mind was reinstated 😉 Sure, my Honda might not be as exciting to ride as the KTM was ... but the Honda works really really well and has completely relieved the "is it going to fail massively??" anxiety that KTM ownership brought. I can be pretty confident that the Honda wont eat it's own cams ... the KTM was 50/50 on that one at best .. such a shame .. 😟
@@MotoGoato It is sad though that you've had to go through all of this and KTM doesn't seemingly care about your experience. It's not unsurprising then that where I live on the south coast 3, different dealerships have taken on and then lost KTM franchises in the last 6 years. 2 of those dealerships have also gone out of business. A fourth dealership has, in my opinion unwisely, now taken on the south coast's KTM dealership. Sadly, I think it's only a matter of time before they too close-up shop, or, end up taking a massive financial hit.
same experience with a gen 1 2015 super duke. Best bike I ride, but the problems really put me of from buying another. I do feel gutted, because I really loved it and the way it handled, but I simply don't trust KTM ability to build a reliable machine. The newer generation also seem to be plagued with problems...
I wonder if CF MOTO would be a good option, since they use same engines as the KTMs
@@futre83 Yeah I had a 2014 Superduke 1290. There was some kind of recall on the fuel tank and once I had that replaced the bike never ran properly again. In less than a year I had to have the fuel pump replaced and it wasn't covered under warranty. Super fun bike but I won't buy another one either.
I've now had 3 days of riding on my Super Duke 1390 R Evo. It's amazing and I'm still restricted in the break-in schedule.
Absolutely brilliant review of KTM's new range. I have a 23 reg Duke 790 and love it
I bought my 990 duke 2 months ago, soon done 5000km and I love it, wheelie machine deluxe!
Chris’ 890 Duke R review is the greatest bike review of all time
Which one will have the longest lasting cams?
1290's are rock solid.
Love my 390. I ride it almost every day to work. Some days I take the highway and the 390 holds its own and 55-60mph. Some days I take the twisty back road 45mph tops but the Duke makes me feel like I'm taking the lead at the Isle of Man TT. I have a blast at normal saine speeds. To me, that's the whole point of riding.
I just test rode the 990 today. Initial thoughts, bike was very light and agile, almost felt like a toy. I had it originally in Street mode but quickly went up to Performance mode and I still felt it lacked jam. It seemed more quick than powerful and I'm only coming from a GSXR 600. Perhaps I needed it in Track mode but I only had 30 min with it. The Quicksfiter produced a whole bunch of false neutrals for me even in the 4-5k rpm range, eventually just went back to the clutch. The sit on the bike was very comfortable ( main reason I'm looking at an upright bike opposed to my Gixer) but the bike itself felt small for me (I'm 6'2 185lbs). I'm sure with adjustments of all the options i would like the bike but i feel the $14k Cdn is just too expensive for the bike you're getting
Great video Chris as always. I wish I could ride as good as you. Got rid of my 1290 Superduke quickly. Just too much, too much, too much for my riding skill. Bought a Suzuki GSX 8R and am in love. Best bike I've ever owned. Keep up the great reviews. I always look forward to them.
Great that you didn't listen to your ego and downsized! I also went for a Duke 790 instead of a Superduke back in the day, because the superduke was just too much for me. Now have an 890 R and I'm perfectly happy
@@jorreee 890 R is a really nice bike. There's a used one available at a local dealer. I may add it to my stable.
Good stuff, Chris. Well done mate. I've been lusting after a Super Duke for over a decade, I may just pull the trigger on a 1390 Evo R. :)
I prefer the previous headlight. Wish they just lightly tweaked that.
i test rode the 1390 and 990 in 1 day , being the owner of the 1st edition 1290 I found the new 1390 very dull and didn't behave like a v twin or sound like a v twin , however I pulled over and worked out how to turn everything down and put into track mode , then yessss it was as good as my 1st edition .. then I jumped onto the 990 , instantly it felt like I was on my 790 ?? maybe because of the switch straight from the new beast .. all I can say is the 990 is like my 790 but on steriods .. loved it
I’ve had the original Duke 990. And that thing was a weapon!! Also had the duke 390 great fun on twisty back roads. All these new models would now be ballistic… but so much fun!!😂
990 is amazing bike for every day use and fun. This is the SNIPER. It pull mad at every rpm so great transmission setup.
I love the absolute crap out of my 3rd gen 1290 R. No bike I've owned has quite managed to keep me smiling as much, or just continuously asks me to ride like a crazy person quite like my 1290. And even so, it's still easy to put around town when you don't have the space to be a total idiot without guaranteeing jail time. I'm planning on taking it to the track for the first time this year and get the feeling I'm going to fall even more in love with it when I do.
Amazing review again Chris l've been watching your stuff from day dot and your the Best in the Business so enthusiastic. Great job mate keep it going...
Seeing Chris back knee down on a sports bike 👏🏻👌🏻well overdue
Great video, great info and nice editing
Thanks, it’s all in the edit! 😂
Nice racetrack and roads in Almería to ride in all seasons. Summer is hot, but rest of the year is dry and nice temperature to ride any kind of bike. Altitude from 0 to 2.000m
Raw, aggressive and wild...Sure. But they don't also have to come with cream cheese camshafts. The 790 and 890 are doomed with these things and there has yet to be any mention of this by any of the major reviewers. (Former 890 R owner, now riding a boring, but reliable, MT-09)
We can't mention something we've not had any experience with, if the engine had fallen apart it would have got a mention.
why is MT09 boring ?
@chirag4 I think he's sarcastic, boring reliable (MT-09)
@@chirag4 Compared to an 890 R? The KTM is much more visceral, raw, and immediately responsive. Chris's review of the 890 R is a big reason why I bought one in the first place.
Also, second gear on the MT09 is completely neutered (horribly restrictive throttle tuning) until you get about to 6500 RPM.
@@rhemyis Not sarcasm, go ride an 890 and an MT09 back to back.
Hyper nakeds are purpose built stunt bikes and we love it! Currently save up for one.
Great job - enjoyed your review. Entertaining
Best looking headlights on a motorcycle..BEAST
Every articulation rich with emotion and childish exuberance 💥💥💥💥
You never miss Chris and KTM monologue. Brilliant!
I had a 2015 1290 Super Duke. I really regret selling it but I'm 39 years old, my knees are getting bad and the seating position just wasn't comfortable. But it was such a fun bike.
I am 47 and can't wait to buy an SM701 (690 SM) for... fast twisty touring! Maybe walk more? lol
I had the first generation of 1290 SD and its exactly how he describe it ! Great engine but chasi was to soft for the power of the engine.
The 1390 is incredible, but it's just too much engine to enjoy properly. It makes me love my 990 SMR and SMT even more.
I'm owned KTM 890R.. it's so amazing with skinny body..super fun bike ..
I remember my brand new Shoei helmet getting squished back along my cheeks while riding on this track on the 1390. Scared the shit out of me since it was my first track experience.
Watching this and waiting for my 1390 arriving in next week.
I have been waiting three months for this one.
3:09 shots fired at Honda marketing department xD
They even got an upcoming AMT mode which by seeing it, could easily be identified as Honda's tech. Hopefully the tech will be much better within KTM motorbikes.
Finally!!!! Chris rides the 1390!!!
Wait.... what is this, what is this!
Chris, not on a bike running carbs...
On a racetrack...
And on dry roads...
Mind Blown
In my recent ride with ktm, one of the riders was on a duke390 with a pillion....😅 It was 350 km ride....I was amazed how pillion managed
She had a extra padded butt i guess?
😂😂😂 love your take on it! I WANT ONE 😂
I'll go for the 1390 please. riding a hooligan bike sounds fun, last nutty bike I had was the 2005 ZX10R .....
Love the new headlight...
One of the most interesting videos I saw from Chris was that comparing the superduke 1290 with the 890r road test few years ago. He was honest critical and give details of pros and cons will love to see a road test video comparing 1390 and 1290 so I can understand if those extra 10bhp worth the large cost difference between them . 🏍️🫶🏍️
My thoughts exactly on the 1290/1390 . I can’t see the difference being worth what will cost me approx an extra £8k . I’d have to finance it and don’t think it’s worth the debt!!!!’ Unless I can be proved wrong.😉
Perfect is "having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics". Assuming being boring is not desirable, then perfect can't be boring.
Love my 390 (MY 2017), great as my first bike. Even taking it on track, good fun.
Not sure what my next one will be, still figuring what I want.
Current shortlist is rs660, MT09, street triple, Husky 701
I've got an '22 MT-09, amazing motor and a ton of fun on twisty roads.
KTM Duke: Varying levels of hooliganism and I'm there for it.
I was in the market for a new bike this year and ended up choosing between the new KTM 990 Duke and (the more financially-wise) 890 Duke R. In the end I decided on the 890 and after seeing all of the reviews on youtube I'm pretty excited with my decision (the bike wasn't shipped to me yet).
I was itching to hear Chris's opinion on the 990. From what I heard, I'm glad I stuck with the 890 R :)) but things might change when the 990 R model gets released :D looking fwd. to seeing that video \m/
got that 890r. I wouldn´t change for a new 990 at all. Good choice you did in my opinion.
I own an 890 R as well. You made a fantastic decision my friend, you will not regret it
Title should be 'How stupid is KTM as a corporate entity'
I agree. The old 890 R looked so cool and now the 990 looks meh. Uninspiring.
Great video. You nailed what I love about the brand.
I owned two KTM, no complaints, they are fun beasts!
I really hope that the cam eating feature from the 790/890 parallel twins don’t make it to the 990 parallel twin. But that’s just wishful thinking.
This was the video we've all been waiting for!
Chris I hope you can do a comparison test between Duke 890R and the Duke 990. A great day out for you and lots of fun for us to watch 👍 and also very interested in your opinion about the differences and if it worth the change… 🤔🙏
He'll get back to you tomorrow.
Chris another awesome video, Duke's are perfect for you. You should come to Slovenia and visit Rok Bagoroš at his shop and build together your stunt KTM❤❤❤.
When are you getting hands on Husqvarna Svarpilen 801?
Keep up with great work and ride it out ❤❤
Consistently the best bike vids. 💪
I don't know how to feel about the 990, I was really hoping to see 80+ tq and around 150hp... Maybe I was too hyped, maybe I just don't understand 120hp & 76 ft-lb on a twin, but I know I really should ride one before I decide if it could possibly fill the roll of a "best of both worlds" bike between something like a torque monster Busa/ ZX14 and a light K5 Gixxer scalpel like bike. I think the big Duke is probably what I need, but I'm pretty sure there's no way I can afford one.
Have 890r has problems leaking stuff.. I'm riding all year round had 20 bikes this is the most fun by far ..
It will die I'll buy second had half price no market lol
Wonder if the 990 will have the camshaft issues found in the other inline twins
Hey chris love your content, Incredible review, Can you please let us know what is your helmet mic make and model.
Hi, Chris is up a mountain somewhere having fun. We're now using DJI Action 4 and the DJI wireless mic, so much better than GoPro.
I wish to have such control aand such fun with bikes. I wish my area had track and stunt schools
I have the 890 duke r and been an absolute blast owning this bike. Not a fan of how the 990 looks.
I'd love to get that instruction on how to use the clutch and throttle properly ;)
And people used to say my FZ-10 was ugly....
I want a 390 to play STUNTBIKE!!
Me: ok well, the Duke is out.
Watches video
Me: alright, we’ll actually…
just thinking about an older 390 duke to fuel my current mid life crisis. they look great
KTM is just our of my pricerange unfortunately. Also their practise of selling softwareunlocks on top is despicable. But oh boy they allways get me on the emotional level. If i had the money and the space for a second bike, it would probably be a ktm.
The headlight looks like an angry orangutan. 😂
Turn off the wheelie control and turn on the traction control on the 1390 and have Fun!
Great until you have a problem and they deny your warranty claim for condensation in your tft 😢
10:37 Why is it not the bike for lap times?
last of the 690s was sad..
They were just perfect. Slightly bigger than the 390 but still small compared to a superduke
I wonder what the track lap time difference between them is
Chris is the man.
I do envy you guys ..who can buy these beauties and fun with them..i just bought a Duke 250 my first bike..I have to keep in mind the wear and tear in mind and not to be a hooligan...😅....I'm enjoying the bike fully by just riding ..office commutes and some rides on wide roads ..
I'll take a free t-shirt as I could easily ride the 990 without wheelieing it as I can't wheelie 😢
Considering it’s from a company that’s been lying about warranty’s for years ,a lot.