Hope yours fares better than mine, less than 2000 mile from new and a full engine rebuild, since having it back.... numerous coolant leaks. Currently back in the shop under warranty. When running it's simply stunning. One more thing goes wrong and it's getting chopped in for a Yamaha MT09.
I just bought a 390 duke n i love it ... my tiger 800 is not getting much love lately ... i owned an r1 but sold it for the same reason i won't own a 1290 ... its to insane ... good review ..
I went from an R6 to a 1290R and I agree, at first it was frightening though I will point out that you do adapt and learn given that if you don't you are going to die. I found self preservation to be a great teacher
Kind of depends on your right hand though. The thing is, you can ride a faster bike slow. And then still have the power to instantly overtake in any situation. 790 or 899bis the sweets pot
I have a 390 bought on a whim because they were discounted ..it's unbelievably good proper fun and as you state a bit of a Giant killer ..tried a 690 and honestly prefer the little bike.. waiting for a 390 adventure to show up
The 390 Adventure is expected to be showcased in the EICMA this year. I was waiting for it but decided on the Duke 390 instead. Can't wait till next year for it to reach the dealers, so I won't.
@@arcuz7862 as someone who has ridden for close to 4 decades, tracked for 3 decades and owned everything from 125 & 500 2 strokes(I've owned well over 30 bikes from every manufacturer you can name outside of HD)to a Kaw H2 and a Hayabusa the 390 is a solid little bike. I'd have zero problem throwing one around and having a blast on it. Nothing wrong with the little thumper. It is a fun bike actually. Its a blast on a tight road with a lot of turns and if you know how to ride it will hang with many larger bikes on the twisties. I bet you still pee on your balls.
GT rider here. Only bike I know where I want to ride it more and more. Only issue it eats tires like candy. 50.000kms from January 2018 and going strong
I had the 790 Duke demonstrator out for the weekend last August, as I was deciding between the 790, MT-07 and Street Triple R, I can honestly say I've never had so much fun on a bike as I had on that little 790 and I've had bikes ranging from 350 and 500 LCs, 600 and 750 GSX-Rs and R1s, this bike has much more power and torque than it's got any right to for an 800cc parallel twin and its electronics package is absolutely superb, I had a ball on it but ended up buying the Street Triple R, coz I just couldn't get by the looks of the 790, I know looks are 100% subjective but every time I got of the 790 and looked at it ,that massive smile I had on my face every minute I was riding it disappeared, if I could afford a second bike to own just for the hell of it the 790 would be that bike.
I owned a 1290 SD-R for a couple of years and being an actual “old fart” I came the the realization that I was either going to end up in jail or dead, so I “down sized” to the 790 Duke. I couldn’t be happier, the sound, the power delivery, and the razor sharp handling give me all the thrill I need with out any of the fear of being way in over my head 😜.
I've done back-to-back test rides on both and my choice was the 790 as well. It sounds better and the 1290 is just too much for public roads. The 790 already makes it very easy to loose your license.
Dan’l 56 I did exactly the same thing. I found the steering quite heavy on my 1290 SDR compared to the 790. Triple figures everywhere was going to get me into trouble.
Poor 690. I picked up a leftover 18 this spring on the cheap and man, what a bike. So light and playful and it really has the perfect amount of power for the roads I like to ride. The only time You might miss a little more power and weight is on the highway but that’s not to say it won’t do highway speeds comfortably. Today I took out my ‘13 Moto Guzzi Griso for the first time since buying the duke and it felt so heavy and clunky. I don’t remember it feeling like that when it was the only bike in the garage but It will be posted for sale this week as I can’t see myself riding anything but a duke/ KTM again.
I started on a 125 2 years ago then last year did my DAS now on the 790 Duke and love it, light weight and plenty of power and you can put it in rain mode until you get used to it then put in street or sport mode for full power
If the Duke 200 and 250 were included in this, it would have been absolutely complete. But yes, they are not in the European market. I think they are almost exclusively in the Asian market. One interesting bit of info - the 125 Duke in India carries the old styling, not the new one.
I own a 2019 Super Duke GT, and it is such a well built machine. GT capability? Check. Comfortability? Check. Fuel tank range? Check. Sound? Check. Rider aids? Check. Power? Check, check, and one more, check. Handling? Ooooo.... I have 3 gripes with the GT, and the suspension is the biggest gripe I have with it. I thought at first it was my particular GT that felt like it was too soft in the rear and wallowy, but after a few searches online on several forums, it turns out that most GT owners have that same experience. The rear is just not stiff enough. I've altered the damping from comfort to street to sport but it honestly doesn't change much. It's too unstable on the rear to be a track machine BUT perfect for long distance riding. Maybe changing the stock rear spring for a firmer one might solve that issue, I don't know, but I'm 70kg and apparently the stock rear spring is designed for my weight, but it doesn't feel like that. My second gripe would be the massive amount of heat you feel from the engine. You get used to it, but you will definitely feel it. The third gripe is the small compartments they placed on either side of the fairings from the inside. They're uselss, especially the one with the usb socket. Otherwise, what a bloody fantastic bike.
My history is: i got a 125 Duke, then i got a RC 390, then my dad gave me his Benelli TNT 1130 and now i'm buying 790 Duke... I just love KTM. Their customer service is great and i just feel like the brank understands us very well. Before anyone asks. Yes i rode different bikes in my few years on the road but my money currently will go to KTM while i dream in my head about racing a S1000rr or RSV4 😉🧡
@@Daddy-Saxon it's not really a better bike for my riding style. I talked to my KTM dealer about it. Think of the 790 as a 911 Carrera: Perfekt for everyday driving And think of the 890 as a GT3 RS: Moah Powa Baby!! But it's touring and everyday function has been reduced sincd it is more of a track vehicle If you like that, go for it, but i'm into naked bikes because i tour a lot so i will go for the 790 and keep my 2000 - 3000 € :)
I had a 1290 SDR a few years back. It was bonkers fast. I still miss it. It’s the one I’d pick out of the range. Quality content, John. I think another super naked comparison test is in order in the near future. Cheers, Matt.
I love what you did in the video sir :) ride+evaluate each one and gives advice to riders and owners. Two thumbs up 👍👍 I hope to have 1 of those someday :( Godbless and Ride Safe always!
I’m 33 just started riding about a year ago I have a 2017 duke 125 and she is my beautiful I love her plenty for what I need at the moment and when the lockdown is lifted I’m going for the 390
Absolutely fantastic video, John. I didn't think you could get better and then you do this. Personally, as a SMT 990 owner who is struggling to control my manly bits at the thought of the 890 SMT spy shots becoming a real bike in two years, all I can say is KTM, Fuck Yeah!
I have 790 Duke. I wanted nice universal bike to drive almost everywhere. Long suspension travel and very good ground clearance for streetbike. Works nicely on gravel.
Didn't realize there were 5 bikes in the duke range! Awesome video going through them all. Love the Dukes just wish KTM would dial back the insect design just a little, other than that love these dukes and would love to have a super duke.
Rode both bikes and bought the 1290r as I prefer the flickability on the R . Have had 2 Aprilia tuono factories before but the ktm is in my opinion a better road bike and has never missed a beat in over 7500 hard miles . Love it
I have a Duke 200 2018 and I tested the Duke 790 and Duke 390. Duke 790 is almost perfect but too expensive un Colombia and 390 is great but still it doesn't have enough power for an upgrade. KTM doesn't sell Duke 690 in Colombia anymore so the Yamaha MT 07 or Suzuki sv 650 are the better options for me next bike
i would have liked to see you test the 690. it's unique. it weighs about the same as the 390 and has a lot more power and torque. i have a 2018 sdr and a 690 enduro. the 690 supermoto is high on my list for next bike. 790 weighs 100 pounds more than 690. i wish you compared 690.
I’m riding the 690 duke(A2) for almost 7 months and I already put it 10000 kms, is a lovely bike(i’m coming from the duke 125 2017) I kinda miss the look of my 125 and all the others big boys, but I still love the power of my 690(A2 version)way better torque than the 390 The highway is probably the only real problem, because of the wind and the vibration, but I think is fine as long as you stop after 1/2 h of constant riding
I wonder how much different your conclusion would be if you spent a month on each bike. Jump on a stupid powerful bike and the first hour is amazing. A month later it's not much more thrill than a powerful bike. Then handling and nimbleness takes a bigger role, having more fun on winding roads and ultimately more rewarding. Not enough power is always not enough power, and poor suspension is never going to make a fun ride, so finding the right bike is also about making sure there are no weaknesses. Personally I would go for a 790 Duke with upgraded everything, much like my MT09.
100%..I'm sure the 1290R is a road burner but it's too big to have fun everywhere..The 790 is as good as it gets, still fast but more nimble..but that 1290GT would be nice going cross country!
It took me a long time to understand that more power does NOT equal more fun. Its 100% true that there is such a thing as “too much power for the street.” Going fast in a straight line and feeling like you’re only using 30% of your motor gets old quick. That being said, I keep hearing how streetable the 1290s are. I’d prob go the 1290 super adventure S over the GT though as it’s prob a tad more comfortable for longer hauls
Instructions unclear, got a twin turbo Duke 1290R. :P I don't think KTMs are for me, but that Duke 790 is sick and what I wouldn't give for a go on one.
I would love to own and ride these bikes, they sound a blast. But I remember the days when you could get off your bike at the pub and sit outside, loving how your bike looks in the sun. These seem both over-styled (the front) and under-styled (everything else is just bits bolted in place). Wouldn't stop me buying one though...
The review could sound biased - until you ride some of these things - I totally agree. Especially about the 1290 being a potential ticket to jail. Try gassing one of these things at 100mph - the acceleration is like being launched out of a catapult. I dont have the restraint to own one!! Hoping a 790 wont incite too much madness. The 390 was amazing - the stability on fast sweepers was like a top end big bike and so zippy and nimble. If I rode to work I would get one for that and a 790 or second hand 1190 or 1090 for touring.
Still should have done the 690. It's probably on its last year's but it is a special bike and I don't think there is another single cylinder of that size in production today. It's only a bit heavier than the 390. I'd love one but I'm working towards the 790 after the 390.
my first bike was the 990smr 2012 that i still have in my garage, what a bike. untill i got the 1290SD what a monster to drive and like you said 5nov we getting the new SD. hope it can take the fight to ducatis new streetfighter the H2 Z or MV Agusta Brutale
1290 Super Duke GT £16,799 1290 Super Duke R £14,799 790 Duke £8,799 For me there's no contest, 790 Duke and pocket at least £6,000 to spend on using the bike!
I bought a new GT 6 weeks ago and 2000 miles later (mostly twisty mountain roads), what a weapon. It's so much fun to ride. Opt for the "ergo" seat. I might get the track pack so the I can turn off the wheelie control and keep the traction control on.
Good video and very helpfull as im potentially changing to a GT soon, but from memory (without looking) i thought you did compare the 1290 directly to the nakeds from Bmw, Yamaha and triumph and you put it last? Whats changed? Im going to be riding a 1290GT soon (hopefully) and was just curious about the change of heart. Cheers
C RT we raced them in a straight line (braking and acceleration) on day one and the SuperDuke didn’t stand out. Could have been a press bike without enough miles on the motor or some other reason. I think I also spent a lot of time in that test looking at the price and spec of the newer (and cheaper) MT10 and struggled to justify the KTM.
@@johnhogan8177 Hi John thanks for the reply, like i said great video and im honestly not having a dig just wondered is all. I figured it would be summin like that i just watched the old video and the ktm has had a few updates since then i believe and the price has stayed much the same, while the rest mt10 included have all gotten more expansive without any noticeable changes (to my eye). Hopefully the GT blows my socks off Wednesday when i ride it lol. Cheers
I am so getting myself the new SuperdukeR, but that GT certainly makes me wonder.. I think it just boils down if you do long trips or not. Currently, I am not, but that can change.
I currently own the duke 125 2017 model, after 7000km I have to say I still love that motorbike, im not that fan of ktm itself but this bike just really is the best if price isnt a problem. Only other thing I wanted to mention, the color from the rev counter is orange-ish on yours but mine still has the old blue-purple one. Any idea on how to change it or if its possible to?
I'd only owned Yamaha's mostly R6's but bought a KTM RC390 as didn't like how upright the Duke 390 was. Then I snapped up a Duke 790 added woodcraft clipons 15/41 gears & S22's which transformed it into a real weapon that sniffs the tails of quality naked litre bikes in the twisty's - see my little channel for a couple examples.
i transferred from dirt to street and rode KTM dirt bikes....reserching just a lil bit into street bikes and i bought a 890 R as my first bike for street.....makes sense right,
How is it that the 390 (and even the 125) look so much better than the bigger and more expensive 790?!?! Other than the headlight, the 790 has very little resemblance to the Duke family. Instead it kind of looks like one of the Japanese trying to knock off the Duke but failing horribly at it. Then when you step up to the 1290 the bikes get gorgeous again.
I guess the 790 duke is the start of a new design language from ktm....have a look at the spy images of the 2020 superduke 1290...they've made it resemble the 790....looks ugly
1290GT - "Hand grenade in a sock.." - the best description of this bike I have ever heard...
Almost spit my coffee in that one...🤣
This was beautiful.... Isn't it a good idea to cover all other brands with their lineup the same way? MT,CB,Monsters,
Love to see the MT range reviewed like this
Good idea
Absolutely love the GT when I borrowed it, would be the Duke GT for me 😎😎
I'm 63 and just bought my first KTM a 790 Duke. SO EXCITED!!
are you crazy!
Hope yours fares better than mine, less than 2000 mile from new and a full engine rebuild, since having it back.... numerous coolant leaks.
Currently back in the shop under warranty.
When running it's simply stunning.
One more thing goes wrong and it's getting chopped in for a Yamaha MT09.
@@neilblundz807
Should've bought a Honda
@@qislegit.donttrustthemedia6232 hondas look old. Sorry.
I just bought a 390 duke n i love it ... my tiger 800 is not getting much love lately ... i owned an r1 but sold it for the same reason i won't own a 1290 ... its to insane ... good review ..
I went from an R6 to a 1290R and I agree, at first it was frightening though I will point out that you do adapt and learn given that if you don't you are going to die. I found self preservation to be a great teacher
Kind of depends on your right hand though.
The thing is, you can ride a faster bike slow.
And then still have the power to instantly overtake in any situation.
790 or 899bis the sweets pot
I have a 390 bought on a whim because they were discounted ..it's unbelievably good proper fun and as you state a bit of a Giant killer ..tried a 690 and honestly prefer the little bike.. waiting for a 390 adventure to show up
The 390 Adventure is expected to be showcased in the EICMA this year. I was waiting for it but decided on the Duke 390 instead. Can't wait till next year for it to reach the dealers, so I won't.
390 is a girl's bike. Grow a pair.
@@arcuz7862 no doubt you own one then..goes with your pony tail..🤣
@@appymarley Sure, keep sticking to your pathetic little lawnmower built in India and act like you got some sort of 'Giant killer'. 35 Nm.
@@arcuz7862 as someone who has ridden for close to 4 decades, tracked for 3 decades and owned everything from 125 & 500 2 strokes(I've owned well over 30 bikes from every manufacturer you can name outside of HD)to a Kaw H2 and a Hayabusa the 390 is a solid little bike.
I'd have zero problem throwing one around and having a blast on it.
Nothing wrong with the little thumper. It is a fun bike actually. Its a blast on a tight road with a lot of turns and if you know how to ride it will hang with many larger bikes on the twisties.
I bet you still pee on your balls.
GT rider here.
Only bike I know where I want to ride it more and more. Only issue it eats tires like candy.
50.000kms from January 2018 and going strong
I agree, GT rider too, 3.5k since March, and that's just riding when I can, such an amazing comfy bike.
How many km between tires are you averaging? Any particular make you like over the others?
3 weeks and 1150 miles so far on my first ever bike, the 390 duke. It's so goddamn good and I love it.
I had the 790 Duke demonstrator out for the weekend last August, as I was deciding between the 790, MT-07 and Street Triple R, I can honestly say I've never had so much fun on a bike as I had on that little 790 and I've had bikes ranging from 350 and 500 LCs, 600 and 750 GSX-Rs and R1s, this bike has much more power and torque than it's got any right to for an 800cc parallel twin and its electronics package is absolutely superb, I had a ball on it but ended up buying the Street Triple R, coz I just couldn't get by the looks of the 790, I know looks are 100% subjective but every time I got of the 790 and looked at it ,that massive smile I had on my face every minute I was riding it disappeared, if I could afford a second bike to own just for the hell of it the 790 would be that bike.
The 790 is a bit of a munter it should be styled like the 390/1290..street triple r is ace
I owned a 1290 SD-R for a couple of years and being an actual “old fart” I came the the realization that I was either going to end up in jail or dead, so I “down sized” to the 790 Duke. I couldn’t be happier, the sound, the power delivery, and the razor sharp handling give me all the thrill I need with out any of the fear of being way in over my head 😜.
I've done back-to-back test rides on both and my choice was the 790 as well. It sounds better and the 1290 is just too much for public roads. The 790 already makes it very easy to loose your license.
Dan’l 56 I did exactly the same thing. I found the steering quite heavy on my 1290 SDR compared to the 790. Triple figures everywhere was going to get me into trouble.
Poor 690. I picked up a leftover 18 this spring on the cheap and man, what a bike. So light and playful and it really has the perfect amount of power for the roads I like to ride. The only time You might miss a little more power and weight is on the highway but that’s not to say it won’t do highway speeds comfortably.
Today I took out my ‘13 Moto Guzzi Griso for the first time since buying the duke and it felt so heavy and clunky. I don’t remember it feeling like that when it was the only bike in the garage but It will be posted for sale this week as I can’t see myself riding anything but a duke/ KTM again.
I started on a 125 2 years ago then last year did my DAS now on the 790 Duke and love it, light weight and plenty of power and you can put it in rain mode until you get used to it then put in street or sport mode for full power
👍👍👍 one of the best reviews I've watched. You nailed it, KTM Duke's and GT are on the first tier level in this industry. Well done!!
I've had a 2023 390 duke for about 3 weeks now. I've never had more fun on the street. I can definitely see myself on a superduke in a couple years.
OMG! That 1290 SuperDuke looks sick.
ktm duke 250 : am i a joke to you ?
it doesn´t exist in europe, that´s why
KTM Duke 125 : You get recognised
@@GuthixCss ohh i don't know about it, but thank you
@@susiastary6714 That wasn't very nice was it!
If the Duke 200 and 250 were included in this, it would have been absolutely complete. But yes, they are not in the European market. I think they are almost exclusively in the Asian market.
One interesting bit of info - the 125 Duke in India carries the old styling, not the new one.
By far the best words I have heard for the KTM line up
I own a 2019 Super Duke GT, and it is such a well built machine. GT capability? Check. Comfortability? Check. Fuel tank range? Check. Sound? Check. Rider aids? Check. Power? Check, check, and one more, check. Handling? Ooooo....
I have 3 gripes with the GT, and the suspension is the biggest gripe I have with it. I thought at first it was my particular GT that felt like it was too soft in the rear and wallowy, but after a few searches online on several forums, it turns out that most GT owners have that same experience.
The rear is just not stiff enough. I've altered the damping from comfort to street to sport but it honestly doesn't change much. It's too unstable on the rear to be a track machine BUT perfect for long distance riding.
Maybe changing the stock rear spring for a firmer one might solve that issue, I don't know, but I'm 70kg and apparently the stock rear spring is designed for my weight, but it doesn't feel like that.
My second gripe would be the massive amount of heat you feel from the engine. You get used to it, but you will definitely feel it.
The third gripe is the small compartments they placed on either side of the fairings from the inside. They're uselss, especially the one with the usb socket.
Otherwise, what a bloody fantastic bike.
Picked up a 2014 690 and it's a total blast!! Aslo a Husqvarna 401 these bikes put a smile on my face every day.
Great reviews, I was all lathered up about the 790 until your review of the 1290's,
GT owner too. Toured, track riding in the company of zx10 and Panigales, weekends away. Love the bike......’big mikes wife’ lol
My history is: i got a 125 Duke, then i got a RC 390, then my dad gave me his Benelli TNT 1130 and now i'm buying 790 Duke...
I just love KTM. Their customer service is great and i just feel like the brank understands us very well. Before anyone asks. Yes i rode different bikes in my few years on the road but my money currently will go to KTM while i dream in my head about racing a S1000rr or RSV4 😉🧡
I would wait for the duke 890 to come out
@@Daddy-Saxon it's not really a better bike for my riding style. I talked to my KTM dealer about it.
Think of the 790 as a 911 Carrera:
Perfekt for everyday driving
And think of the 890 as a GT3 RS:
Moah Powa Baby!! But it's touring and everyday function has been reduced sincd it is more of a track vehicle
If you like that, go for it, but i'm into naked bikes because i tour a lot so i will go for the 790 and keep my 2000 - 3000 € :)
Great review! I drove a 125cc for 5months, then a 390 '2018 for 7 months and now allready 1 year a Duke 690 '2017.. I love KTM :-)
I had a 1290 SDR a few years back. It was bonkers fast. I still miss it. It’s the one I’d pick out of the range.
Quality content, John. I think another super naked comparison test is in order in the near future.
Cheers, Matt.
I love what you did in the video sir :) ride+evaluate each one and gives advice to riders and owners. Two thumbs up 👍👍 I hope to have 1 of those someday :( Godbless and Ride Safe always!
KTM has a mysterious way of putting the spell on you!!!! no other bikein world spells CHARACTER like K T M
Truth
No matter which one you buy?
KTM guys also seem to be the ones best at waving to their fellow riders out there. 👋
I want a 790 GT …
I bought myself a lovely, white and orange 2019 KTM Duke 125 the other day and it comes on friday :D! they are seriously perfection.
Have fun today 😉
Br00dje Thankyou brother ;)!!!
I’m 33 just started riding about a year ago I have a 2017 duke 125 and she is my beautiful I love her plenty for what I need at the moment and when the lockdown is lifted I’m going for the 390
Proud owner of 390 Duke. This machine is killer in India :D
What colour brother?
I got a white... So it got a white-orange combo... I thought of making it white blue combo...will it be good?
Sudip Das that will be over coloured.
You can check my RUclips channel for bike
Where is 250
sonoFAC vlog And 200 also missing 😅
Brother, this was an excellent review..well done. Thank you.
Love the review and your delivery. Fantastic work as always !
Just traded in my SD GT last week after 4 stunningly amazing years, and picked up my new 790 ADVENTURE yesterday 👍🏼😄 Gravel roads next 😂
cant believe you didnt go for a 1290 adventure. im trading in my gt tomorrow for a SAT or SAR
Awesome video. I reviewed the 390 and currently have the 790 on loan for 2 weeks. Stonking bike and cannot wait to ride the bigger boys!
I love orange.. That's why I bought one.
😀
Absolutely fantastic video, John. I didn't think you could get better and then you do this. Personally, as a SMT 990 owner who is struggling to control my manly bits at the thought of the 890 SMT spy shots becoming a real bike in two years, all I can say is KTM, Fuck Yeah!
Waiting for KTM 390 Adventure.
The most desirable of these is the 390 for me. I'm finished with big bikes.
Love this content. I sure wish to see more videos like this futuring other motorcycle manifactures.
I have 790 Duke. I wanted nice universal bike to drive almost everywhere. Long suspension travel and very good ground clearance for streetbike. Works nicely on gravel.
I have ktm duke 125 and would not change for anything else brilliant peace of kit so well balanced, love it and my next bike will be only KTM !!!
Didn't realize there were 5 bikes in the duke range! Awesome video going through them all. Love the Dukes just wish KTM would dial back the insect design just a little, other than that love these dukes and would love to have a super duke.
Rode both bikes and bought the 1290r as I prefer the flickability on the R . Have had 2 Aprilia tuono factories before but the ktm is in my opinion a better road bike and has never missed a beat in over 7500 hard miles . Love it
MISSING 《 DUKE 250 》
17:58 mins in. My name is Jonny and I want to buy that 125 when I'm 17, if this isn't a sign I don't know what is...
125 is good with load of electronics its for beginners
@@nuxusnuxus7062 looks like a great bike, but I've got 10 years of on and offroad experience...
Hahahahahahahahahahahaahahah
I have a Duke 200 2018 and I tested the Duke 790 and Duke 390. Duke 790 is almost perfect but too expensive un Colombia and 390 is great but still it doesn't have enough power for an upgrade. KTM doesn't sell Duke 690 in Colombia anymore so the Yamaha MT 07 or Suzuki sv 650 are the better options for me next bike
Great job! I own a 2016 SD GT and a 2018 SD 1290r. The engine is perfect.
I ride RC and Duke 390 and they are absolutely fun to ride on small tracks as well as cities
Now that’s a review-thank you.
Owned a 2018 Super Duke R for 2 years. Can’t imagine ever selling it.
Great review - thanks. Time I went and test rode some of these beauties!
i would have liked to see you test the 690. it's unique. it weighs about the same as the 390 and has a lot more power and torque. i have a 2018 sdr and a 690 enduro. the 690 supermoto is high on my list for next bike. 790 weighs 100 pounds more than 690. i wish you compared 690.
Great review and superb production.
I’m riding the 690 duke(A2) for almost 7 months and I already put it 10000 kms, is a lovely bike(i’m coming from the duke 125 2017)
I kinda miss the look of my 125 and all the others big boys, but I still love the power of my 690(A2 version)way better torque than the 390
The highway is probably the only real problem, because of the wind and the vibration, but I think is fine as long as you stop after 1/2 h of constant riding
No one can do such a review by starting with the biggest bike and work your way down. Your producer is smart.
hands down, one of the BEST ever bike reviews!! Thank you! Pissing myself on the GT comments about fooling the wife....LOL
Cheers!
Great assessment.
As a love/hate 1st-generation Duke owner ('96 620e), I miss the 690 though.
Great reviews, love my SuperDuke! :) Thumbs up as usual!
Nice review bro.. all in one..ktm owner here..
I wonder how much different your conclusion would be if you spent a month on each bike. Jump on a stupid powerful bike and the first hour is amazing. A month later it's not much more thrill than a powerful bike. Then handling and nimbleness takes a bigger role, having more fun on winding roads and ultimately more rewarding. Not enough power is always not enough power, and poor suspension is never going to make a fun ride, so finding the right bike is also about making sure there are no weaknesses. Personally I would go for a 790 Duke with upgraded everything, much like my MT09.
100%..I'm sure the 1290R is a road burner but it's too big to have fun everywhere..The 790 is as good as it gets, still fast but more nimble..but that 1290GT would be nice going cross country!
It took me a long time to understand that more power does NOT equal more fun. Its 100% true that there is such a thing as “too much power for the street.” Going fast in a straight line and feeling like you’re only using 30% of your motor gets old quick. That being said, I keep hearing how streetable the 1290s are. I’d prob go the 1290 super adventure S over the GT though as it’s prob a tad more comfortable for longer hauls
GREAT REVIEW MADE ME LAUGH THE WHOLE TIME
I ride with a group of superbike enthusiasts ..... My 390 Duke keep up like an angry filly on fire. Love the KTM.
If the GT was as good as you said, I straight up by it. Got both of what I need, I wanna go far and I want to have a strong motor
Instructions unclear, got a twin turbo Duke 1290R. :P
I don't think KTMs are for me, but that Duke 790 is sick and what I wouldn't give for a go on one.
I have 2019 Duke 390 and it's bonkers.
Duke 390here!
love my 390 perfect for the urban jungle and back lane scratching.... ride it like you stole it and keep your licence
@@RupeWilson true! No R3 Ninja 300 can beat the duke 390 in terms of acceleration....it dominates the 300-400cc category
I would love to own and ride these bikes, they sound a blast. But I remember the days when you could get off your bike at the pub and sit outside, loving how your bike looks in the sun. These seem both over-styled (the front) and under-styled (everything else is just bits bolted in place). Wouldn't stop me buying one though...
Great video
Thoroughly enjoyed every wheelies ... !!
Brief but very good. Thank you.
Duke 390. Best grin to price ratio.
The review could sound biased - until you ride some of these things - I totally agree. Especially about the 1290 being a potential ticket to jail. Try gassing one of these things at 100mph - the acceleration is like being launched out of a catapult. I dont have the restraint to own one!! Hoping a 790 wont incite too much madness. The 390 was amazing - the stability on fast sweepers was like a top end big bike and so zippy and nimble. If I rode to work I would get one for that and a 790 or second hand 1190 or 1090 for touring.
Eagerly awaiting for 390 ADV......😍😍
Just bought a new 2019 1290 Super Duke R as a stablemate for my 2018 BMW R1200 GSA. The KTM GT was too close to my Beemer to buy.
Still should have done the 690. It's probably on its last year's but it is a special bike and I don't think there is another single cylinder of that size in production today. It's only a bit heavier than the 390. I'd love one but I'm working towards the 790 after the 390.
There is Husquarna Vitpilen
Still loving my 390, but dream of the 790 but i just don't trust myself. How long before KTM do a cruiser id love to see there take on things..
Bought a 390 a couple days ago….awesome….hooligan on 2 wheels
Super duke R deserves the "super" monicker. It looks like an absolutely brutal beast.
my first bike was the 990smr 2012 that i still have in my garage, what a bike. untill i got the 1290SD what a monster to drive and like you said 5nov we getting the new SD. hope it can take the fight to ducatis new streetfighter the H2 Z or MV Agusta Brutale
Europe's 125 > Asia's duke 200
.. Like Wtf?! 🤦🏽♂️
I prefer the design in Duke 125 too
1290 Super Duke GT £16,799
1290 Super Duke R £14,799
790 Duke £8,799
For me there's no contest, 790 Duke and pocket at least £6,000 to spend on using the bike!
in India they get the tuned down (features wise) version of the duke 125 it still got the same old desing
Great review, would love to buy the bigger KTM out of my price range. £800to£14,000 lot of money. One day!!
I bought a new GT 6 weeks ago and 2000 miles later (mostly twisty mountain roads), what a weapon. It's so much fun to ride. Opt for the "ergo" seat.
I might get the track pack so the I can turn off the wheelie control and keep the traction control on.
Great comparison ! Do more of these please
9:38 "Do not pass GO. Do not collect 200 pounds. Go direct to jail." :'D hahahahaha
Good video and very helpfull as im potentially changing to a GT soon, but from memory (without looking) i thought you did compare the 1290 directly to the nakeds from Bmw, Yamaha and triumph and you put it last? Whats changed? Im going to be riding a 1290GT soon (hopefully) and was just curious about the change of heart. Cheers
C RT we raced them in a straight line (braking and acceleration) on day one and the SuperDuke didn’t stand out. Could have been a press bike without enough miles on the motor or some other reason. I think I also spent a lot of time in that test looking at the price and spec of the newer (and cheaper) MT10 and struggled to justify the KTM.
@@johnhogan8177 Hi John thanks for the reply, like i said great video and im honestly not having a dig just wondered is all. I figured it would be summin like that i just watched the old video and the ktm has had a few updates since then i believe and the price has stayed much the same, while the rest mt10 included have all gotten more expansive without any noticeable changes (to my eye). Hopefully the GT blows my socks off Wednesday when i ride it lol. Cheers
C RT didn’t feel like a dig mate, it’s a fair question.
Great review. Amazing.
I'm saving for the 1290 R 🔥
excellent. work hard. ride harder. 💥⚡
1290 R is Not available in India.
@@wanderer54796 still saving
@@pankajchandwani21 👍👍
I am so getting myself the new SuperdukeR, but that GT certainly makes me wonder.. I think it just boils down if you do long trips or not. Currently, I am not, but that can change.
I currently own the duke 125 2017 model, after 7000km I have to say I still love that motorbike, im not that fan of ktm itself but this bike just really is the best if price isnt a problem. Only other thing I wanted to mention, the color from the rev counter is orange-ish on yours but mine still has the old blue-purple one. Any idea on how to change it or if its possible to?
Duke 200 owner from Indonesia..🇲🇨
I'd only owned Yamaha's mostly R6's but bought a KTM RC390 as didn't like how upright the Duke 390 was. Then I snapped up a Duke 790 added woodcraft clipons 15/41 gears & S22's which transformed it into a real weapon that sniffs the tails of quality naked litre bikes in the twisty's - see my little channel for a couple examples.
Wish I could race for a living!
i transferred from dirt to street and rode KTM dirt bikes....reserching just a lil bit into street bikes and i bought a 890 R as my first bike for street.....makes sense right,
How is it that the 390 (and even the 125) look so much better than the bigger and more expensive 790?!?! Other than the headlight, the 790 has very little resemblance to the Duke family. Instead it kind of looks like one of the Japanese trying to knock off the Duke but failing horribly at it. Then when you step up to the 1290 the bikes get gorgeous again.
At least it's not as ugly as the previous generation.
I guess the 790 duke is the start of a new design language from ktm....have a look at the spy images of the 2020 superduke 1290...they've made it resemble the 790....looks ugly
Just love my SDR....Great vid guys👍👍👍
Best Ktm Series Review😍😍
Haha yes Ktm owners are like that I grew up racing Ktm dirt bikes but when i started wanting a street bike the 390 Duke was just calling my name
Nice bit of KTM PR there John!!
Can't wait for them to make reversed trike