KTM 1290 Superduke Bike Overview
The new KTM 1290 Superduke GT strikes the perfect balance between a sports bike and a city bike which offers the thrill of racing, while offering rider comfort for an increased span of time. No more bone rattling rides on this bike – as every trip would be a pleasure.
Sporting a powerful 1301 V-Twin engine on a LC 8 engine platform, its fly-by-wire motor effortlessly churns out an awesome 173bhp with a mind boggling 106ftlb of sheer torque. A dream machine – it is a sports tourister that is matchless in its class.
With heated grips (perfect for freezing mornings), cruise control, adjustable screen and a massive 23 litre fuel tank, many riders enjoy everything this bike has to offer. You can tame the beast using the street mode to economise on fuel consumption. While it does give the impression of being top-heavy when you are on the road, we find the handling smooth and controlled.
The twin semi-active suspension settings of Street mode and Comfort mode focus more on the safety aspect and comfort. Even if you brake heavily while moving fast, the fork dive is hardly noticeable and rebounds smoothly. The built in ABS and traction control offer safety, with the traction connected to rider modes, subject to weather conditions.
With wide comfortable bars which are adjustable, its ergonomics are top notch. With a small turning cycle despite its bulky frame and light steering, you will feel at home riding in town as well as long open stretches of the highway.
While it cannot be called conventionally good looking, it does have a certain rough edge that adds to its allure.
Watch this short video all about the KTM 1290 Superduke…
KTM 1290 Superduke Bike Spec
- Capacity1301cc
- Top speed159mph
- Weight189kg
- Average fuel consumption45mpg
- Seat height835mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 4v
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KTM 1290 Superduke Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
MPG, comfortable, luggage space.
Cons
Vibration
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Mile muncher
Few issues. New fuel sender unit, battery but nothing major.
Brembos
Great all rounder.
Well it's the beast!!
Averaging 49mpg
Pros
Power
Cons
Software and stainless fittings.
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I found it quite comfortable, have got the aftermarket heated seats, haven't tried pillion seat yet so cannot review it. I am only 65kgs so that helps too.
Well, some bolts should have been stainless especially at the bottom end by exhaust covers and stuff, they have rusted alreadt and have been replaced, the fluid cap had black screws which have been replaced to stainless, I mean, when someone pays a hefty price, one would think that the designers would have thought of this, it's not like they cost a lot in the first place. Had software glitches, power off and on sorted them out but still skeptical, price for replacement parts horrendously expensive.
Brembo stilema, nothing else to add.
It's razor sharp, that's why I bought it, a bit on the heavy side at 210kgs not full of fuel but then again, has a big engine to match
For what it is and its use, it's powerful and the tech helps to keep the beast under a tight leash.
It's a bit thirsty if one is throttle happy, then again, it's a big engine. Don't know costs as got this year.
Pros
Seating position, performance, build quality. Panniers let it down.
Cons
Quality of the panniers.
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Great quality build, panniers a little small but locking system is good and easy to use. My only gripe is the emblem keeps coming off. The bike is comfortable when riding long distances. The rear sets are set back slightly but plenty of room so no fatigue. Plenty of power for smooth overtakes. Foot rest are the right hight for Pillion, seat comfortable and hand grips are easy to locate.
Build quality is excellent although the panniers let it down as they feel cheap. I have had 2 batteries replaced, MTC failures but that was down to the battery. The cruise control is very awkward and wasn't sought out very well in production.
Brembo brakes. Great stopping power. Rear break is pleasingly good. No issues at all with the front.
Very viby but it is a big vtwin. 6th gear is pointless. The bike is easy to manoeuvre and has a good center of gravity as all the weight is low down do the bike appears to feel lighter than what it is. The angel gt tires work great in the wet and awesome in the dry weather. The bike holds its line very well when cornering.
1301cc big vtwin what more can you ask for. Performance wise is exceptional. The gt as a 23 litre tank to more smiles to the galon.
Fuelling is great for a 1301cc bike, averaging 47mpg. 23 litre tank so touring is much more fun knowing you can go the distance. Service costs are 9000 miles or yearly at an average of £200. Insurance is relatively low due to owning big bike.
Pros
Love the handling and power.
Cons
Seat comfort could be better.
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Power Pars heated seats fitted.
No issues.
Brakes perform well for a bike of this weight.
Great handling.
Excellent, never short of instant power.
Not expensive to run.
Pros
The engine is great although handling is not far behind.
Cons
Some of the plastics could be better but I'm nit-picking really
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Very comfortable riding position not overly aggressive, the seat is on the firm side, i have done couple of long rides (3 hours) and was getting a bit sore but manageable.
Ktm build quality i think is very good now few bits of plastic not brilliant but these can be replaced with carbon if you have the cash.
Brembo's fitted not much else to say.
Suspension is great, lot of options with the electronics and this bike is very agile, very sure footed.
Engine is something else, I'm a twin fan and the power delivery is something to experience, this is a very fast bike but will trundle along at 25/30 no problem.
Over 50 on a run, I have found servicing to be reasonable for this quality of bike although residuals are not good.
Pros
Torque.
Cons
Wind protection.
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Have covered 500+ miles a day many times on tour - no aches or pains (and I am old). Wind protection could be better even with the screen in high position.
Generally very good and purposeful, some of the fasteners could be better such as stainless rather than galvanised or painted steel.
Stop one.
A setting for every occasion and inclination.
Ride one.
Really great value in terms of equipment, performance and fun per pound.
Pros
Highly capable all round bike that has the power and handling of a sportsbike but the practicality of an adventure bike (without wht long way around stigma). Don't see many of them on the road, which is a bonus too.
Cons
Dealer network
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Corners like a sportsbike. Hugely stable and with the added confidence of very clever traction control and slipper clutch
Very powerful bike with none of the snatchiness of previous machines (I've owned both).
Dealer network
I'd rate it more highly had the fuel pump not packed up before the first service
Brembos - very good feel and more than enough power. Plus switchable ABS.
Pros
This bike really can do it all. It can scratch with the best sportsbikes and tour with the fattest tourers. I also like its exclusivity. I haven't seen another one on the road in the 6 months I've owned it
Cons
Niggling faults
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Top quality adjustable suspension makes this bike hugely adaptable to a variety of riding styles
This twin loves to rev. Its bard not to hit the rev limiter
Niggling faults
I had a fuel pump issue and now my quickshifter isn't working but otherwise it's been great and my previous 990 Superduke R was faultless too
Brembos have phenomenal stopping power and the cornering abs is a great comfort
Pros
Looks and handling
Cons
OE tyres
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Smooth enough when you realise all the torque is at the bottom of the rev range
Top notch, could pull a train
expensive servicing costs
Warped discs, problems with the electronics
Brembos are brill, but issue with warped discs
Pros
The engine and suspension
Cons
The horn working intermittently
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Great semi active suspension Fantastic in the twistys
3 ride modes rain , street sport In sport it’s fantastic full 173bhp
46mpg not bad on fuel Tank holds 23 litres
1 recall faulty fuel line Horn sited to near radiator when it reaches a certain temperature the horn will not work.
Brembo m50 fantastic Cornering abs
Pros
Comfort, versatile and engine
Cons
Front end looks.
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Good suspension set up form
One of the best ever
Good on fuel but servicing, parts, insurance all very expensive. Chews through rear tyres too.
Seems well made
Brembo M50 so always good
Pros
Road. Track. Or pottering about. Does it all. Extra costs to add electronics. Hill starts power parts seat, all charged extra to activate on top of the costs of the extras.
Cons
Electronics.
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Could do with a quick shifter for down shifts. 2019 model does.
Loads of torque.
About 45mpg motorway blasts . Low 40's when pushing a bit.
Nothing broken so far.
Brembo M50's. No issues .
Pros
If you want power, looks, handling and a bike called the beast, have a test ride and prepare to pay good cash for biking heaven…
Cons
Free of charge driving licences (several).
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Bonkers, loves to mono even if you don't want to. Handles like a dream, did I mention the wheelies?
Powerful, bonkers 1301cc torque everywhere. Never stops pulling, ever!
Free of charge driving licences (several).
Perfect no issue. Top quality W Power suspenders Brembo M50 brakes, top gear.
Brembo M50s could stop an aeroplane, great ABS with supermoto mode
Pros
Feel for the machine handling and cornering keeps you fully engaged is probably the best feeling ever. I've owned many different bikes from sports tourer to sports adventure This KTM Superduke 1290 is undoubtedly the best bike I've ever ridden. It's a fantastic bike which handles every environment it gives you makes you just smile smile smile
Cons
This is a hard one yet if anything I would like a sports screen which delivers better wind desperation at high speed.
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Handles and turns fantastically The engine braking is awesome sets things up brilliantly for taking corners
What can I say immense doesn't start to cover it
This is a hard one yet if anything I would like a sports screen which delivers better wind desperation at high speed.
No faults as yet the build quality is superb which you'd expect for such a top end bike
Brembo four piston calliper brakes Stopping power is great and nice to know their there if needed, great feel through the levers too