I've been looking for a new bike that could handle longer distances for a while now. My criteria was basically that it couldn't just be a bloated cruiser. I wanted a fun, dynamic, and powerful bike. It had to be premium, relatively lightweight (no 600+ lb cruisers), and above all else fun... because otherwise, what's even the point? My other bikes aren't really suited for touring. I have a new gen Panigale V2, which is a great bike for the street, and honestly the best street-focused sport bike I could think of, but despite the more relaxed riding position compared to the older V2's or any of the V4's, it still has me hunched over and doesn't allow for luggage. My S1000R naked is also an amazing bike, very comfortable on the street, and I've taken it on track as well.. but there is basically no wind protection, and the seat is quite hard (even my aftermarket Sargent seat, which is softer than stock, is still somehow just very hard??). Both are amazing bikes, but spending more than a few hours on them has my various body parts hurting. Still, I love the character of both of these bikes, and have not been interested in parting with either. Rather, I wanted to add something to the stable.

I looked at the usual suspects... Multistrada V4 (struck this one out due to the very sad range and general high cost..), S1000XR (seemed silly when I already have 90% of the same bike). The big GS bikes... I don't plan to go off-road, and while I know ADVs are in style now apparently, I knew I'd be better served by a sport tourer instead. I looked at Japanese options, and found some great and reliable bikes, but... power seemed to be a bit down on many, and quite a few seemed heavier than what I wanted.

It had never occurred to me to look into KTM. A friend of mine has a 1st gen SDGT, and when I asked him about it... everything just clicked. A Super Duke with wind protection, a bigger gas tank, and luggage?? Something that can tackle 200+ miles of highway with a 6+ gallon tank, but also rip up back roads (and even a track if I want it)?? Upright seating position, comfy seat (with ergo seat available), cruise control, heated grips (and optional seat), various ride modes, etc etc?? AND it weighs a tick over 500 lb wet?? My old F700GS (my first bike) with 75 hp was loaded with crash bars, luggage, top box, etc, and I reckon it easily weighed more than that. And then came the kicker... there are brand new 2024 models sitting in dealerships, unsold and heavily discounted, because people in the US apparently aren't very into sport tourers, instead preferring ADVs (though I get it) or dedicated touring bikes.

Unfortunately, there were no SDGT's available near me. One dealer in a neighboring state showed one in stock on their website, but it was long gone. I looked around and found one halfway across the country, listed at about $7k under retail. After some back and forth, we made a deal. Of course there were the usual BS dealer fees in addition to the standard freight. I also threw on a tech package (silly that this is a thing, but it seems necessary). Overall, I think I got a good deal. I arranged for a shipping service to transport the bike to me, and a week later.. here it is!

Last nifht after delivery I took a quick ride and put on about 50 miles. Today I put about 150 more. Geeze, even with keeping the break-in in mind... WHAT A BIKE! I already have several accessories which have already arrived or are otherwise on order (nothing too crazy. Tank grips, WRS screen, rear spools, slip-on muffler, etc), but.. wow. What a bike. I love my other current bikes, but the KTM is just wild in a great way. The Ducati is very sporty with plenty of rumble, and the BMW is razor sharp with an I4 that just screams as the revs climb (even with the lower redline of the R compared to the RR... above 6K RPM it's a rocket)... but the KTM just pulls like a freight train! It also loves to corner, handles like a smaller bike, and I even seem to have erased my chicken strips before even wearing down the raised lettering (3rd pic) 😅

Love this bike, and I'm so happy to join the KTM family!

Every now and then I grab the plastics and twist and it seems to improve for a while but it could be delusion on my part. I'm sure it doesn't matter but I stand and stare at my baby a lot and it drives me nuts that the sub frame seems twisted.

Any procedure to follow from others that might have straightened their shit?

Cheers.

KTM superduke 1290 at its playground (zolder)

Hei
I have just gotten my bike and license, bought a used bike with 8.600km from a used dealer.
They advertised it as good mechanical and followed maintenance. And for all its worth is does ride superb when it works.

But this error code has come up and been a problem im dealing with, took it to the dealer and they said it could be a tune map. And took it back to standard. But the code is still there and it puts in into limp mode…

Anyone who can help out there?

Duke 790 2019 btw

I'm looking to buy a rack system for the back of my 2008 990 Adventure. I already have the Nomadic Luggage Rack from KTM Twins. I want to add soft panniers to the side but I don't want a reckless system because I occasionally ride 2up with my wife. Any one know any good brands that still sell racks for these bikes? Any recommendations are much appreciated!

Hey all this issue has progressively gotten worse over the past 2ish weeks- while riding my TFT display will reboot to the “KTM READY TO RACE”.
Started out as just one random moment during my ride, then turned to whenever I would hit a big bump in the road, and now today it flickered non stop while riding and then whenever I would downshift or hit a slight bump.
My most obvious guess is some loose connection but I haven’t gotten the chance to check the wires yet, and I already replaced fuses 2 and 7. Im pretty sure my turn signals still work when the screen is off/rebooting.

Has anyone dealt with this issue before?
(Ignore the video quality I just got a new GoPro and I’m trying to figure out the settings just focus on the 6 inch iPad tweaking out)

Preventative maintenance going on with the Duke 690 I bought, including a service, valve clearance, new rocker arms etc

Can absolutely not wait to go and collect this.

Just passed my test, paid a deposit, excited 😎

I have never had a good experience dealing with them. They take forever to communicate. They never follow through with their lead times.

It's unfortunate their exhausts sound great. Just not worth giving them a ton of cash for shit customer service and lies about orders. Better options exist out there.