Owned one for 5 years and 8500 miles. Amazing ride. But ultimately too much vibration and the GT blocked too much air and always had me to warm most of the time. Still own a SDR which doesn’t have either of these issues. The new SAS now replaces the GT.
Nice honest review. I am still riding my SDGT '17, now at 45K miles. Zero issues other than wear items. I bought my KTM second hand with 18K miles. I have a favorite independent mechanic who checks the valves (no adjustments needed so far) and recently did a fork service with new fluids. I don't really care about factory warranty because KTM and other leading brands all build good bikes these days. I have done multiple 3-5 day tours on this bike and it's like you said excellent other than off road. I have no interest in going off road these days as I am 62 years old and don't bounce on a get off like I used to. I plan to ride my SDGT for another year or so. The used market here in the US is terrible for KTM, I think the floor for a used price with my miles is around $6K USD. I bought it for under $10K USD so still ahead overall. I ride with the San Diego BMW MC owners club here and am thinking a GS 1250 (used) will be my next ride. Not sure yet. I refuse to buy new MC, tons of options for low mileage bikes the owners thought they would ride and changed their mind. Thanks again for the honest review!
Hi David, thanks for taking the time to drop me the note. That's some good mileage you've got going there. Here in the UK we don't cover the distances you lads do in the States, BUT we do make up for that in brilliant twisty roads and speed lol. I've just bought a 2nd hand 1yr old 1,000 mike ducati Mukti V4s and loving it. Just about to do 4000 miles through the spanish mountains and south through portugal.
A dealer near me has a 2017 GT with 3800 miles on it, bags, ROTTWEILER PAIR BLOCK OFF PLATES, ROTTWEILER FUELING DONGLES, ROTTWEILER THROTLE BODY VACUUM HOSES, ROTTWEILER EXHAUST SERVO DONGLE, GARMIN ZUMO GPS AND MOUNT, POWER BRONZE SPORT WINDSCREEN, MRA WINDSCREEN WITH SPOILER PANNIERS, and looks to have new GPR300 tires for $10,300 USD. Seems like a good deal. Once I sell my 23 MT09SP this week, I may go test ride it. I had a 14 SDR for a few months earlier this year and sold it to make money. That was the most comfortable riding position and suspension I've ridden in a long time. It just didn't have cruise or a quickshifter and really didn't like to turn quick enough when riding at a "fast" pace.
I had one for 1.5 years, but had a few niggles which made me change it. I went for a super adventure S and and that sorted a lot of the things you listed here. Much smother in all gears (no choppy 6th). Adaptive cruise control. The bigger and updated TFT. Electronic suspension that can be fully adjusted without have to get on and off the bike. Since having the super adventure, I've done some green lanes. Love it. The GT is still a great bike and I would of kept mine longer had it not been for the niggles I kept getting.
FYI you’re still supposed to get off the SAS to adjust the suspension. The stepper motor that controls preload has plastic gears in it and they can strip if adjusted with weight on the bike.
@@Dakar_Steve interesting. The dealer never said this. They demonstrated it sitting on the bike. The manual says to only adjust when there is load on the rear wheel and the engine is running. Doesn't say anything about not sitting on the bike.
@@Sion_Jones yeah it’s not 100% clear. I’ve done it both ways without issue but I’ve always been told to do it with the bike unloaded and not on the main stand
@@Dakar_Steve Hi! I want to confirm that you cannot adjust the preload while sitting on a motorcycle. I am from Russia, we already have many cases of shock absorber failure due to such adjustment...
Interesting. On my 2017 I change the preload in the back while I'm on it with a passenger and it works fine. I love that comfort mode on the highway then street mode in the canyons is good enough for knee down on imperfectly paved roads of Southern Ca. It adjusts on the fly and just soaks up the bumps that upset other bikes and yet it does not eat up travel. Amazing and I hear there have been updates since mine. I understand 100% why he went down a tooth up front. cant use 6th until about 75 MPH or it lugs. I do not like the ABS. I saw Jesus way too many times as the GT was releasing brake pressure (because maybe the rear wheel lifted . . which I have the skill level to control manually) . . . However, I was making it worse by increasing lever pressure at the same time (prolonging the stop). I though ABS was supposed to shorten stopping distance! I am thinking of running brake lines straight to the calipers to fix that issue for good.
I think it was the gen 2 bike that you can't adjust the preload on the fly, it's a known issue. I assume you don't use rear brake to stop the rear lifting under heavy breaking as that would normally stop the ABS operating the way you've experienced. Or possibly is a gen 1 issue rather than a gen 2 issue?
Hi Steve really enjoy your channel. I have the Super Duke GT same Colour’s for 3 years 16000 miles absolutely love it touring 2 up tack days and generally riding around it’s the second one I’ve had first generation 2016 model 5 years 29000 miles great bike . I’m lucky have a brilliant dealer local ish to me The KTM center at Hemel Hempstead great guys really look after the customers. Enjoy your new bike 👍
Nice review. I've got a '19 in the gray/black colorway, got over 20K miles on it. It was my first premium motorcycle, and a sensible one at that. No real issues with it, always a fun ride, definitely more sport than tour. Smiles for miles, torque for days. The 1390 R looks very interesting...
Interesting I was torn between the GT and SDR . I ended up buying the SDR Evo as it came with panniers heated grips etc . Didn’t have heated seat they are not a plug option for SDR . it is only if you buy a heated GT passenger seat . So bought a heated seat element wired it in , works good . Been touring and a track day . I Still part think the GT with better wind protection might of been better . I agree the gearing to high . Will lower the front cog when chain worn .
Another point I would add re suspension, well it's not really a suspension thing. The frame isn't that stiff, so when hooning it on twisties you can feel the back end kinda shimmy. It's not something 'bad' to the point you can't hoon, but at this point in time if you are set on the GT and have the funds, waiting for the updated model would be advised.
Not sure I've ever felt that. Ingke sided swing arms are meant to be extremely rigid, in fact the latest Pannigali has lost the single sided arm and gone double sided to allow a bit more flex. I've now changed for a multistrada v4 pikes peak.
great video, mate :D How tall are you, do you find seat position too high? i'm 5'7 and i had problems touching my heels on the S1000XR, wich is a problem for me, because i don't always ride alone. the SDGT would be a great allrounder for me, but the seat height consernes me a bit... And also, i watched few other videos people complaining about fuzzy electronics, some of them even decided to return it to the dealership just because the new bike should of behave a bit better. Cheers :D
I'm 6 ft but can't really comment if you're 5' 7'' as best way is to test ride one from your local dealer. What I can say is that its lower than the XR. Electronically I've only ever had one gremlin which suggested cornering lights faulty, which they weren't
Thank you for the video Steve. First time to your page as I’m currently looking to upgrade/replace my stolen XSR 900 Anniversary. After getting over the heart break and only been riding for one year I want something bigger. I do 100 miles minimum per day and ideally I would like to do most days on two wheels. Weekdays for work (motorway and twisties) and weekend blasts and group rides. I’ve covered over 10k already in just a year. I’m obsessed and at 46 years old I want something more substantial. So! I’m looking at a Z1000SX and a GSX S1000F and then came across LCR’s Super Duke GT video and got very interested. Thoughts compared to the other two? Bearing in mind my limited rinding experience. P.S. my other bikes have been a 98 Firestorm and MT 09 SP
Some nice bikes your considering there pal. TBH I think the GT is an amazing bike out if the three you mentioned but might be a bit to 'full on' for a daily with 170 bhp. The Kawk and suzuki are both great also but I would steer towards the one most comfortable for you and with most weather protection. I would suggest go to your nearest dealers and test ride them both as its a very personal decision. What's good for someone might be wring for another. If pushed for a decision on those 2 the Kwak would be my call. Any reason why you want a thousand cc bike as many mid size ones to consider also and more nimble as a daily ride.
@stevesherlockrides Thanks for the speedy response. The reason is I will be buying two more bikes before the end of the year. I have premises secured for 3 bikes. I'm 46 and new to bikes and can't explain how good it has been for my mental health. I don't mind saying, that I live with ADHD and don't use medication. Biking has changed my life. And allows me to focus like Never before. After riding My XSR 900, which was a pleasure to ride, but little whiny on the motorway. Previously I had my 98 Firestorm (1st bike 🤪 WOW!!) And absolutely loved it. But too uncomfortable for my longer weekend rides. Hence needing more than one bike. I'll be grabbing a 2019-2022 ZX6 R for fun and starting my track day career. And either a Speed Twin or R Nine T to get modded for 2025 crusing and shows. I know I sound crazy but I've got so much experience with fast modded cars, and I was going to start a new car project and then passed my MOD1 and 2. That was it. Life changed! And now with some cash to blow, after not getting a car. I won't want ride either the ZX6 or Speed Twin during winter, so I want an all year, all rounder but I'm not an NCX 750 kinda guy. I used to have a Mk2 VW Golf. And rather buy a new Golf R, I VR6'd and supercharged a Mk2. Never went over legal speeds that much. But loved blasting from lights and talking to folk about how amazing it was to accelerate upto motorway speeds in the blink of an eye. All there if I needed it but at the right time and place. Sorry for the waffle. But wanted to give a picture.
Thanks for sharing your story and I get where you're coming from. I actually did a video on riding and mental health. If you are going for 2 bikes then defo get the GT, its amazing and has so much more personality than any bike I've ridden so far.
@stevesherlockrides I'll have a look for your video. Definitely going to try the GT. There's one near me for under 10k, 20 plate. Enjoy the new bike. Looks and sounds awesome 👌🏾
Great review. So i only passed in June( I have had 7 bikes since then). I just can't find something i like.. being a 'newer' rider, dealers won't let me test ride, so I have always bought blind you see. Have since sold my GSA1250, found it too boring and at 28, it's not for me... So im fortunate to have saved some pennies for a while and now comfortably afford the 2 bike garage. I was told that if i got the Super Adventure S, any other bike in the garage will gather dust. 3:56 So my thinking is to get the new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ and then have the 1290 as the out n out summer toy next year? And yes, being a newer rider, i wouldn't suggest 180hp. But they have rain mode, so it's something to grow into. Be interested to hear your thoughts.
Only ridden a bike since June wow, be careful. Learn your trade first before you goinig on power. Saying that my 2nd bike 6 weeks after passing test was a CBRR 1000 Fireblade lol. Bike choice is based on the type of riding you want to do and your ability. Where do you sit on these points first?
@stevesherlockrides first bike was a GSXR750. Quickly found out I don't like inline 4's, had a 1250GSA, 900XR, 937 Monster, MT09(liked the cp3) I want something to tour on, and then a weekend toy. I've done motocross so I know how to ride you see. I'm not suggesting 180hp to go ride like an idiot, I'm literally looking at the rain mode option to then grow into as in the 7 months, I've lost near on 4k in selling all these bikes after I quickly discovered that I don't like them haha
If you don't like in line 4s then you have 3 options, triples, v or parallel twins or v4s. I would avoid the boxer engine altogether as boring. The GT is a brilliant bike and so versatile, I absolutely loved it. That said I've aways fancied the RS triumphs but no had one. I loved my parallel twin RS Thruxton and KTM 890r. The best fun bike I've had was the 890r but not brilliant for touring due to the naked style. If I was to make a suggestion I would go the KTM route as they are brill bikes. It's your call whether the Gt Gen 2 or 890r duke
Just needs a reset, 30 mins labour, they might also put the update on the suspension software if it hasn't been already done which allegedly makes this issue never happen again
Owned one for 5 years and 8500 miles. Amazing ride. But ultimately too much vibration and the GT blocked too much air and always had me to warm most of the time. Still own a SDR which doesn’t have either of these issues. The new SAS now replaces the GT.
Nice honest review. I am still riding my SDGT '17, now at 45K miles. Zero issues other than wear items. I bought my KTM second hand with 18K miles. I have a favorite independent mechanic who checks the valves (no adjustments needed so far) and recently did a fork service with new fluids. I don't really care about factory warranty because KTM and other leading brands all build good bikes these days. I have done multiple 3-5 day tours on this bike and it's like you said excellent other than off road. I have no interest in going off road these days as I am 62 years old and don't bounce on a get off like I used to. I plan to ride my SDGT for another year or so. The used market here in the US is terrible for KTM, I think the floor for a used price with my miles is around $6K USD. I bought it for under $10K USD so still ahead overall. I ride with the San Diego BMW MC owners club here and am thinking a GS 1250 (used) will be my next ride. Not sure yet. I refuse to buy new MC, tons of options for low mileage bikes the owners thought they would ride and changed their mind. Thanks again for the honest review!
Hi David, thanks for taking the time to drop me the note. That's some good mileage you've got going there. Here in the UK we don't cover the distances you lads do in the States, BUT we do make up for that in brilliant twisty roads and speed lol. I've just bought a 2nd hand 1yr old 1,000 mike ducati Mukti V4s and loving it. Just about to do 4000 miles through the spanish mountains and south through portugal.
A dealer near me has a 2017 GT with 3800 miles on it, bags, ROTTWEILER PAIR BLOCK OFF PLATES, ROTTWEILER FUELING DONGLES, ROTTWEILER THROTLE BODY VACUUM HOSES, ROTTWEILER EXHAUST SERVO DONGLE, GARMIN ZUMO GPS AND MOUNT, POWER BRONZE SPORT WINDSCREEN, MRA WINDSCREEN WITH SPOILER PANNIERS, and looks to have new GPR300 tires for $10,300 USD. Seems like a good deal. Once I sell my 23 MT09SP this week, I may go test ride it. I had a 14 SDR for a few months earlier this year and sold it to make money. That was the most comfortable riding position and suspension I've ridden in a long time. It just didn't have cruise or a quickshifter and really didn't like to turn quick enough when riding at a "fast" pace.
Is the 2017 a Gen 1 or Gen 2?
Still a gen 1 gt
My brother has the Gen 1 still and when he ride my Gen 2 he did say the suspension feels more plush on the Gen 2, other than that he loves the Gen 1.
@@stevesherlockrides I keep reading that KTM offers an electronic suspension software upgrade that updates them to the most current settings.
I've heard same also
I had one for 1.5 years, but had a few niggles which made me change it. I went for a super adventure S and and that sorted a lot of the things you listed here. Much smother in all gears (no choppy 6th). Adaptive cruise control. The bigger and updated TFT. Electronic suspension that can be fully adjusted without have to get on and off the bike. Since having the super adventure, I've done some green lanes. Love it.
The GT is still a great bike and I would of kept mine longer had it not been for the niggles I kept getting.
FYI you’re still supposed to get off the SAS to adjust the suspension. The stepper motor that controls preload has plastic gears in it and they can strip if adjusted with weight on the bike.
@@Dakar_Steve interesting. The dealer never said this. They demonstrated it sitting on the bike. The manual says to only adjust when there is load on the rear wheel and the engine is running. Doesn't say anything about not sitting on the bike.
@@Sion_Jones yeah it’s not 100% clear. I’ve done it both ways without issue but I’ve always been told to do it with the bike unloaded and not on the main stand
@@Dakar_Steve Hi! I want to confirm that you cannot adjust the preload while sitting on a motorcycle. I am from Russia, we already have many cases of shock absorber failure due to such adjustment...
@@rezistor7872 I was told to adjust the preload with no weight on the bike. So start it, set the preload to what setting you need then load the bike.
Interesting. On my 2017 I change the preload in the back while I'm on it with a passenger and it works fine. I love that comfort mode on the highway then street mode in the canyons is good enough for knee down on imperfectly paved roads of Southern Ca. It adjusts on the fly and just soaks up the bumps that upset other bikes and yet it does not eat up travel. Amazing and I hear there have been updates since mine. I understand 100% why he went down a tooth up front. cant use 6th until about 75 MPH or it lugs. I do not like the ABS. I saw Jesus way too many times as the GT was releasing brake pressure (because maybe the rear wheel lifted . . which I have the skill level to control manually) . . . However, I was making it worse by increasing lever pressure at the same time (prolonging the stop). I though ABS was supposed to shorten stopping distance! I am thinking of running brake lines straight to the calipers to fix that issue for good.
I think it was the gen 2 bike that you can't adjust the preload on the fly, it's a known issue. I assume you don't use rear brake to stop the rear lifting under heavy breaking as that would normally stop the ABS operating the way you've experienced. Or possibly is a gen 1 issue rather than a gen 2 issue?
Hi Steve really enjoy your channel. I have the Super Duke GT same Colour’s for 3 years 16000 miles absolutely love it touring 2 up tack days and generally riding around it’s the second one I’ve had first generation 2016 model 5 years 29000 miles great bike . I’m lucky have a brilliant dealer local ish to me The KTM center at Hemel Hempstead great guys really look after the customers. Enjoy your new bike 👍
Cheers pal, no doubt whatsoever it's a great bike. Done 200 miles on the new one this weekend and whilst a bit heavier and larger it's fecking ace
Nice review. I've got a '19 in the gray/black colorway, got over 20K miles on it. It was my first premium motorcycle, and a sensible one at that. No real issues with it, always a fun ride, definitely more sport than tour. Smiles for miles, torque for days. The 1390 R looks very interesting...
Just a pity they haven't a release date for the 1390GT. I've flipped to a Multistrada v4s now and very different but good
Interesting I was torn between the GT and SDR .
I ended up buying the SDR Evo as it came with panniers heated grips etc . Didn’t have heated seat they are not a plug option for SDR . it is only if you buy a heated GT passenger seat . So bought a heated seat element wired it in , works good . Been touring and a track day . I Still part think the GT with better wind protection might of been better . I agree the gearing to high . Will lower the front cog when chain worn .
Another point I would add re suspension, well it's not really a suspension thing. The frame isn't that stiff, so when hooning it on twisties you can feel the back end kinda shimmy. It's not something 'bad' to the point you can't hoon, but at this point in time if you are set on the GT and have the funds, waiting for the updated model would be advised.
Not sure I've ever felt that. Ingke sided swing arms are meant to be extremely rigid, in fact the latest Pannigali has lost the single sided arm and gone double sided to allow a bit more flex. I've now changed for a multistrada v4 pikes peak.
I have the same bike, it beats most superbikes an excellent choice!
It definitely does sir. I've just got the ducati multistrada v4s and whilst loyal to the GT the suspension and power of the ducati is a step above.
Good video, thank you.
Appreciated thanks
Great review and Thank you for Sharing your experience with this amazing machine. 👍🏾
My pleasure
great video, mate :D
How tall are you, do you find seat position too high? i'm 5'7 and i had problems touching my heels on the S1000XR, wich is a problem for me, because i don't always ride alone.
the SDGT would be a great allrounder for me, but the seat height consernes me a bit...
And also, i watched few other videos people complaining about fuzzy electronics, some of them even decided to return it to the dealership just because the new bike should of behave a bit better.
Cheers :D
I'm 6 ft but can't really comment if you're 5' 7'' as best way is to test ride one from your local dealer. What I can say is that its lower than the XR. Electronically I've only ever had one gremlin which suggested cornering lights faulty, which they weren't
Thank you for the video Steve. First time to your page as I’m currently looking to upgrade/replace my stolen XSR 900 Anniversary. After getting over the heart break and only been riding for one year I want something bigger. I do 100 miles minimum per day and ideally I would like to do most days on two wheels. Weekdays for work (motorway and twisties) and weekend blasts and group rides. I’ve covered over 10k already in just a year. I’m obsessed and at 46 years old I want something more substantial. So! I’m looking at a Z1000SX and a GSX S1000F and then came across LCR’s Super Duke GT video and got very interested. Thoughts compared to the other two? Bearing in mind my limited rinding experience.
P.S. my other bikes have been a 98 Firestorm and MT 09 SP
Some nice bikes your considering there pal. TBH I think the GT is an amazing bike out if the three you mentioned but might be a bit to 'full on' for a daily with 170 bhp. The Kawk and suzuki are both great also but I would steer towards the one most comfortable for you and with most weather protection. I would suggest go to your nearest dealers and test ride them both as its a very personal decision. What's good for someone might be wring for another. If pushed for a decision on those 2 the Kwak would be my call. Any reason why you want a thousand cc bike as many mid size ones to consider also and more nimble as a daily ride.
@stevesherlockrides Thanks for the speedy response. The reason is I will be buying two more bikes before the end of the year. I have premises secured for 3 bikes. I'm 46 and new to bikes and can't explain how good it has been for my mental health. I don't mind saying, that I live with ADHD and don't use medication. Biking has changed my life. And allows me to focus like Never before. After riding My XSR 900, which was a pleasure to ride, but little whiny on the motorway. Previously I had my 98 Firestorm (1st bike 🤪 WOW!!) And absolutely loved it. But too uncomfortable for my longer weekend rides. Hence needing more than one bike. I'll be grabbing a 2019-2022 ZX6 R for fun and starting my track day career. And either a Speed Twin or R Nine T to get modded for 2025 crusing and shows. I know I sound crazy but I've got so much experience with fast modded cars, and I was going to start a new car project and then passed my MOD1 and 2. That was it. Life changed! And now with some cash to blow, after not getting a car. I won't want ride either the ZX6 or Speed Twin during winter, so I want an all year, all rounder but I'm not an NCX 750 kinda guy. I used to have a Mk2 VW Golf. And rather buy a new Golf R, I VR6'd and supercharged a Mk2. Never went over legal speeds that much. But loved blasting from lights and talking to folk about how amazing it was to accelerate upto motorway speeds in the blink of an eye. All there if I needed it but at the right time and place. Sorry for the waffle. But wanted to give a picture.
Thanks for sharing your story and I get where you're coming from. I actually did a video on riding and mental health. If you are going for 2 bikes then defo get the GT, its amazing and has so much more personality than any bike I've ridden so far.
@stevesherlockrides I'll have a look for your video. Definitely going to try the GT. There's one near me for under 10k, 20 plate. Enjoy the new bike. Looks and sounds awesome 👌🏾
Mine just got bought for under 10 grand and a 20 plate.
Great review.
So i only passed in June( I have had 7 bikes since then). I just can't find something i like.. being a 'newer' rider, dealers won't let me test ride, so I have always bought blind you see. Have since sold my GSA1250, found it too boring and at 28, it's not for me...
So im fortunate to have saved some pennies for a while and now comfortably afford the 2 bike garage.
I was told that if i got the Super Adventure S, any other bike in the garage will gather dust. 3:56
So my thinking is to get the new
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ and then have the 1290 as the out n out summer toy next year?
And yes, being a newer rider, i wouldn't suggest 180hp. But they have rain mode, so it's something to grow into.
Be interested to hear your thoughts.
Only ridden a bike since June wow, be careful. Learn your trade first before you goinig on power. Saying that my 2nd bike 6 weeks after passing test was a CBRR 1000 Fireblade lol. Bike choice is based on the type of riding you want to do and your ability. Where do you sit on these points first?
@stevesherlockrides first bike was a GSXR750. Quickly found out I don't like inline 4's, had a 1250GSA, 900XR, 937 Monster, MT09(liked the cp3) I want something to tour on, and then a weekend toy. I've done motocross so I know how to ride you see. I'm not suggesting 180hp to go ride like an idiot, I'm literally looking at the rain mode option to then grow into as in the 7 months, I've lost near on 4k in selling all these bikes after I quickly discovered that I don't like them haha
If you don't like in line 4s then you have 3 options, triples, v or parallel twins or v4s. I would avoid the boxer engine altogether as boring. The GT is a brilliant bike and so versatile, I absolutely loved it. That said I've aways fancied the RS triumphs but no had one. I loved my parallel twin RS Thruxton and KTM 890r. The best fun bike I've had was the 890r but not brilliant for touring due to the naked style. If I was to make a suggestion I would go the KTM route as they are brill bikes. It's your call whether the Gt Gen 2 or 890r duke
Hi.. Great review. Just bought one but has the suspension error from the load settings coming up. Was it an easy/cheap fix?
I never had the error as was always nervous to change preloaded while sat on the bike. Was aware it was a dealer fix.
Just needs a reset, 30 mins labour, they might also put the update on the suspension software if it hasn't been already done which allegedly makes this issue never happen again