I have a 2019 GT and absolutely love it. Torque everywhere. Indeed I rarely use 6th gear. Most of the time in 4th gear. I average ~47mpg. Almost 21K miles, all twisty 'B' roads, best. Following the maintenance schedule. She's a keeper.
just done 2200 miles in 4 days including 675 motorway miles getting home. I have put gel pads in the parts seat and lowered the pegs. With a tall screen its all day comfortable. Ktm do have issues though. mines been mega reliable. love the 6th gear for high speed touring getting home on the motorways. Perfect for that. great videos fella
Hay Gareth, thanks for the comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I had such high hopes for my own GT (bought brand new June 22) but sadly the bikes electronics didn’t last and it went back end of last year. That 6th gear in the UK frustrates me with its sluggishness, but would be perfect abroad with some higher speeds :)
I own a 2017 Superduke GT, after all these years the only problems I have had is front tire TPMS replacement and gas pump replacement. After 3 BMW bikes I could not be happier with my KTM. Have you ever heard of distribution chain, brake module, gas pump, igniton coils, clutch basket, final transmission problems? My last BMW showed all of them and some other problems in 56 thousand kilometers.
Good to see you back on one of the best bikes in the world. I've done a huge amount of touring on mines including Spain & Portugal from Scotland, never had much of an issue with comfort - I've got bar risers but pegs are standard, knees do get stiff but thats at the end of the day of around 250-350 miles. Garmin Zumo XT with a custom made mount for above the dash deals with the Navigation. Get it tuned on a rolling road and it further opens things up but without ruining it - now 200bhp at the crank and measured on rolling dyno 175bhp at the rear wheel. If you are touring then the 6th grear is handy for any motorway you have to do to get to the twisty bits, some people change the gearing to make the 6th more usable
Ive also heard about people changing the gearing to get more out of the 6th gear, i think its a wise move and something i probably would have done if keeping my old GT. How are you finding the Zumo XT? its either this or the tom tom 550 for my next satnav purchase for the GSA, would be good to hear some personal experiences with it.
@@DSR1YT I've got both 550 & Zumo XT. XT2 has just come out Zumo XT better screen than 550 but XT takes a bit of learning as it has a bunch of Apps doing different things. Zumo can be a bit quirky on route planning & address finding
I'm thinking about maybe getting a face-lift one for next year , had a soft spot for them for ages but I keep reading about reliability issues, parts back order issues and unstable with a weave at high speed , does yours suffer with any of these ? , thanks in advance
6th Gear is for the Autobahn. The bike has to be designed for all locations. Maybe, you should try going to Germany and trying it. Also, the brake squeak comes from the Brembos and the choice of pads.
So I need to pay hundreds of pounds to go abroad to try out 1 single gear on the motorway? Rather not thanks 😁. It’s a wasted gear on the bike. We need to stop justifying it as an autobahn gear and complain enough to KTM so that they change its ratio. Just my opinion though 😁
9:56 Abso bloody lutely yes... It's what sets this bike apart from the competition like the boring ass GSXS1000 GT and Ninja 1000 SX, KTM weren't afraid to shove fun into this bike and it's not the only feature that shows that (amongst launch control and separately disable-able wheelie control) Also I really don't think you can talk about this bike's price as it is. KTM do far more promotions than any other manufacturer and the GT has had 3k off it's sticker price for the last 2-3 months and also 4 years warranty. Dealers are also fairly happy to throw in the tech pack (so all electronics) for free if you haggle a bit. In actually reality a fully loaded one of these off the showroom floor at the moment is 17k without luggage. Absolute bargain if you ask me when compared to the European competition, and even some of the japanese rivals.
KTM know how to make a bike put a smile on your face that’s for sure. Sadly it’s not backed up from the dealers or KTM themselves. I go by the price on KTMs website before i take the bike out, I don’t go by individual dealers offers as they will change depending on the dealer, how their sales are going for the year, how many GTs they have to sell etc etc. If you aren’t getting luggage open this bike you might as well get a SDR or Duke :). That adds 1K on easily. Each to their own with these bikes though, always worth shopping around as prices wont be the same between dealers as mentioned.
@@DSR1YT That 3k off is a nationwide KTM deal straight from the factory. Any dealer you walk into will give you that off. I'm not sure i agree on the luggage department, even just casual riding about and not necessarily touring the GT is better roadbike than the SDR though I do have luggage and it is certainly welcome.
It was still quite aggressive even for a touring style bike. If I had kept it I was going to whack on some bar risers just to relieve some pressure whilst riding.
Great review matt,its a lovely bike.i think the exhaust sound on the vid is ok,most the noise is induction as far as im aware in stock trim.that will be the kind of bike i'll be looking for after i get tired of my nut case!😂😂
Still trying to work out a good mic position for pure exhaust sound. Trial and error. Just don’t buy my old GT :). Out on the Streetfighter V4 tomorrow, lets see if this is more insane than the 1290.
All bikes are dear lately. Way I see it is I won’t be paying the £21k because I’ll chop it in after a 2 years or so, so I won’t feel that pinch 😁. Not going to lie. Half tempted for the new multistrada v4s. 🤣🤦🏻
@@DSR1YT im going to take the multustrada out at some point.ive heard its a really good machine,fuel range is still its issue even with that system that shuts down one bank apparently though.
@@DSR1YT I live in new Zealand and speed limit is 100 k there's no way I could use 6th,so dropped a tooth and it was fine or at least it was manageable, mine came with heated grips and quick shifter but apparently now they're add ons... what a rip off,still looking at getting 1 though as I miss the beast
Spot on review. Lovely engine but it doesn't like low revs where it gets choppy and harsh. Also on my 18 plate when you shut the throttle it gives a little soft ecu blip at low revs to clear its euro emissions throat and that upsets your clean tip into the corner. 45 to 47 mpg 200 ish comfortable miles to the tank full. Gear changes get clunkier as oil gets old and I guess for my bike 3 to 4k between changes is needed. About to change gearing to get away from 6th gear woes (in the UK) and make 6th a useable gear. Overall a heck of a bike.
This bike has so much potential for being a great bike, then there’s just these little niggly points that take it down a few notches which is a real shame. Hopefully changing the 6th gear with make it more usable on the UK motorways. Enjoy your GT my friend and ride safe.
All Ktms are stunning, this one particulary is amazing, i just dont first like how your was handled and couldnt be fixed and then also i dont like how they fit things and take them off if you dont pay for them. my 2022 Tracer9GT is more than good enough for nearly half the price
They can be amazing bikes if they work faultlessly, there lies the issues, a big IF. KTM could really do with sorting out their customer service and after sales care. Ill be testing the Tracer 9 GT soon, lets see if they’ve sorted out the issues from last years model.
Well done -- your videos are getting even slicker. Good to see the electronics lasted at least as long as your test ride! 😉 With some of those optional extras, are they a pay-once-own-them scenario or does an annual "subscription fee" apply? Also, just a comment on the exhaust note tests. I'm sure you're fully aware that often the note of the bike at standstill bears no resemblence to what it sounds like underway and under load. In an ideal world, a remote mike when riding would be handy but you've already got your hands full!!
Thanks Coutsy222, always good to know that not only am i improving but you guys are enjoying the content. This test ride took just over 35 minutes from start to finish, the GT electronics nailed it for those 35 minutes :). Optional extras = yes, pay once own them for life. KTM tend to on the new bikes to do this ‘Demo Mode’ where they unlock everything for the first 600miles (first service period) then lock everything and its up to you if you want to pay to unlock them again. I appreciate the exhaust sounds different stationary to riding, I’m yet to find a good audio/mic set up for a pure exhaust sound without you just listening to me breathing and not talking :). I will work it out eventually.
Sorry to hear you had issues as well. I totally agree with your statement though. It’s a real shame because they have some great bikes on their line up. Enjoy your Zh2.
A friend of mine got his bike back from shop after some electrical issues, then went for a good ride and after some way into the ride it completely died on him,luckily the shop where he bought the bike came with trailer and took it back to shop. He's having second thoughts about keeping it now 😢
The man who is only just able to afford a KTM is when the bikes at its 5 year point :). GS is a fantastic bike, but for 2023 my money is on the Multistrada V4s to take the win for best bike in this category.
I've got a 2019 GT from new. Your right 6th gear is a joke. Sometimes it wont turn on, usually leave it for 20 mins and it starts OK, whats wrong with a key? The price is way to salty thought especially with the extras. Panniers in my opinion are a crap shape making it difficult to fill to capacity and too small. I've had a GS, it was the most boring bike bike I've ever owned. Very, very capable but lacked that spark to make me want to ride it. Sold it and bought a Tuono .
Is the GT on your demo list for 2023?
I have a 2019 GT and absolutely love it. Torque everywhere. Indeed I rarely use 6th gear. Most of the time in 4th gear. I average ~47mpg. Almost 21K miles, all twisty 'B' roads, best. Following the maintenance schedule. She's a keeper.
I wish mine didn’t have its issues as I’d still have it. Glad there’s someone else out there who doesn’t use 6th gear 😁
just done 2200 miles in 4 days including 675 motorway miles getting home. I have put gel pads in the parts seat and lowered the pegs. With a tall screen its all day comfortable. Ktm do have issues though. mines been mega reliable. love the 6th gear for high speed touring getting home on the motorways. Perfect for that.
great videos fella
Hay Gareth, thanks for the comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I had such high hopes for my own GT (bought brand new June 22) but sadly the bikes electronics didn’t last and it went back end of last year. That 6th gear in the UK frustrates me with its sluggishness, but would be perfect abroad with some higher speeds :)
I own a 2017 Superduke GT, after all these years the only problems I have had is front tire TPMS replacement and gas pump replacement.
After 3 BMW bikes I could not be happier with my KTM.
Have you ever heard of distribution chain, brake module, gas pump, igniton coils, clutch basket, final transmission problems? My last BMW showed all of them and some other problems in 56 thousand kilometers.
I wish my own GT didn't have any issues and I would have kept that, but sadly it wasn't meant to be. KTM let me down so I didn't go back.
Good to see you back on one of the best bikes in the world. I've done a huge amount of touring on mines including Spain & Portugal from Scotland, never had much of an issue with comfort - I've got bar risers but pegs are standard, knees do get stiff but thats at the end of the day of around 250-350 miles. Garmin Zumo XT with a custom made mount for above the dash deals with the Navigation. Get it tuned on a rolling road and it further opens things up but without ruining it - now 200bhp at the crank and measured on rolling dyno 175bhp at the rear wheel. If you are touring then the 6th grear is handy for any motorway you have to do to get to the twisty bits, some people change the gearing to make the 6th more usable
Ive also heard about people changing the gearing to get more out of the 6th gear, i think its a wise move and something i probably would have done if keeping my old GT.
How are you finding the Zumo XT? its either this or the tom tom 550 for my next satnav purchase for the GSA, would be good to hear some personal experiences with it.
@@DSR1YT I've got both 550 & Zumo XT. XT2 has just come out
Zumo XT better screen than 550 but XT takes a bit of learning as it has a bunch of Apps doing different things. Zumo can be a bit quirky on route planning & address finding
@@lovegar Im all for a simpler life, sounds like the 550 might be for the win, also a little cheaper than the XT. Thanks for the reply.
I'm thinking about maybe getting a face-lift one for next year , had a soft spot for them for ages but I keep reading about reliability issues, parts back order issues and unstable with a weave at high speed , does yours suffer with any of these ? , thanks in advance
Thinking of grabbing this later on. I have a 16 1190 Adventure that I am in love with for now.
If you’re still loving your 1190 I wouldn’t bother changing. Stick with what makes you happy for now 🤙
I changed the gearing on my Duke and 6th is usable, also its returning a better mpg
Nice, there’s been so many people saying there isn’t anything wrong with the 6th gear. I’m glad there are some out there who agree with me 😁
6th Gear is for the Autobahn. The bike has to be designed for all locations. Maybe, you should try going to Germany and trying it. Also, the brake squeak comes from the Brembos and the choice of pads.
So I need to pay hundreds of pounds to go abroad to try out 1 single gear on the motorway? Rather not thanks 😁. It’s a wasted gear on the bike. We need to stop justifying it as an autobahn gear and complain enough to KTM so that they change its ratio. Just my opinion though 😁
Watching this video a year later is difficult. I hope you’re feeling better.
9:56 Abso bloody lutely yes... It's what sets this bike apart from the competition like the boring ass GSXS1000 GT and Ninja 1000 SX, KTM weren't afraid to shove fun into this bike and it's not the only feature that shows that (amongst launch control and separately disable-able wheelie control)
Also I really don't think you can talk about this bike's price as it is. KTM do far more promotions than any other manufacturer and the GT has had 3k off it's sticker price for the last 2-3 months and also 4 years warranty. Dealers are also fairly happy to throw in the tech pack (so all electronics) for free if you haggle a bit. In actually reality a fully loaded one of these off the showroom floor at the moment is 17k without luggage. Absolute bargain if you ask me when compared to the European competition, and even some of the japanese rivals.
KTM know how to make a bike put a smile on your face that’s for sure. Sadly it’s not backed up from the dealers or KTM themselves. I go by the price on KTMs website before i take the bike out, I don’t go by individual dealers offers as they will change depending on the dealer, how their sales are going for the year, how many GTs they have to sell etc etc. If you aren’t getting luggage open this bike you might as well get a SDR or Duke :). That adds 1K on easily. Each to their own with these bikes though, always worth shopping around as prices wont be the same between dealers as mentioned.
@@DSR1YT That 3k off is a nationwide KTM deal straight from the factory. Any dealer you walk into will give you that off. I'm not sure i agree on the luggage department, even just casual riding about and not necessarily touring the GT is better roadbike than the SDR though I do have luggage and it is certainly welcome.
It was still quite aggressive even for a touring style bike. If I had kept it I was going to whack on some bar risers just to relieve some pressure whilst riding.
Great review matt,its a lovely bike.i think the exhaust sound on the vid is ok,most the noise is induction as far as im aware in stock trim.that will be the kind of bike i'll be looking for after i get tired of my nut case!😂😂
Still trying to work out a good mic position for pure exhaust sound. Trial and error. Just don’t buy my old GT :). Out on the Streetfighter V4 tomorrow, lets see if this is more insane than the 1290.
@@DSR1YT i love the streetfighter,but they are dear,and im not sure they're as mental.they're 210bhp though arent they.pretty machine tbf!
All bikes are dear lately. Way I see it is I won’t be paying the £21k because I’ll chop it in after a 2 years or so, so I won’t feel that pinch 😁.
Not going to lie. Half tempted for the new multistrada v4s. 🤣🤦🏻
@@DSR1YT im going to take the multustrada out at some point.ive heard its a really good machine,fuel range is still its issue even with that system that shuts down one bank apparently though.
Tested the other week. Like I said, best bike I’ve tested this year for me and my riding requirements. It’s a must. Are you anywhere near Bridgwater?
1 tooth smaller on the front sorts all that low speed stuff out plus you can use 6th no problem
You’ll get some people claiming there’s nothing wrong with 6th gear and I ride it wrong. Clearly they don’t live in the UK 😆🤙
@@DSR1YT I live in new Zealand and speed limit is 100 k there's no way I could use 6th,so dropped a tooth and it was fine or at least it was manageable, mine came with heated grips and quick shifter but apparently now they're add ons... what a rip off,still looking at getting 1 though as I miss the beast
yes a rip off but we still pay for it because we want them, our own worst nightmares haha
Spot on review. Lovely engine but it doesn't like low revs where it gets choppy and harsh. Also on my 18 plate when you shut the throttle it gives a little soft ecu blip at low revs to clear its euro emissions throat and that upsets your clean tip into the corner. 45 to 47 mpg 200 ish comfortable miles to the tank full. Gear changes get clunkier as oil gets old and I guess for my bike 3 to 4k between changes is needed. About to change gearing to get away from 6th gear woes (in the UK) and make 6th a useable gear. Overall a heck of a bike.
This bike has so much potential for being a great bike, then there’s just these little niggly points that take it down a few notches which is a real shame. Hopefully changing the 6th gear with make it more usable on the UK motorways. Enjoy your GT my friend and ride safe.
Non ti aggrappare sugli specchi! La perfezione non è di questo mondo.
Non cercare il pelo nell'uovo.
All Ktms are stunning, this one particulary is amazing, i just dont first like how your was handled and couldnt be fixed and then also i dont like how they fit things and take them off if you dont pay for them. my 2022 Tracer9GT is more than good enough for nearly half the price
They can be amazing bikes if they work faultlessly, there lies the issues, a big IF. KTM could really do with sorting out their customer service and after sales care. Ill be testing the Tracer 9 GT soon, lets see if they’ve sorted out the issues from last years model.
I really like the new Tracer 9 GT+, would be a nice 2nd touring bike for me next to my SDGT
@@lovegar Makes perfect sense, having a bike ready in full working order for when the GT breaks 🤣. Only joking, kind of 😁
@@DSR1YT 18,000 miles trouble free
@@lovegar Mine lasted 50 miles from new. You win some, you lose some. Enjoy yours whilst you can.
Well done -- your videos are getting even slicker. Good to see the electronics lasted at least as long as your test ride! 😉 With some of those optional extras, are they a pay-once-own-them scenario or does an annual "subscription fee" apply?
Also, just a comment on the exhaust note tests. I'm sure you're fully aware that often the note of the bike at standstill bears no resemblence to what it sounds like underway and under load. In an ideal world, a remote mike when riding would be handy but you've already got your hands full!!
Thanks Coutsy222, always good to know that not only am i improving but you guys are enjoying the content. This test ride took just over 35 minutes from start to finish, the GT electronics nailed it for those 35 minutes :).
Optional extras = yes, pay once own them for life. KTM tend to on the new bikes to do this ‘Demo Mode’ where they unlock everything for the first 600miles (first service period) then lock everything and its up to you if you want to pay to unlock them again.
I appreciate the exhaust sounds different stationary to riding, I’m yet to find a good audio/mic set up for a pure exhaust sound without you just listening to me breathing and not talking :). I will work it out eventually.
Just got rid of mine too may software issues. Never buy another KTM gone back to Kawasaki ZH2 picking it up this Monday
Sorry to hear you had issues as well. I totally agree with your statement though. It’s a real shame because they have some great bikes on their line up.
Enjoy your Zh2.
A friend of mine got his bike back from shop after some electrical issues, then went for a good ride and after some way into the ride it completely died on him,luckily the shop where he bought the bike came with trailer and took it back to shop.
He's having second thoughts about keeping it now 😢
I still want one even after the problems you had unfortunately 🤦🏼♂️
Every now and then I find myself thinking about a 790/890 adventure. It’s illogical but the heart wants what the heart wants 🤣🤙
@@DSR1YT Very true. Currently getting 33mpg from the XR 🤦🏼♂️ So made something that doesn’t have a drinking problem 😂
Why you didnt like it?
Check out my other videos on my previous GT, they will tell you all 😁
Ive had one of these.. didnt like it.. Bought myself a BMW instead.. big difference in quality
Me too :)
Saw what those guys are up to with the M-XR1000? 🎉
Yeah, I’m looking forward to testing this out 🤙
Il cupolino non si puo' vedere. Io ho messo un Puig Touring fume scuro.
Great mod.
I love the look/styles of the KTMs. I just hear a lot of issues with them 😏
I too hear there’s some issues with KTM customer service. 🤣
@@DSR1YT 😂
Non devi sentire cosa ti dicono gli altri! La devi provare. Sono tutte chiacchiere.
Ciao. Io ho il modello 2018 con un po di coppia in piu'
Hopefully the earlier model with less electronic gremlins in. Ride safe.
Piu' elettronica hanno piu sono delicate. Poi finche vai piano ti aiuta, ma se apri il gas puo' fare pochissimo.
Stock exhaust doesn't sound very good? Really.....
Yup
Multistrada or GS all day long. And the KTM deprecation is far greater, especially after 4-5 years. Who is brave enough to own one at 4-5 years old?
The man who is only just able to afford a KTM is when the bikes at its 5 year point :). GS is a fantastic bike, but for 2023 my money is on the Multistrada V4s to take the win for best bike in this category.
Ktm is alot of fun to ride but gs is better if your really old like over 50 and like to yawn alot while you ride around
Clearly another person who hasn’t ridden a GS then.
@@DSR1YT
I've got a 2019 GT from new. Your right 6th gear is a joke. Sometimes it wont turn on, usually leave it for 20 mins and it starts OK, whats wrong with a key? The price is way to salty thought especially with the extras. Panniers in my opinion are a crap shape making it difficult to fill to capacity and too small.
I've had a GS, it was the most boring bike bike I've ever owned. Very, very capable but lacked that spark to make me want to ride it. Sold it and bought a Tuono .