True, usually i`d say black Super Duke is best Super Duke with previous Versions. White or orange just don`t do it on this bike. But the new "orange" Version, with the dark blue top is just delicious. (Although the black one is also better than all who came before :-)
Yes I love the orange with dark blue it's motogp colors,too bad they didn't do little extra like part white subframe with the dark blue,check out there race bike.
Great review, Rennie. Love the enthusiasm. The depth your experience with prior models makes you the most qualified and helpful reviewer I've watched. Thank you! (Now I want one.)
Deposit is in and hoping to pick up my orange/blue 2020 within 2 weeks, as soon as the dealer gets them in. Looking forward to doing a back to back comparison with my 2015 SDR to see what's been improved. It's like Christmas in February! BRAAAAP!
Swingarm longer,overall thanks for saying about it comfort on long journeys. We all know how great it is on the track. KTM should of through in both electronic packages as standard, so much competition in this class. Excellent review best that I've seen on UA-cam.
To me it's not about is this being better than a Tuono. I have owned both--btw., I don't care about lap times. But I want it to give confidence. The "17 is wallowy. Either SD is a better street bike from ergonomics and relaxed, torque-rich motor. But now the chassis is more confident and sporty. I bet the Tuono will still beat it on track. But the SDR rider is now having fun on track too with the confidence. SDR better all-round road performance bike. And improved on track. More confident and still great on street. Good job KTM. But I am going to wait for the 890R.......
Like all KTM bikes...when they're working they're super exciting to ride, make you feel like a bit of a rebel whilst still having enough gadgets to keep you safe....kinda. But it's a KTM so it will let you down, it will break and the dealerships have their hands tied up by KTM headquarters in Austria. If you absolutely have to have one...then buy one. Just go into it eyes open.
Thanks for a really great review. Just wondering how you feel this new chassis and suspension stacks up against the Tuono Factory ? While it seems like KTM has a made a big step it still doesn't appear to illicit superlatives like the Aprilia. Fair assumption ?
Thanks, Kaye. Glad you enjoyed the review. I think your assumptions are correct. I still believe the Aprilia chassis is a better one for pure track performance. It's modeled on the RSV4, which is (in my opinion), the best Superbike chassis of the past decade. It's hard to top. But the KTM is right there with it now. It's a different animal, but a much improved one. Still feels like a big supermoto compared to the Aprilia, though.
@@kayelunde7940 That's a tough one... I'd probably go for the KTM, purely becasue the extra torque you get makes for an excellent road engine and the new chassis is very good, even at road speeds. If you were to start doing track days as well (and even some racing), I'd be leaning towards the Aprilia.
Nice to see a decent length video! Not everyone has the attention span of a gold fish. Great to hear from the project manager as well (although if you're looking for things to improve, the audio quality is the first thing I'd look at). I was hoping these wouldn't be that much better to be honest, because I was looking to pick up one of the deals on the outgoing model. Now I'm reluctant to test ride the new bike in case I like it too much. I always thought the slightly vague, chook chaser feel was the price you paid for upright comfort. Are you telling me you can have both comfort and precision?
Yeah, I'm sorry for the audio quality. I'm not happy with it, either. I personally love the upright stance of a hyper naked, mainly because I'm not very flexible! These things (Super Duke/Tuono/MT-10 etc) are now so good it's a hard argument to grab a real superbike unless you're going racing. Nakeds do almost everything but in real comfort.
I test driven them back to back last weekend. The 1290R is a much more a fun factor bike. It's only downfall you have pay extra for quick shifter electronics package cruze control and heated grip. Load of torque compared to the Ducati.
This is a great review Ronnie, thanks (sorry I know I'm late to the party) - Obviously it helps when you present on something you really know about, but I like the fact you pointed out the details like the new adj rearsets that none of the other big reviewers I've seen mentioned. This is a big deal as the first gen 1290 stubby pegs mounted too low were a joke, as was the dash/TC interface that KTM seems to have stolen from Aprilia, but hey at least they were listening! This is the only bike I could see luring me away from my Tuono, which I really do love. However, the KTM tactics with selling an already expensive bike here in Oz, then charging you big $$ to unlock the TC/abs settings, quickshifters, etc etc really is a joke. That and the ugly headers with even uglier welding on the belly cat basically necessitates a full system (also these historically were way too muted stock) - bang - just like that you've sailed way past $30k here, or about double what I paid for my new old stock Tuono... so... yeah... unlikely I'll ever own one (not new anyway)...
Excellent review mate! The 890 DUKE R could be a much better & easy to live with motorcycle for daily use. The 790 DUKE has already gobsmacked the middle weight naked "Street Fighter" category. I'm waiting for the MY2020 #KTM #790 #ADVENTURE India Launch.
The RC8R was a different program, to my knowledge. There were lessons shared but I think they were separate departments. Solid work on the RC8R. That's a proper future classic. I love that bike.
That's difficult to say... If I had either this or a Tuono I'd be very happy indeed. Sorry for the weak answer, but until I put them head to head, it's hard to say.
Cycle News thanks for the honesty Rennie. Guess you will have to factor in the new streetfighter as well when it’s available. I look forward to that review as well. Thanks
Great review as usual Rennie! But what we really want to know is the behind the scenes stuff! Did you stick it to 44 teeth boys (statham) and Neevesy from MCN? You're all there fanging it at the same time so surely you cross swords occasionally, no?? 😎
Oh man before I even watch, this is the dude I would trust the most on this (pikes peak). I’m sure the bike rips but I picked up a low mileage stock 2016 yesterday. I’m guessing I should start saving for the 2020 😭
I sold my 2015 model (same as the 2016), and I feel like crying every day. The 15/16 models are still awesome, just don't have the electronics and a different chassis of the new one.
Can’t you just call up KTM and get a sick deal on one? Who cares if you did last year with Aprilia 😭 With respect to the 16, they added cornering ABS. I would hope to never ever need this, but it was enough of a reason to insist on the 16 over 14-15. I’m coming from a 990 SMR which is all analog but considerably less potent. And yes, I just quibbled with a legend.
The rate at which these super/hyper naked bikes are evolving is quite astonishing, and can be a driver for upgrade. To think my ‘17 s1000r had one of the better electronics packages for its time, but compare that to this ‘20 SD, ‘20 S1000RR and ‘20 V4S...for a relatively inexperienced rider who get maybe 4 tracks days a year, these systems are enablers. Good time to be riding.
Cycle News I was bragging to the wife about getting a comment from the king of the mountain... she just rolled her eyes. Takes nothing away from my enjoyment. Continue being a legend mate!
Why do some guys stick their knee out when they don't really need too?.....is that cuz they coming from a different type of racing or?......I see it alot.....I never see moto gp guys or IOMTT guys do it....I dont ride that way....what is that?
As good as this bike is charging people for a quickshifter on a such expensive bike is a pure greed from ktm . Bikes costing half have then fitted as standard on top of that all the hardware is already on that bike . Sorry KTM it's just wrong
Why did they rebuild the complete bike? Last years bike is crap compared to this one. Sorry if you have last years model and paid the same money. And how much extra does it cost to unlock all the “features”? KTM company is a joke
It's not crap compared to this one. Not at all. A motorcycle company needs to develop its products, and since KTM has had three years to make this one, you'd better hoped it would be better, otherwise, that's a lot of wasted development dollars. I'm a huge fan of the 17-19 model. But company boards dictate the new model needs to be better than the old one, and this one is.
@@cyclenews Right..and I lose..I paid top dollar for a '19 bike bought in November that is much inferior to this one..If I had known that they were going to make all these changes, I would've waited..But they won't tell you that so they can unload their old crap on foolish buyers like me..
@@michaelsteven1090 Sorry to hear that, Steven. But rest assured, you have an excellent bike. Chris Fillmore smashed the Pikes Peak record on that bike. It's far from a bad bike. I can't comment on the price you paid as that's between the dealer and you, but you have a great bike regardless.
Most riders would not notice difference between the 19 and 20 model .You have to a profession racer to notice the differences that much. Just enjoy the bike you have.
After 10 years of innovation, 100cc’s more than my RC8R and readopting a version of its frame we see only 2 hp more and a few more lb ft of torque, yay....
people don't like the blue?!!!!!!! Wow, that color combo is so unique and kick ass. I just love the look of the new Super Duke.
True, usually i`d say black Super Duke is best Super Duke with previous Versions. White or orange just don`t do it on this bike.
But the new "orange" Version, with the dark blue top is just delicious. (Although the black one is also better than all who came before :-)
Yes I love the orange with dark blue it's motogp colors,too bad they didn't do little extra like part white subframe with the dark blue,check out there race bike.
I agree it looks good
@@Pmason718 You have an RC8?
F1hotrod Yes I do thats the rear of the bike in my profile pic.
Great review, Rennie. Love the enthusiasm. The depth your experience with prior models makes you the most qualified and helpful reviewer I've watched. Thank you! (Now I want one.)
Thanks, Curtis. Glad you enjoyed it,
Deposit is in and hoping to pick up my orange/blue 2020 within 2 weeks, as soon as the dealer gets them in. Looking forward to doing a back to back comparison with my 2015 SDR to see what's been improved. It's like Christmas in February! BRAAAAP!
Swingarm longer,overall thanks for saying about it comfort on long journeys. We all know how great it is on the track. KTM should of through in both electronic packages as standard, so much competition in this class. Excellent review best that I've seen on UA-cam.
Thanks, Gerald.
To me it's not about is this being better than a Tuono. I have owned both--btw., I don't care about lap times. But I want it to give confidence. The "17 is wallowy. Either SD is a better street bike from ergonomics and relaxed, torque-rich motor. But now the chassis is more confident and sporty. I bet the Tuono will still beat it on track. But the SDR rider is now having fun on track too with the confidence. SDR better all-round road performance bike. And improved on track. More confident and still great on street. Good job KTM. But I am going to wait for the 890R.......
I'm a hardened sportbike guy, but really thinking of one of these, seems like the quick shifter should be standard equipment. thanks for your review
Yeah, it really should be a standard fit. Thanks for watching.
Like all KTM bikes...when they're working they're super exciting to ride, make you feel like a bit of a rebel whilst still having enough gadgets to keep you safe....kinda.
But it's a KTM so it will let you down, it will break and the dealerships have their hands tied up by KTM headquarters in Austria.
If you absolutely have to have one...then buy one.
Just go into it eyes open.
@@neilblundz807 wow, that's something to think about, lol , those dam Japanese spoiled us
Great machine until you add in all the extra.
Wish I could get one. Maybe a second hand one in a couple of years. If Rennie says it's good you know it is, Pike Peak legend 👍🇦🇺
It's a gnarly bike. Freaking love it.
Any chance your going to buy one? Or maybe your always on loan bikes?
@@Flip01 Doubtful (can't afford it...). Guess I'll be riding with press bikes for a while yet.
Thanks for a really great review. Just wondering how you feel this new chassis and suspension stacks up against the Tuono Factory ? While it seems like KTM has a made a big step it still doesn't appear to illicit superlatives like the Aprilia. Fair assumption ?
Thanks, Kaye. Glad you enjoyed the review. I think your assumptions are correct. I still believe the Aprilia chassis is a better one for pure track performance. It's modeled on the RSV4, which is (in my opinion), the best Superbike chassis of the past decade. It's hard to top. But the KTM is right there with it now. It's a different animal, but a much improved one. Still feels like a big supermoto compared to the Aprilia, though.
Based on your experience with both bikes, I'm curious to know if you have preference ?....if viewed in the context of road use (non track) only .
@@kayelunde7940 That's a tough one... I'd probably go for the KTM, purely becasue the extra torque you get makes for an excellent road engine and the new chassis is very good, even at road speeds. If you were to start doing track days as well (and even some racing), I'd be leaning towards the Aprilia.
@@cyclenews Rennie, thanks again for this...very much appreciated.
Great Test Rennie 😄✌️awesome Bike i would like to Race again Pikes Peak with this weapon 😄
Nice to see a decent length video! Not everyone has the attention span of a gold fish. Great to hear from the project manager as well (although if you're looking for things to improve, the audio quality is the first thing I'd look at). I was hoping these wouldn't be that much better to be honest, because I was looking to pick up one of the deals on the outgoing model. Now I'm reluctant to test ride the new bike in case I like it too much. I always thought the slightly vague, chook chaser feel was the price you paid for upright comfort. Are you telling me you can have both comfort and precision?
Yeah, I'm sorry for the audio quality. I'm not happy with it, either. I personally love the upright stance of a hyper naked, mainly because I'm not very flexible! These things (Super Duke/Tuono/MT-10 etc) are now so good it's a hard argument to grab a real superbike unless you're going racing. Nakeds do almost everything but in real comfort.
Great review, looking for new street bike with the new electronics hardware. This reminds me of my ZX-14 lots of torque.
Super review, Im thinking about buying one or the Ducati Streetfighter?
I test driven them back to back last weekend. The 1290R is a much more a fun factor bike. It's only downfall you have pay extra for quick shifter electronics package cruze control and heated grip. Load of torque compared to the Ducati.
@@geraldperry7779 I bought the KTM! :-)
Really enjoyed the video and enthusiasm!
This is a great review Ronnie, thanks (sorry I know I'm late to the party) - Obviously it helps when you present on something you really know about, but I like the fact you pointed out the details like the new adj rearsets that none of the other big reviewers I've seen mentioned. This is a big deal as the first gen 1290 stubby pegs mounted too low were a joke, as was the dash/TC interface that KTM seems to have stolen from Aprilia, but hey at least they were listening! This is the only bike I could see luring me away from my Tuono, which I really do love. However, the KTM tactics with selling an already expensive bike here in Oz, then charging you big $$ to unlock the TC/abs settings, quickshifters, etc etc really is a joke. That and the ugly headers with even uglier welding on the belly cat basically necessitates a full system (also these historically were way too muted stock) - bang - just like that you've sailed way past $30k here, or about double what I paid for my new old stock Tuono... so... yeah... unlikely I'll ever own one (not new anyway)...
I really like the blue, great bike, great review.
Great review, loved my old 2016 SD. Is there an option for an autoblipper? Or is it just the quick shifter?
It's an autoblipper as well as quickshifter.
Cycle News so if I purchase the quick shift I get the auto blipper too? It’s nowhere mentioned on the website, so askin...
@@GauthamLakshman - you do
Excellent review mate!
The 890 DUKE R could be a much better & easy to live with motorcycle for daily use. The 790 DUKE has already gobsmacked the middle weight naked "Street Fighter" category.
I'm waiting for the MY2020 #KTM #790 #ADVENTURE India Launch.
Let us know how it goes!
The guy you interviewed from KTM was he responsible for the RC8R? I have a RC8R and I just bought a brand new SuperDuke GT, Love KTM
The RC8R was a different program, to my knowledge. There were lessons shared but I think they were separate departments. Solid work on the RC8R. That's a proper future classic. I love that bike.
More sporty ergonomic on the 2020 🔥🤙
In 2017 you couldn’t get 1/2 the parts in the Power-Parts catalog!! Everything was out of stock
Only one word KTM..time to feed the beast..........thanks
Rennie would you say this is your favorite naked bike so far?
That's difficult to say... If I had either this or a Tuono I'd be very happy indeed. Sorry for the weak answer, but until I put them head to head, it's hard to say.
Cycle News thanks for the honesty Rennie. Guess you will have to factor in the new streetfighter as well when it’s available. I look forward to that review as well. Thanks
A quality review let down by poor sound
Great review as usual Rennie! But what we really want to know is the behind the scenes stuff! Did you stick it to 44 teeth boys (statham) and Neevesy from MCN? You're all there fanging it at the same time so surely you cross swords occasionally, no?? 😎
Sadly, not this time. The UK boys were on a different time to the U.S. crew. But when we do ride together, it's always a good time!
Oh man before I even watch, this is the dude I would trust the most on this (pikes peak). I’m sure the bike rips but I picked up a low mileage stock 2016 yesterday. I’m guessing I should start saving for the 2020 😭
I sold my 2015 model (same as the 2016), and I feel like crying every day. The 15/16 models are still awesome, just don't have the electronics and a different chassis of the new one.
Can’t you just call up KTM and get a sick deal on one? Who cares if you did last year with Aprilia 😭
With respect to the 16, they added cornering ABS. I would hope to never ever need this, but it was enough of a reason to insist on the 16 over 14-15. I’m coming from a 990 SMR which is all analog but considerably less potent.
And yes, I just quibbled with a legend.
@@charlesmastin5628 Haha! I enjoy the banter...
The rate at which these super/hyper naked bikes are evolving is quite astonishing, and can be a driver for upgrade. To think my ‘17 s1000r had one of the better electronics packages for its time, but compare that to this ‘20 SD, ‘20 S1000RR and ‘20 V4S...for a relatively inexperienced rider who get maybe 4 tracks days a year, these systems are enablers. Good time to be riding.
Cycle News I was bragging to the wife about getting a comment from the king of the mountain... she just rolled her eyes. Takes nothing away from my enjoyment. Continue being a legend mate!
I love the MotoGP blue and orange is awesome I hate the 890r white. I’ll be getting the orange and blue
Great vid. I have just put a deposit down on one. :)
I wish it had power above 8-9000-RPM, if they could invent an engine that had best of both worlds
Why do some guys stick their knee out when they don't really need too?.....is that cuz they coming from a different type of racing or?......I see it alot.....I never see moto gp guys or IOMTT guys do it....I dont ride that way....what is that?
Just different techniques
Getting one holy shit
As good as this bike is charging people for a quickshifter on a such expensive bike is a pure greed from ktm . Bikes costing half have then fitted as standard on top of that all the hardware is already on that bike . Sorry KTM it's just wrong
Can't argue with that. It needs to be standard fitment. End of story.
Come on ktm bring back the rc8 or make a rc790
Goatking I’m so glad I have one
Great review, it's 2020 and still a shitty recording sound. Check out "Schaaf" he uses a Zoom H2.
Just enjoy the review will u
I want one, but they will not get my money whilst that orange is on the bike.
Why did they rebuild the complete bike? Last years bike is crap compared to this one. Sorry if you have last years model and paid the same money. And how much extra does it cost to unlock all the “features”? KTM company is a joke
Yea, I own a ‘19 and not happy at all..I feel ripped off..KTM sucks. Never again..
It's not crap compared to this one. Not at all. A motorcycle company needs to develop its products, and since KTM has had three years to make this one, you'd better hoped it would be better, otherwise, that's a lot of wasted development dollars. I'm a huge fan of the 17-19 model. But company boards dictate the new model needs to be better than the old one, and this one is.
@@cyclenews Right..and I lose..I paid top dollar for a '19 bike bought in November that is much inferior to this one..If I had known that they were going to make all these changes, I would've waited..But they won't tell you that so they can unload their old crap on foolish buyers like me..
@@michaelsteven1090 Sorry to hear that, Steven. But rest assured, you have an excellent bike. Chris Fillmore smashed the Pikes Peak record on that bike. It's far from a bad bike. I can't comment on the price you paid as that's between the dealer and you, but you have a great bike regardless.
Most riders would not notice difference between the 19 and 20 model .You have to a profession racer to notice the differences that much. Just enjoy the bike you have.
After 10 years of innovation, 100cc’s more than my RC8R and readopting a version of its frame we see only 2 hp more and a few more lb ft of torque, yay....
Captndarty I have a RC8R and I just bought the new SuperDuke GT and to be honest I can feel the difference in the torque screw the HP numbers.