1290 Superduke R

[8IKERDAVE]

I'm seriously considering one of these as my next bike - in fact I'm actually going to view one on Thursday.

I'm in 2 minds whether to go 2022 onwards and PCP the bike or go pre 2020 and just buy one outright. I know KTM have had a tarnished reputation in the past which is why I am currently leaning towards the newer model. But I can't help thinking this may well be a bike I keep for many years and put my own stamp on it in which case I'd have a full service done on it on day one and maintain it fastidiously.

Is there much of a difference between say a 2018/19 bike compared with a 2022/23? I know the big difference came last year when the 1390 was introduced but prior to that they seem to have remained roughly the same (unless I'm missing something).

[Discendo Discimus]

The KTM reliability issues mainly affect the smaller engined models. The 1290 LC8 is fantastic and people have put some serious miles into them.
I have a 2017 GT and it is spot on. You'll love it.

[carinaman]

I've not ridden them but you seem to be looking at a gen 2 and a gen 3, and the gen 3 has a very different frame and I am led to believe much better and more accomplished and refined so while the bike can go still do full nutter, it's a more rounded polished machine.

I get the own it outright versus newer and more expensive and using credit trade off.

[GriffoDP]

Discendo Discimus said:

The KTM reliability issues mainly affect the smaller engined models. The 1290 LC8 is fantastic and people have put some serious miles into them.
I have a 2017 GT and it is spot on. You'll love it.

Yep same. I've a 2020 GT, am at 42k miles now and 5 years in. Love it.

The R I think was ahead of the GT as regards generations and kit. The R would get it then the GT. So I'm unsure on years but MCN etc will have the info.

Earliest/Earlier bikes will have trad display/dials and then it went to TFT. Then some time later it got a better/different/more annoying TFT I think. Although it's smaller than the GT one so maybe I'm wrong! Hashtag useful

The only mild annoyance is the 1290s seems to be sensitive to a battery not being 110%. I've got through 3 or more and it lives on charge. Small price to pay though!

[carinaman]

An owner in the MCN owners' reviews cited concerns about replacement costs of TFT dash and misture getting in them. I don't know how you weigh up potential TFT moisture problems against the 2020> ones having a different frame and being much improved?

[trickywoo]

The gen 3 2020 on model has much better handling / feel out of the box.

The gen 2 can be improved and it’s more likely to find one where someone has already modified it.

If you’ve got the budget I’d go for a gen 3. I’ve had one since 2022 with no problems.

[nxi20]

Having owned a 2020 GT & put 13k miles on it (entirely problem-free during my ownership) & now recently upgraded to a 2023 GT my 2p is the later bike feels quite different in a good way. Suspension & engine are smoother, TFT is better as is the switchgear. Go for the later model is my recommendation.

[trickywoo]

nxi20 said:

Having owned a 2020 GT & put 13k miles on it (entirely problem-free during my ownership) & now recently upgraded to a 2023 GT my 2p is the later bike feels quite different in a good way. Suspension & engine are smoother, TFT is better as is the switchgear. Go for the later model is my recommendation.

On the GT that is still the Gen 2 R frame. Pretty much everyone says the Gen 3 R frame improves the bike a lot.

[8IKERDAVE]

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I'm swaying towards the Gen 3 now after reading all the comments.

Really looking forward to experiencing one later this week. Anything in particular to look out for (other than normal checks)?

[GriffoDP]

All I can think of is check if the slave clutch cylinder is OEM. If it is then just assume you'll put an Oberon in for peace of mind. It's a common weakness on the 1290 bikes. I think we all end up doing it. Getting a bit stuck in Albania was the driver for me!

Hmm I can't think of anything else. It's a much easier question for the KTM than when people would ask the same about the K1300 .

[trickywoo]

Not something to look for particularly but I d be removing the exhaust servo and fitting a healtech dongle. If the cables stretch and throw a code it can get difficult to sort .

My clutch slave is still fine after 8.5k miles. I will probably put an Oberon on when I next do the fluid though.

Edited by trickywoo on Tuesday 15th September 16:30

[GriffoDP]

Ah yes I preemptively did the exhaust flap and dongle thing.

My clutch slave only went at mid 20 something k miles and possibly triggered through the terrible Albanian roads needing lots of clutch.