Super Duke GT - bad time to buy?

[yellowstreak]

Hello Bikers,

I test rode the 1290 Super Duke GT recently and found it really impressive. Although its only just big enough for me its swayed me from the Super Adventure with its sportiness. The engine and suspension are 20 years ahead of what I am used to, it really did feel great.

My only question is that I'll be paying more for a very low mileage example than new bikes were sold for back in December (when the £10,999 offer was on), which is galling. Also with an updated version just round the corner, with traction control on the left, a TFT screen and whatever else they update - bit more power, down blipper? Am I likely to take a big hit on the value of the bike when the new version comes out? Does anyone think that KTM will extend an offer on the last of the old versions soon - they can't be moving that many at the full £16,300 price tag.

[Andybow]

yellowstreak said:

Hello Bikers,

I test rode the 1290 Super Duke GT recently and found it really impressive. Although its only just big enough for me its swayed me from the Super Adventure with its sportiness. The engine and suspension are 20 years ahead of what I am used to, it really did feel great.

My only question is that I'll be paying more for a very low mileage example than new bikes were sold for back in December (when the £10,999 offer was on), which is galling. Also with an updated version just round the corner, with traction control on the left, a TFT screen and whatever else they update - bit more power, down blipper? Am I likely to take a big hit on the value of the bike when the new version comes out? Does anyone think that KTM will extend an offer on the last of the old versions soon - they can't be moving that many at the full £16,300 price tag.

You either buy the bike now and enjoy the summer, or, wait until end of summer and they will discount all the left over stock, or wait until November time and buy the new one but that will be 17-18k, Personally there’s a few around with some decent bits on and v low mileage, I would get one of those

[Krikkit]

The other models they've updated (e.g. 690 Duke) haven't tanked in value so the Super shouldn't be any different.

I'd buy a used one now and see if the new one is enough to tempt you.

[poo at Paul's]

I think the 2018 models will be discounted (if they have stock left which I suspect they do) by about July or August. Certainly Sept October l,atest.
So it is tempting to wait, although you will miss a summer riding....

[Reffro]

yellowstreak said:

I test rode the 1290 Super Duke GT recently and found it really impressive. Although its only just big enough for me its swayed me from the Super Adventure with its sportiness. The engine and suspension are 20 years ahead of what I am used to, it really did feel great.

I rode the SuperDuke GT and Adventure S at the weekend too, with a view to replace my K1300S with something a little bit easier on the wrists.

I came to same conclusion myself, preferring the GT for its ride/handling, plus the up&down quickshifter. One thing that stopped my from committing to the GT though was a severe vibration through the pegs when running at 75-80mph in 6th. Severe enough to think it would provoke pain in my feet after 20mins. I only had a run of about 10 mins at that speed and was already changing speed/gear to alleviate the problem. The Adventure S had none of these problems, being much smoother overall but far more ponderous in turning.

Did you notice anything similar on your ride?

[poo at Paul's]

Reffro said:

I rode the SuperDuke GT and Adventure S at the weekend too, with a view to replace my K1300S with something a little bit easier on the wrists.

I came to same conclusion myself, preferring the GT for its ride/handling, plus the up&down quickshifter. One thing that stopped my from committing to the GT though was a severe vibration through the pegs when running at 75-80mph in 6th. Severe enough to think it would provoke pain in my feet after 20mins. I only had a run of about 10 mins at that speed and was already changing speed/gear to alleviate the problem. The Adventure S had none of these problems, being much smoother overall but far more ponderous in turning.

Did you notice anything similar on your ride?

A common retrofit to help is to fit the rubber covered foot pegs from KTM parts bin, I "think" from the singles like the 690 duke maybe? Cheap, fit straight on and seem to help. Mine doesn't bother me one iota, but then I have always had twins. But some reckon it helps a bit.

[yellowstreak]

Reffro said:

I rode the SuperDuke GT and Adventure S at the weekend too, with a view to replace my K1300S with something a little bit easier on the wrists.

I came to same conclusion myself, preferring the GT for its ride/handling, plus the up&down quickshifter. One thing that stopped my from committing to the GT though was a severe vibration through the pegs when running at 75-80mph in 6th. Severe enough to think it would provoke pain in my feet after 20mins. I only had a run of about 10 mins at that speed and was already changing speed/gear to alleviate the problem. The Adventure S had none of these problems, being much smoother overall but far more ponderous in turning.

Did you notice anything similar on your ride?

Its a beasty machine certainly. I didn't notice vibration through the pegs, I knew I was on a v twin, but it didn't bother me. I did watch one review where the reviewer said it was not geared for UK motorway speeds. The reviewer said that at 70-80 the engine felt more comfortable in 5th than 6th, which resulted in poorer economy.

Thanks All for some good advice.

[PIGINAWIG]

I’ve had mine a year now and 7,000 miles. I’ve toured for two weeks in Europe and ragged it everywhere. I still smile every time I get on the thing - can’t say that about the previous 20 bikes I’ve had..... everything is different for everyone but I will be ordering the new revised 2019 model as soon as it’s available. Hopefully the Akra and all other bits I have will transfer nicely to the new one.

Get one bought lad.

[yellowstreak]

PIGINAWIG said:

I’ve had mine a year now and 7,000 miles. I’ve toured for two weeks in Europe and ragged it everywhere. I still smile every time I get on the thing - can’t say that about the previous 20 bikes I’ve had..... everything is different for everyone but I will be ordering the new revised 2019 model as soon as it’s available. Hopefully the Akra and all other bits I have will transfer nicely to the new one.

Get one bought lad.

Okay, I got it bought. I've had the adjustable rear sets fitted because I'm tall. It feels almost roomy now. The engine and ride are amazing, I'm loving it. In traffic it's like being on a giant moped, a really powerful, mental moped.

[Andy XRV]

yellowstreak said:

PIGINAWIG said:

I’ve had mine a year now and 7,000 miles. I’ve toured for two weeks in Europe and ragged it everywhere. I still smile every time I get on the thing - can’t say that about the previous 20 bikes I’ve had..... everything is different for everyone but I will be ordering the new revised 2019 model as soon as it’s available. Hopefully the Akra and all other bits I have will transfer nicely to the new one.

Get one bought lad.

Okay, I got it bought. I've had the adjustable rear sets fitted because I'm tall. It feels almost roomy now. The engine and ride are amazing, I'm loving it. In traffic it's like being on a giant moped, a really powerful, mental moped.

Good man! I love mine too. As Chris has said, they are a hoot to ride and they tick loads of boxes. Great bike for touring and Sunday morning hoons. As per the KTM forum I went up one tooth on the front sprocket which for me has made it much less vibey at boring speeds.

Have a fun summer!

[Andy XRV]

Reffro said:

One thing that stopped my from committing to the GT though was a severe vibration through the pegs when running at 75-80mph in 6th. Severe enough to think it would provoke pain in my feet after 20mins. I only had a run of about 10 mins at that speed and was already changing speed/gear to alleviate the problem.

With normal gearing I found 5th better for speeds between 70-80 because for a smooth ride the revs need to be above 5K One tooth up on the front solves that. These pegs also help with thinner soles. But after all it is a 1301cc V twin so it's never going to be silky smooth!

[dibblecorse]

Good effort, I had one on my list but lack of local dealer meant I went with another Ducati, great bit of kit the KTM ....

[Bikesalot]

Beast of a bike. Had one as a press bike for a few weeks.

Couldn't get over that torque.

[yellowstreak]

Down a tooth at he front!? I agree that 6th is very long, but i didn't think it needed anymore pick up! I'll bear that in mind though for the next service.