2017 KTM Superduke GT Review - Why it has to go!
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- čas přidán 19. 07. 2024
- 6 Month, 4000 Mile Review of the 2016 Model Year KTM Superduke 1290GT and why I'm now trading it in. There's a lot to like about this bike, but there are a couple of things I just can't live with...
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I did the opposite, traded in a 1250 GS for a 2019 SD GT, never regretted it for a moment. The GS at 170 kph in long corners became unstable even on good tarmac.
Also the GS has no soul and is to forgiving, anyone can ride it, it's simply to perfect, In contrast, the KTM, like the Pani, you need to tame, you make an error he bites a bit, that's what I like more. The power feeling difference is huge, both bike pull like hell in the mid range, but the GS has not that Space Shuttle end shot.
The 2019 SD GT suspension feels more stable (not perfect), not as good as Ohlins of my previously owned Panigale. I guess the GS fits more your riding style, I like touring but also sliding knees on switchbacks in the German Eifel region. The GS can do that too, but high speed corners are not his thing. However, when I had to travel back and forth to Italy over the Alps, I would rent a 1250 GS:).....Hence, if you like SPORTS touring go for the KTM 2019; if you like long distance (non tiring) touring choose the GS. Unfortunately, both bikes are from looks point interesting (I try being political).
Cheers
Hi Matheus, I swapped for the XR, not the GS. I agree, the GS is a truly great bike, but not enough fun for me and the power of the GT or the XR definitely give you that fun factor! The XR is not as sporty a riding position as the GT and the 4 cylinder is buzzy, but I only really notice over a long day. I’m getting on better with the XR suspension, but it’s a tall bike - if I’d bought new I probably would have bought the low chassis version.
@@thebearfacedbiker XR vs SD GT, agree this would be more difficult to make a choice now. And yes, the XR is big.
@@thebearfacedbiker How ow;d you say the XR compares in comfort or other notable differences? I am going to look at the GT and the new impressively reworked XR1000--coming from a KTM Adventure 1290 S. I really don't need a 19" wheel as I--like many who buy these bikes--realized I am not going off road at all--especially as I ride this bike mostly with a pillion--for short day tours. it will come down to pillion comfort--as my wife gets to choose THIS bike--a BIT. I'm looking for the most laughs in my helmet--with a happy wife in tow. Then I cam drop here off and go ri[ the local twisty route a few minutes.
the GS is just too perfect....too funny
I HAVE ONE AND LOVE IT 1290 GT ROCKS... COUPLE LITTLE THINGS CRUISE IS THE ONLY THING KINDA SUCKS...BUT NO REASON TO GET RID OF IT...
Great review loved the honesty and especially the humour at the end made me laugh, I’ll stick with my slower but tough as old boots and dirt cheap to run V Strom 1000 with a few of my chosen upgrades 👍
Thanks for the honest review. I have a 790 Duke and am thinking of upgrading to a 1290 GT. I think some of the issues you mentioned have been sorted out on the new model. I do get more vibration on my right hand with my 790 so I hear you there.
I've watched a hell of a lot of KTM superduke 1290 GT reviews lately and this is the only really negative one I've come across..strange!
All I can tell you is this was my view - on my own bike, paid for with my own money... I have no regrets in getting shot of it!
He's got a 2016 model. If they have newer model's they've prob fixed most of the computer issues & upgraded the suspension.
Same
The suspension is a pain I completely agree. I have fiddled endlessly with my 2017 model that has the software upgrade. Initially, comfort was very bouncy and sport was bone shaking! I think I have found a sweet spot by selecting comfort but lying to it and upping the preload to one plus luggage or even two up! I have a cat bypass and a Mivv can and my map must be out as I found the power totally under whelming!
I just did the latest updates including the suspension. I was having a hard time bonding with the bike, it seemed slow and rough and wallowed in turns. I had a 1 hour ride home from the shop and it is like whole different machine. It is actually brilliant now in every aspect.
My dealer supposedly did the updates. From what you and others have said, I can’t believe they did. Shame, but glad you got sorted!
The Bear Faced Biker sounds like you are correct. I did not expect such a difference but I was thinking about selling it as well, now it is a keeper
How did they update the suspension? Is it a software update
Yes, but you have to specifically ask for the suspension update. Some dealers seem to sort it and others are clueless!
@@52yamahar1 yes, ask for the latest applicable update
Dont think it's fair to slam this bike ... you haven't gelled with it and thats the point it's not the bike ...as for a GS you're brave hope you have a BMW dealer near to you as you'll need it given the choice of the 2 having had a KTM and known people with GS' - KTM all day long
I did a review on this as well and posted it on my channel. Just loved the fun factor of this bike!! That V-Twin is just awesome!! I could certainly trade up for one of these!!
Very interesting view especially relating to the suspension .Im sure it's the electronic controls which don't suit your style a bit like how people feel about bmw telelever front ends .Now the X-ray you have is a different animal from experience I call them an angry bike ,I hated the bad vibes around 5k giving me white finger even with the BMW extra rubber gasket for raw clamps .I have gone the other way now with a 790 duke and made it a gt so to speek and imho is enough for anything and costs 1/2 the price as a bonus .look forward to your X-ray review .
Great info, thank you!
Interesting to hear this review. Just wondering, can some of the suspension and cruise control problems be fixed with a software update?
Yes apparently there is a suspension update. Despite getting a general software update, and my complaints to the dealer a number of times about it, the didn’t do the suspension which is a separate update! I’m not sure they even knew about it. I only later found out about it through forums and comments on this vid.
I hear your build quality complaints--but I am looking at a Motorcycles Consumers ranking of bike reliability and BMW is dead last.
Agree, but I never understand it, certainly hasn’t been my experience. I think it in part depends on your local dealers. I also wonder whether they normalise those studies/stats - for example taking into account sales volumes and customer mileages as BM sell at lot more bikes and therefore have customers doing more miles, so you’d expect a higher actual number of problems, but how does it stack up as problems per miles ridden?
Thank you. About to test ride 17/17 GT. Currently have a Kawasaki Ninja Sx 1000, which I love. I'm curious if the extra torque , electrics, and touring caperbility would tempt me away. Your review tells me no! Thank you.
Thanks for the honest review and the GT was interesting me as looks and sounds stonking👍 Now I’m a 120 mile daily commuter so the bike has to be good for me and workable as I can’t be adjusting or changing chains and sprockets too often or haggling with the manufacturer for defects so I’ve crossed it off. My 2018 GSA Rallye will have to do for now, but it’s no hardship and I disagree with anyone who says it doesn’t have a character or soul; it’s a cracking ride and very capable keeping up in a group, so I don’t believe anyone who says otherwise👍😁👌And 4K in 6 months?!, not really trying hard enough surely?!, get out and ride!!!🤪
You’re better off on a GS for that sort of commute for sure! I used the GT for a short commute and could hardly get it started in cold weather!
Did you get the suspension checked out? Something is clearly wrong. Also, did you get the latest suspension firmware updates? The latest version is more comfy in comfort/street mode and more sporty at the other end, with much revised damping rates.
I mentioned it numerous times to the dealer who looked at me blankly. I don’t think they really had a handle on the electronics side of things and were focussed on the off-road bikes which I guess is their core business. With this and other issues I got rid and only found out about the software upgrade later from here and forums! Shame really.
Go get the latest software updates! I will give it to BMW in that they do the fancy gadgets better than anyone but there is nothing they can do to put soul and fun into their bikes. I have tried many times with BMW. KTM will always offer the fun factor but you may want to get your suspension sorted and then decide. Yes all KTM's have some good heat but so do my Harleys and my MT10
Once u do the suspension updates it rides excellent
Q. How did you Shield the Seat from the Heat of the Engine.? It's a Pain in the Arrs after about an hour. Tried the Aluminum Heat 'Roofing' Insulation but that didn't work. Love the Bike but definitely not the Engine Heating up the Seat...
I never bothered/got around to it. It is quite bad in traffic at anything above about 20 degrees, but not so bad if you keep moving and you do sort of get used to it. Be better not to be having your 🥜 cooked though, obviously!
@@thebearfacedbiker I prefer my Eggs 'Uncooked' and the HEAT from this Engine definitely Boils them after only an hour or less of riding. Definitely need better Insulation. Maybe an Aluminum Heat Shield inside my Pants... KTM 'HELP'...
Couldn't agree less re suspension.... I've had one for two years 9.5k miles, many European trips and it's by far one of the fastest point to point bikes out there. I've never had suspension issues and in fact find the handling to be excellent...... And no I'm not some old fart who potters, around at 50 and crawls round the bends. Amazing machine..... Ridden with any degree of skill its very impressive.... And is far more capable than 90% of riders out there
Finaly...some truth 👌💪💪
Did you update the suspension software
Did you get the new update for suspension? Makes it the same as the 2019 model
Supposedly yes, local KTM dealer did all software updates (trying to fix other issues), but I didn’t find it any different. Maybe they didn’t do it - my faith isn’t high!
@@thebearfacedbiker I have just updated the suspension to 2019. different bike now. did hate the suspension. love it now. it makes a huge difference if you ride hard. cruise control has a mind of its own. rubbish.
No point keeping a bike you don't love. I have a 2019 and it's pretty awesome but can't disagree about the suspension being kind of 'boggy' in comfort mode, especially with a passenger. Without a passenger; it's street or sport mode. It may simply be that comfort mode is too different.
It's like how rain mode changes the horsepower and handling. It's too different, for me. I feel safer using street mode in the rain because the bike's behavior is more predictable.
Yep, life’s too short to ride stuff you’re not happy with! I wonder whether the suspension just isn’t suited to my weight as I’m quite light. Who knows - I discussed with the dealer but they couldn’t offer any solution. Hey ho. I actually thought rain mode was quite good in the wet - made it a bit less aggressive. But on other bikes I agree, I never used rain mode as it caught me out with the power drop when pulling away at junctions.
Thank you for a Good review. I like this kind of owner's review. I was going to get one and went for a test ride on a 2019 model. I totally agree with the handling. The suspensions do not have preload adjustment at the front and only 4 preset payload settings at the back. This is not acceptable to me. The engine vibration is not my favorite but I might be able to live with it. I think it might be the suspensions, electronic control, engine and the chassis did not sync well together. I was very disappointed because she is very well equipped with a very good seating position that I am looking for. So TBFB what is your next bike and what is your favorite bike?
I bought a BMW S1000XR. To be honest I preferred the riding position of the GT, but I find the XR a better bike in all other areas and a much easier ownership experience. The XR suspension is the same in only having preset load and riding modes, but it just works with none of the issues I had with the KTM. I hear the 2020 XR has a slightly sportier position, but haven’t sat on one myself yet. It’s also $$$ so having bought a 2017 model, probably not enough for me to be worth upgrading - will have to see 😉 Oh - my perfect bike is the S1000R naked version. It’s amazing and I find it incredible every time I ride it. But as a naked bike, it’s only any use in the best warm weather which we don’t have all the time in the UK, so the XR is a better all round bike for me.
You can fit 2 full face helmet in the panniers and they aren't big ?
Also suspension set up can be fix in ktm by updating the '19 software cos the share same exactly suspension components 👍
I think it’s more the shape. I found them a bit awkward. But at least they don’t make the bike feel massive and they do suit it. Yea I tried to get my dealer to do the suspension mod but they were clueless. After battling with them over this and other issues, I lost the will. It shouldn’t be that way and I was pushing them over known problems. Eventually I wasn’t prepared to waste any more of my time. Shame.
these things are becoming more and more like a battle between an iphone and and android. For the most part the physical aspects of bikes in the last few years have pretty much plateaued. Engines, chasis, ergos... its all pretty much been explored and not to say played out... but you get my drift here. its not like anything mind blowing has come out. seems like its down to the electronics now.
Good morning to you. I am French and soon I will take on occasion this bike precisely. could you tell me what you think the pros and cons of this bike? because when I read your text I see that there are things that are wrong.... Thank you in advance! long live the bikers.
Hello Bolin! In a nutshell - engine and riding position good, suspension and reliability bad!! For me the suspension was too bad to live with.
Interesting take. Lots of absolutely glowing reviews out there as well. Bad luck buying a bike unsuited to your style and that turned out a lemon as well. Seems KTM and BMW fans are like oil and water. Hope your BMW has served you well.
It has. And the dealer service is night and day better!
I had a Superadventure S first which had superb WP suspension, then swapped to a 2018 GT for more of a sports ride and totally agree, all the suspension settings are "wrong" for any riding and lack compliance. I prefer sports suspension but no matter what you do, the GT doesn't work. Front forks use only 70% travel and no adjustment and rear is hard as well. I even swapped to a softer rear spring but that messed it up because the algorithm is fixed, so it compensates so it then operates for bumpy roads all the time, making it too soft. Nobody in WP World would touch it so you are stuck with the original settings. Shame because otherwise the bike is fantastic.
Glad it’s not just me. As you say, shame, as there is a lot to like, but getting it setup to handle right is pretty fundamental!
@@thebearfacedbiker No, its not just you. I tried everything but couldn't live with it. I just think most people don't notice. Otherwise its a great sports touring bike and I'm now waiting for 2021 GT - Hoping they sorted the suspension.
Why didn't you do the 2020 spec suspension software update?
Tried - dealer said they’d done it, from what others have said, they hadn’t and were clueless. I’m happy to have moved away from the brand and our local dealer!
I've done about 30k miles on mine in the last year and a half, it's not perfect and the idea is to trade it before it gets too old and worthless (my garage is already full of old bikes I do not want to sell for a lot of reasons) but I can't find a bike that is as capable and has this sort of riding position. I don't want to stay upright like on an adventure bike and I'm getting too old for long journeys on clip ons, this is just a naked sport bike with panniers and a bit of wind protection and that's what I want. There are a few things I don't like about it: the hot air coming from the radiator cooks my feet and I have to wear winter boots even in summer (and here in Italy summers can be very hot) to shield them, the electronic suspensions are useless (I wish I could've had the option to choose the traditional ones) because if I put them on comfort it just opens the hydraulic taps and it gets springy and bouncy so I ended up leaving them on sport all the time, the riding modes are useless as well, I can't stand the delayed throttle response I get when I'm not on sport mode so it's always on sport even on wet. Build quality: I had to change the battery for a lithium one because the original one couldn't start the bike after a night out in the cold (I go to a lot of winter parties), the windshield broke, the starter clutch made weird noises so I choosed to change it even if the dealer said it wasn't too bad, the flange that holds the rear sprocket dertroyed itself and when I picked the bike after the repair the quickshifter wasn't working anymore, all the black anodised parts became purple. But still I can't think of a better bike to travel and have fun with, maybe the new model but I think it's even uglier
Haha - we had lots of the same experience. I agree about the riding position. I have XR now which is better overall bike IMO, but agree the riding position of the GT was better and near perfect - like old sports tourers! Agree about the electronic suspension - useless, would have preferred old school. Forgot about cold starting - I did the same and changed to lithium as normal battery wouldn’t start it in winter! And I also had the same that the quick shifter didn’t work after a service, so had to go back to the dealer again and again and again - as much as the good bits were good, the bad bits were too bad and too many for me to live with. You pays your money.... 👍
I'm looking at these or a xr, thanks for confusing me 😂 new sub anyway, take care 👍
XR every day of the week. I’d get a low one if I was buying again though. Not cos I’m short, but I reckon it would handle slightly better!
@@thebearfacedbiker I has a mt10 few weeks ago but some @@@@ hit me and wrote it off, currently on a Africa twin loan bike and enjoying the higher position because my accident was quite nasty and it's given me confidence being higher, I'm not saying no completely to the newer KTM but are getting closer to a xr, looking forward to more of your videos 👍
Fair play, glad you’re OK! The higher position does give you a better view and bigger presence. Try both, they’re chalk and cheese and the newer model probably sorted some of the issues I had. BMW all the way for me now tho!
What do you mean the suspension? Is it to hard or to soft? Doesn't it have 3 way adjusters? OH or is it JUST sport, street and comfy? In the USA they wont let me test ride. Closest place i can rent is someplace-shire UK... I currently have a 15 FJ-09 but i don't like it the suspension is to mushy and the brakes suck.
You don't know if they added the suspension upgrade? They don't give a service report or something? There is no way in the menus to see the firmware versions or "apps"/versions loaded?
As far as I know, there’s no way for the public to check the firmware. The dealer don’t even seem to know much about it. I complained about the suspension and they didn’t even mention it, found out about that on forums etc. Damping just has three settings sport, street and comfort. You can adjust preload for one rider, two riders, luggage. In soft it wobbles all over in bends, in street it’s so so, in sport rock hard. I couldn’t find a combination of damping and preload that I liked. Others do say that the software update makes a very big difference. I just got fed up with the dealer and other issues and decided I was wasting my time with KTM.
@@thebearfacedbiker gotcha, thx. What other issues, i did hear you say quality. quality of what?
would you say perfer r1, fz1 or ? like as in a round number "type" of bike?
S toggy...... Go to another dealer for a test ride. I love my '19 SDGT, 2 months & 3000 miles.
I've got the 2016 Super adventure T . I now have an ohlins spring in the rear suspension big difference and with the preload settings your KTM dealer is able to plus the preload in rider and in rider plus luggage or pillion they can minus or plus the preload , meaning you can customise it, if you find rider with luggage to firm they can reduce the preload in that setting
how strange , i sold mine after 13 months of owning. I bought one of the first 2016 GT did many things on it, i agree many things you said. suspension is a joke. since i sold mine i bought a yamaha Mt10SP loved it with full system exhaust but the throttle was so snatchy specially two up i get rid of it. then bought a H2 SX SE loved it till i start to go to work with it, its heavy freaky fast that you dont feel. I can say one thing from my heart, i do miss Ktm and now looking for a 2019 GT many people say they sort out the suspension and the engine is now proper superduke engine not wanna be. The only reason i say GT is good because its like everyday bike + tourer + two up + track bike you can trow anything to it, I had many troubles with my 2016 KTM superduke GT stolen 4 times , had a problem after decat and tuning, fuel pump decided not to work, many times it started to go limp mode for no reason, in very cold days it wasnt starting easy and the suspension, all the negatives a side me and my wife in busy London traffic never had a problem with it. commuted 5 days a week rain snow, sun shine, sundays at box hill blast yes it was fun and believe me at the moment there is not a bike which i would say so versatile in the market. may be Ducati Multi but then its far too high and digs in when you break hard. KTM as a company upset many people like me, their customer service was bad, quality control was bad and plus they were really thinking they are BMW. I am going to try out the 2019 GT not keen on keyless ignition, or tft display looks like a small ipad, YET again they offer a TRACK PACK to GT but NO Akrapovic full system. KTM trying to be different but in reality its bunch of morons no different then Piaggio motoguzzi group, or MV agusta, at least these companies dont think they are BMW. And no BMW bikes are not great too, but customer service, quiality control, access and finish product is good. And hear you saying what about the kawasaki , its not a bike for UK. unless you are keen to lose your licence periodically. otherwise kawasaki h2 SX SE dream bike, just heavy. super charger 50 mpg, two up comfort all day, but you wont feel speed unless you are doing £150 mph . hope you get a good bike after this. i tried a vespa 300 to go to work, its just doesnt do it, two up and constantly stopped by police.
I was starting to think it was only me that hated the suspension! Stolen 4 times!?! What a nightmare!! Agree with everything you said - the GT should be a great bike and I can see why you’re tempted by the 2019 model. I rode the 2019 SuperAdventure and they had sorted a lot of the problems out - better suspension, smoother engine etc. Totally agree though that KTM think they are BMW and try to charge the same prices. Having owned BMWs, I think the quality and the dealer service is 10x higher! I bought an S1000XR after the KTM and it’s very good, but I don’t understand why it’s so high - it’s like for the sake of being adventure styled. My friend has a low suspension version which is better and I probably would have got if I’d bought new - it’s more proportioned like the old K series bikes. I wish more manufacturers would make proper sports tourers still!
@@thebearfacedbiker yes S1000xr needs lowering like the multi needs lowering too , to be honest these companies doesn't do research and products are so random. XR on its last legs, next year it will change completely, there for BMW trying big deals to sell XR, which is nothing wrong with it. I am still not convinced that ktm GT worth £16K price tag. Strangely there are no second hands in the market yet, but i kind of find out that KTM limited the GT sales and production, some dealers still have 2018 gen1 GT's to shift so the 2019 models are going slower. The is Very tempting but may wait till next spring perhaps.
Am so glad i just watched this i was just going to get one .the xr mite be better suited anyway with my mrs as a pillion and am 6.3 18 st
I would still test ride both Mark, some people disagree about the suspension and have found newer models better which I can’t compare. It’s an honest unbiased review of what I thought though 👍
Try before you buy, got rid of a GS to get GT. Miles of smiles, best bike for this even compared to my Panigale and Factory Tuono
I’ve had mine 3 years don’t have any issues riding it at all sounds like I you should of bought a GS in the first place KTM is a riders bike
My gearbox shat itself @9k miles but I still won't sell it!😂
Did you do any 2 up riding?
No, just with and without luggage, so I can’t comment on how it is 2-up
Should be better with a set off Bridgestone s22. Think the Metz let it down.
First bad review I’ve read on a SDGT.!!!! But then it does sound like you were stitched up on the suspension ECU update... . but I don’t think a poor cruise control will put me off buying!
I’ve had a fair few bikes and miss every one of them in some way. All I can say Stu, is looking back at the whole KTM ownership experience, I have no regrets in getting rid. Hope you have better luck.
I am in the market for the KTM super duke gt but I am a little worried about wind protection. Is it better then on the Bmw R 1200 Rs. Also, regarding seat height. I am 1,73 cm (32 inseam). The 82 seat height on the Rs felt perfect for me. What do you think? Thank you.
I added a much bigger aftermarket screen (sorry can’t remember which) that I found very effective. I could ride down to single digit temperatures and it was pretty comfy. I haven’t ridden an RS (really must do that) so can’t compare. I’m about the same height with around a 31 inch inside leg and I found the seat height a little high initially (changing from a little street triple!), but I quickly got used to it and it was no problem. Overall the bike doesn’t feel huge like a GS or S1000R which feel a bit tall for me. They’re all fine once you get moving of course.
My biggest complaint with my 2016 model was the harsh suspension; especially compression damping. (I weigh 163lbs) I found the 2019 ecu update transformed the bike. Still firm, but much more compliant. The fueling and consequent reduction in vibration between 3,000 and 4,000 is even more remarkable. If you didn’t notice that difference when you picked it up from your dealer, they likely did not do that update.
🤔 interesting, particularly about the low rev fueling. That matches what I found on test riding the 2019 SuperAdventure which was much smoother. Hey ho, too late for me now 😞
Interesting but very subjective complaints. It sounds like you’re used to another manufacturer but expected the KTM to be the same or not too different. Some people just can’t ride or get on with certain marques. KTMs are not for you clearly. I find the ones that don’t like KTMs the most are BMW riders. It’s the same the other way round for me actually. I have had 7 KTMs and 2 BMWs. Both BMWs were dull and had worse reliability than any KTM I’ve had.
Yea horses for courses. Dealers slightly aside, I never had any real problems with Triumph or Honda tho… the suspension and dealer support was the final nail in the coffin for me tbh, I wasnt prepared to spend any more of my time on it or them!
What rear rack do you have on the bike
I think it was an SW Motech one.
People who go for the free KTM suspension flash seem to rave over the change
Yes I’ve heard the same. I had all the software updates done which should have included this. I couldn’t tell any difference, so maybe my dealer didn’t do it (entirely possible) or I’m just too light for the setup. At 80kg in gear that shouldn’t really be the case though! Who knows!?
@@thebearfacedbiker Mine definitely feels better loaded up, I'm about 95kg in gear and it works for me, even better with full tank. Got 25k on mine and its got better with miles weirdly
@@thebearfacedbiker If you didn't specifically ask for it and they didn't specifically say they put it on, then it's very possible you didn't get it. It's an optional update and if you just asked for "any updates" they likely didn't do it. The first time I took mine in I asked for "any updates" and basically all they did was check for any required updates and were somewhat wishy-washy about whether or not they specifically did anything specific to the suspension; also, my bill didn't have the 30 minute labor cost associated with the update. So, the next time I went in I specifically told them I wanted the '19 suspension update and got it (they definitely hadn't done it the first time).
Glad you got sorted and useful for others to know who still have one. I tried hard with the local dealer (was there more in 6 months than any other dealer ever!), and mentioned I wasn't getting on with the suspension, asked if there were any adjustments they could make... nothing, they just said they would do the software updates. Shocking (excuse the pun) if they didn't do it and outrageous they don't just do that as part of normal service and charge their customers for their own failings. Nothing about the brand's philosophy or customer service endeared me to them. Its really a shame, they could be such good bikes...
I didn't notice a difference.
In short...........it's not a BMW. Which I agree with, lol.
There’s a software update available for the suspension
My dealer didn’t even seem to know about it and I only found out about it later after I got shot. A friend had a GT from the same dealer who told him all software was up to date. He also found it bad and took it to a different dealer who found the updates hadn’t been done!! 🙄
Suspensions??? My GT 2019 is superb!!
The 2017 was not. And my dealer didn’t seem to know anything about software upgrades to sort it (despite the info being all over the forums)!
A garage abroad might not have a large enough socket to sort a rear puncture. I like an honest review but clutching at straws with that one!...
The end made me laugh out loud 😆 complaining about build quality I can understand, but then going to BMW.... this must be the joke of the year 🤣🤣🤣🤣
All I can tell you is my experience. On my fourth BM now, more than 40000 miles, zero problems. Zero! And my local dealer is helpful and friendly rather than the inconvenience I felt to KTM!
The Bear Faced Biker - no ill feelings I hope, was written tongue in cheek so to speak 😜 one does hear a lot about people having problems with European bikes, but never much when it comes to Japanese bikes, one would have thought that the European manufacturers had caught up by now!!!
No not at all buddy. I appreciate some people have had problems with BM and some no issues with KTM. It’s a bit luck of the draw and how good the dealers are where you live I guess. It’s pretty clear cut where I am!
This video cracked me up especially the end..... The new GS's build quality is terrible lol
Bumped into a guy I know who swapped his XR for the GT just as I sold mine... he has had all the same problems and wants rid as soon as he can justify the cost to himself!
KTM have released a free suspension upgrade for this bike (2019 mod). Addresses all suspension complaints thus far. And wheelie control ?? Geez man - ride the bike lol. Turn it off and release the horsepower...
They released that before I got shot of the bike, but my dealer was clueless and didn’t even know about it. I had enough with them and got rid of it! Shame really, would have been good to test the difference, but I already spent enough time at the dealers...
@@thebearfacedbiker Fair enough - all good. I think it was a surprise to all to be honest...I've now ridden all the latest super tourers inc bmw (could not get used to the vague front end feeling into corners at speed) but I keep coming back to the SDR GT - however, a PCV and few other mods definitely release a few more hp and + 3 on the rear brings the terrible 6th gear gearing back to being usable at realistic speeds. I think most people buy these bikes and expect they will be all things to everyone - but the truth remains that they still need to be individually tailored to the individual needs and requirements...Shiny side up mate !
The riding position of the GT is superb, wish I could have tried the suspension upgrade. Did you try BMW XR? It’s a bit high, but maybe try the low suspension version - not cos of seat height, but shorter travel suspension. Some say is better and makes it a different bike. Bit more upright position than the GT but all day comfy. I rode a standard height version with good rubber all day in the wet and it has plenty of feel for ‘spirited’ riding! 😀
@@thebearfacedbiker The XR was akin to my earlier tiger 1050 - felt a bit vague to me. Riding history makes a huge difference to expectations. I came from a K3 GSXR 1000 that I then raced for a couple years so that front end feel the suzi offered was ingrained in my riding...The big inline 4 BMW gave me that rubber band acceleration rush that I missed from gsxr but with all the raving about ktm engine i decided to persevere - above all else, i desperately needed that front end feel deep into a corner and my SDG GT is set on 2 ppl (more weight on front) for single riding to achieve that. I could have undertaken the same mod with the S1R but it was a touch of button on KTM and it was most definitely a bit of messing around to get that "front feel" i craved. A friend has the S1R stock and that beemer feels so much faster than ktm but side by side the ktm leaps ahead off the line and then stays about same distance apart - very deceptive. Watched your beem rider reports - very nice. I honestly don't think a bad bike exists last 10 years...just massage to your needs and wants and ride it.
Yea fair play, and totally agree that it depends on your expectations and riding history. Gixxer is in a different handling league and GT is closer than XR for sure. Enjoy 😉👍
You know there is a free suspension software update to 2019 spec ?. My 2016 GT steered beautifully , but the suspension was just too bloody hard, now after the update, its much better. I agree about the hot seat though. A new BMW, might be out of the frying pan , into the fire !. Hope not.....
Hi Roger, I had the software update before the recent trip, alas to no avail. I think I’m a bit light for many suspension setups, but with no manual adjustment, not much I could do. It’s a shame.
Always amazed how much faffing around you have to do to try and correct the stuff the manufacturer should have sorted. Why don’t their test riders and design teams pick up on this stuff. Crap suspension,build quality, warranty claims dodgy electrics. All to common on some bikes. Had Japanese bikes never any problems or warranty issues, turn the key and off we go. You only have to look at the low mileage some of these things have years later and you can tell they spend more time off the road than on it.
you upset me a lot, I wanted to buy a motorbike like that, I don't know what to do ..?!🙂🤔
Haha, you have to try it for yourself my friend and I think the suspension on the newer bike is better. But also try BMW 😉
get a himalayan le enfield
Top gear only useful above 90mph !!. My GT will plonk along at 60 in sixth easily with the engine running smoothly, as long as you arent going up hill. Sorry mate, but thats just not true, unless you are grossly over weight .
I don’t know what year you have, but mine would have stalled at 60 in 6th!!!
@@thebearfacedbiker Hello, 2016 .I'm only 101/2 stone , perhaps that makes a difference.
@@thebearfacedbiker Stalling???? Really!!!! My GT on stock gearing runs at just under 3.5k revs at 60 so a long way off stalling. A bit of an exaggeration perhaps? Big twins are lumpy at low revs, it's just their nature.
I've had both the suspension and ECU updates and it does make it much nicer. If your suspension wasn't much different after the 19 spec update I suggest it wasn't done correctly. The suspension is pretty good in my opinion. Pre update comfort mode was a bit bouncy but you can choose other riding modes if it's that bad! The 19 suspension update really does transform it.
I really am struggling to find a bike to replace my 17GT. In fact the only likely replacement is the new 19GT!
Weird review . Did KTM upset you at some time ?
Ktm it’s became a pos brand . I’ve seen broken frames more often than flat tires , electronics are awful, engines are decent but high maintenance.
only on the 390 range and below which is made by bajaj in india, the 1090, 1190, and 1290 range has good quality don't be a hater.
@@ricardorodrigues3508 , VERDAD!
LMAO............you need a Honda CT90.
I’d love one!