Scotty Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) I've had my eye on the KTM "Beast" 1290 Super Duke R since they were launched but they're just not practical enough for me...and then they launched the 1290 Super Duke GT. The last two annual bike shows I've spent too long on the KTM stands but the price with options was just silly for the miles I do etc. Then I heard that KTM had allocated a number of bikes to the dealers to pre-register and sell with £5K off to make room for the 2018 colours (no other changes). I'm colour blind so I certainly wouldn't throw £5k extra at a bike for a colour and neither would I pay top buck for a 2018 model when the rumoured 2019 face lift is likely to be out in 6-9 months. I get the full warranty from date of collection and second hand bikes are currently a couple of grand more than these discounted ones! :0 I called 8 dealer and was told I'd missed all the bikes but then I found one and have done a deal with delivery in mid-Feb. A slight delay due to the global multi-marque recall on Brembo master cylinders but at least that'll be done. For those not aware (I guess mainly the car guys reading this) the bike has a 1301cc V-twin engine. It generates 173bhp and stupid levels of torque for a bike (106lb/ft max with over 100 from just 3k rpm). Traction control, rider modes, WP semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, quick shifter, cornering lights and the Brembo M50 brakes make up a good spec list. I can't wait!! Edited January 28, 2018 by Scotty 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 Not a bike fan but that looks great. Something to look forward to. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Brother in law has the KTM RC8. He has had loads of bikes and never kept one as long as this one as he really rates it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 I rode an RC8 in the Austrian Alps a few years back. Great bike but not suited to my use on road. e.g. you can see zero in the mirrors even if trying to look under your arm. Maybe a waist size issue! LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted February 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2018 (edited) I collected the bike from Bristol on my trailer on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday there was a lot of fettling putting on rad guards, fender entenders, hand guards etc but today in the glorious sunshine I managed to have a 90 mile spin. I'm limited to 6500rpm (redline is 11,000) but it's not too bad : you just snick another gear and use the torque. It's still good for about 120 or so. I can't wait to unleash the full 173bhp though. Normally when I have brand new tyres I'm really steady and bed them in gently. This bike just gave instant confidence so was happy at 70-80% straight off the bat. It's really comfortable with plenty of leg room and an upright stance. The screen's really effective even above legal speeds (ahem!) . The heated seat and grips get too hot on max but I guess when it's really cold I'll get a true test. Loving it already especially the Akra enhanced noises Shame it got dirty on it's first trip out but the enjoyment easily makes up for it. Excel bike show tomorrow. I need some bits and maybe will pick up a 60mm socket and a 250NM torque wrench(!) for the rear wheel nut. Edited February 15, 2018 by Scotty 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mort Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Very nice Scotty - I really like those bikes. Enjoy it and keep posting pics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 (edited) Not much going on with it right now. 300 miles ridden and then put away due to all the salt on the roads, etc. I thought I might as well spare it one winter by waiting 2 or 3 weeks. Given the weather right now it might be a couple of weeks longer than I thought! I've got to know how it all fits together whilst wiring up the satnav. It's just a Superduke R with some bodywork, a bigger tank and extended rear subframe. A Beast in sheep's clothing Edited February 26, 2018 by Scotty 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 3, 2018 Report Share Posted March 3, 2018 It makes me want a KTM or BMW GS Adventure again. I got soooooo close but then decided it would have to wait until I had more time (which isn't a million miles away, but just not quite yet). It looks superb. Out of interest, did you consider the BMW range too? It always seems to be a straight shoot-out between those two when you get to this type of bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted March 3, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2018 (edited) The GS is always lurking in the background. I test rode one a number of years ago just to see what the huge following was about and was quite impressed but just didn't align really with my wants. I'm looking for less 'adventure' style and more road/sport/touring focus. The GT just fits my individual wants/needs like a glove. Then there was the financial deal. It's a fecking bargain with this discount compared with the GS. To be honest the GT is more often compared with the Tuono (race bike with straight bars) and the BMW S1000XR and a few others and mainly wins. My mate has a Tuono so it'll be interesting when we do to the Mosel Valley in May which is more suited/fun/etc. Another's coming on a KTM 1290 Adventure S. No GS's I've always liked the GT but the cost put me off and that negative was removed. So many dealer's staff actually bought them despite having access to all sorts as it's a proper deal. It also won some Sport Tourer awards etc and gets great reviews. It's a bit niche and some have even put it within its own category : hooligan tourer. It's so easy to ride normally but you now there's so much power available. I'm getting frustrated right now as I decided to garage it until the salt's gone and it's too cold to spend time tinkering or putting on stone chip protection etc. I'm itching for Spring! I'm not sure I could do what you've done and hang up your boots (for a while ). I'd be (more) grumpy etc at home! It's like an addiction. I just need that fix. Edited March 3, 2018 by Scotty 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted August 28, 2018 Report Share Posted August 28, 2018 Nice bike! We used to have a regular on The BCR (a rideout) who had The Beast version of that and I have to say it was terrifying! The noise and speed as he passed me down the straights. My poor old xr600 would be almost blown off the road! How's the bike been since Feb? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted September 6, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2018 Just got back today from a 2000 mile round trip around the North Coast 500. The bike was ideal. It was great having adjustable suspension for the massive variations in the roads and having the torque to help on the twisty hairpins and belting out of bends. Being a wuss I ordered the hill hold assist option which more than came into its own It didn't miss a beat whether it was mile munching or hooning. Had a whale of a time :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted September 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2018 (edited) A tiny taster of the pics I took and some countryside. I took quite a lot but it's impossible to capture it properly and not enough time to capture all you want! Edited September 9, 2018 by Scotty 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted September 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2018 (edited) Duplicate removed Edited September 9, 2018 by Scotty Duplicate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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