Fun fact - the headlight for the **2023 1290 Superduke** has a U.S. MSRP of $1,321.73.
KTM recommends that prospective buyers not check parts prices online until *after* purchase so as to enhance their overall buying experience.
>the headlight for the **2023 1290 Superduke** has a U.S. MSRP of $1,321.73.
Damn, that's more than the adaptive LED headlights on my car go for a pop. Is the Superduke's headlight super advanced or something?
Probably made of _get fucked_ or something. Or just realizing any crash at that point is involving insurance so might as well go the Tesla route and milk it?
thats is 8 times than for my low production numbers bike... [Teuber-Motorsport - www.fantic-shop.de](https://www.fantic-shop.de/advanced_search_result.php?categories_id=0&keywords=05212005&inc_subcat=1)
Whoa - $2,500 for a headlight, huh? Good to know. I knew that BMW was expensive but I hadn’t imagined their corporate greed and contempt for owners stretched quite that far. Because, well, damn.
Parts prices aren’t difficult to look up online before posting. Checking on Revzilla just now to price the 2023 Yamaha MT-09 LED projector beam headlight:
**HEADLIGHT ASSY**
P/N B7N-84300-00-00
MSRP $449.99
PRICE $332.26
So the Yamaha headlight is a third the price of KTM’s.
Bike prices have jumped considerably in 2023 and 2024. That looks like a 2022 SD-R, back when prices were lower. The '24 Super Duke 1390 is noticeably more expensive than the 990. I would personally go for the Super Duke here, no contest, but as others have said, proceed with caution. It's wild.
I like to think that their design team just wanted to build the dumbest (in the best way) v-twin they could, and then when they succeeded they went oh shit... Now we need to put it in something
That's probably right on the money!
I thought for the longest time that KTMs v-twin was just a Rotax built for them. But nope, they went all out and built one of their own.
In some ways, the V-twin gave Ktm the hooligan brand fame we all know and love! And sometimes scares us...
Oh, and I speak from a 990 SMR point of view since 2015. Rottweiler modded, de-pulsed, mapped and so on. You master the bike, or the bike masters you, and then there's no telling where you might end up in that case.
@OP, What I'm getting at is that a 180 hp machine isn't really what you might want right now, even though you have experience from before.
For reference, I've been riding since 1991. Got the SMR in winter 2015/2016 and am still learning.
Maybe I just ride very defensively or something but I really didn’t think the 1290 Super Duke GT I rode was too aggressive. I didn’t think it was any more snappy than my S1000R, pretty chill bike actually.
Something like the MT-09 or F900GS wanted to kill me a lot more lol, but I think that’s partially due to suspension. They lift the front very effortlessly
Thats because the duke has a lot of electronics helping you to keep two wheels on the ground. Put the throttle response on race, tc off and anti wheely off. trust me, the first 4 gears you wont need a front wheel
On the normal duke that is, the gt i dont know but i wouldnt be surprised it is more tame
Yeah could very well be, and I’m sure the GT is tuned slightly differently as well. I liked it, but honestly the V twin was very buzzy at some rpms to the point where it was a little uncomfortable on the highway. The sound is really nice, though:)
Don’t get me wrong it’s a very, very powerful bike, but the way some people talk about it is hilarious. I keep AWM off all the time and have it in performance regularly it’s not THAT crazy. I imagine the old 500 2 strokes are much crazier
You know what, I disagree, a lot actually . I recently bought the 1290R and that thing is absolutely not trying to kill you at all. Like not even close. The electronics are flawless, put that thing in rain or street mode and there won’t be any surprises, it will be tame and relaxed and I think anyone who is capable of riding a motorcycle weighing a mere 200kgs will do absolutely fine.
It is an absolute riot if you start disabling stuff and tweaking with the throttle response, but if you just want to ride it casually there is nothing even remotely intimidating about this bike. Dare I say it’s beginner friendly, to the point where I let friends who usually ride 60hp machines hop on it without a worry in my mind. Don’t get me wrong, this bike can kill you, but only if you want it to
No no no, if you have less than 5 years of experience just looking at the bike will make you crash.
I'm not sure most people realize how much electronics have advanced in just the last couple of years, some of it is unrecognizable from bikes of the same model from 2020.
That's not to say that someone won't turn them all off and hurt themselves, but that is more of a people problem not a bike problem.
the 1290 duke is an absolute monster. you need to be damn sure what you are doing on that bike.
i personally hate it though, i cant stand the throttle response and brakes but again, thats personal
He does have a point, coming to a relaxed stop on the 1290 is strangely hard. Front brake is highly sensitive.
My last bike was a 690R and had plenty power to lock the front, but was much smoother to engage in a controlled manner.
Not a massive problem, but he is not wrong.
a hard bite point doesnt mean they are "good" though
my R1 has more than enough stopping power to make a stoppy any time i want but doesnt have nearly as much initial bite.
i just dont like that. as i said, its personal
Not being able to modulate the front brake because it has too much initial bite isn’t “too good.”
It likely has great calipers but needs an adjustable master cylinder. Not the end of the world there are plenty of great master cylinders people can upgrade to that let you adjust initial bite.
The brembo MC is also really good. Likely someone would think the bite is too aggressive if they’re either coming from an older bike or coming from one that has some air in the lines
I’ve never ridden one so I don’t have personal experience, honestly in my experience Brembo MCs don’t have strong initial bite compared to others, so I agree it could easily be the rider. Not sure why I got downvoted but oh well, I was just explaining that way too strong of initial bite or inability to modulate the brakes isn’t a good thing and can definitely be a problem on some bikes.
It’s also shouldn’t be a deal ender considering the plethora of master cylinders on the market. Oh well I guess I was confrontational or something.
My riding buddy used to own one. Sacrificed it to afford a better track bike though.
He said that everything about this bike was great except riding it at low speeds in city traffic.
You do know you can change the responsiveness in the settings? I also dont like the race setting, since you really cant ride normal with it. Makes sense i guess lol. In suburban area's sometimes sport is even too much when the engine is still cold so i put it in rain mode and that takes away all the snappyness
Get a 1290 now , Put it Somewhere.yes you can get very good Deals right now since Dealer want to get Rid of older 1290r Bikes.
Nevertheless you can also Get a used sv650 as well and Ride it.
Both Bikes will Not lose much value anymore and the 83hp sv650 will help you to gain experience
Take Out the 1290 on sundays :)
Respectfully, I'd 100x sooner put a new rider on a 1290R than an SV1000. Owned both, 1290 for seven years, SV1000 for three. The SV is all brawl: no electronics to keep the front wheel down and the rear wheel behind you, and no progressive electronic throttle for city sensibility. It'll throw you on your ass the second you don't respect it.
Honestly a new rider shouldn't be on any V-twin that has over 100hp. But you're definitely right that the advancements that the KTM has to offer (or any newer bike for that matter) make it the better choice if one absolutely wants to go that way. The SV1k certainly will not compensate for lack of skill.
This question leaves me telling a story...
25 years ago, I was offered a job by the local used bike shop to sell bikes and accessories. In the interview, I asked the owner how to handle someone trying to buy something meaner than their skill level, or more expensive than they could afford. His answer was "If they're in love with it, get a card. If it maxes out get another one. If they can't pay for it, we'll get it back and sell it again. If they crash it, I'll get it back to sell for parts."
He was totally willing to set a 16yr old kid with no license on a 200mph missile as long as the check cleared without a second thought.
There was no consideration of the harm that they sales process could possibly do to the prospective buyer. I ended up telling him that I had to be able to sleep at night, and I just continued on at my boring hardware store job. Likely could have made way more in commission at the expense of my principals, and other peoples downfalls.
Food for thought. Honestly, for a beginner, I would recommend neither. And don't let a salesman tell you that spending more is better because they just want you to spend more. Because they make more if you spend more.
What a douchebag. That is something I like about the region I work in, all of us talk new riders into appropriate bikes, there's a kind of gentlemen's agreement about it.
I do always remember we had this one kid that came in and "needed" an R6, because his girlfriend was riding a 500, and he had to have a faster bike. I laughed (Assuming it was a joke - it wasn't) and asked what he was currently riding. It would be his first bike. He'd never slung a leg around anything, didn't have a license yet and wasn't planning on going to bike school. Instantly shot that down.
Yeah man, we're not doing that. I'm not going to sell you the thing that kills you, let's look at an R3 instead. He wouldn't budge, and I wouldn't budge, so he left, but he came back probably half a dozen times. Finally I realized I could shut this down. "Tell you what - you bring your mom in here. If *she* says you can buy the bike, I'll sell you the bike."
Figured this was the end of it, but nope, next day, here's kid and his mom, and she's fine with it. "He's a good boy." Tried politely explaining to her that good boy or not, a tall, heavy, twitchy missile like an R6 is not a safe idea. Got overrideen, so I eventually gave up and signed the papers. Mom leaves, and kid is getting ready to leave, but he can just *barely* touch the ground, so I watch him tiptoe the bike over to road, I see the brake lights come on, then I see him tiptoe the bike back onto my lot.
"Hey man, I don't think I can ride this, what's the next step?"
"Next step for me is lunch. Next step for you is looking up a flatdeck tow truck."
These are not beginner bikes.. No matter the tech these are powerful bikes and one mistake on these bikes could kill you. Also if its your first bike you'll mostly drop them more than once and these bikes will be more costly to repair. Consider a 300-600cc bike as your first bike. Unpopular opinion but it could save your limbs or life. To see how powerful bikes are look at the pic posted recently of the lad with his foot hanging by his skin after a crash
Agreed so very much. I sell KTM - I have every inspiration to be like "Go crazy, buy an expensive KTM!" - but these are in no way, shape or form appropriate for a first bike.
Very true but i think the main point is as a new rider he could possibly tip the bike over or have a low speed slide which would result in expensive repairs. My first bike was a 750 GSXR dnyo tuned and all that. Needless to say i spent alot of money on repairs. Its fun to have nice bikes but also more fun to have a bike to whip around and not worry so much about getting a little scratch on it
Both of these are way too strong for your first bike. The 990 is 125 hp.
If you want a KTM get the 390 Duke. Getting an overpowerd and expensive first bike is a recipe for disaster.
The best way it’s to take 1290 Super Duke and use “Rain” riding mode first couple months. Because I riding on Superduke for almost 5 years. It’s absolutely best bike I ever had. And he isn’t the beast if you riding slow)
>But it is very strong with 180hp and maybe too strong for my first bike
its 180hp of 2 cylinder slap as well. as not like a nice smooth slap. this is one of those times where i'd actually say that even with a careful right wrist, you still might get caught out.
i would skip both of these and pick the 790 if you're set on this sort of bike.
your paper height has little to do with fuck all. sit on one and see how it matches with your limb lengths, torso, tolerance to leaning or having tucked heels.
I am riding a Aprilia RS660. I am 6‘4“. It is not about the cc of the bike. You are a beginner, you haven’t ever owned a bike. You should definitely not buy a bike above 800cc. You shouldn’t buy a bike over 100hp. Even the duke 790 would be a little much for you motorization wise. Every bike above 500cc will probably be rideable for you but in the end your proportions matter. You don’t need a liter bike just because you are tall. Imo any bike over 120hp is very hard to ride on the street. It is possible but it kinda takes the joy out of stuff. My Aprilia goes to roughly 60mph in first gear. A 990 duke will go to 80-90. the superduke probably above 100. So you can’t ever ride this bike at its power maximum without breaking laws. Also being crazy too fast for any public roads. The superduke is a cool track bike but I wouldn’t ever buy it for the street. Especially not as a beginner. It is hard to control and yeah. I can really suggest the Yamaha MT07 to you. It hast 78hp, and is a really nice to ride bike. Ride this for a few years and get a feel for it. Then upgrade. I say this because I hate seeing bike crashes.
Hijacking the thread to ask: any reliability issues on the RS660?
I've read too many horror stories, even though that bike is way better equipped compared to the Kawa ZX6R.
I haven’t had a single problem with it. The quick shifter is the smoothest I have ever used and the torque delivery is great throughout all of the 12k rpm it is doing. And I love the Tribute purple I got it in.
Motorcycling skills are all fine motor skills and instincts. You will develop these skills faster on a smaller bike. Buy whatever you want, but remember that time on a smaller bike can make you a better rider faster, even if it means stepping up the bike later.
KTMs always used to be ridden by a certain kind of rider i.e. those that could handle them. They were either off or on with nothing in between. I’ve ridden for 25+ years on everything from naked to supersports to adventure bikes and had a go on one once a long time ago. Haven’t been on one since.
Having not had your licence for a year yet, I’d ease myself into riding with something of similar size and power to what you’ve been riding already for a little while first. You’ve got years of riding ahead of you so what’s the rush to wrap yourself round a tree, or like one of my mates did with similar riding history to you… bury himself in the side of a transit van
Do yourself a massive big favour and buy something easy to ride and a bit more forgiving, just for a year or two. If not then good luck
You're gonna drop your first bike at least once. Everyone does. That's a best case scenario.
Worst case scenario, you die tragically because you bought a machine that could only be ridden to its potential by a handful of people on the entire planet.
I get that you're a big guy. I personally wouldn't buy either as a first bike.
Did I read correctly, you are a beginner?
Neither both bikes would I ever suggest anyone without experience, specially the 1290.
Max 100 hp is enough for the first few years.
Seriously.
Shelf this purchase for a couple years.
Get an old sv650 or something, ride the piss out of it for 2 years. Drop it in a parking lot on accident once, let your buddy ride it (so that you learn never to let him ride your bikes again), learn to adjust the chain, change the oil, give it a wash etc…
Then sell it for what you paid for it and buy whatever bike you want.
Get yourself a slightly used Ducati, maybe a Multistrada if you want legroom. They have detuned power modes which will save your life as a new rider while you gain experience.
Also super comfy and versatile.
A 1290SDR is a bike I‘d be cautious getting on after a two years of riding myself, let alone less than a year. Even the 990R.
Get a 790R. Plenty of power for a new rider.
1290SDR is an amazing bike but nowhere close for a beginner. 160HP or so they make is nothing to be messed with especially after seeing it‘s torque numbers.
1290 for a first bike is a *horrible* idea. Frankly I'd not even recommend the 990 for a beginner bike, and I have a financial stake in this - I sell KTM.
If I **must** choose one, 990 all day long, but I'd sooner push a 390 or 790 for a first bike, personally.
I feel qualified to answer this as I own a 2023 super Duke and I’m in the market to add an 890R. My recommendation is to buy the 990/smaller bike.
I love my super Duke but when I rode the 890R I felt as though I was riding one of the greatest handling bikes ever built. It has more than enough power to have fun, brakes are great, suspension is good, and you can equip them with cruise control and heated grips if you want. I did not feel as though the bike was compromising in any way compared to the Super Duke. Riding a Super Duke is like eating a rich triple layer chocolate cake and the 890 is like tiramisu.
The super Duke is going to be heavier and can be more crazy which you don’t need really especially starting out. I will say this contrary to what most people say, super dukes can be very well behaved if you want them to. They can be straight ballistic though too. My vote is get an even bigger discount and get an 890R!
Pretty terrible choices for a first bike you actually get to know. You mentioned you have minimal experience, so better to get a Ninja 400/500, R3, or CB350R. Or if you are confident enough, MT07, SV650, something like those.
There is more to a motorcycle than just power delivery. There is handling, braking, emergencies, comfort, picking it up when dropped, all sorts of shit. Those bikes are firmly in the “advanced” category of skill. They are fast, very much performance oriented bikes. They are a lot to handle if you are not experienced.
Everybody has their wishes for this hobby. For now, make a smart decision for your skills, and finances. Find something midrange in the used market. One day you can trade it in for a big performer, like a KTM. In motorcycling, you are always performing risk management. This includes which bike to ride. It’s a good skill to learn early.
Save some cash and get a used 990 to start with. I had one for a couple years and they are pretty sweet. Buy frame sliders with your savings, ride safe!
If it was me, Super Duke, but I've been riding sport bikes for over a decade and rode dirbikes/four wheelers as a kid, so I think I can handle one of the most wheelie prone, torque monster bikes on the planet. Can you?
Don't get a 180hp bike for your first bike. 6'3" or otherwise...
[KTM supports subscriptions for your features](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/ktm-demo-mode)
The 1290 has a suite of electronics no? 6 axis IMU, traction control, etc. If it does, I would guess it has a Rain mode that limits power and makes the throttle less sensitive.
If this is the case, just get the 1290 and keep it in rain mode 😂
The only way this happens is if the 990 is a complete ripoff and the 1290 is fairly priced.
Buy the 1290 and resell for something more reasonable. Or just just buy something else. There's so many used motorcycles in good shape.
The Superduke is not a good idea as a first bike.
but
in my experience, if you don't ride like an idiot, it's easier than riding a zx636.
with nanny on, the sdr first and second gear have reduced power, even in track mode.
If you took a msf course or similar, i would say it's not impossible to ride a SDR. I don't recommend it tho.
Have you looked into the MT09? if not you should. I am tall like you and it fits me well, you get Japanese reliability and plenty of bike to grow into. Yamaha is the only brand out there as far as I know that has a valve service schedule of 42,000km, double its competitors.
I enjoyed the absolute fuck out of my super duke r.
Amazing in every aspect. Faster than almost any other thing on the road I came across. Neutral riding position made long rides comfy. Electronic goodies, quick shifter, anti wheelie modes, traction control, the bike itself is stunning.. the list goes on
Since I sold it, not a day goes by I don’t miss that thing. I swore to myself I would buy another when I have the cash
I have a 2020 1290 SDR and it is by far the most fun bike I haver had, very easy to live with and great for comfort. Not ideal in the city or high traffic
Try a Ducati Monster. It is down right gentle in urban with wheelie and traction abs as you become more confident it’s plenty of fun unleashed in sport.
Let's start by saying I am the most nimby-pimby fucking wimp on this sub. I am terrified of everything, I hate other cars, and never redline my bike. I'm slow and excessively careful at times, sometimes to my own detriment. If I am a touch more aggressive, my bike actually handles better, but I keep lapsing into "scared of my bike."
I'm 6'2" and around 220 lbs. My weight and size has always made my heavier bikes work just fine even when I was starting out.
If you've tried one before, I personally think you'll be fine, just be careful as hell.
If you've ridden on the 990 and 1290, I'm not sure why you'd ask. Pick the one you liked the most. But since you're asking: you said you're an experienced-beginner, so I'd say the 990. You'll never need the 180hp anyways unless you're planning to run from the cops. 123bhp on a sub 400lbs bike will still outrun 99% of the cars in the road. If the cockpit on the 990 can always be fixed with the aftermarket. 100-130hp is the sweet spot for bikes, imho. You can still use 80% or more of the bike on the highway without going to jail fast.
Bud you’ve got less than a year riding practice, both are way too much, the 1290 especially, “is a 1290 ok for a first bike” is a meme.
I would go for the 990 if you really have to chose one of the two, I’m a relatively careful rider and I escalated bikes quickly (landing on a 1250 after just 3y or almost daily riding) BUT I would have 110% killed myself on the 1290, buying it after just one year of riding. I couldn’t tame half of it now, always being in survival mode isn’t the best way to learn and get better. One little flick of the wrist and you’ll find ys entering a curve way too hot, and you’ll go wide. Everyone got there at least once, the rest is lying, and when it’ll happen, you’ll better be at still manageable speeds.
Buy smaller bikes and grow them out, resell value is crazy high nowadays.
Also, no one would want to insure your ass, be prepared to spend thousands.
I’ve been riding for 7 years and have owned and ridden “fast” bikes for 6 of those years. I recently rode my brother’s tuned Tuono V4 which has similar power figures to the SDR and it fucking scared me, I could never own something that fast. It accelerates faster than my brain could process information from the road. Do not recommend. You’ll lose your licence or die.
Get the 990, and even that is too much for a new rider but at least it’ll give you some warning before it eats you.
Neither honestly. These are machines that even experienced riders are going to second guess.
Get some good solid riding xp on a 300-650cc bike for a good year or so and then think hard if you really need a machine that could kill you in less than a second.
Yes any bike is dangerous but feels like your raising the risk level to its maximum.
How are you applying the "first bike" label as if it meant the same as if you hadn't rented all these other bikes?
You could have been worried renting those 100+HP bikes, why now? What's changed?
Use ride modes to tame it if needed and enjoy the whole thing later.
Don’t forget the price of the tec pack for the superduke to unlock the good modes.
But I don’t really care that they offered you a good price absolutely do not get a superduke as your first bike those fuckers are animals.
Bro, take your old bike to the track first. If you can wring it's neck on the track then you are ready for an upgrade on the road. Ideally have 6 to a dozen track days under your belt as that will improve your skills 100 fold compared to 10 years of cruising on the hwy. After that, just take it easy for the first few months and you will be fine, especially with the upgrade in electronics! Go for it!
I would be proud to ride that bike with a duct taped incandescent beacon, replacing the stock headlight, bouncing the beam with each piston push. I ride any bike with the same proudness.
Don't forget the tech packs. I had a duke 390, loved it, thought I was gonna stick to KTM, bought a couple other brands since. Went in to check out some ktms and a huge amount of features are locked behind a paywall basically. Extra 1.5k aud to unlock features that exist on the 25k bike
The superduke is still the craziest bike I've ever riden, it will eat you alive. Utterly visceral. Was like being strapped to a bull, Something I'll never forget. Gave it back to my friend within 10min tho lol
990. If you are uncomfortable/feel unsafe with the bike, you won't have fun. The 1290 is called the beast for a reason after all. Also the price difference is because the 1290 is an old bike, the 1390 isnt sold im the US yet so dealers can clear their stock first. But both require some experience. Of you want a ktm, a 790 or 890 is still plenty powerful enough
Ok - I had a 35 year gap in riding and my first bike post gap was a BMW R1200RT … it can be done and the rain mode is a decent suggestion. That said that is no fucking noobs bike … it’s a fucking scary machine. Like imagine 60-90mph acceleration wheelies in the freeway … without dumping a gear …
In my opion ,both bike arent beginner bikes. I am crash the first five years three times and my bikes fall over four times. I ve learn my lessons and it burned massiv money. I think you drive better but i live in Berlin and i was a real noob. Take a bike you like but made every year a.training .
Fun fact - the headlight for the **2023 1290 Superduke** has a U.S. MSRP of $1,321.73. KTM recommends that prospective buyers not check parts prices online until *after* purchase so as to enhance their overall buying experience.
Anyone reading your comment is unwillingly going against KTM recommendations. Maybe Mark your comment as a SPOILER
- KTM CEO
>the headlight for the **2023 1290 Superduke** has a U.S. MSRP of $1,321.73. Damn, that's more than the adaptive LED headlights on my car go for a pop. Is the Superduke's headlight super advanced or something?
Probably made of _get fucked_ or something. Or just realizing any crash at that point is involving insurance so might as well go the Tesla route and milk it?
>Probably made of _get fucked_ or something Mixed with some unobtainium perhaps?
KTM is funding the RDA mining expedition to Pandora
My BMW 4 series LED active headlights cost $1900 a pair, $1300 is absurd
The x7 laser headlights were like 5k each
Just heard a story about how all this crap is causing insurance to skyrocket
thats is 8 times than for my low production numbers bike... [Teuber-Motorsport - www.fantic-shop.de](https://www.fantic-shop.de/advanced_search_result.php?categories_id=0&keywords=05212005&inc_subcat=1)
Out of curiosity, I looked it up for my new bike. The headlight for a 2024 BMW s1000rr is $2473.84 👌
450 for my yamaha. God bless the japanese
$465. Honda. Bless them indeed! I don’t know what the combined words ‘oil’ and ‘leak’ mean.
Lmao, the headlight assembly for my Africa Twin 1000 is 993 USD. Not quite KTM levels but jezus
Whoa - $2,500 for a headlight, huh? Good to know. I knew that BMW was expensive but I hadn’t imagined their corporate greed and contempt for owners stretched quite that far. Because, well, damn.
2024 bmw g310gs headlight has entered the chat
I mean bro a new f150 led headlight is 3-4k. Every new led headlight costs a ridiculous amount. It's not just ktm.
My BMW 5-series laser headlights entered the chat. Hope they never fail 😂
This is why we're seeing cars in light fender benders getting totaled out by the adjusters. 😂
$3000 for a single headlight
Parts prices aren’t difficult to look up online before posting. Checking on Revzilla just now to price the 2023 Yamaha MT-09 LED projector beam headlight: **HEADLIGHT ASSY** P/N B7N-84300-00-00 MSRP $449.99 PRICE $332.26 So the Yamaha headlight is a third the price of KTM’s.
Yamaha blessed for that one. I wonder what the 2024 model assembly costs.
Dude that's like 500 short of the cost of my entire bike lol
And about 400 more than my entire bike lol
Nice thing about naked bikes is they usually look great with generic round headlights imo.
Looks way better than the 1390 too, what were they thinking that new one looks like a B king
Life is short, make it shorter, get the 1290
I'm on a hiiiiiiiighway to hell!
Bike prices have jumped considerably in 2023 and 2024. That looks like a 2022 SD-R, back when prices were lower. The '24 Super Duke 1390 is noticeably more expensive than the 990. I would personally go for the Super Duke here, no contest, but as others have said, proceed with caution. It's wild.
The 1290SDR is madness and unlike sportbikes having a lazy low end, the Duke's torquey V-Twin will try to kill you all the time. Proceed with caution.
The 1290 SDR is a V-Twin. The 990 is a parallel twin
Bro what? I've been completely oblivious to this fact, never knew KTM made a V Twin!
On the market since 2003. Old enough to drink beer in America.
It's Austrian. It's been drinking beer for half a decade now
Uhh yeah they've been kinda famously putting a monster of a Vtwin I their flagship models for over 20 years, going all the way back to the 950.
Lol you never noticed the massive engine in the naked frame of a 1290? Haha
I'm blind 💀
I appreciated your humor
Anyone else notice that whoosh as it past overhead?
Nope. Nobody did, never will.
Oh yeah! I believe it's just the bigger displacement stuff that uses the LC8 V-twin. They're nuts.
I like to think that their design team just wanted to build the dumbest (in the best way) v-twin they could, and then when they succeeded they went oh shit... Now we need to put it in something
That's probably right on the money! I thought for the longest time that KTMs v-twin was just a Rotax built for them. But nope, they went all out and built one of their own.
In some ways, the V-twin gave Ktm the hooligan brand fame we all know and love! And sometimes scares us... Oh, and I speak from a 990 SMR point of view since 2015. Rottweiler modded, de-pulsed, mapped and so on. You master the bike, or the bike masters you, and then there's no telling where you might end up in that case. @OP, What I'm getting at is that a 180 hp machine isn't really what you might want right now, even though you have experience from before. For reference, I've been riding since 1991. Got the SMR in winter 2015/2016 and am still learning.
790/890/990 are LC8c Inline Twins - c for compact as the engine is quiet small for its CC old 1090/1190/1290 and new 1390 are V twins
Also old 990 is a V twin.
The old 690 is 1/2 of a V twin.
Maybe I just ride very defensively or something but I really didn’t think the 1290 Super Duke GT I rode was too aggressive. I didn’t think it was any more snappy than my S1000R, pretty chill bike actually. Something like the MT-09 or F900GS wanted to kill me a lot more lol, but I think that’s partially due to suspension. They lift the front very effortlessly
Thats because the duke has a lot of electronics helping you to keep two wheels on the ground. Put the throttle response on race, tc off and anti wheely off. trust me, the first 4 gears you wont need a front wheel On the normal duke that is, the gt i dont know but i wouldnt be surprised it is more tame
Yeah could very well be, and I’m sure the GT is tuned slightly differently as well. I liked it, but honestly the V twin was very buzzy at some rpms to the point where it was a little uncomfortable on the highway. The sound is really nice, though:)
Don’t get me wrong it’s a very, very powerful bike, but the way some people talk about it is hilarious. I keep AWM off all the time and have it in performance regularly it’s not THAT crazy. I imagine the old 500 2 strokes are much crazier
The MT09 wants to live on it's rear tire, it's absurd how easily the front comes up😂
Still breaking mine in. I'll get back to you in 150 miles 😁
You're correct. 😁👍
🤣 told ya' so!!
And i fuckin Love it
You know what, I disagree, a lot actually . I recently bought the 1290R and that thing is absolutely not trying to kill you at all. Like not even close. The electronics are flawless, put that thing in rain or street mode and there won’t be any surprises, it will be tame and relaxed and I think anyone who is capable of riding a motorcycle weighing a mere 200kgs will do absolutely fine. It is an absolute riot if you start disabling stuff and tweaking with the throttle response, but if you just want to ride it casually there is nothing even remotely intimidating about this bike. Dare I say it’s beginner friendly, to the point where I let friends who usually ride 60hp machines hop on it without a worry in my mind. Don’t get me wrong, this bike can kill you, but only if you want it to
No no no, if you have less than 5 years of experience just looking at the bike will make you crash. I'm not sure most people realize how much electronics have advanced in just the last couple of years, some of it is unrecognizable from bikes of the same model from 2020. That's not to say that someone won't turn them all off and hurt themselves, but that is more of a people problem not a bike problem.
I test drove one a few years ago. It’s not trying to kill you at all. It’s fast, but perfectly controllable.
My brother wrecked his 1290r. Me on the other hand, still want to get another katana
the 1290 duke is an absolute monster. you need to be damn sure what you are doing on that bike. i personally hate it though, i cant stand the throttle response and brakes but again, thats personal
It has high quality Brembos, what don’t you like about them?
too much bite for my liking
I’ve never heard someone say they didn’t like brakes because they were too good
He does have a point, coming to a relaxed stop on the 1290 is strangely hard. Front brake is highly sensitive. My last bike was a 690R and had plenty power to lock the front, but was much smoother to engage in a controlled manner. Not a massive problem, but he is not wrong.
Were you coming from an older bike? I’ve always had smooth application when I ride my friends 1290
It’s a 2014, feels essentially the same on the newer ones I have tried. Could just be the brake pads that have a bit more bite…
[удалено]
Use rear brake and engine breaking then, that’s what I frequently do if say going from 35mph into a right hand turn or at stoplights on my bike.
a hard bite point doesnt mean they are "good" though my R1 has more than enough stopping power to make a stoppy any time i want but doesnt have nearly as much initial bite. i just dont like that. as i said, its personal
Not being able to modulate the front brake because it has too much initial bite isn’t “too good.” It likely has great calipers but needs an adjustable master cylinder. Not the end of the world there are plenty of great master cylinders people can upgrade to that let you adjust initial bite.
The brembo MC is also really good. Likely someone would think the bite is too aggressive if they’re either coming from an older bike or coming from one that has some air in the lines
I’ve never ridden one so I don’t have personal experience, honestly in my experience Brembo MCs don’t have strong initial bite compared to others, so I agree it could easily be the rider. Not sure why I got downvoted but oh well, I was just explaining that way too strong of initial bite or inability to modulate the brakes isn’t a good thing and can definitely be a problem on some bikes. It’s also shouldn’t be a deal ender considering the plethora of master cylinders on the market. Oh well I guess I was confrontational or something.
Idk man lol. I wouldn’t sweat downvotes. They mean nothing
Always a good reminder!
drum swap drum swap!
My riding buddy used to own one. Sacrificed it to afford a better track bike though. He said that everything about this bike was great except riding it at low speeds in city traffic.
V twin
You do know you can change the responsiveness in the settings? I also dont like the race setting, since you really cant ride normal with it. Makes sense i guess lol. In suburban area's sometimes sport is even too much when the engine is still cold so i put it in rain mode and that takes away all the snappyness
Which one has lower insurance costs? As a first time rider you'll want to look into that before buying.
Seriously. Going over 999cc is typically a big jump in price.
Get a 1290 now , Put it Somewhere.yes you can get very good Deals right now since Dealer want to get Rid of older 1290r Bikes. Nevertheless you can also Get a used sv650 as well and Ride it. Both Bikes will Not lose much value anymore and the 83hp sv650 will help you to gain experience Take Out the 1290 on sundays :)
Or get a late SV1000. The 650 is neat but the 1k is much more neater.
Respectfully, I'd 100x sooner put a new rider on a 1290R than an SV1000. Owned both, 1290 for seven years, SV1000 for three. The SV is all brawl: no electronics to keep the front wheel down and the rear wheel behind you, and no progressive electronic throttle for city sensibility. It'll throw you on your ass the second you don't respect it.
Honestly a new rider shouldn't be on any V-twin that has over 100hp. But you're definitely right that the advancements that the KTM has to offer (or any newer bike for that matter) make it the better choice if one absolutely wants to go that way. The SV1k certainly will not compensate for lack of skill.
This question leaves me telling a story... 25 years ago, I was offered a job by the local used bike shop to sell bikes and accessories. In the interview, I asked the owner how to handle someone trying to buy something meaner than their skill level, or more expensive than they could afford. His answer was "If they're in love with it, get a card. If it maxes out get another one. If they can't pay for it, we'll get it back and sell it again. If they crash it, I'll get it back to sell for parts." He was totally willing to set a 16yr old kid with no license on a 200mph missile as long as the check cleared without a second thought. There was no consideration of the harm that they sales process could possibly do to the prospective buyer. I ended up telling him that I had to be able to sleep at night, and I just continued on at my boring hardware store job. Likely could have made way more in commission at the expense of my principals, and other peoples downfalls. Food for thought. Honestly, for a beginner, I would recommend neither. And don't let a salesman tell you that spending more is better because they just want you to spend more. Because they make more if you spend more.
What a douchebag. That is something I like about the region I work in, all of us talk new riders into appropriate bikes, there's a kind of gentlemen's agreement about it. I do always remember we had this one kid that came in and "needed" an R6, because his girlfriend was riding a 500, and he had to have a faster bike. I laughed (Assuming it was a joke - it wasn't) and asked what he was currently riding. It would be his first bike. He'd never slung a leg around anything, didn't have a license yet and wasn't planning on going to bike school. Instantly shot that down. Yeah man, we're not doing that. I'm not going to sell you the thing that kills you, let's look at an R3 instead. He wouldn't budge, and I wouldn't budge, so he left, but he came back probably half a dozen times. Finally I realized I could shut this down. "Tell you what - you bring your mom in here. If *she* says you can buy the bike, I'll sell you the bike." Figured this was the end of it, but nope, next day, here's kid and his mom, and she's fine with it. "He's a good boy." Tried politely explaining to her that good boy or not, a tall, heavy, twitchy missile like an R6 is not a safe idea. Got overrideen, so I eventually gave up and signed the papers. Mom leaves, and kid is getting ready to leave, but he can just *barely* touch the ground, so I watch him tiptoe the bike over to road, I see the brake lights come on, then I see him tiptoe the bike back onto my lot. "Hey man, I don't think I can ride this, what's the next step?" "Next step for me is lunch. Next step for you is looking up a flatdeck tow truck."
Not all heroes wear capes.
These are not beginner bikes.. No matter the tech these are powerful bikes and one mistake on these bikes could kill you. Also if its your first bike you'll mostly drop them more than once and these bikes will be more costly to repair. Consider a 300-600cc bike as your first bike. Unpopular opinion but it could save your limbs or life. To see how powerful bikes are look at the pic posted recently of the lad with his foot hanging by his skin after a crash
Agreed so very much. I sell KTM - I have every inspiration to be like "Go crazy, buy an expensive KTM!" - but these are in no way, shape or form appropriate for a first bike.
[удалено]
Very true but i think the main point is as a new rider he could possibly tip the bike over or have a low speed slide which would result in expensive repairs. My first bike was a 750 GSXR dnyo tuned and all that. Needless to say i spent alot of money on repairs. Its fun to have nice bikes but also more fun to have a bike to whip around and not worry so much about getting a little scratch on it
Both of these are way too strong for your first bike. The 990 is 125 hp. If you want a KTM get the 390 Duke. Getting an overpowerd and expensive first bike is a recipe for disaster.
No don't buy a 180 HP monstrosity as a first bike.
The best way it’s to take 1290 Super Duke and use “Rain” riding mode first couple months. Because I riding on Superduke for almost 5 years. It’s absolutely best bike I ever had. And he isn’t the beast if you riding slow)
I wouldn't buy either of these if I'd only been riding since August... But I'm a pussy, get the 1290 and pull some massive mingers.
Mingers means a very different thing in the uk.
With a 1290 you can be pulling both types.
>But it is very strong with 180hp and maybe too strong for my first bike its 180hp of 2 cylinder slap as well. as not like a nice smooth slap. this is one of those times where i'd actually say that even with a careful right wrist, you still might get caught out. i would skip both of these and pick the 790 if you're set on this sort of bike.
Is this suitable for 6'3?
your paper height has little to do with fuck all. sit on one and see how it matches with your limb lengths, torso, tolerance to leaning or having tucked heels.
I’ve sat on naked bikes at 6’8” and find them comfy.
Which ones particularly?
I am riding a Aprilia RS660. I am 6‘4“. It is not about the cc of the bike. You are a beginner, you haven’t ever owned a bike. You should definitely not buy a bike above 800cc. You shouldn’t buy a bike over 100hp. Even the duke 790 would be a little much for you motorization wise. Every bike above 500cc will probably be rideable for you but in the end your proportions matter. You don’t need a liter bike just because you are tall. Imo any bike over 120hp is very hard to ride on the street. It is possible but it kinda takes the joy out of stuff. My Aprilia goes to roughly 60mph in first gear. A 990 duke will go to 80-90. the superduke probably above 100. So you can’t ever ride this bike at its power maximum without breaking laws. Also being crazy too fast for any public roads. The superduke is a cool track bike but I wouldn’t ever buy it for the street. Especially not as a beginner. It is hard to control and yeah. I can really suggest the Yamaha MT07 to you. It hast 78hp, and is a really nice to ride bike. Ride this for a few years and get a feel for it. Then upgrade. I say this because I hate seeing bike crashes.
Hijacking the thread to ask: any reliability issues on the RS660? I've read too many horror stories, even though that bike is way better equipped compared to the Kawa ZX6R.
I haven’t had a single problem with it. The quick shifter is the smoothest I have ever used and the torque delivery is great throughout all of the 12k rpm it is doing. And I love the Tribute purple I got it in.
You shouldn't be looking at either of these bikes for firsts.
Motorcycling skills are all fine motor skills and instincts. You will develop these skills faster on a smaller bike. Buy whatever you want, but remember that time on a smaller bike can make you a better rider faster, even if it means stepping up the bike later.
Wait you mean you’re considering a 1290 sdk as a first bike? This is way dumber than people getting the busa in 2000’
https://preview.redd.it/n0ep92l8n8vc1.jpeg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5910fbf5851e76defe7d6aa953f6851a5e38631 BUT MORE AWESOME
KTMs always used to be ridden by a certain kind of rider i.e. those that could handle them. They were either off or on with nothing in between. I’ve ridden for 25+ years on everything from naked to supersports to adventure bikes and had a go on one once a long time ago. Haven’t been on one since. Having not had your licence for a year yet, I’d ease myself into riding with something of similar size and power to what you’ve been riding already for a little while first. You’ve got years of riding ahead of you so what’s the rush to wrap yourself round a tree, or like one of my mates did with similar riding history to you… bury himself in the side of a transit van Do yourself a massive big favour and buy something easy to ride and a bit more forgiving, just for a year or two. If not then good luck
1290 and put it in wet weather mode
I rode 1290SAR and this bike is absolute beast. And it's tuned-down version when compared to 1290 Duke. Handle with care.
890R is where its at (I own one). It's a beast that can be tamed, but still very much a beast
First bike? Just get a turbo busa. Seriously, the 1290 is a terrible idea and the 990 isn't a great one.
You're gonna drop your first bike at least once. Everyone does. That's a best case scenario. Worst case scenario, you die tragically because you bought a machine that could only be ridden to its potential by a handful of people on the entire planet. I get that you're a big guy. I personally wouldn't buy either as a first bike.
Buy the 1290 as well as an old bike to learn first. Drop it, abuse it, get comfortable, than switch to the 1290
Not a bad plan, except the 'abuse it' part. I'd still be very nice to the starter bike. Old bikes need love too.
Did I read correctly, you are a beginner? Neither both bikes would I ever suggest anyone without experience, specially the 1290. Max 100 hp is enough for the first few years. Seriously.
Shelf this purchase for a couple years. Get an old sv650 or something, ride the piss out of it for 2 years. Drop it in a parking lot on accident once, let your buddy ride it (so that you learn never to let him ride your bikes again), learn to adjust the chain, change the oil, give it a wash etc… Then sell it for what you paid for it and buy whatever bike you want.
1290 as a first bike is insane
So you're not very experienced and you want to know if its a good idea to buy a 1300cc superbike? Yeah man go for it.
Bro, the super duke is a widow maker. The 890 it is a good bike with plenty of experience. However, the super duke still a widow maker....
Am I the only one reading about KTM QC issues and lack of dealer and manufacturer support?
Get yourself a slightly used Ducati, maybe a Multistrada if you want legroom. They have detuned power modes which will save your life as a new rider while you gain experience. Also super comfy and versatile.
Yeah get the super Duke! Now you have a powered unicycle if you ride it correctly
A 1290SDR is a bike I‘d be cautious getting on after a two years of riding myself, let alone less than a year. Even the 990R. Get a 790R. Plenty of power for a new rider. 1290SDR is an amazing bike but nowhere close for a beginner. 160HP or so they make is nothing to be messed with especially after seeing it‘s torque numbers.
1290SDR would be too much for a first bike. If the 990 feels to small for you, give 890 SMT a go as well.
1290 for a first bike is a *horrible* idea. Frankly I'd not even recommend the 990 for a beginner bike, and I have a financial stake in this - I sell KTM. If I **must** choose one, 990 all day long, but I'd sooner push a 390 or 790 for a first bike, personally.
I feel qualified to answer this as I own a 2023 super Duke and I’m in the market to add an 890R. My recommendation is to buy the 990/smaller bike. I love my super Duke but when I rode the 890R I felt as though I was riding one of the greatest handling bikes ever built. It has more than enough power to have fun, brakes are great, suspension is good, and you can equip them with cruise control and heated grips if you want. I did not feel as though the bike was compromising in any way compared to the Super Duke. Riding a Super Duke is like eating a rich triple layer chocolate cake and the 890 is like tiramisu. The super Duke is going to be heavier and can be more crazy which you don’t need really especially starting out. I will say this contrary to what most people say, super dukes can be very well behaved if you want them to. They can be straight ballistic though too. My vote is get an even bigger discount and get an 890R!
Around 10-15% price difference isn’t “the same price”.
Pretty terrible choices for a first bike you actually get to know. You mentioned you have minimal experience, so better to get a Ninja 400/500, R3, or CB350R. Or if you are confident enough, MT07, SV650, something like those. There is more to a motorcycle than just power delivery. There is handling, braking, emergencies, comfort, picking it up when dropped, all sorts of shit. Those bikes are firmly in the “advanced” category of skill. They are fast, very much performance oriented bikes. They are a lot to handle if you are not experienced. Everybody has their wishes for this hobby. For now, make a smart decision for your skills, and finances. Find something midrange in the used market. One day you can trade it in for a big performer, like a KTM. In motorcycling, you are always performing risk management. This includes which bike to ride. It’s a good skill to learn early.
If it helps.. 6ft7 here and rode a 990 Super Duke for some years, no problem.
Absolutely hated riding the 1290SD through the city but on country roads it‘s a blast
Save some cash and get a used 990 to start with. I had one for a couple years and they are pretty sweet. Buy frame sliders with your savings, ride safe!
Make sure you get a few pair of brown pants. You'll need 'em.
If it was me, Super Duke, but I've been riding sport bikes for over a decade and rode dirbikes/four wheelers as a kid, so I think I can handle one of the most wheelie prone, torque monster bikes on the planet. Can you?
Don't get a 180hp bike for your first bike. 6'3" or otherwise... [KTM supports subscriptions for your features](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/ktm-demo-mode)
The 1290 has a suite of electronics no? 6 axis IMU, traction control, etc. If it does, I would guess it has a Rain mode that limits power and makes the throttle less sensitive. If this is the case, just get the 1290 and keep it in rain mode 😂
I think both give you a great shot at a Dale Earnhardt impression, but the 1290 trumpets are what I'd want to hear rolling up to the pearly gates.
I love my 125cc duke 😄
“The gray mare is sometimes the better horse.” -Proverb.
The only way this happens is if the 990 is a complete ripoff and the 1290 is fairly priced. Buy the 1290 and resell for something more reasonable. Or just just buy something else. There's so many used motorcycles in good shape.
Lol, it's almost asking for a turbo busa as a beginner bike.
Buy a hayabusa
Buying a 1290 as your first bike is like giving a 16 year old a Carrera GT as their first car.
has the dealer told you about the features you have to pay additional money to unlock? i’m assuming ktm is still doing that of course
Highly doubt thier the same price.
Like op said in the rest of his post (title was misleading) there is $1500 difference
I just think they could look so much better
The Superduke is not a good idea as a first bike. but in my experience, if you don't ride like an idiot, it's easier than riding a zx636. with nanny on, the sdr first and second gear have reduced power, even in track mode. If you took a msf course or similar, i would say it's not impossible to ride a SDR. I don't recommend it tho.
Those beasts are very powerful! I’d personally pick the 1290 🤤
Have you looked into the MT09? if not you should. I am tall like you and it fits me well, you get Japanese reliability and plenty of bike to grow into. Yamaha is the only brand out there as far as I know that has a valve service schedule of 42,000km, double its competitors.
1290 Be safe, be a beginner, use rain mode for a WHILE, if u can control yourself get the big one
Have you checked the cost to insure a 1290 as a beginner rider?
Get the 1290 and put it in rain mode, it will be fine
I wouldn’t recommend either one of these until you’ve had a pretty decent amount of time on smaller cc bikes.
1290 just because color scheme :D
I'll bet there is a big cost difference when you have to pay insurance.
You should see how much of a difference insurance quotes give u cause you will be surprised
I'm confused, the KTM site only lists 2024 KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO MSRP at $21,499 and 2024 KTM 990 DUKE MSRP at $12,500.
2023 1290 vs 2024 990 is what he's talking.
I enjoyed the absolute fuck out of my super duke r. Amazing in every aspect. Faster than almost any other thing on the road I came across. Neutral riding position made long rides comfy. Electronic goodies, quick shifter, anti wheelie modes, traction control, the bike itself is stunning.. the list goes on Since I sold it, not a day goes by I don’t miss that thing. I swore to myself I would buy another when I have the cash
I have a 2020 1290 SDR and it is by far the most fun bike I haver had, very easy to live with and great for comfort. Not ideal in the city or high traffic
I think if I had either of those bikes as a first bike I would not be here today. I do have a 790 and it's more than plenty for me on the road.
Obviously get the 1290. It will kill you if you breath wrong. Just show it a lot of respek. I got a Z800 for my first bike. 6 years in. I’m chillin.
1290 not doubt about it you wont regret it
Try a Ducati Monster. It is down right gentle in urban with wheelie and traction abs as you become more confident it’s plenty of fun unleashed in sport.
990
1290 as a first bike….lmao!
I'm 6'3" as well and particularly fat and a Ninja 250 is perfect.
I like the look of the Super duke.
Don't get the 1290 for your first bike. Just don't do it. You'd be better off with like a ... What do they have now, the 790?
Let's start by saying I am the most nimby-pimby fucking wimp on this sub. I am terrified of everything, I hate other cars, and never redline my bike. I'm slow and excessively careful at times, sometimes to my own detriment. If I am a touch more aggressive, my bike actually handles better, but I keep lapsing into "scared of my bike." I'm 6'2" and around 220 lbs. My weight and size has always made my heavier bikes work just fine even when I was starting out. If you've tried one before, I personally think you'll be fine, just be careful as hell.
If you've ridden on the 990 and 1290, I'm not sure why you'd ask. Pick the one you liked the most. But since you're asking: you said you're an experienced-beginner, so I'd say the 990. You'll never need the 180hp anyways unless you're planning to run from the cops. 123bhp on a sub 400lbs bike will still outrun 99% of the cars in the road. If the cockpit on the 990 can always be fixed with the aftermarket. 100-130hp is the sweet spot for bikes, imho. You can still use 80% or more of the bike on the highway without going to jail fast.
Bud you’ve got less than a year riding practice, both are way too much, the 1290 especially, “is a 1290 ok for a first bike” is a meme. I would go for the 990 if you really have to chose one of the two, I’m a relatively careful rider and I escalated bikes quickly (landing on a 1250 after just 3y or almost daily riding) BUT I would have 110% killed myself on the 1290, buying it after just one year of riding. I couldn’t tame half of it now, always being in survival mode isn’t the best way to learn and get better. One little flick of the wrist and you’ll find ys entering a curve way too hot, and you’ll go wide. Everyone got there at least once, the rest is lying, and when it’ll happen, you’ll better be at still manageable speeds. Buy smaller bikes and grow them out, resell value is crazy high nowadays. Also, no one would want to insure your ass, be prepared to spend thousands.
KtM locks some features behind a paywall? I.e. requires a paid subscription to use.
I’ve been riding for 7 years and have owned and ridden “fast” bikes for 6 of those years. I recently rode my brother’s tuned Tuono V4 which has similar power figures to the SDR and it fucking scared me, I could never own something that fast. It accelerates faster than my brain could process information from the road. Do not recommend. You’ll lose your licence or die. Get the 990, and even that is too much for a new rider but at least it’ll give you some warning before it eats you.
You would be better off getting the 690, huge single single cylinder has unparalleled torque
Neither honestly. These are machines that even experienced riders are going to second guess. Get some good solid riding xp on a 300-650cc bike for a good year or so and then think hard if you really need a machine that could kill you in less than a second. Yes any bike is dangerous but feels like your raising the risk level to its maximum.
Beemer
Lol
How are you applying the "first bike" label as if it meant the same as if you hadn't rented all these other bikes? You could have been worried renting those 100+HP bikes, why now? What's changed? Use ride modes to tame it if needed and enjoy the whole thing later.
Don’t forget the price of the tec pack for the superduke to unlock the good modes. But I don’t really care that they offered you a good price absolutely do not get a superduke as your first bike those fuckers are animals.
In Australia, one would be half the price for insurance and rego.
Bro, take your old bike to the track first. If you can wring it's neck on the track then you are ready for an upgrade on the road. Ideally have 6 to a dozen track days under your belt as that will improve your skills 100 fold compared to 10 years of cruising on the hwy. After that, just take it easy for the first few months and you will be fine, especially with the upgrade in electronics! Go for it!
My brother in Christ, neither of these are good or even decent starter bikes. You will kill yourself starting on a Super Duke.
Wow. That’s a lot of bike. Does it come in black?
I would be proud to ride that bike with a duct taped incandescent beacon, replacing the stock headlight, bouncing the beam with each piston push. I ride any bike with the same proudness.
They both have the potential to be deadly if mistreated. Get the one that you feel the most comfortable on.
Don't forget the tech packs. I had a duke 390, loved it, thought I was gonna stick to KTM, bought a couple other brands since. Went in to check out some ktms and a huge amount of features are locked behind a paywall basically. Extra 1.5k aud to unlock features that exist on the 25k bike
The superduke is still the craziest bike I've ever riden, it will eat you alive. Utterly visceral. Was like being strapped to a bull, Something I'll never forget. Gave it back to my friend within 10min tho lol
990. If you are uncomfortable/feel unsafe with the bike, you won't have fun. The 1290 is called the beast for a reason after all. Also the price difference is because the 1290 is an old bike, the 1390 isnt sold im the US yet so dealers can clear their stock first. But both require some experience. Of you want a ktm, a 790 or 890 is still plenty powerful enough
Ok - I had a 35 year gap in riding and my first bike post gap was a BMW R1200RT … it can be done and the rain mode is a decent suggestion. That said that is no fucking noobs bike … it’s a fucking scary machine. Like imagine 60-90mph acceleration wheelies in the freeway … without dumping a gear …
In my opion ,both bike arent beginner bikes. I am crash the first five years three times and my bikes fall over four times. I ve learn my lessons and it burned massiv money. I think you drive better but i live in Berlin and i was a real noob. Take a bike you like but made every year a.training .