Anyone own one, the 2019 has major updates including an eltronic suspension. Its almost 100 lighter than the R with close power

I have one. Two recalls, sidestand tang and front m/c,repaired under warranty during first service. Cooked exhaust valve servo (took it off and got the Healtech ESE) and a balky fuel gauge, getting replaced Wednesday. Almost 5K miles since mid-July, two 1200-mile round trips, one with 900 miles of twisty loops between legs. 513 lbs with 6 gallons of fuel. Still learning how to manipulate the electronics and also need to wind it out, because it hates being lugged, unlike most big twins. The harder you twist it, the faster and smoother it gets. Fantastic brakes, electronic semi-active suspension, ABS, Traction control, slipper clutch yadda yadda yadda. It will take me a year to learn how to ride it properly. Anything else ya wanna know, just ask. It’s a hoot.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/4/2018 @ 4:14 AM *

Danno

So, which bike handles better in the twisties, seeing theirs almost a 100 Pounds between the two

Interesting post. I've been ogling and watching every vid I can of the Duke GT over the past 2-3 days. I had my mind set on the new CB1000R but it's just too single-purpose.

I know the GT isn't the same as the R. I've been watching review vids on both. I really need to find one I can test ride. I've never ridden any KTM.

Harry, the SDGT is much easier for a person of my advanced age to wield around twisty roads. The electronic rider aids are seamless, so it’s hard to say how much “skill” they add (or lack of which they compensate for). The 80 lb. weight difference (100 for the Zx14R) is the big thing. The KTM is about a half-second slower in the quarter mile, and doesn’t have nearly the top-end rush, but still has plenty of giddyup.

I miss the Blue Whale’s smoothness at all speeds and the bump-eating suspension and comfort of the larger bike is easier on the old bones. In a straight line, I think the KTM would keep up to well over 120 mph where the ZX would leave it for dead. It will take me a bit of mileage to get used to the difference.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/4/2018 @ 4:17 AM *

The GT’s powerband is at 500 rpm lower in the range than the R’s. I test-rode an R 2 years before the GT was introduced, and the R’s urge was a bit more immediate, but the GT makes 92 lb/ft of torque, so it will blow many machines of equal power and weight into the weeds. I considered a BMW S1000XR, but the much higher price and incessant vibration put me off the 4-cylinder.

According to what I’ve read, the R’s motor was retuned to be more suitable for the 1290 Super Adventure and then peak power was restored to the GT mill. Combine that with the R’s 25 lbs less weight and the R is quite a bit wilder to ride. Both are dirtbikes on steroids, but the GT is a bit more manageable.

The 2019 GT has revised frontal bodywork and the quickshifter works both ways instead of only on upshift. Also the cruise control buttons have been moved from the right grip to the left and the wires for the heated grips are now hidden. The semi-active e-suspension is unchanged.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/4/2018 @ 4:07 AM *

Danno, so you do have the GT then, right? It's GREAT to get feedback from somebody who has had both the SDGT and ZX14!

Oh, and it sounds like you DID sell your ZX?

My previous bike was an '04 Honda RC51 ... 999 cc V twin, and I thought I'd never get another twin, not because of any problem, but because I found the linear power band actually kinda boring. The top end rush of an inline 4 is an awesome thrill. So, assuming the SDGT is pretty linear like my RC I might again miss the top end blast, but at age 50 I'm thinking that might be the wise thing: Have fun from 0 to ~speed limit instead of "somewhat" above What do yo think about the power delivery difference between the V2 vs I4?

I repeat: GREAT to know somebody who has had both bikes

Funny, when I first saw the SD R I thought the front end was hideous. But the GT variation helped a little, and now that I've been staring at it for a few days I'm starting to really like it! ... even though it looks like Spy vs Spy! And it does actually even look like a dirt bike

* Last updated by: extrapolator on 11/4/2018 @ 7:20 AM *

The ZX was totaled in Arkansas on May 18. Sheared lower frame crossmember rendered it unrepairable. I have been selling what’s left ever since.

It took me a while to appreciate the looks of my Zx14, so I’m giving myself some time to get used to the looks of the SDGT. I personally think it looks like Woody Woodpecker on acid.

The power delivery is a bit different than a big-bore inline 4. But it loves to rev and as soon as I get it through my head that you shouldn’t lug it like a Harley, it’ll be more than enough for me. There are power upgrades, pipes, fuel dongles, revised intake systems. The Pikes Peak 1290R has those sorts of bolt-ons, but is otherwise stock. It will be a while (maybe never) before I feel the need for more ponies.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/4/2018 @ 11:00 AM *

Woody Woodpecker on acid

Yes! Another very accurate description

Anything and everything else you care to write about the SDGT I'm dying to read. I'll owe you one next time your in N FL, or next time I'm in Dannoville SWIL I really foresee it being the replacement for my ZX very soon, but am still doing my due diligence.

Oh, and sorry to hear about your ZX being totalled. When you said that I thought it sounded familiar, but I just looked back and can't find where you wrote anything on it. You're not the one where a van(?) turned in front of you in an intersection, are you?

thanks Danno for a great response, I will test ride the new and updated 2019inthe Spring. Idont need a 180 HP machine So my main critia is comfort and Handling, If I am gonna drop 20 Grand on a bike, the diiferance must be substancial, if not I keep the 14R

I picked mine up (leftover 2016 w 128 miles on the clock) for $14,400 before sales tax etc.
A local got his 2018 new for $18K. Check Cycle Trader before you plop down 20 grand. There are deals out there.

If I told you I knew what happened when The Whale and I went down, I’d be lying. No witnesses, either, so it will remain a mystery.

I’m still learning the ins and outs of KTM ownership, but it’s definitely not the comfort cruiser. I have mitigated the small, hard seat with an Airhawk and taken care of wind protection with a large CalSci windscreen w/adjustable spoiler. Got another Alu-Rack and am using my old topcase. Tank bag is set up with communications and the heated gear leads are wired directly to the battery. The cruise control is a godsend and I’m coming to appreciate the ride and run modes etc. After my upcoming journey it will need a back tire. Took the nearly-new (500 miles) skins off the Whale, so that gun is loaded. I’ve been instructed to be careful with the tire pressure senders when swapping tires.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/5/2018 @ 7:19 PM *

I will be hauling it to Daytona right after Thanksgiving. 4 of us are loading bikes onto the Auto Train in Sanford and overnighting to Lorton, Va, where we’ll unload and spend a week getting back. Should be over the Fla. border heading south on the afternoon of the 24th.

What the?? You live in FL?

Did you see that in '15 my buds and I took the Auto Train from FL to Lorton and rode back? Here

Anyway ... The SDGT prices you mention seem in line with what I would've guessed: A little under $20K for brand new, and maybe a few thousand less then that for new old stock.

Thanks for the info, and feel free to write more. It'll help me pass the time as I wait for the '19's to show up at dealers

Meantime I've also started reading on the forums. Kinda scary cuz I'm reading about a lot of different problems owners are having with the GT. Crossing fingers the problems are more rare than they seem to be, and that most or all of them are gone for the '19's. Would really suck to pay 50%+ more for a new SDGT than I paid for my brand new old stock '13 ZX, which has been absolutely problem free for the 4 years and 10,000 miles I've owned it, only to have a bunch of problems

The only problems I’ve had are the fuel gauge (ethanol-related according to the tech at the local dealer) and the fried exhaust servo, which caused it to throw a code and limit top speed to 100 mph in 6th until I had the code cleared and removed the servo and it’s cables and plugged in the dongle. Ducati’s have the same system and parts. All it does is partially choke the exhaust down at 5K rpm to pass the Euro sound test. Had to make a small flat bracket to remount the rear brake reservoir. If you’re not handy Rottweiler or someone sells a bracket.

I rode the rest of the day after the servo shot crap, and the next day’s 300-mile loop as well as 600 miles home with the engine partially restricted, but no big deal.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/6/2018 @ 4:23 AM *

I travel to Florida a couple times each year, ride, fly or drive depending on circumstance. Takes me two days to ride to Daytona from here and only one to drive (3 1/2 hrs to fly). So driving is nearly as cheap as riding down when you figure in a couple of overnight motel stays. I am reluctant to ride at night, especially while riding alone. I hope to have my restoration project Norton tank and sidecovers along to leave them with a pinstriper I met at Barber Vintage. He will be in Daytona for the famous Turkey Rod Run car gathering. My plan is to pick the parts up at his shop outside Macon, Ga. on the way home on or about Dec 5-6.

Just did the Deal’s Gap area, so we’re going to try to hit some roads in Virginia none of us a have seen before. Shenandoah NP has over 100 miles of scenic pavement and there’s one called “Back of the Dragon” as well as a northern segment of BRP. We will establish a base at Wytheville and do some loops out of there before wandering back to Fla.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/6/2018 @ 4:43 AM *

Danno - Have you got a go-to forum for the SDGT?

I see several and have read some but can't tell if there's a 'main' one. Kinda like the ZX14 forums: There are a bunch, but it doesn't seem like any particular one is the obvious most frequented.

I tried KTMSuperTwins
www.ktmsmt.com No success getting registered and no reply from administrators with an explanation. Kinda dead over there anyway.
www.ktmforums.com is easier to navigate.

OK thanks, ktmforums.com is the one I just registered for and the main one I've been perusing.

Rode to the local dealer and had the fuel gsuge sender/float assembly replaced while I had lunch. The tech also swapped some parts from his stash and repaired one of my sidecase latches. Only lunch cost anything.

Danno - That's great. One poss issue for me would be that the "local" dealer is a 40 minute ride away. Still contemplatin' ...

You are pretty much at some dealer’s mercy if you buy a brand-new, warranteed vehicle, 2 wheels or 4.

The ‘19 H2SXE and the ‘19 Versys 1000 both have the mu bank-angle computer to run the sequential cornering lights and control traction while leaning, so before long, more bikes will be more and more dependent on electronic rider aids and safety technology.

Bosch, along with cooperation from KTM has come up with a prototype system that fires a rocket at right angles to a bike that’s hit a gravel patch while leaned over. More to come.

* Last updated by: Danno on 11/8/2018 @ 12:55 PM *