Some initial thoughts on the 1290 GT

Having done just over 600 miles and its first service completed ( The fuel leak issue is for a different time)

What can i say

It is the 2019 model which seems to be quite different to the outgoing version. Most noticeably is the big screen dash thing which really is a thing of beauty and very very functional and easy to use and customizeable.

Comfort wise I have the ergo and heated ( couldnt have it without the heat) seat and it is very hard at the moment but comfy enough although not yet broken in ( I hope) so not as comfy as the ducati was. 300 miles and my arse was starting to ache

seating position i am still working on as i also have the adjustable rear sets which need fine tuning a bit and i may move the bars into the most forward position.

It is on Pirelli angel Gt tyres whic seem plenty good enough as they are at the edge already but these will be swapped out for Metzler road tec once they are shagged

KTM say they have made some changes to the inlet valves etc to give an extra 500 revs and have adjusted the power delivery from the SDR. I cant comment on all of this but i can say that it has some serious grunt in all gears and when provoked is quite brutal and yet civilized at the same time if that makes sense. Whilst its closest rival is the S1000XR ( i assume) and having had one i can say that it is very different in as much as the way it gives all its power and performance is less manic than the XR, it doesnt need to be revved hard to go very very fast

The biggest revelation for me is its handling

Those WP semi active suspenders are a marvel and for me best in sport or street mode.n Again very differnt to the outgoing Hypermotard in its turn in which seems equally as sharp but somehow less edgy. the way it will hold its line or change it is just brilliant. The only disconcerting thing is that the edge of the tyre has been reached and yet it does not feel as if leaning very far and has more to go.

Effortless cruising and hooligan hooning in one well put together package

Any way despite the niggle of the fuel leak I am very very pleased and i reckon it will be MCN bike of the year

Have I missed a post somewhere?

I thought the Superduke GT fuel leak issue was a problem solved & did not affect 19 MY bikes, accepting there is the 1290 Adv tank recall currently - is this just an issue with yours?.

BTW, thanks for the initial review; I have the GT, Versys1000 & R1250RS (if they ever reach production) on the radar at next change. The only question-mark with the GT is the quality of the pillion accommodation for SWMBO when we go touring - I know she prefers the V1K which has a luxury perch & a peach of an engine, albeit lagging in the power stakes, yet they appear a tad overpriced as yet. Must get some back to back test rides organised if/when the RS lands. September ??

Sorry Orangerick - just seen your post re fuel tap swap/service back at Premier. Annoying though, hope the fuel lines are OK these days.