KTM 790 Adventure S - The Perfect Adventure Motorcycle?
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2019
- Does KTM's new 790 Adventure S have what it takes to travel the world on two wheels? Bret Tkacs takes it for a ride on the rough dirt roads and trails around Mt Rainier and tries to find it's limits. Learn how he feels about the 790's suspension, balance, ABS and traction control.
Thanks to David Fox for loaning us his brand new bike for the day!
Bret Tkacs @ bit.ly/2INkHvk
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
Behind the scenes - mototrek.net/2019/08/06/bret-...
#KTM #790Adventure #OffRoad #tim.tyler.cine #findMOTOTREK #giantloop
The 790 Adventure really cuts an interesting niche in the ADV market. I hope the trend of lightweight, fun ADV bikes continue.
I hope so too. I think the charge up the hill to grow bigger is reaching it's limits with what's useful and strokes the ego.
Tenere has entered the chat
It's refreshing to see someone so good at motorcycling, particularly good at off-roading, review a non-top-of-the-line model bike. So many of these moto folk out here go to a dealer and grab the highest end model bike they can and then go for a ride. Thank you from those of us who don't always buy the most expensive motorcycle at the dealership. ;- )
The 790 adventure is not the cheapest one either :) kinda expensive bike...
@@julienpham a year ago yes... just found the 2020 for 9,999. 13G out the door. Gonna buy it next week. Was gonna get a vstrom but this bike has sooo many more options
ADV review of the year folks.
Truly impartial, balanced, highly informed and from someone not prone to hyperbole.
"I suggest ride the bike, and not look at it"
🤣🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I dug that toooooo.
I currently own a 07 V-strom 650. I had to embrace this long ago if you have ever seen one.
I have a 790R and I've been saying the same thing since I bought it!
I’ve said that about my 1290SA...it’s quirky looks aren’t to everyone’s tastes and didn’t grow on me, but when I ride it, it’s a great experience
Had me rolling, too.
Three aspects not mentioned. Both the S and R models have tubeless tyres which is a major plus point for me. The two side panels have storage that can be used for tools, tyre plugger, CO2 cartridges etc. And with an £8 smartphone app you can setup a simple navigation route with multiple waypoints and display a turn-by-turn pictogram on the TFT screen. (A happy S owner.)
Yeah, I don't get why other manufacturers (cough, Honda, cough) don't get on board with wired tubeless. A friend who has been riding on/off road for 20+ yrs, and goes through bikes like toilet paper, said to me once, "Bikes with tubes are bikes I don't want to own." I feel the same.
Testrode the t700 a few days ago and that bike doesnt have tubeless either, strange decision from yamaha, pretty boring bike to so i have turned my interest towards the ktm instead.
Norsefalconer ...my KTM 1290 is tubeless. It’s been great, but if you’re doing a lot of hard offroad it is possible to dent the rim, which makes it impossible to inflate the tyre because it’s not easy to smash those rims back enough to form a bead on a tubeless tyre. It’s never happened to me but it’s happened to a mate with an 1190R when we were doing really hard offroad. We therefore travel equipped with a ultra HD front tube, which can be used on a bent rim, but it kind of defeats the benefit of tubeless. Depends on how hard people ride and whether they want to risk being stranded...it’s not fun being stranded.
@@ronanrogers4127 You could always carry a tube as spare in case you need it. I think the initial 1190 had softer rims, I would expect the later models to have adapted.
@@ronanrogers4127 Thanks for your response, and I think it serves to reinforce the argument for tubeless. Given the requirement for very hard riding, a dented rim (to the point of not sealing) seems far more the exception than the rule, especially compared to getting a puncture. We all know that punctures are so common, they're (almost) a given on just about any ride, and it's far easier to plug-n-go than to patch or replace a tube. Plus, products like "RideOn" are far more effective in a tubeless tire. Carrying a tube for the "one-off" seriously bent rim, or cut sidewall, is very small price to pay for the convenience of tubeless. A person would be carrying tube spare(s) for tubed tires anyway, so, equal ground. I suppose a person could argue the tubes' "advantage" of extreme low pressure capability. But, there again, the frequency of this need for the riding majority is very low. Tubeless for me please.
Yes, being stranded is much less than pleasant.
Bought one 2 months ago ..... Have rode and owned many bikes in the past. This is literally the best bike I have ever owned!!!
Launchpad 72 how does it drive on the sreets? I heard the vibrations are terrible when you go over 70 mph
@@whata86 My tires are not stock and more aggressive but don't have any vibration. Very smooth and well balanced.
Thank you Bret for making easier choosing my next adventure motorcycle. I really value your impartial review!
Greetings from sunny Spain!
That BMW key trinket on KTM motorcycle is a blasphemy! 😈😄
lol ! I noticed that too :-D
I have to say how surpriced i was when i saw in my BMW r1200 GS oil cooled that on the oil Radiator in front, when i took it apart for some reason, there was the KTM and the BMW logo together on it. I dont know if it is so in all oil cooled models, but mine was a 2004 model.
@@Tenerisius i wonder what is the story behind that ❓
Only a couple of minor changes. A BMW lock and key? Minor?!
0:48 for those that want to see evidence of the blasphemy.
your review makes more sense, I was tired of watching those non-sense reviews on the other channels, thanks for the great vid.
I’ve seen and read every review on this bike. Brett yours is the most informed opinion yet.
Thanks
Really enjoyed this. You should be do more reviews. Your opinion is honest and informative. Cheers man
I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment. Here's why: Bret so infrequently endorses anything in such an overt manner, that that is why when he finally does stoke something, that it really counts.
If he starts down that path, he'll have to do so for free or else be forever scrutinized for selling out.
Another great production mate.Hands down the best & most informative adventure bike channels on CZcams.Good to see you back.
I've ridden it a few times at the KTM off road school,.It was a really tidy, stable bike and very forgiving of the rider and had no qualms at all on rocky uneven ground or even grassy off camber slopes where it just rode like a champ giving me great confidence all day .
Cheers Brett! Great vid as always!
You're the only adv channel i know who's as comprehensive in explaining things as Ryan F9. Good job!
Awaiting more bike reviews on your channel teehee~
ExcaliburGT Washington and British Columbia, so close for collaboration 👍🏼
@@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985 I'd love to see a fortnine production with brett in it. That would be awesome!!
@@excaliburgt4537 I think they've gone the other way once or twice, where Ryan has popped up in some Mototrek videos, but I can't remember which one.
@@KentRodgman yes. ryan being an expert in physics, he discussed something about traction or something. my jaw dropped at the surprise cameo lmao
Chris K-R man
Hi Brett. It's so refreshing to have an honest / balanced review these days. There's not many out there. (And I am a big BMW fan). I do think KTM's background in dirt-bikes has paid off, as has the gamble to drop the fuel so low. Great video. Looks like an awesome bike. Keep up the great work!
Awesome review, particularly the comments regarding relative off road abilities of this S vs the R and the Rally. Lots of food for thought. Thank you!
Loved this review!! Original presentation, refreshing and honest! You make me want to buy this bike!
the best review on KTM 790 adventure ever.imagine i am not a KTM fan but now you have me thinking seriously about buying this bike
Nice review, I bought the 790 Adventure S and had the same feelings as your test. I was very surprised by the weight and handling of the bike. Sorry for the English by Google translator. 😉
Thanks for an honest, unbiased review Brett, based on your experience of all the other bikes (competitors) you mentioned. I think that the new Yamaha T7 Tenere will be a bike to give the new 790 KTM's some competition … I'm however, still very happy with my Africa Twin, but those KTM's do look awesome! … Hats off to KTM!
Thanks Bret for addressing the most important aspects of 790 performance: how the bike actually feels and communicates to the rider. I have the original KTM Adventure bike, a 1997 620 ADV, and many of the same core attributes are consistent through the years: overall light weight, high quality suspension, stability at speed, and perfect ergos while sitting or standing. The biggest dynamic difference is my 7 gallons of fuel sitting higher on the bike.
I've got a 640 Adv, too. Did you try the 790? is it good enough to replace the 640 Adventure??
Living in SoCal I would not have anything else but a KTM. Flash floods, wind storms, earthquakes, fires etc,etc,. Having the ability to navigate and ride a moto off-road and make your final destination. All the information you have taught and shared is really awesome. Thank you.
I should not have watched this! NOW I WANT ONE!
Thanks. What a great review. Just ordered mine today. Can't wait to get her home!!
Loved all your videos about off road techniques and riding tips!
Awsome video, most other just talk on how good it is etc. You acctually described how it feels and how it behaves. Hope I can save the money for it soon.
Finally a very thoughtful review with actual riding footage.
OMG thank You so much! You just sorter my thoughts which bike to choose. (I was considering GS850, not anymore) after a test ride, I have the same feeling - its just so fun to drive it. Thanks again.
Love your reviews, Bret! They are always comprehensive and thorough. We like the KTMs too!
You make a solid product! Love my hippo hands during the winter!
Good video! Reviews like these make me wish I had waited a bit longer to buy my 690 Enduro R to see what the new Adventure was like.
This is the best review of the 790 I have seen so far and now I am convinced , I must go and buy it !
Thanks you saved me in helping me to sort out which model, S or R.
So which one are you leaning towards?
Same here, the S seems to be the go for me personally and it’s quite a few $$ less then the R, sooooo....yeah, thank’s for the review and helping me make up my mind.
Now i just need the money to buy it 🙄🤷♂️😂
I changed a couple of things on my 790... The handguard with barkbusters vps, the mirrors for double take adventure mirrors, I added a crashbar and skid plate from outback Motortek, I added luggage plates for kriega devices. Now I'll need better tires and I'll be ready to try off-road for the first time :) Later on I'll add touratech metal protection for front light and a smaller windshield, and maybe the R version of the wheel cover, the one which is higher...
Amazing.. Thank you for an amazing kind of review.. Enjoyed.. Making me think for ktm.. 790
Now that's how a review is to be done! Very informative and the video work is top notch. And that's one beautiful area you're riding in as well. The factories (KTM, BMW, Honda, etc.) should take note of how well this review is done and provide you bikes to do these going forward. Bret, you and your team have made a great channel. I, along with many others, look forward to seeing your material. Great stuff. Keep it up.
Thanks, Walt!
I agree... Waiting for the phone to ring
Thank you for your honest review! I am very interested in the 790 and this makes deciding much easier.
Great review. Succinct, knowledgeable with good context and hits all the main points without confusing the viewer. Well done.
Great review! I’m gonna need one in a year or two after they hit the used market.
Great review, you should do more!
And I'd also like to see a comparison to the Tenere 700!
Was about to say the same but you bet me to it :)
Me too! ;-)
Yep great idea!
agree! thanks a lot Bret.
Yes - great review. KTM is MAGIC... My '07 Super Duke is still the shit
This is the first Mototrek bike review I have watched. A very good review it is, too. The terrain ridden would have a lot of journos in knots riding the 790R! Most excellent. Thank you.
Good review and great video as always!
My wife is relatively new to riding but she really enjoys your content because your information is useful and you get straight to the point. 👍
lol, as a DS rider you're making me think this is the bike i've been waiting decades for...still might hold out and see what the Tenere 700 looks like though... either way this is making me happy!
I look forward to EVERY new vid!!!!!
I believe the best review I've ever seen, professional work...thanks .
What a place to ride a bike! Envious UK 660 Tenere rider..
Very informative and enjoyable.
Happy travels
Subscribed! I have looked att Your videos before since they pop upp as suggestions in my flow and thats great. This video is probably the best out there with a review of the 790 "S" and shows how capable it is. Your wordings in this review is great and i like the comparison to the others in this "class". I also like that You as an seasoned offroader and pro in the arena are just happy to review the "S". This is cool Bret. Myself has the R version and just love it!
Thanks, Mattias!
Hey Mattias I've been looking a lot your videos to help me decide whether I would go for the R or S version, but now the used S model are a lot more cheaper than the R (2-3.000€) ! Can't choose witch one now 🤦♂️😅
Outstanding and insightful review. And wow’d by that 180 turn!
This bike wants to play... If I owned one I'd sell my dirt bike
I sold my dirt bike after i bought ktm 950 s, because i felt more comfortable on tracks i use to ride! Greetings from Poland
Love it, the other guys have been selling their bikes mostly based on it being an dirt adventure bike. And now, like you said, this one wins hands down. nothing compares. Lighter is better. Seems the others have been trying to justify and sell their bikes on what they truly are not, A great off road adventure bike. Great review, cant wait to get mine.
Thank you for sharing your expertise! Love the videos. Bike looks amazing!
Thanks for the great review. I am trying to make up my mind and your opinion is important to me.
By the way your videos keep getting better and better.
Cheers.
A friend David is very nice & has a big heart :)
Btw, if not the electronics - expecting similar ride feels from the upcoming T7 too.
Best review I’ve seen or heard of the 790,ty!
Always excited to see another video by Mr. Tkacs. I went by the KTM dealership in Olympia and they said they wouldn't have any 790's until September. May have to wait until next year and compare the Yamaha T700 before purchasing, but if I can find one in Western Washington, I may just throw my wallet at them and beg.
I've got mine 790 adventure for three weeks and it's amazing, you have many bikes in one. It really makes you smile...and one thing you forgot.. (ABS cornering in the road) many will say that if you are a good rider bla bla bla safety first
How comfortable is the stock seat for touring ?
@@ravan01d it is not, first days I felt a lot of pain. Now I am getting used to. But actually I was today visiting a place to put gel under. So I am considering the upgrade.
@@31nerf Thanks for the feedback.
@@ravan01d I satin one at the dealer for 20 min. Ass cheeks killing me probably needs to be broke in though
LOVE IT! We want more!!! :)
BR, from Hungary
Enjoyed the review! Thanks for sharing
I cannot thank you enough for performing a review of the "S" model. I assumed based on all the reviews I had seen that the suspension on the "S" model was inadequate for BDR trips. Based on your review it appears the WP suspension on the "S" model is more than adequate, especially as I am 160lbs. In fact you look like you are rallying that bad boy! Thanks for a great review!
I'm looking forward to your take on the Yamaha Tenere 700 when the North American version is released.
Yes! Agreed!
Should be available by 2030 in NA for hopefully
Lots of testers say for the category it and the 790 are in it is behind the 790 in overall awesomeness
@@TAS0AadvarK hahaha true!!
I am also very interested in the 700 tenere. For the price, it seems to be a great bike.
Can't wait to see your take on the Tenere 700!
Extremely well-said and useful information, especially comparing the attributes of competitors.
I've been wanting to get back into riding, looking at a F850GS but this review is seriously making me reconsider. The magic words for me were "balance" and "fun". I might be sold.
What a funny and cool guy... :-D I love your videos! Greetings from germany.
Sounds like a home run for KTM! Great review, please consider doing more adventure bike reviews.
It feels like a home run... I could park this in my garage and be very happy
I put a deposit on my 790R last November, and don't regret one penny. I love this bike! KTM Really made a winner. There are a few nits to pick - but that will happen with any first model year. The main one is the tinderbox by the headers - if you own a 790 and plan to go anywhere single track or off road, you MUST install a crap flap or you WILL have a fire by your exhaust headers at some point!
The best part about the 790R is that now I run out of skill before I run out of bike. I came off of a 690cc KLR 650 and when we'd really be out having fun I constantly felt like I was running out of bike before I was running out of skill.
Brilliant Review and totally agree this bike is a game changer ....
Great review. Cheers from Brazil.
Like others have said, great job on this review. High-quality, to-the-point, interesting. I, too, prefer riding my bikes over looking at them! I have beat the CRAP out of my 2011 F800GS, and when it finally dies....right now the easy choice is a KTM 790. Thanks! ☕️
Absolutely felt in love with the balance of it! Actually you realise that you ride adventure bike only when you stop and try to reach the road surface with your feet. I think there is no other bikes with such a low positioned fuel tank which bring bike’s stability point so low. Only thing that was not comfortable for me is rear brake position which I found difficult to find immediately, but I guess there’s possibility to adjust it or change for oem part.
It's good to have good technical and off-road oriented bike because I never have serious injury while off-road riding. Congratulations KTM.
The only thing that makes me pause is KTM reliability. For racing, best. For power-to-weight and handling, best. For ADV travelling in the middle of a Mexican desert, not soooo sure. Now, I'm a BMW guy so factor that in - and I know there'll be many people saying I'm wrong, but for me, ADV is about getting there, not racing there, so I guess I'm still not sold. An amazing bike and great marque - but I struggle to trust it (having had several friends with them - I always finish the ride, they don't :-)
Ride Yucatan True - if one want to do an around the world trip, would one choose a KTM? How would it be to get problems in Mongolia, Kongo, Bolivia or Indonesia with such a bike? Would there be anyone who could fix it there? And how about servicing such a bike? With those tanks surrounding the engine, wouldnt it be a PITA to get to impostant parts on the engine?
You should do these kind of review more often, comming from a professional instructor like you, will be a very trustworthy kind of review 👍
Recently picked up a 2022 890 Adventure S and I'm gonna echo what you said in the video, this bike is the most fun I've had on an "Adventure" bike. By far, no comparison between the Pan America and 1290 SA-R that I had previously.
Your choice is always best for me thank you!
Loving the BMW keyring spotted during the intro!
Yes! That's all that's left of David's F 800 GS!
great review and now you got me thinking, hmmmm thank you!
Wonderful video! You really gave it a detailed review. I rode with someone recently that has the R model and he looked like he was on a dirtbike with the hills he went up. Happy riding!
Went to Brisbane yesterday. Rode virtually every ADV bike available here ... T7, AT, V strom 650xt ... list goes on. Then I mounted the 790 ADV r. Loved the smoothness, the power, the slick shifting. My problem was the height, I am a 173cm and it had me on tip toes. Back to scouring the back streets and motorcycle hangouts until I found a dealer who would unlock a standard 790 ADV. Rode it, bought it. It just, for me, represented the best ground between an off-roader and a roady capable of twisting through the mountains. I honestly felt the AT a let down after riding the 790. This review just reinforces my decision.
Interesting to hear your views Brett! I have the R, and love it, as I think nearly every owner does. You need to try one! Everyone who rides them back to back says the suspension is in another league (never mind the Rally model!).
BTW, as a keen amateur film maker, how are you doing your slow close panning shots? Can't work out of its a gimbal or a drone flying real slow? Could also be a rack I guess but unlikely?
Great video. Could you please test the new 2019 KTM690 Enduro R because it is a massively improved bike over previous models with almost no vibration now on the pavement. Like the 790 it also has excellent traction control and is nearly 100lbs lighter than the 790. It is also a great deal cheaper whilst still having a better power to weight ratio so it should be reviewed by you in my humble opinion.
This right here. I am over the pigs. Picked up an 350 EXC-F and realized how fun and stress free riding can be in the most technical stuff. The 690 is in my cross hairs now. 322lbs dry, long service intervals, rack system capable (soft or hard), new improved 3rd balancer on cam (low vibes). Just need a windscreen, after market seat, bash plate and heated grips...good for most riding you can find. Sure it won't be gold wing on the highway, but you'll have a smile on your face when the carnage begins and everyone is picking up their pigs. Use the bike that is best suited for the most difficult part of your trip.
It's not that hard guys.. it depends totally on you.. and mostly where you want to ride
The new 690 is awesome.. but it's still more of a (heavy) enduro, rather then a dedicated long distance adventure tourer. You'd need to spend a few grand on it to bring it up to the same features the 790 has, which is not a bad thing, as you'd still be ahead regarding weight.
For me, it is replacing my Africa Twin simply because it has the same power output, but weighs almost exactly 100lbs lighter. So what that means is I can take it everywhere I have ridden 15,000 miles on my AT, and I've done some pretty technical stuff on it, and almost everywhere I was willing to take my Husky 701... I'm keeping my 2011 KTM 530 for the gnarly stuf tho..
Thank you from the Philippines Brett, for this review and vid, you nailed my decision..I'll be waiting for more of your reviews..
The best channel about motorcycles in all CZcams in all history of multimedia. Thank you for all the extraordinary work that you are doing.
Thanks!
Great run down! Made me want to spend money I don't have...discipline. must. have.discipline...
Loved the review, proud owner of an Adventure R. Silly question, what pants are those?, really like them, thanks!
Your review was so spot on! Aced it! Must have seen almost all the reviews about this bike. None explained about the fuel tank , weight distribution! Amazing review sir! Enjoyed watching it!
Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to more content from you!!
Great video and some incredible riding!!! You all definitely helped in my decision to buy the 790S over the Africa Twin and I haven't a single regret. You've all even inspired me to start my own channel testing it out in the South Florida swamps. =D
Amazing review!!! ...could you do a review of the ducati multiestrada 950s
Thank you. I’m an American living in Vietnam retired. I’m 220 lbs, 6’1.5”, 63 years young and the scooters here for me are hard to ride. High center of gravity and far worse with me on top. KTM sales there bikes over here. Thought about BMW, wants something lighter. A lot of bad roads here in Vietnam. Even most of the highways can be an adventure. Traffic is very slow so the lower the center of gravity the better. Traffic is chaotic, I like the idea of the tanks catching a low speed impact instead of my feet or legs. Thanks again for your review.
Tourarech sells crash bars for the tanks. KTM sells carbon fiber covers. I was looking at them online
Burg856: Can you ride bikes that are larger than a 175 cc in Vietnam? I understood there were restrictions limiting the bikes to 175 cc and lower. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
100% for the FUN off-roading. It's a great toy easy to handle on hard terrain.
Spot on review! I have the 790R and it's just an amazing bike, to those who say it's ugly I say your not dating it, once you ride one if your not hooked then you don't like powerful, nimble, well mannered bikes. It ticks all the boxes in every category, while not cheap, what truly great thing is?
I love my 1290, but that 790 looks quite tempting!
Do you ride your 1290 off road? I want an adventure bike and have pretty much decided on the KTM, but now which model do I get. I am a big guy (6' and 270 lbs) and want to ride from So. Cal to Alaska. I know the 1290 would be great, but I usually ride solo and am concerned about the weight of the bike when I drop it out in the middle of no where. Any advice?
@@rso1411 I've got a 1290 S and it's perfect for long distance touring on pavement, gravel fire roads, and decent double track. Definitely what I would choose if going from So. Cal to Alaska. We seem to be similarly built and the couple of times I've dropped it (mostly unloaded) I didn't have an issue getting it back upright. Fully loaded that might be a bit different. Ultimately I think you'd be good with either, but I prefer the power, comfy seat and luggage capacity of the 1290.
@@corynewton9311 Thank you, that helps.
@@rso1411 did u ever take that trip?
@@8andsk835 Not yet, I put the Alaska trip off for a year because of COVID and the hassles of going thru Canada. I will do it in June of 2022. I am leaving in 3 weeks on a cross country trip here in the USA. It will include Sturgis, S.D., 22 other states for a total of 4 weeks and about 8,000 miles. Already planning the trip to Alaska for next year and it is shaping up pretty well. I bought the KTM 790 R, but just recently sold it and bought the Harley Pan America. That is what I will take to Alaska next year.
Congratulations, excellent objective review. You have just increased the queue lengths outside KTM dealers worldwide.
I just picked up a new to me 2019 790 Adventure. I’m a big guy 6”2 250lbs. I was worried about this bike not being enough. Well....This bike is amazing on the dirt and road. I haven’t had this much fun on a bike in a long time. I’m upgrading the tiers, foot pegs and I ordered a higher seat. I didn’t realize I could add Rally Mode. Heading to the dealership now!
I think this is the best review ever. Thanks Bret!
I've got a 790 adventure r. I love this bike. I added the Quickshifter and cruise control. The Quickshifter is absolutely genuis. Just pull the throttle and you can shift up or down without clutch. So nice.
Ninjacorn how did u add cruise control?
Fun to see designers coming up with new ways of configuring the bike like this and the Honda NC 750x to try and improve weight balance and performance. I still think the NC doesn't get enough credit for being a great all-around bike, which is what many adventure riders are looking for.
Beautiful review! You’re just professionals! Congrats and thanks!
the turning of the ignition key moment which has a BMW keychain - gold :)))
Love the BMW Key ring on the keys
And just like that, hundreds of GS’s just went up for sale. 😬. The best adventure bike is the one being ridden by someone who’s invested more in their riding skills than bike upgrades.
2wheeled76 new rider to instructor, I have $300.00 to spend, what should I buy to make me a better rider? Instructor says 100 gallons of gas!
Spend it on pro riding instruction.
I say a half a day with me...
Buying. KTM? Invest in mechanic skills.
spot on, ride what you have and "git gud", maybe invest in suspension, esp. if you are taller or heavier than average
Great review! Really got into the details I wanted to know. Especially the differences between the S and R versions.