I've also recently tested the KTM1090 Adventure R on a ride in the Victorian High Country. In summary a cracking dirt oriented big adventure bike. Here is the link to the test. czcams.com/video/8CyTBs0DX80/video.html
Another great review video! i see in the comments here you're considering the exc500 for your next bike. After having riden all these bikes from the 690 to the 1290, which would be your choice if you did the London to Sidney ride again?
I was genuinely surprised by how dirt oriented it was. I've ridden a lot of ks with the 1190. As I said, it's an 1190 Premium. Have you ridden one, or is this another Beemer rider?
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV No, unfortunately I have never had the pleasure of riding an adventure bike yet. I've ridden dirtbikes and sport bikes since I was 4 and am 35. I've been riding nothing but 600 sport bikes and 450-500 4stroke dirtbikes for years and would just love to get some serious miles on in a real adventure bike.
Fantastic review, very informative. Kind of what I am after. Something super comfirtable but also super powerful, great handling, offroadable and most of all....FUN to ride. I only wish there was a dealer up in Cairns with one to look at.
looking closely at these new 1090 & 1290's it really seems like there's opportunity to center mass a lot of that big tank mass. there's actually a significant amount of open space within the chassis from the engine back.
+Nerb1 How about the 790 adv when it comes out hopefully a lot lighter more manouverable, with all the same fun of this v-twin package. Or would you see this as a downgrade?
I actually just recorded a bit of a blog about this... I have to get back to editing! But, my thoughts are that the 800adv/t7 range will have to be considerably lighter to steal the market. Playing in the dirt is great on a dirt bike, touring is great on a touring bike.... the adventure bike segment is that wonderful in between where we can go anywhere over massive distances... asphalt, dirt and single track. 100 to 200hp is great on the open highway and on twisty mountain roads. If the 800adv/t7 looses a lot weight and looses its ability on the open road, it will be competing against dirt bikes.... if it is too heavy it will just be competing with the other big adventure bikes... of which the big KTM's are presently king. I think the 800adv/t7 will have to maintain over 100hp and be 180kg or less to be tempting for the adv market. 60hp and 140kg against 150hp and 200kg.... theres not really a BIG gap in between.
+Nerb1 I'll be looking out for your vlog. I think many like the thought of having a large adventure bikes but then limit their riding to the slab and dirt roads , no single track or any challenging terrain (haha not you!). I similarly don't see the T7/790 Adv being considerably lighter but think there are still many out there that want a new XRV 750 sought of bike. I guess we can't all get our wish but mine would be a 500-600cc v-twin >60hp and
On past records I don't think Yamaha will bring in the T7 under 180 kg. What they will do, and do very well, is centralise and lower mass. The Super Tenere is really fat in terms of weight, but when riding it, it 'hides' it well and is a very good handling bike in the dirt, despite it's 19 inch front wheel. I'm sitting waiting for these 800 twins for my next bike, I am hoping they will make me happy, but I have this feeling I will turn to a Kato 500 EXC, down the path of Adam Reiman.......just not ride it as well :)
Nice review. I"m torn between the 1090 and 1290 since I already have a Husky 501 for single track. Mainly 1090 great for dirt, but with 1290 you get a great engine with other new technology like cruise control. Wish I could afford both.
A truly magnificent well sorted bike! Gone are they days KTM lacked refinement, features and comfort you expected of a top of the range motorcycle. In my opinion, this sets a whole new standard for what we should expect in the future from other manufacturers a well as from KTM. For that price, I would expect them to fly off the floors from the dealers! Here in Norway, the tax is hitting it hard, sending it north of 40K AUD. (in comparison, the equally spec'd GSA is closing in on 50K AUD) Your review is very much in tune with my own short experience with it. Thank you :)
Good to hear from you Paul. It is a solid bike for the price and for it's size truly great handling in the dirt. One day we need to get Darren, you and I together for a ride up your way. :)
@ pal ..., think yourself lucky in Norway re; tax ..., because here in Indonesia, you would pay about AUD $68,000 for that KTM , 1290 SAR bike - due to 125% added luxury tax on any bikes over 500cc , For bikes over 250cc , but less than 500cc you still pay an added 60% in luxury tax , thats why (mostly) everyone here in Indonesia rides bikes 250cc (or less)
That is a lot of money! I am aware that we should not complain to much. Despite our taxation level, the GS 1200 is stil the most sold bike model in our market... Thanks for giving me some perspective!
@ Pal, I am still hearing you but .., any tax sucks I know , but even a bigger perspective where we cop it badly here in Indonesia when 'after tax' we pay AUD $68,000 (for the new ktm 1290) versus your Norway price of AUD $40,000 (for the new ktm 1290) ...., is the wages people earn for one day in Norway = about One months pay for those in Indonesia . .., so for the cost of that KTM 1290 bike in proportion to wages earned in Indonesia makes the bike out of reach like a lambourghini is to a rice farmer .., and for the same money here as the ktm 1290 is (due to the 125% added luxury tax) ..., you can go out and buy 68 x 125cc honda scooters , or a house.
2 KTM1190r's (me and me brother) stuck paying for multiple shock seal replacements (now we do them ourselves). Learned about the better seals, increased spring rates, the fuel level sensors still malfunctioning (after factory recall done), dirt in my air-box innards until I bought the Rotweiler intake (first valve adjustments were ghastly), the 18k. price-tag (US) before modifications, oh the steering wobble over 100MPH solved by the Scott stabilizer, constant TPMS issues, overheating in 100 plus degrees at lower speed offroad conditions, shitty rims (too soft metal I have a story about a burned up compressor in very rural Utah and a cattle guard) Poor front fender design in muddy conditions (another story in rural Oregon and 6 hours scraping mud in pooing down rain), no cruise control factory, STILL LOVE ME KADY. Signed west coast USA 15k. on my 2017! Oh yeah, carry chain lube (use daily), Dont start below 30degF. BETTER THAN A HARLEY! Cheers! (I really do lover no sarcasm!)
Damn I have 1190 s I ride off-road and fork seals starting to leak. Major issue is immobilizer doesn’t allow restart...have to either reset battery or wait 5 minutes. Steering wobble. But still enjoy the bike nonetheless. Debating what to get next....thinking to wait for 490 adventure r.
I wonder how these bikes are in the reliability department? Any repair will probably be very expensive and there is a lot of electronics and features to break down.
Yeah, but...if the manufacturer equipped the bike with proper headlight protection, sump protection, foot pegs etc etc, we wouldn’t need an aftermarket (which would be nice, but that ain’t gonna happen)
Got an 18 as a do-everything hooligan bike and it does not disappoint. If I'm going off-road in any serious manner I'm on something less than 300LBS, so any ADV bike falls short (IMO) off road; even the small ones. Buy a 1290 if you're looking for a literbike that can be ridden all day on any road without issue. A true supernaked on stilts that likes the dirt.
I had the standard compression and preload but I upped the rebound dampening two clicks above standard setting. This bike has fantastic suspension for it's size. I expected a much bigger difference between the 1090 and the 1290 in terms of their dirt orientation. Yeah the 1090 is great in the dirt but the 1290 isn't much behind her, but for different reasons. The engine on the 1290 is just soooo sweet.
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV I think he asks 1290 Vs 790 because the 1090 is no longer made, that’s the push of the 790: smaller & lighter for single track but just as capable on road given power/weight ratio
Just took a week long trip on my 790R, friends had 1090 & 390ADV. “All Rounder” is relative to how much street, touring, & how hard core off-road, but in switching these 3 while riding, we found the 790 was not only lighter on trail, but had more suspension travel, the center of gravity was significantly lower given the tank design, the electronics made changing terrain easier when we hit some single track; all except the tech would most likely apply to the 1290. We were also shocked that the 790 was faster on street from the light & cornering, I’m not convinced the 1090 was running well but owner said it was same as he bought it new. I’m considering a 1290, but only because I ride so much street & want the extra grunt. The 790 is better off-road, capability of a large enduro w/ enough HP to never need more throttle. I personally wouldn’t tour on the 790 though; yes, you could load it down w/ gear but that limits the purpose of lightweight & raises the center of gravity, plus the seat is awful after a couple hours. If however you plan on hitting the trail often & just need to ride road between, there is no more capable ADV bike than the 790R(R is important point, base suspension is not the same)
@@THEelduderino thanks Mike, I bought a new 1290 yesterday. I'm going to 90% highway riding and 10% off road, and even the of road will be pretty tame. Thanks for your advice though. 👍
What happens when the electronic stuff goes tits up ? Can you hot wire the thing out in the sticks to get you home or do you have to call KTM roadside assist ? Hate to have a rock hit that headlight, have to take out a second mortgage to replace it.
Touratech are currently in the process of designing a headlight protector, not sure when it will be on the shelves though . It's a needed item thats for sure, as I bet the light costs a fortune to replace. Currently AFAIK there is only mob so far (in South Africa - forget the name) currently making a headlight protector . Theirs is a perspex cover
+annie white .., re; headlight >>> AUD $1552.70 to be exact - if a rock takes out the headlight : www.ktmonlineparts.com.au/partFinder/fiche/ktm/2017/1290-super-adventure-r-eu/lighting-system#component
Honestly, the KTM 1290 R should be renamed the KTM super adventure 1290 R/T instead of just the "R" notation! It's quite possibly a "super" all around motorbike with a change tire treads! Indeed, a great "all" around motorcycle!
For everything I'd go with the 1290. It's an absolute hooligan if ridden hard. That's not taking anything away from the 1090, but the 1290 is a literal superbike in disguise. Tours great, too.
When I rode it on dirt, it felt a lot heavier than my Twin. What I didn't like about the ridermodes, ABS and TC, is that I have to change the modes every time I turn on the bike. My friend even rode road mode in offroad. Atleast they should make it easier to change the modes... Right now you have to look up tc settings and ride mode from the menu. Way easier with twin. But I liked the power riding highway and that display...
You can get a "dongle" thing that plugs into the ecu that over rides that issue. Apparently it's some legal requirement that it has to default to the ABS / TC on settings (so I've been told)
yes apparently AFAIK , that dongle leaves the bike in whatever setting you had - when you last switched off the bike. The Dongle and also apparently includes an alternative fuel map for low octane fuel (as low as 80 ron) which would be handy when trekking through some parts of SE and Central Asia where sometimes thats all you can get. .., also I think the dongle even switches off the front ABS also in another off road mode - maybe someone can correct me on that one if thats info is not right ?
Okey, that dongle would really help. Or if you could make your own "favorite" setting, so you don't have to go to different menus to change abs, tc and rider mode. Basically you could change set your favorite setting and bike will change all the settings to your preference
I'm 6 foot and have to tip toe if I want both feet on the ground, and can just perfectly flat foot 1 foot. By the time you lower the bike 7 inches to touch the ground I don't think you'd have any ground clearance :L
DeeKay i went into the dealership and sat on the 1090r i can get half a foot down on that but didn't attempt 1290 i might just stick to the 1090r instead
Its odd, how the bike in a shop looks so big and weird. But out there in the bush, it´s just fine. Even stands lighter than the 1190 did. The proportions make it look like a little taller and thinner. + the ride is so smooth. just the price of a small home. :(
One thing that has always confused me about the big KTM's - you have this wonderful engine, yet in off road mode it is limited to 100hp with no option to alter it. And you need off road mode to get access to off road ABS and off road traction control. Your only option for full hp dirt fun is to leave it in sport and turn the ABS and TCS off entirely. Seems a bit strange?
Personally I prefer the freedom to male those decisions for myself. Logically of course you are right, nobody needs more than 100bhp in the dirt, but what we need and what we want are not always the same ;)
Aren't motorcycles nowadays taking way to much out of the rider's control? in the explanation at the end he basically said all the things that the motorcycle can do for you, and it's a lot.
Yeah, I've been thinking about that. But remember you can switch all of this stuff off. There is a choice and it's pretty easy to do. Funny thing is, I could have switched off the ABS in the dirt, but I didn't, I turned to the ABS offload option that was excellent and.........hate to say, made me ride smoother :)
Seriously! This bike is oriented for asphalt. 160 hp, I wish manufacturers would build a baby twin that doesn’t shake like a single and is 100lbs or 50kg lighter. Off-road tanks are not for me, because you will destroy the bike if you lay it down and it will destroy your legs at the same time. My 640A is much roomier for a 6’ rider I found these new bikes too compact. The seated position to standing was really difficult, my 30” inseam put my upper leg parallel to the ground so it’s hard to get your body weight over your knees to stand up. My point here is not to pick apart this great review, I just want to share my opinion and hopefully one day a nice light weight, no shake, roomy bike will be made. I want a bike that can do 150kmh wide open and is a feather to ride(and crash). Not a sledge hammer that I can take on the Autobahn. Cheers
The 1290 is a great bike. But I agree with your sentiments. At present I have the same 690 I rode from London to Sydney and I don't see it being replaced for a long time.
Yeah I strongly agree. I just love being a cashed up middle aged adventurer at the moment. The motorcycle industry is waking up to listen to my demographic and all the companies are putting out some great machinery to get us to depart with our cash. The rumours continue to circulate about more to come.
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV I'm still happy on my modified WR250R, but in years to come may get something that can take the wife on the rear also. Well comfortably anyways.
I've also recently tested the KTM1090 Adventure R on a ride in the Victorian High Country. In summary a cracking dirt oriented big adventure bike. Here is the link to the test. czcams.com/video/8CyTBs0DX80/video.html
Another great review video! i see in the comments here you're considering the exc500 for your next bike. After having riden all these bikes from the 690 to the 1290, which would be your choice if you did the London to Sidney ride again?
KTM 1090 Adventure R
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV Really? Even over the 1290, interesting
I was genuinely surprised by how dirt oriented it was. I've ridden a lot of ks with the 1190. As I said, it's an 1190 Premium. Have you ridden one, or is this another Beemer rider?
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV No, unfortunately I have never had the pleasure of riding an adventure bike yet. I've ridden dirtbikes and sport bikes since I was 4 and am 35. I've been riding nothing but 600 sport bikes and 450-500 4stroke dirtbikes for years and would just love to get some serious miles on in a real adventure bike.
"I felt like I was riding an old friend." I feared for the exhaust for one minute.
Fantastic video and review as always! Keep up the great work! You guys are inspiring us all!
Thanks for the review, I bought one yesterday and pick it up today! Can't wait!
Have fun!
How is it so far?
Fantastic Video. Your reviews are awesome! Thank you!
As always you guys continue to provide great videos and reviews of great bikes!
Fantastic review, very informative. Kind of what I am after. Something super comfirtable but also super powerful, great handling, offroadable and most of all....FUN to ride. I only wish there was a dealer up in Cairns with one to look at.
I just got sold over the gs. Awesome machine, well done on the review fellas 👌
I think it's a great bike. I had a lot of fun on it.
Looks awesome!
looking closely at these new 1090 & 1290's it really seems like there's opportunity to center mass a lot of that big tank mass. there's actually a significant amount of open space within the chassis from the engine back.
Sounds awesome... tempting to upgrade even from my 1190. KTM is really onto a good thing here! Taking the market by storm.
+Nerb1 How about the 790 adv when it comes out hopefully a lot lighter more manouverable, with all the same fun of this v-twin package. Or would you see this as a downgrade?
I actually just recorded a bit of a blog about this... I have to get back to editing! But, my thoughts are that the 800adv/t7 range will have to be considerably lighter to steal the market. Playing in the dirt is great on a dirt bike, touring is great on a touring bike.... the adventure bike segment is that wonderful in between where we can go anywhere over massive distances... asphalt, dirt and single track. 100 to 200hp is great on the open highway and on twisty mountain roads. If the 800adv/t7 looses a lot weight and looses its ability on the open road, it will be competing against dirt bikes.... if it is too heavy it will just be competing with the other big adventure bikes... of which the big KTM's are presently king. I think the 800adv/t7 will have to maintain over 100hp and be 180kg or less to be tempting for the adv market. 60hp and 140kg against 150hp and 200kg.... theres not really a BIG gap in between.
Hey Nerb, I just wanted to say awesome vids and look forward to the next one!
+Nerb1 I'll be looking out for your vlog. I think many like the thought of having a large adventure bikes but then limit their riding to the slab and dirt roads , no single track or any challenging terrain (haha not you!). I similarly don't see the T7/790 Adv being considerably lighter but think there are still many out there that want a new XRV 750 sought of bike. I guess we can't all get our wish but mine would be a 500-600cc v-twin >60hp and
On past records I don't think Yamaha will bring in the T7 under 180 kg. What they will do, and do very well, is centralise and lower mass. The Super Tenere is really fat in terms of weight, but when riding it, it 'hides' it well and is a very good handling bike in the dirt, despite it's 19 inch front wheel. I'm sitting waiting for these 800 twins for my next bike, I am hoping they will make me happy, but I have this feeling I will turn to a Kato 500 EXC, down the path of Adam Reiman.......just not ride it as well :)
Great review mate.
Well done. Thank you!
Nice review. I"m torn between the 1090 and 1290 since I already have a Husky 501 for single track. Mainly 1090 great for dirt, but with 1290 you get a great engine with other new technology like cruise control. Wish I could afford both.
Congratulations
Fantastic.
A truly magnificent well sorted bike! Gone are they days KTM lacked refinement, features and comfort you expected of a top of the range motorcycle. In my opinion, this sets a whole new standard for what we should expect in the future from other manufacturers a well as from KTM. For that price, I would expect them to fly off the floors from the dealers! Here in Norway, the tax is hitting it hard, sending it north of 40K AUD. (in comparison, the equally spec'd GSA is closing in on 50K AUD)
Your review is very much in tune with my own short experience with it. Thank you :)
Good to hear from you Paul. It is a solid bike for the price and for it's size truly great handling in the dirt. One day we need to get Darren, you and I together for a ride up your way. :)
That would be great! You are welcome any time!! :)
@ pal ..., think yourself lucky in Norway re; tax ...,
because here in Indonesia, you would pay about AUD $68,000 for that KTM , 1290 SAR bike - due to 125% added luxury tax on any bikes over 500cc ,
For bikes over 250cc , but less than 500cc you still pay an added 60% in luxury tax , thats why (mostly) everyone here in Indonesia rides bikes 250cc (or less)
That is a lot of money! I am aware that we should not complain to much. Despite our taxation level, the GS 1200 is stil the most sold bike model in our market...
Thanks for giving me some perspective!
@ Pal, I am still hearing you but .., any tax sucks I know , but even a bigger
perspective where we cop it badly here in Indonesia when 'after tax' we pay AUD $68,000 (for the new ktm 1290) versus your Norway price of AUD $40,000 (for the new ktm 1290)
...., is the wages people earn for one day in Norway = about One months pay for those in Indonesia .
.., so for the cost of that KTM 1290 bike in proportion to wages earned in Indonesia makes the bike out of reach like a lambourghini is to a rice farmer .., and for the same money here as the ktm 1290 is (due to the 125% added luxury tax) ..., you can go out and buy 68 x 125cc honda scooters , or a house.
Nice bike,thks.
2 KTM1190r's (me and me brother) stuck paying for multiple shock seal replacements (now we do them ourselves). Learned about the better seals, increased spring rates, the fuel level sensors still malfunctioning (after factory recall done), dirt in my air-box innards until I bought the Rotweiler intake (first valve adjustments were ghastly), the 18k. price-tag (US) before modifications, oh the steering wobble over 100MPH solved by the Scott stabilizer, constant TPMS issues, overheating in 100 plus degrees at lower speed offroad conditions, shitty rims (too soft metal I have a story about a burned up compressor in very rural Utah and a cattle guard) Poor front fender design in muddy conditions (another story in rural Oregon and 6 hours scraping mud in pooing down rain), no cruise control factory, STILL LOVE ME KADY. Signed west coast USA 15k. on my 2017! Oh yeah, carry chain lube (use daily), Dont start below 30degF. BETTER THAN A HARLEY! Cheers! (I really do lover no sarcasm!)
Damn I have 1190 s I ride off-road and fork seals starting to leak. Major issue is immobilizer doesn’t allow restart...have to either reset battery or wait 5 minutes. Steering wobble. But still enjoy the bike nonetheless. Debating what to get next....thinking to wait for 490 adventure r.
@@reinhart482 Africa Twin 1200? Come on Honda!
I wonder how these bikes are in the reliability department? Any repair will probably be very expensive and there is a lot of electronics and features to break down.
Great video as usual ! I want to see this bike crossing the Simpson dessert ! How dies tge weight handle in the dirt ???
It would easily do the Simpson if you could keep the fuel up to her.
Yeah, but...if the manufacturer equipped the bike with proper headlight protection, sump protection, foot pegs etc etc, we wouldn’t need an aftermarket (which would be nice, but that ain’t gonna happen)
Got an 18 as a do-everything hooligan bike and it does not disappoint. If I'm going off-road in any serious manner I'm on something less than 300LBS, so any ADV bike falls short (IMO) off road; even the small ones. Buy a 1290 if you're looking for a literbike that can be ridden all day on any road without issue. A true supernaked on stilts that likes the dirt.
moto stupenda
what suspension settings do you use this terrain
Greedings from Germany
I had the standard compression and preload but I upped the rebound dampening two clicks above standard setting. This bike has fantastic suspension for it's size. I expected a much bigger difference between the 1090 and the 1290 in terms of their dirt orientation. Yeah the 1090 is great in the dirt but the 1290 isn't much behind her, but for different reasons. The engine on the 1290 is just soooo sweet.
How would you say the 1290 SAr compares to the 1090 r in terms of dirt worthiness?
The 1090 is more dirt oriented
Good review, of you could only pick one as an all rounder though would it be a 1290 or 790.
You forgot the very capable 1090 Adventure :)
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV I think he asks 1290 Vs 790 because the 1090 is no longer made, that’s the push of the 790: smaller & lighter for single track but just as capable on road given power/weight ratio
Just took a week long trip on my 790R, friends had 1090 & 390ADV. “All Rounder” is relative to how much street, touring, & how hard core off-road, but in switching these 3 while riding, we found the 790 was not only lighter on trail, but had more suspension travel, the center of gravity was significantly lower given the tank design, the electronics made changing terrain easier when we hit some single track; all except the tech would most likely apply to the 1290. We were also shocked that the 790 was faster on street from the light & cornering, I’m not convinced the 1090 was running well but owner said it was same as he bought it new. I’m considering a 1290, but only because I ride so much street & want the extra grunt. The 790 is better off-road, capability of a large enduro w/ enough HP to never need more throttle. I personally wouldn’t tour on the 790 though; yes, you could load it down w/ gear but that limits the purpose of lightweight & raises the center of gravity, plus the seat is awful after a couple hours. If however you plan on hitting the trail often & just need to ride road between, there is no more capable ADV bike than the 790R(R is important point, base suspension is not the same)
@@THEelduderino thanks Mike, I bought a new 1290 yesterday. I'm going to 90% highway riding and 10% off road, and even the of road will be pretty tame. Thanks for your advice though.
👍
@@UTPP Enjoy! The 1290 looks like a beast on ride, wish I had one, can't go wrong
What happens when the electronic stuff goes tits up ? Can you hot wire the thing out in the sticks to get you home or do you have to call KTM roadside assist ?
Hate to have a rock hit that headlight, have to take out a second mortgage to replace it.
Touratech are currently in the process of designing a headlight protector, not sure when it will be on the shelves though . It's a needed item thats for sure, as I bet the light costs a fortune to replace.
Currently AFAIK there is only mob so far (in South Africa - forget the name) currently making a headlight protector . Theirs is a perspex cover
+annie white .., re; headlight >>> AUD $1552.70 to be exact - if a rock takes out the headlight : www.ktmonlineparts.com.au/partFinder/fiche/ktm/2017/1290-super-adventure-r-eu/lighting-system#component
Honestly, the KTM 1290 R should be renamed the KTM super adventure 1290 R/T instead of just the "R" notation! It's quite possibly a "super" all around motorbike with a change tire treads! Indeed, a great "all" around motorcycle!
How do you think it would compare against the BMW Rallye X?
I'm hearing the Rally X is a cracking bike and might have an opportunity to ride one later the year....fingers crossed.
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike Tv, How do you access the Watagans would love to check out places like at 7:40
From Matinsville
So to do it all bike ktm 1290 or bmw adventure 1200gsa ????
I love both of them for different reasons.
Is that a MotoGP prototype in the background??
nope
In your opinion for one bike to do all, do you prefer the the 1090 or 1290?
I'm dirt oriented so I prefer the 1090, but the 1290 has sooo many good points.
For everything I'd go with the 1290. It's an absolute hooligan if ridden hard. That's not taking anything away from the 1090, but the 1290 is a literal superbike in disguise. Tours great, too.
and these crash bars ment to protect what, if i may ask?
Crashes. They are excellent, used them many times.
Has a high pitch whine to it.
When I rode it on dirt, it felt a lot heavier than my Twin. What I didn't like about the ridermodes, ABS and TC, is that I have to change the modes every time I turn on the bike. My friend even rode road mode in offroad. Atleast they should make it easier to change the modes... Right now you have to look up tc settings and ride mode from the menu. Way easier with twin. But I liked the power riding highway and that display...
You can get a "dongle" thing that plugs into the ecu that over rides that issue.
Apparently it's some legal requirement that it has to default to the ABS / TC on settings (so I've been told)
yes apparently AFAIK , that dongle leaves the bike in whatever setting you had - when you last switched off the bike.
The Dongle and also apparently includes an alternative fuel map for low octane fuel (as low as 80 ron) which would be handy when trekking through some parts of SE and Central Asia where sometimes thats all you can get.
.., also I think the dongle even switches off the front ABS also in another off road mode - maybe someone can correct me on that one if thats info is not right ?
Okey, that dongle would really help. Or if you could make your own "favorite" setting, so you don't have to go to different menus to change abs, tc and rider mode. Basically you could change set your favorite setting and bike will change all the settings to your preference
Best motorcycle I have ever had the pleasure of owning..... How did I live without all the torque before?
It is lovely torque
The dark days.
Being a shorter guy at 5.5 is there anyway to lower this bike without tamping with the suspension as it will drop the ground clearance?
You need a trip to a suspension specialist to answer that question.
I'm 6 foot and have to tip toe if I want both feet on the ground, and can just perfectly flat foot 1 foot. By the time you lower the bike 7 inches to touch the ground I don't think you'd have any ground clearance :L
DeeKay i went into the dealership and sat on the 1090r i can get half a foot down on that but didn't attempt 1290 i might just stick to the 1090r instead
Pretty gushing
Its odd, how the bike in a shop looks so big and weird. But out there in the bush, it´s just fine.
Even stands lighter than the 1190 did. The proportions make it look like a little taller and thinner.
+ the ride is so smooth.
just the price of a small home. :(
Snowhite808 cheaper than a stock bmw though :)
One thing that has always confused me about the big KTM's - you have this wonderful engine, yet in off road mode it is limited to 100hp with no option to alter it. And you need off road mode to get access to off road ABS and off road traction control. Your only option for full hp dirt fun is to leave it in sport and turn the ABS and TCS off entirely. Seems a bit strange?
Viking84 The higher horsepower is not needed in the dirt and is even actually safer in the dirt with a lower horsepower. Not strange at all.
Personally I prefer the freedom to male those decisions for myself. Logically of course you are right, nobody needs more than 100bhp in the dirt, but what we need and what we want are not always the same ;)
Aren't motorcycles nowadays taking way to much out of the rider's control? in the explanation at the end he basically said all the things that the motorcycle can do for you, and it's a lot.
Yeah, I've been thinking about that. But remember you can switch all of this stuff off. There is a choice and it's pretty easy to do. Funny thing is, I could have switched off the ABS in the dirt, but I didn't, I turned to the ABS offload option that was excellent and.........hate to say, made me ride smoother :)
Absolutely all of it? I don't remember which bike didn't give you that option.
Actually, may be not, something in the back my mind about abs on the front wheel. Not sure.....someone will know and hopefully post.
Yes, all of it. The abs and tcs off modes turn off everything so that you can lock the front and rear, pull wheelies and stoppies and even crash.
That's how I like 'em
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
26K? Yes it is deluxe, and no longer the spartan adv, but 26K? Isn't that more than the GS?
No... a GS here is well over 30k
Just looked them up... "from $29990". Unless youre referring to an 800... in which case the ktm is more, but its way more bike also.
Connor i
ktm짱
Seriously! This bike is oriented for asphalt. 160 hp, I wish manufacturers would build a baby twin that doesn’t shake like a single and is 100lbs or 50kg lighter. Off-road tanks are not for me, because you will destroy the bike if you lay it down and it will destroy your legs at the same time. My 640A is much roomier for a 6’ rider I found these new bikes too compact. The seated position to standing was really difficult, my 30” inseam put my upper leg parallel to the ground so it’s hard to get your body weight over your knees to stand up.
My point here is not to pick apart this great review, I just want to share my opinion and hopefully one day a nice light weight, no shake, roomy bike will be made. I want a bike that can do 150kmh wide open and is a feather to ride(and crash). Not a sledge hammer that I can take on the Autobahn.
Cheers
The 1290 is a great bike. But I agree with your sentiments. At present I have the same 690 I rode from London to Sydney and I don't see it being replaced for a long time.
test of the 1090 is on this channel.
There’s new found hope in the KTM 790 duke. Hopefully it gets pushed into the adventure lineup.
MC Tops agreed
croikie its a big black floi
Good price for so much motorcycle.
Yeah I strongly agree. I just love being a cashed up middle aged adventurer at the moment. The motorcycle industry is waking up to listen to my demographic and all the companies are putting out some great machinery to get us to depart with our cash. The rumours continue to circulate about more to come.
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV I'm still happy on my modified WR250R, but in years to come may get something that can take the wife on the rear also. Well comfortably anyways.
A simple greatly under estimated little adventurer.
Lifted_Above its been there for years though....
suv of bikes
Kaye tee em....😂
Google advertising is getting VERY irritating !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Revie sounds like paid promotion. Nothing is this oerfect
nimble? c'mon! its not a goldwing, but its definitely not nimble... SA S is nimble, this is not.
Don't agree. For it's capacity it's nimble.
so the S model is "nimblier" ?
Do an adult mode without language filters, my kids aren't watching.
Hi Tristan, we decided long ago that we would keep all videos PG rated, so that parents could sit down with their kids and watch.
I can't watch the video because the commentator is so annoying to listen to.