Best bike ever owned!! Had mine now for 3 weeks and the smile doesn't leave my face until I put it back in the garage!. I had a 2016 KTM 1190 R before and this is now light years ahead in tech and rideability. It definitely doesn't feel like it weighs 200kg plus and just feels like a Big 500 EXC on steroids! Tell your mates on the trail to stay away from behind you, this thing roosts 30 - 40 metres behind it lol!!! Awesome machine and still cant stop staring at it in the shed when not riding. Cheers Nik - Adelaide Australia
I’ve had my 1290 SAR since last year and am approaching 3k miles - it replaced my 1200 GSA LC and it always feels a thrilling occasion every time I ride it - not ridden it off road as I have a 790 fir that but it handles well and with the low power parts seat is comfortable and manageable despite my 5’9” and 29” inside leg. No issues bar the recall which was done on first service. I bought the SAR as opposed to the SAS purely as I prefer the looks but consider the suspension to be far superior to the semi electric on the SAS without the potential issues post warranty. Can’t recommend enough.
I got a 22 SAR, after 1K miles I was finally able to dial the suspension to a perfect setting, man this thing can take corners even with those AX41… I think it looks the best in that color and has fewer electronics to break (i take to bike offroad whenever I see a dirt road, this bike is a due it all for sure). My previous bike was a 2016 Super Duke 1290 R, in 6 years not a single issue... I had a 2021 BMW GSA 1250 as well and I had issues with that bike... in resume, you can get out of luck with any brand new bike.
I've had my 21 SAR since last year and done about 5k kms and love the bike, coming from 500ishCC offroad dirtbikes it isn't much less capable in the dirt, on my 2nd set of offroad focused tyres as I get a bit excited on the throttle and have a road focused set so can keep up and even lead when riding with sports bikes. Super versitile and no faults as yet.
The tires are pretty tough. I have probably 400+ miles now on logging roads packed with (very sharp) crushed rock, and gassing pretty hard. No punctures so far. Way better on dirt than it looks like it could be.
Got the ‘22 SAR, agree with your review, use mine mainly for commuting and a bit of touring, changed the screen for new KTM touring option (also put on Akra can), came from Honda AT AS, Honda was very reliable / dependable, not had any problems with KTM so far but still quite new, the only thing I miss on AT is tank range, now have to fill up twice on some days (slightly more than 200 miles round trip to work) but that LC8 engine is phenomenal, and tank range is quite an easy price to pay for me. About to go on 3k mile European tour on it tomorrow which I am hugely looking forward to, will post update in 10 days time if above experience alters at all.
@@finno2980 the bike is still phenomenal, I know others that have had electrical gremlins, I keep mine on trickle charger and it is reasonably well behaved (but have had a couple of issues - turned off the key cloning feature as it was glitching and had bike not start once, I think cos low battery voltage, turned off Garmin Sat nav on start up and it eventually turned over), had the fairly standard coolant leak, even with dealership filing smooth the connector coupling, but my first impressions still stands, the bike gives me reliability anxiety, BUT, when it’s running well (and thankfully that is most of the time), it is absolutely brilliant, and cannot see myself going back to an ATAS
@@HRJ1411 thanks for your helpful and honest feedback! I’m thinking about getting rid of my ‘22 Husqvarna 701 for a larger highway capable ADV .. For the now the new 890 Adv R or used 1290 SAR are the most interesting to me, but wonder about the reliability issues.. I love the 701 (it too had a coolant leak in the first month). So I understand the anxiety point. But overall for what I read, see and follow the KTMs do do the best off-road capable ADVs out there! (P.s. I have a KTM 350 variant for the tighter nastier trails. Cheers, Steve and Aussie living in Poland!
Another great vid... I recognise that 'lane'... I really fancy one of those...But will prob stick to the 390 for 'Laneing' for now... Still learning...
Is the ride plush enough on road....not harsh ? need a good comfortable bike as I suffer with my back..Don't like semi active suspension never seem to be able to get a good setting..
very nice review as always, right on point Tony. If you come to states you will have to try to ride knobbies, totally different think, lol...... cheers V!
Nice review as always. Not enough open trails in the UK to justify one over the S IMO. But a great bike. Can I ask what jacket you were wearing in the review please?
@@stevenwescott1422 Weight distribution, probably. I bet those low-slung tanks make a BIG difference in the handling. It shouldn't be nearly as top heavy now as it was.
Been a while since I've looked into the big KTMs (1190/1290) Are problems with the airbox leaking dust and the rear tire fouling on the rear inner fender still a thing or has KTM addressed this?
I'm a big fan of KTM, and (nowadays, after almost 40 years of riding) I'm more into the adventure/sport tourer kind of bikes we see so much of today. I've had the bigger bikes...Bandit 1200s, VTR 1000, Aprilia RSV etc etc, but in Summer 2020, I bought a 2016 Tracer 700. Since then, I've had the best, longest and most enjoyable rides ever. My typical "proper" spin for a day will be anywhere between 200 and 400 miles. All round, it's the best bike I've ever had. Anyway, my point is this; what is even the point of massive BHP (150 - 180+) in any bike, if it isn't an out-and-out sports bike? I just don't get it. My little Tracer (a 689cc twin) puts out 75 BHP / 50ft-lbs, and this is more than enough for this kind of bike. Ok, it's quite light, at 196kg wet, but even the larger adventure style bikes shouldn't need much more than this to give adequate performance for their intended style of riding....they certainly don't need 160 odd BHP! The only possible reason for this kind of power is if you need huge performance and high top speed. And since when do you need that for an adventure bike?! I reckon it's just numbers for the pub, a kind of pissing contest! In the several thousand miles on my Tracer so far, on all kinds of roads, I've not once felt a need for more power, torque or overall performance. It sits comfortably on motorways at 80/85mph, has more than enough power & torque for all other kinds of roads, and routinely gives around 70mpg. I challenge anyone to give a logical argument as to why an adventure style bike needs anywhere near this kind of power, even at that weight. And now, we wait....
I just rode 4,000km round trip with a passenger and luggage through the Canadian Rockies to the west coast, the power was nice to have when passing on a single lane highway and made for some smooth cruising when I wasn't stuck behind logging trucks. I'd rarely have to shift on hills since the power band was just that solid. When I'm riding solo on gravel roads i put it in rally riding mode with off road ABS setting, it tones the motor down to around 100hp which is perfect. Side note - I wish the bike would automatically switch the ABS when you put it in off road or rally mode, but you have to do it manually each time. The custom switches make this a little easier but I'm using one for ride mode and the other for heated grips so ABS is still buried in the menu to change. A downfall of the big motor with knobbie tires is you eat through the rear tire pretty quick, I've started riding in rain mode in the city to help neutralize my itch to put down the power at every stop light. Overall I love the bike and it's perfect for the corner of the planet I live in. There are different modes and settings for every style of riding and I'm lucky enough to live somewhere that needs all of them!
Strange really, A while ago when this front end design came out (droopy sad horse face) I really really REALLY hated it - so much so that when I saw one I actually got so angry! Anyway, nowadays I find I am becoming more and more KTM curious........I like the look now lol and am being drawn to this or the1290 Super Adventure S - still not 100% convinced about the reliability yet tho.....
Turn signal has a rubbish feel. Why did they make it that way. I really apprieciate negative comments because it helps me deciede if I can live with those faults or stuff which can break offroad. Then no surprises or buyers remorse. Right now its this, a 890r or the Norden for my next purchase which I hope is soon. Cheers!
Good Question, but i'be noticed the same on my 790 Adventure. I'm thinking about a change of bike and i'm caught between the Norden 901 and the Africa Twin DCT.....
Do you like the riding experience more than your standard Africa Twin? I wonder if the power became something you could see yourself using? Thanks for any thoughts on these.
It’s interesting as initially I thought the power was wasted, but with the way it’s delivered it just makes normal riding effortless. Sadly the Africa Twin was only a loan Bike and not mine. The DCT sets the Honda apart for long distance comfort, but the KTM is an awesome all around machine. The power does sometimes mean you can start taking liberties a a little bit.
Who would choose to ride over sharp rocks? Obvs a good bike. For the UK? Nah. Unless the roads keep on deteriorating as they are. Or a few cruise missile craters! Cheers Rasputin.
Weird bike. How many does it sell compared to the S? I wouldn't ride a bike as expensive as that through a puddle. Much less over landscapes and rocks! How many sold in the UK. Or the SE of England, where it will be, more or less, useless?
True. These massive ADV bikes are built for intercontinental cruising. Not worth pressing the start button for anything less than a 200-300 mile stretch.
Seriously?? I have an 890 and I rally the absolute shit out of it. It’s not a damn garage queen….they’re offroad tools. Just buy one and go rip it. They aren’t made for Starbucks yuppies though that’s what most do with them….
Best bike ever owned!! Had mine now for 3 weeks and the smile doesn't leave my face until I put it back in the garage!. I had a 2016 KTM 1190 R before and this is now light years ahead in tech and rideability. It definitely doesn't feel like it weighs 200kg plus and just feels like a Big 500 EXC on steroids! Tell your mates on the trail to stay away from behind you, this thing roosts 30 - 40 metres behind it lol!!! Awesome machine and still cant stop staring at it in the shed when not riding. Cheers Nik - Adelaide Australia
Nice, thanks for the info
I’ve had my 1290 SAR since last year and am approaching 3k miles - it replaced my 1200 GSA LC and it always feels a thrilling occasion every time I ride it - not ridden it off road as I have a 790 fir that but it handles well and with the low power parts seat is comfortable and manageable despite my 5’9” and 29” inside leg. No issues bar the recall which was done on first service. I bought the SAR as opposed to the SAS purely as I prefer the looks but consider the suspension to be far superior to the semi electric on the SAS without the potential issues post warranty. Can’t recommend enough.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bike. I had mine for 6 weeks now and have 2200 km on it.
I got a 22 SAR, after 1K miles I was finally able to dial the suspension to a perfect setting, man this thing can take corners even with those AX41… I think it looks the best in that color and has fewer electronics to break (i take to bike offroad whenever I see a dirt road, this bike is a due it all for sure). My previous bike was a 2016 Super Duke 1290 R, in 6 years not a single issue... I had a 2021 BMW GSA 1250 as well and I had issues with that bike... in resume, you can get out of luck with any brand new bike.
That bike right their, in that colour is the best looking bike in its category! By far.
Yeah.. epic bike.. i want one
My Tiger 850 Sport was in for a service this week and I had the 1290 Adventure as a loaner, well impressed.
How fun!!
I've had my 21 SAR since last year and done about 5k kms and love the bike, coming from 500ishCC offroad dirtbikes it isn't much less capable in the dirt, on my 2nd set of offroad focused tyres as I get a bit excited on the throttle and have a road focused set so can keep up and even lead when riding with sports bikes. Super versitile and no faults as yet.
Thanks for sharing, good to hear!
This is my next bike. Ive got a late white 990 Adventure at the moment by brother has the S version.
Enjoy!
..by the way. Very good work. I enjoy your real wold approach.
Good, objective review👍Thanks for that!
No problem 👍
The tires are pretty tough. I have probably 400+ miles now on logging roads packed with (very sharp) crushed rock, and gassing pretty hard. No punctures so far. Way better on dirt than it looks like it could be.
Got the ‘22 SAR, agree with your review, use mine mainly for commuting and a bit of touring, changed the screen for new KTM touring option (also put on Akra can), came from Honda AT AS, Honda was very reliable / dependable, not had any problems with KTM so far but still quite new, the only thing I miss on AT is tank range, now have to fill up twice on some days (slightly more than 200 miles round trip to work) but that LC8 engine is phenomenal, and tank range is quite an easy price to pay for me. About to go on 3k mile European tour on it tomorrow which I am hugely looking forward to, will post update in 10 days time if above experience alters at all.
Nice, thanks for the info, good to get
How did you feel about the bike after your Euro trip? Thanks!
@@finno2980 the bike is still phenomenal, I know others that have had electrical gremlins, I keep mine on trickle charger and it is reasonably well behaved (but have had a couple of issues - turned off the key cloning feature as it was glitching and had bike not start once, I think cos low battery voltage, turned off Garmin Sat nav on start up and it eventually turned over), had the fairly standard coolant leak, even with dealership filing smooth the connector coupling, but my first impressions still stands, the bike gives me reliability anxiety, BUT, when it’s running well (and thankfully that is most of the time), it is absolutely brilliant, and cannot see myself going back to an ATAS
@@HRJ1411 thanks for your helpful and honest feedback! I’m thinking about getting rid of my ‘22 Husqvarna 701 for a larger highway capable ADV .. For the now the new 890 Adv R or used 1290 SAR are the most interesting to me, but wonder about the reliability issues.. I love the 701 (it too had a coolant leak in the first month). So I understand the anxiety point. But overall for what I read, see and follow the KTMs do do the best off-road capable ADVs out there! (P.s. I have a KTM 350 variant for the tighter nastier trails. Cheers, Steve and Aussie living in Poland!
Another great vid... I recognise that 'lane'... I really fancy one of those...But will prob stick to the 390 for 'Laneing' for now... Still learning...
how does the adventure r go on road with Rallz nobby tires
Not too bad, you just have to be a bit careful in the wet
Great review I want to buy that type same type of bike
Go for it!
Just change the screen from the S bike,easy.Great bike.I own one.Thks.
Yep, I did this and its perfect. Still low enough to be out the way off road..
Is the ride plush enough on road....not harsh ?
need a good comfortable bike as I suffer with my back..Don't like semi active suspension never seem to be able to get a good setting..
Yep, its pretty good. Its a KTM so its always going to be on the firmer side, but its certainly not harsh.
very nice review as always, right on point Tony. If you come to states you will have to try to ride knobbies, totally different think, lol...... cheers V!
Hi Tony, great review and thoughts. Thank you. 👍😎🇦🇺
Nice review as always. Not enough open trails in the UK to justify one over the S IMO. But a great bike. Can I ask what jacket you were wearing in the review please?
Revit Component H2O
I live in Scotland, so have to travel to get off-road, this makes sense for me.
For someone with a 29/30 inseam 5'7 will this bike be an issue to get my foot down?
Yes it'll be tricky, Ihave a 32 inseam and I was on the balls of my feet
I sold my 2019 R for the new one and blown away on the difference.
I have a 19 with Rottweiler add on’s. What is soo much different.
@@stevenwescott1422 Weight distribution, probably. I bet those low-slung tanks make a BIG difference in the handling. It shouldn't be nearly as top heavy now as it was.
Been a while since I've looked into the big KTMs (1190/1290) Are problems with the airbox leaking dust and the rear tire fouling on the rear inner fender still a thing or has KTM addressed this?
Not issues i'm aware of on the current bikes
1290 SAR, Multistrada V4S, Tiger 1200 Explorer or BMW 1250 GSA best for you?)
If I was picking from that list, probably the 1290 SAR, but i've not had a chance to ride the Tiger 1200 yet
I'm a big fan of KTM, and (nowadays, after almost 40 years of riding) I'm more into the adventure/sport tourer kind of bikes we see so much of today. I've had the bigger bikes...Bandit 1200s, VTR 1000, Aprilia RSV etc etc, but in Summer 2020, I bought a 2016 Tracer 700. Since then, I've had the best, longest and most enjoyable rides ever. My typical "proper" spin for a day will be anywhere between 200 and 400 miles. All round, it's the best bike I've ever had. Anyway, my point is this; what is even the point of massive BHP (150 - 180+) in any bike, if it isn't an out-and-out sports bike? I just don't get it. My little Tracer (a 689cc twin) puts out 75 BHP / 50ft-lbs, and this is more than enough for this kind of bike. Ok, it's quite light, at 196kg wet, but even the larger adventure style bikes shouldn't need much more than this to give adequate performance for their intended style of riding....they certainly don't need 160 odd BHP! The only possible reason for this kind of power is if you need huge performance and high top speed. And since when do you need that for an adventure bike?! I reckon it's just numbers for the pub, a kind of pissing contest! In the several thousand miles on my Tracer so far, on all kinds of roads, I've not once felt a need for more power, torque or overall performance. It sits comfortably on motorways at 80/85mph, has more than enough power & torque for all other kinds of roads, and routinely gives around 70mpg. I challenge anyone to give a logical argument as to why an adventure style bike needs anywhere near this kind of power, even at that weight. And now, we wait....
Because it’s fun 🤩 simple really 🥳
Bit like asking "what's the point of a Range Rover?" Probably not a great deal for a whole host of reasons but they are quite an exceptional vehicle.
I just rode 4,000km round trip with a passenger and luggage through the Canadian Rockies to the west coast, the power was nice to have when passing on a single lane highway and made for some smooth cruising when I wasn't stuck behind logging trucks. I'd rarely have to shift on hills since the power band was just that solid.
When I'm riding solo on gravel roads i put it in rally riding mode with off road ABS setting, it tones the motor down to around 100hp which is perfect. Side note - I wish the bike would automatically switch the ABS when you put it in off road or rally mode, but you have to do it manually each time. The custom switches make this a little easier but I'm using one for ride mode and the other for heated grips so ABS is still buried in the menu to change.
A downfall of the big motor with knobbie tires is you eat through the rear tire pretty quick, I've started riding in rain mode in the city to help neutralize my itch to put down the power at every stop light.
Overall I love the bike and it's perfect for the corner of the planet I live in. There are different modes and settings for every style of riding and I'm lucky enough to live somewhere that needs all of them!
It's fun! I also just did some soft sand dune riding on the SAR where every bit of that 160hp was used.
It's a no-cost option on every KTM
1090R ohhhyea
Strange really, A while ago when this front end design came out (droopy sad horse face) I really really REALLY hated it - so much so that when I saw one I actually got so angry! Anyway, nowadays I find I am becoming more and more KTM curious........I like the look now lol and am being drawn to this or the1290 Super Adventure S - still not 100% convinced about the reliability yet tho.....
Ill stick to my 390, I think. These litre-plus adventure bikes are too much for me now, although I still have my Buell Ulysses.
At that price point, it is insulting that they upcharge for Rally software (Tech Pack). Let’s be honest, add some value KTM.
Turn signal has a rubbish feel. Why did they make it that way. I really apprieciate negative comments because it helps me deciede if I can live with those faults or stuff which can break offroad. Then no surprises or buyers remorse. Right now its this, a 890r or the Norden for my next purchase which I hope is soon. Cheers!
Good Question, but i'be noticed the same on my 790 Adventure. I'm thinking about a change of bike and i'm caught between the Norden 901 and the Africa Twin DCT.....
Must be the same switch from the 1290Superduke, not great
Do you like the riding experience more than your standard Africa Twin? I wonder if the power became something you could see yourself using? Thanks for any thoughts on these.
It’s interesting as initially I thought the power was wasted, but with the way it’s delivered it just makes normal riding effortless. Sadly the Africa Twin was only a loan Bike and not mine. The DCT sets the Honda apart for long distance comfort, but the KTM is an awesome all around machine. The power does sometimes mean you can start taking liberties a a little bit.
Why cover up one of the best engines ever fitted to a bike with pannier tanks ?. Lovely bike though but just too high ...
I think the windscreen is an easy fix...
yep it is
Who would choose to ride over sharp rocks? Obvs a good bike. For the UK? Nah. Unless the roads keep on deteriorating as they are. Or a few cruise missile craters! Cheers Rasputin.
Weird bike. How many does it sell compared to the S? I wouldn't ride a bike as expensive as that through a puddle. Much less over landscapes and rocks! How many sold in the UK. Or the SE of England, where it will be, more or less, useless?
True. These massive ADV bikes are built for intercontinental cruising. Not worth pressing the start button for anything less than a 200-300 mile stretch.
Or if you live in Australia! It's about that to the local shops here! lol
The S model should really have optional spoked rims.
Fantastic, versatile bike. Each to their own.
Seriously?? I have an 890 and I rally the absolute shit out of it. It’s not a damn garage queen….they’re offroad tools. Just buy one and go rip it. They aren’t made for Starbucks yuppies though that’s what most do with them….
👍👍👍👍😍