One of the best things I ever did was learn to service my own forks, daunting at first, but fairly straight forward with simple tools, a methodical approach and clean work bench, not too difficult once you have done it the first time.
Thanks Chris that's a great video and a lot to learn from it. Less is more. Steering damper, a necessity for the environments we ride in. Strengthen the clutch plates as these engines weren't exactly built to run in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear as we do most of the time off road. Suspension obviously and good to see you keep it soft, a bit like Graham Jarvis. 2 pros doing it, people should learn from that. Then a few bits and bobs but the essential is there , then it's all about your riding techniques and abilities. Thanks, that's really good advice to share widely. And yes as one said we all want to see you take the old girl out, the 990 and show all what this amazing machine can do. Yes 790 is better yet I won't swap my 990 for it. For me it's just the best bike out there for everything, travelling, adventure and hardcore off roading :) without getting into too much politics I know it's not what KTM wants to see being promoted but please, make her road ready again and take it for a spin that you can share with us, I'm sure we all want to see this :) :) Thank you for being you, true, honest amazing fella that you are. Take care and I hope you and your family keep safe during this shit time
Great vid, thanks for sharing the details on your 790. But I also would be very interested to hear about that 950/990 in the background when you get chance.
Great info. Thanks. I have the "S" version but then again im a short old guy. It is good to see what you have done. I have new Shinkos for mine and am thinking of a second set of wheels and sprockets so to quickly and easily switch between road bias and desert bias. I aso need luggage. Thank you and be safe.
Perfect timing Chris! Just picked mine up last week. Great work on the vid! Hopefully you guys still make it back to Canada later this year so you can coach me how to ride this beast 😉. Cheers!
Chris Birch - Off Road Coach in regards to tires would it be much of an improvement off road to put on some good knobbies right away or burn off the stockers and then upgrade to a more aggressive off-road tire?
Very informative..thanks Chris. I have done 7200km on my Adv R and must admit that as a dual bike. its hard to beat. I did encounter a design flaw during my last trip. The rear brake hose clips in into the reservoir. It is easily dislodged when a piece of wood or something is caught between the hose and the frame. That actually happened to me. Apart from that, outstanding bike especially in the dirt.
Hi, really interesting to hear your preferences. Great to help us mere mortal riders👌 Are the clutch spring you upgraded, ktm power part or from a 990 etc? Interested in upgrading but not 100% what to use.
Thanks for the video. I just picked up a 890 Adventure R. Long time GS/GSA owner. What do you think about upgrading the skid plate/bash plate? Cheers. Bought your off road Vimeo series - really good stuff in those videos.
Thanks for the vid. Great insight into how little you ‘really’ need to change. Have you ever had issues/reservations with the stock skid plate? How do you jack up the front on the trails if you need to fix a flat? Thanks for helping entertain us. Stay sane!!
Just push the bike over towards the sidestand and chock the brake side of the swingarm with a branch. I’ve done this dozens of times, including to clean and oil (80w gear oil) the chain while on multi-day rides.
Hi Chris, thank you for making this video…. I am driving Ktm 990 adventure and thinking about switching to Ktm 890 Can you camper both bikes since you have them? Would love to hear for what type of driving you are using 990adv and for what 790/890adv? Great video thank you
Late to the Vid... But I try to watch all your stuff for riding tips. I’m an old desert rider in Arizona. I now ride an Africa Twin (‘17).. Big difference than the 450’s I rode all my life. Do you have any mod tips for the AT. Also, the AT is very tarmac friendly as we ride some longer tarmac to get to the fun stuff..could be a little more aggressive on dirt..Your thoughts? Thank you Chris
Hey Chris, Great Vid. I think you just gave me some great confirmation... For the first couple of rear tires on my 690 Enduro, I ran 150's on the rear with the stock rims. A CSR at Woody's advised that that contorted the 150 and a 140 would be preferable. Well... my feeling is that I like the 150 much better. Just felt like it hooked up better and added confidence in the rear. Between me and my gear, I think I might be pushing 113 kilos. Can you confirm I heard you right? Would you suggest the 150 could be preferable as I believe you opined in this tutorial? Thanks!
Hey Chris, I’m looking to possibly change up my rim sizes on my 22 890 to the 2.5 rear with the 1.85 front. Do you have recommendations on tire sizes with that setup and if I should get a 2.15 for the front instead? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! 👊
Great video Chris! Thanks for sharing the information. Much appreciated. I am waiting for the MY2020 KTM 790 ADV India Launch. Guess it'll be delayed a bit owing to the Coronavirus situation.
I have a 790 R and I have to say that the service manual is the most disorganized and confusing manual I have ever read. How about a video on the COMPLETE first service (620 mile) recommendations and a video on how to adjust the chain tension - because the manual and the info on the bike itself is very confusing. Since, at least here in he USA - KTM dealers are few and far between - (for me the closest is 4.5 hours away), it would sure be nice if they had a clear and easy to read service manual.
Thanks for the great tips Chris... very much appreciated! One question - I have a new 890 and want to run the Giant Loop Mojave bags but the side panels make them stick out too far ... Did you cut down your side panels on the 790 so your saddlebags fit closer to the bike? Thanks!
Awesome videos, for a couple that does a majority of highway riding and want to do 2up off roading together on the weekends and long holidays would you suggest the 1290 r over the 890 r or can i get away with a 1290 s with your wheel and tire combo, again thanks for the awesome vids.
Hi Chris, Thankyou for your video. Yesterday in the garage I was doing a bit of servicing on my 790. Any tips on removing the rear shock please? I couldn't remove mine after bolts the removed ! Which clutch springs are you using please? Hope you and family all good ? Many thanks, Mark from Guernsey.
To get the shock out you have to use a big (16mm?) Allen key to back off the nut like part in the swing arm. Its a reverse thread too so be careful. At the top you need to loosen the two torx bolts in the frame in front of the top shock mount.
How did you mount the Kriega to your windscreen? And what model of kriega is it? I have about five kriega products and they are really good (backpack, bum pack, 5L, 10L, backpack strap pocket).
Thanks for opening up your mods. Are you running stock gearing? I feel it's pretty wide for offroad and wen't all the way to 15/48 for next summer.. How about handlebar, are you ok with the huge sweep on stock bar?
Hey mate, the heavy duty clutch springs you mention, are they off a 1090/1190/1290 ? I find the clutch fine but curious if this is the springs you have used or do you have part numbers or a link. Cheers Chris
Chris, have you ever had any issues with headshake on the stock 790 at higher speed on dodgy gravel roads? Also considering fitting a damper. Seen a number of threads with nasty headshake talk.
Mattias Eriksson have you got a chance to take a course with him? I took one with him a few years ago. Great instructor. Plus you get to see him ride. Amazing!
Hi Chris, I see you use the highest seat, how tall are you? because I am 1.85 and for me the normal seat seems high on my ktm 790 adv R, greetings and very good video
Hey Chris, since you are a Mitas guy, try C04 Leisure rear tire, it is 130/90 so it is kinda narrow, but what a great rubber compound. In my humble opinion it is the best tire for my 1090, for offroad and enduro stuff of course. It would be awesome if Mitas made it in 140/80. Cheers
Hey Chris. I noticed you don’t have any balance weights visible. I have a new 690 with other brand tyres and absolutely need balance balls to counter the hop. Without asking too much, would you say the tyres you are running are worth a shot on mine? I will ride freeway, trails and snot around NSW and Victoria. Thanks for sending out the content too. It’s appreciated while we wait to go riding again.
Thanks Chris, I was running Mitas on my old bike (F800gsa) for a rally last summer and I really liked them. On a 701 enduro now, what do you run on your 690 for rocky terrain?
Chris, do you use rim locks for those rather high psi numbers with such an adventure bike? Just a beginner's question. Hope you don't mind. I am not sure what mods to work on on my DR Big. Still learning.
Nice video Chris Can you tell me how tall you are? Second question if I understand you correctly you not using the standard 790R suspension? That seems to be a big change to the bike.
Chris Birch - Off Road Coach A similar suspension as the KTM 790 R Rally. Don’t you find the bike a bit small fora tall person? I am 193cm and suspect it may be a little cramp.
Thanks for the video Chris. What is this "comfort" suspension setting that everyone talks about? I've looked through my 1190 manual and can't figure out how many turns or clicks it is to get it to the comfort setting on the front and rear shocks. I weight around 93kgs with jacket, pants and boots. Thanks for the any advice.
On the 1190 the forks are really soft so its a different story. Revalving the forks more more compression dampening and getting it to hold its head up really improves the handling on the 1190. Check out ridejbi.com they have a good mod I used to use,
These bikes have like 6 positions for adjusting the handle bars. Aside from comfort or hand guard clearance issues. Where is the best place to have them from a control and handling perspective and how will moving them forward or back change things?
I got the 790 adventure S and when trying to control clutch lever with 1 finger it's crushing my fingers...I guess I have to get shorter one maybe in combination with camel 1 finger ADV clutch...how do you deal with that?
Thanks Chris, just shows, don't need to do much to the standard bike, std exhaust, looks like the cat is also still in, good to know about your Tyres.... It's a headache on the 1290r....but the rear just doesn't last.... 🤔😂😂👍
Update. So, the dealer called me today, KTM sent a rep to the dealer to look at the bike. Apparently there are some sort of oil ports that allow oil to lubricate the clutch, on my bike, the ports were clogged with what appeared to them to be locktite from the factory. KTM is covering everything - they are replacing every single part that got even a slight scratch on it from the crash I had due to the clutch failure (over $2000.00 in parts) at no cost to me. Apparently this is a bit of an issue with some 790 Adventure bikes, as there are a few videos online of guys who had similar issues. It sounds like KTM may have a recall on this issue. All I can say is that KTM is going making good on everything for me - so I am very happy and looking forward to getting my bike back.
I’m really worried because these clutch issues keep coming up on social media concerning the 790adventure, is all this preventable by some kind of fix? I’m planning to do huge trips but i need a reliable bike 😭 i love this bike.
@@Xavii1986 Haver your dealer, or check yourself - the oil jet that lubricates the clutch and make sure it is not clogged. I have not had a problem since the fix.
@@Xavii1986 I was riding off road on an ATV trail and was approaching a large mud/water hole in the trial, as I approached I tried to give a blip of throttle to take some weight off the front end and i had nothing. I was in 2nd gear and thought that I might have bumped the shifter into neutral - i glanced down at the display and was still in 2nd gear and hit the mud and the front end washed out and i went down.
well, I have an answer to one of my questions my brand new 790R with only 200 miles on it has a fried clutch! I had to trailer it off the trial - calling the dealer tomorrow. I have 14000 miles on my KLR 650 and rode the exact same trails and used the clutch the same as I did with this bike and I still have the original clutch on my KLR - i have to say I am a bit nervous that I just spent $16,000.00 on a bike that will be useless to me for the offroad riding that I do!
I believe your rear tyre in the bike is called E09 in Europe. I have used that rear tyre on several bikes and it's just the absolute best tyre for the rear I have tried so far. However, the front tyre E09 is probably the worst tyre for the same kind of riding as the rear. The two tyres are not even close to the same league of performance when looking at what the rear is capable of. So, my question is, what tyre are you using on the front since the E09 is so bad compared to the rear?
Kia Ora Chris birch can I get my 1090R suspension tuned somewhere proper you use? im always riding in deep scrub and river bed terrain mud ruts goat tracks etc cheers man.
great tip on the foam grips! less vibrations, and thicker grip, sounds great. I always liked them on the mtb Did I get it right that you slid them over the stock ones?
No I kinda goofed that. You have to cut the rubber off the stock grip on the throttle side and slide the foam over the top. Its a bit of a faff but worth the hassle.
Depends how you use it. If you use the skid plate like a skid plate its ok. If you use it like a bulldozer blade you may need to upgrade it. I have not had any problems with the stock one myself.
@@ChrisBirchNZ Thank you, I suspect you ride a lot harder than I do ;) - so maybe I will just leave it as is. I can't wait to pick it up, it has been at the dealer since December ( I live almost 5 hours from the nearest dealer) and I am picking my 790R up next Friday!
Hi Chris, your turn signals are flashing to fast and also not using the full length of the leds connect the two yellow wires together in your headlight to solve your problem and they will be more visible. thaanks for the video
@@ChrisBirchNZ thank you Chris. Last question. I have the 1090r was going to put tubes too but mechanic said it would be dangerous at higher speeds given the internal angle of the wheel where the spokes are. I wonder if you had any issues with that. Many thanks
I have a question about your clutch upgrade. I just got my 790 R and went riding with a friend who led me off the trail and into the woods, we ended up having to go up a steep hell with a lot of blow down and I had to use the clutch - a lot, to get through it. Long story short, the clutch appears to have overheated, the cable seemed to get tight and I ended up having to adjust the cable to get out, once I got to the road I let the bike sit to cool down, made it home and let it sit a couple of hours and readjusted the cable. It seems fine now and I hope there is not any serious damage to anything. Would an upgrade to the clutch prevent this (if so what would you recommend)? Is this normal to happen when using the clutch a lot? Do you think I did any serious damage to anything?
@@ChrisBirchNZ not sure what is wrong, but something is, the dealer was closed yesterday, so I will be speaking with them today and making arrangements to get the bike to them ASAP. With the clutch cable disconnected, I can put the bike in gear and even start it in gear and it goes nowhere.
Chris that was the perfect vid. Just straight up off the cuff. You should do more like that.
One of the best things I ever did was learn to service my own forks, daunting at first, but fairly straight forward with simple tools, a methodical approach and clean work bench, not too difficult once you have done it the first time.
That was was awesome. Your phone did great. Keep them coming. We're bored as f#ck out here, and need more content!
Ill see what I come up with!
Thanks Chris that's a great video and a lot to learn from it. Less is more. Steering damper, a necessity for the environments we ride in. Strengthen the clutch plates as these engines weren't exactly built to run in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear as we do most of the time off road. Suspension obviously and good to see you keep it soft, a bit like Graham Jarvis. 2 pros doing it, people should learn from that. Then a few bits and bobs but the essential is there , then it's all about your riding techniques and abilities. Thanks, that's really good advice to share widely.
And yes as one said we all want to see you take the old girl out, the 990 and show all what this amazing machine can do. Yes 790 is better yet I won't swap my 990 for it. For me it's just the best bike out there for everything, travelling, adventure and hardcore off roading :) without getting into too much politics I know it's not what KTM wants to see being promoted but please, make her road ready again and take it for a spin that you can share with us, I'm sure we all want to see this :) :)
Thank you for being you, true, honest amazing fella that you are. Take care and I hope you and your family keep safe during this shit time
Great vid, thanks for sharing the details on your 790. But I also would be very interested to hear about that 950/990 in the background when you get chance.
Great info. Thanks. I have the "S" version but then again im a short old guy. It is good to see what you have done. I have new Shinkos for mine and am thinking of a second set of wheels and sprockets so to quickly and easily switch between road bias and desert bias. I aso need luggage. Thank you and be safe.
Perfect timing Chris! Just picked mine up last week. Great work on the vid! Hopefully you guys still make it back to Canada later this year so you can coach me how to ride this beast 😉. Cheers!
I hope so too!
Chris Birch - Off Road Coach in regards to tires would it be much of an improvement off road to put on some good knobbies right away or burn off the stockers and then upgrade to a more aggressive off-road tire?
@@shawnjohnston9054 yes!
Crust2013 yes to knobbies right away or yes to run the stock tires out first?
@@shawnjohnston9054 both mate more seat time plus you can try out grip factor on the stockees 1st
In other terrains you will want to go back into🏁
Thanks for the vid! Just put on my first mitas tire on my 790 Adv R, a rear E-09, think i will test a mitas front too!
Very informative..thanks Chris. I have done 7200km on my Adv R and must admit that as a dual bike. its hard to beat. I did encounter a design flaw during my last trip. The rear brake hose clips in into the reservoir. It is easily dislodged when a piece of wood or something is caught between the hose and the frame. That actually happened to me. Apart from that, outstanding bike especially in the dirt.
I'm looking at my next bike to be the KTM 790 R ADVEN.. thanks for the info
Isolation dreaming for me...thanks...
Video and audio quality is just fine actually :-) that's a good phone.
Hi, really interesting to hear your preferences. Great to help us mere mortal riders👌
Are the clutch spring you upgraded, ktm power part or from a 990 etc? Interested in upgrading but not 100% what to use.
Excellent. Just got my bike. 450 kilometres on it so far. Picked up some ideas.
absolutely awesome bike and I took a screenshot of the vid to make my new home screen pic
Awfully glad you're OK. You are an inspiration to old dirt donks like me.
Brah, do a vid on the 990!
I'll have to get it running first...
What happened to your SE project Chris?
Chris Birch - Off Road Coach LOVE that 990!! I keep staring at it in the background!!!
Actually a 950...
Thanks for the video. I just picked up a 890 Adventure R. Long time GS/GSA owner. What do you think about upgrading the skid plate/bash plate? Cheers.
Bought your off road Vimeo series - really good stuff in those videos.
Thanks for the vid. Great insight into how little you ‘really’ need to change. Have you ever had issues/reservations with the stock skid plate? How do you jack up the front on the trails if you need to fix a flat? Thanks for helping entertain us. Stay sane!!
See above! Ill try and do that video tomorrow, a few people have asked.
Can you Show/talk about how you will handle and flat tyre in middle of a ride without the center stand? Thank you.
Will do
Just find some rocks or whatever, then by using your side stand lift the bike on whatever platform you have made and voila!
Just push the bike over towards the sidestand and chock the brake side of the swingarm with a branch. I’ve done this dozens of times, including to clean and oil (80w gear oil) the chain while on multi-day rides.
Video is done, check it out!
@@ChrisBirchNZ Great Work Thank you for your effort. You the Man!!! :D
Great video, now please do something on the 950 / 990.... thanks
I would do if I could get the old dog to run on two cylinders!
Hi Chris. Big fan and thanks for these great videos. I was wondering what's you go to GPS / nav device? Thanks. cam
Im running the Zumo XT at the moment. Its a good thing
Hi Chris, thank you for making this video…. I am driving Ktm 990 adventure and thinking about switching to Ktm 890
Can you camper both bikes since you have them? Would love to hear for what type of driving you are using 990adv and for what 790/890adv?
Great video thank you
Late to the Vid... But I try to watch all your stuff for riding tips. I’m an old desert rider in Arizona. I now ride an Africa Twin (‘17).. Big difference than the 450’s I rode all my life. Do you have any mod tips for the AT. Also, the AT is very tarmac friendly as we ride some longer tarmac to get to the fun stuff..could be a little more aggressive on dirt..Your thoughts?
Thank you Chris
Hey Chris, Great Vid. I think you just gave me some great confirmation... For the first couple of rear tires on my 690 Enduro, I ran 150's on the rear with the stock rims. A CSR at Woody's advised that that contorted the 150 and a 140 would be preferable. Well... my feeling is that I like the 150 much better. Just felt like it hooked up better and added confidence in the rear. Between me and my gear, I think I might be pushing 113 kilos.
Can you confirm I heard you right? Would you suggest the 150 could be preferable as I believe you opined in this tutorial? Thanks!
Hey Chris, I’m looking to possibly change up my rim sizes on my 22 890 to the 2.5 rear with the 1.85 front. Do you have recommendations on tire sizes with that setup and if I should get a 2.15 for the front instead? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! 👊
Great video Chris! Thanks for sharing the information. Much appreciated.
I am waiting for the MY2020 KTM 790 ADV India Launch. Guess it'll be delayed a bit owing to the Coronavirus situation.
I'm sure your going to love it when it does get there!
I have a 790 R and I have to say that the service manual is the most disorganized and confusing manual I have ever read. How about a video on the COMPLETE first service (620 mile) recommendations and a video on how to adjust the chain tension - because the manual and the info on the bike itself is very confusing. Since, at least here in he USA - KTM dealers are few and far between - (for me the closest is 4.5 hours away), it would sure be nice if they had a clear and easy to read service manual.
What I really want to know is all about that 950 ADV... 2003 OR 2004? Please show us that gem!!! Cheers.
OK OK I'll get on to it!
Thanks for the great tips Chris... very much appreciated! One question - I have a new 890 and want to run the Giant Loop Mojave bags but the side panels make them stick out too far ... Did you cut down your side panels on the 790 so your saddlebags fit closer to the bike?
Thanks!
Awesome videos, for a couple that does a majority of highway riding and want to do 2up off roading together on the weekends and long holidays would you suggest the 1290 r over the 890 r or can i get away with a 1290 s with your wheel and tire combo, again thanks for the awesome vids.
Hi As long as you have the legs for it I would say the 1290R would be perfect for you.
@@ChrisBirchNZ thanks you made that decision easy
Hi Chris,
Thankyou for your video.
Yesterday in the garage I was doing a bit of servicing on my 790. Any tips on removing the rear shock please? I couldn't remove mine after bolts the removed !
Which clutch springs are you using please?
Hope you and family all good ?
Many thanks, Mark from Guernsey.
To get the shock out you have to use a big (16mm?) Allen key to back off the nut like part in the swing arm. Its a reverse thread too so be careful. At the top you need to loosen the two torx bolts in the frame in front of the top shock mount.
How did you mount the Kriega to your windscreen? And what model of kriega is it? I have about five kriega products and they are really good (backpack, bum pack, 5L, 10L, backpack strap pocket).
No tank-level skid plate? :) That seems to be the first thing people buy for 790, especially that thick CNC one.
Thanks for opening up your mods. Are you running stock gearing? I feel it's pretty wide for offroad and wen't all the way to 15/48 for next summer..
How about handlebar, are you ok with the huge sweep on stock bar?
Yes I am running stock gearing. I need to play around with handlebars at some point. I guess they can not be that bad as I haven't bothered yet.
Hey mate, the heavy duty clutch springs you mention, are they off a 1090/1190/1290 ? I find the clutch fine but curious if this is the springs you have used or do you have part numbers or a link. Cheers Chris
Chris, have you ever had any issues with headshake on the stock 790 at higher speed on dodgy gravel roads?
Also considering fitting a damper. Seen a number of threads with nasty headshake talk.
Awesome Chris, cool to see some ordinary stuff among all Your superman stuff 😂👍🏻💪🏻 Take care, hope You can get out and ride soon.
Mattias Eriksson wondered if you had seen it yet. My question answered.
@@davindersangha3761 always look out for news at Cris channel! Ofc others channels as well.
Mattias Eriksson have you got a chance to take a course with him? I took one with him a few years ago. Great instructor. Plus you get to see him ride. Amazing!
@@davindersangha3761 No, unfortunately not. Never even been close to riding in his area.
Hi Chris, I see you use the highest seat, how tall are you? because I am 1.85 and for me the normal seat seems high on my ktm 790 adv R, greetings and very good video
Im 187cm, If you want a lower seat height the 790 Adventure seat is a little lower.
So that's all I need to ride like you? Sweet!
Hey Chris,
since you are a Mitas guy, try C04 Leisure rear tire, it is 130/90 so it is kinda narrow, but what a great rubber compound. In my humble opinion it is the best tire for my 1090, for offroad and enduro stuff of course. It would be awesome if Mitas made it in 140/80. Cheers
Ill be honest I've never heard of that one!
@@ChrisBirchNZ It is a hidden gem :)
Nice video!, did you change your gearing at all?, shorter countersproket or taller chainring in the back?
No, stock gearing.
You compel me to try find my limits and go further birchy ima huge fan mate
Hey CHris! Do a vid on the 990! Start talking about proper bikes ;)
The "proper" bike wont run on two cylinders and I'm effed if I can figure out why.
Hey Chris. I noticed you don’t have any balance weights visible. I have a new 690 with other brand tyres and absolutely need balance balls to counter the hop. Without asking too much, would you say the tyres you are running are worth a shot on mine? I will ride freeway, trails and snot around NSW and Victoria.
Thanks for sending out the content too. It’s appreciated while we wait to go riding again.
I run wheel balance weights that screw on to the spokes. I knock the stick on ones off all the time.
Chris, what width DID rim are you running on the front please?
Mitas recommends 2.75-3.75" rim for the 140/80-18. The 2.50 isn't too narrow?
Thanks Chris, I was running Mitas on my old bike (F800gsa) for a rally last summer and I really liked them. On a 701 enduro now, what do you run on your 690 for rocky terrain?
I dont have a 690 and never have sorry.
Thanks for this Chris! What size of E-12 are you using for the 790? They are only available in 140/80-18 here.
That's the one you want. 140 works a treat on the 790's
Love seeing the kids bike in the corner
Nice bike. Is that a 950 in the background. Can you do a video on that bike and how does it compare to the 790?
At this stage its a very simple comparison. The 790 runs on both cylinders, the 950 runs on one...
What’s the little Kriega bag you’re using behind the screen? Can’t find it on their website.
Chris, do you use rim locks for those rather high psi numbers with such an adventure bike? Just a beginner's question. Hope you don't mind. I am not sure what mods to work on on my DR Big. Still learning.
No I don't run rim locks.
Nice one Chris 👍🏼
Nice video Chris Can you tell me how tall you are? Second question if I understand you correctly you not using the standard 790R suspension? That seems to be a big change to the bike.
I'm 187cm. I run the WP pro spec stuff. Its awesome. Not that the stock stuff isn't good.
Chris Birch - Off Road Coach A similar suspension as the KTM 790 R Rally. Don’t you find the bike a bit small fora tall person? I am 193cm and suspect it may be a little cramp.
@@nielcilliers7979 With the high seat like in the video its fine for me at 187cm.
Chris Birch - Off Road Coach Thanks for the feedback Chris
Hi Chris, where can I find the stiffer clutch spring you mentioned? Thanks :)
Chris, do you keep the stock steering stabilizer on in conjunction with the XRC damper?
Hi birchy what size front rim did you change out on the 1190 for better strength and steering ?
thanks man.
Hello Chris. What clutch springs did you put on the bike? The reference number. Thanks
Would you say 990 is a good alternative to the 790 if you cannot afford the 790 ?
Hi Chris. Thank you for the great video. Could you please give the name of the luggage you use? Sorry wasn't very clear in the video...
He’s running Kriega bags
kriega.com/
Yep, what Shawn said. www.kriega.com
@@ChrisBirchNZ and Shawn Thank you very much
Just ordered one, very curious and probably a whole different game than my 350 EXC-F....
Thanks for the video Chris. What is this "comfort" suspension setting that everyone talks about? I've looked through my 1190 manual and can't figure out how many turns or clicks it is to get it to the comfort setting on the front and rear shocks. I weight around 93kgs with jacket, pants and boots. Thanks for the any advice.
On the 1190 the forks are really soft so its a different story. Revalving the forks more more compression dampening and getting it to hold its head up really improves the handling on the 1190. Check out ridejbi.com they have a good mod I used to use,
@@ChrisBirchNZ thanks for the suggestion Chris. Cheers 👍
Chris what size are those side bags. They look smaller than what they have on their site. Just bought a 2020.
OS 6
@@ChrisBirchNZ ok. So they look smaller on your bike. They must pack them full on the Kriega website. How wide is your DID front wheel please?
Hi Chris. Have KTM given you a go on the 390 adventure yet?
No, I was supposed to be riding one then this covid thing came along. One day soon I hope!
@@ChrisBirchNZ if you get itchy feet when the lockdown is done come to welly and you can ride mine
Thanks for sharing! stay Safe!
These bikes have like 6 positions for adjusting the handle bars. Aside from comfort or hand guard clearance issues. Where is the best place to have them from a control and handling perspective and how will moving them forward or back change things?
I have gone half a hole forwards from stock by rotating the clamps. I found if I went further forward I lost stability in rough or high speed.
if anything i’d want to go backward a bit but i was worried it might change the stability because the bars would then be further behind the forks?
I got the 790 adventure S and when trying to control clutch lever with 1 finger it's crushing my fingers...I guess I have to get shorter one maybe in combination with camel 1 finger ADV clutch...how do you deal with that?
Just goes to show you don't need to modify the heck out of your bike after purchase!
I love long travel and adventures
Love your work mate!
Those brake pedals... I'm sure you meant "we'll make some to Birchase". You're welcome. Happy #COVID19!
More than a year later, I wonder if he's had the "immobiliser antenna failure" that some on ADVriders forums are plagued with.
感谢分享，期待我的790ADV R
Great upgrades Chris, mostly performance driven!! Perfect!!
Thanks Chris, just shows, don't need to do much to the standard bike, std exhaust, looks like the cat is also still in, good to know about your Tyres.... It's a headache on the 1290r....but the rear just doesn't last.... 🤔😂😂👍
Ha ha you cant buy a 160hp bike and expect the tyre to last! I like to keep my adv bike quiet so I can sneak about a bit more and not upset anyone.
@@ChrisBirchNZ haha yip, that V2 is something 👍😁
Update. So, the dealer called me today, KTM sent a rep to the dealer to look at the bike. Apparently there are some sort of oil ports that allow oil to lubricate the clutch, on my bike, the ports were clogged with what appeared to them to be locktite from the factory. KTM is covering everything - they are replacing every single part that got even a slight scratch on it from the crash I had due to the clutch failure (over $2000.00 in parts) at no cost to me. Apparently this is a bit of an issue with some 790 Adventure bikes, as there are a few videos online of guys who had similar issues. It sounds like KTM may have a recall on this issue. All I can say is that KTM is going making good on everything for me - so I am very happy and looking forward to getting my bike back.
I’m really worried because these clutch issues keep coming up on social media concerning the 790adventure, is all this preventable by some kind of fix? I’m planning to do huge trips but i need a reliable bike 😭 i love this bike.
How did you crash from that clutch failure btw?
@@Xavii1986 Haver your dealer, or check yourself - the oil jet that lubricates the clutch and make sure it is not clogged. I have not had a problem since the fix.
@@Xavii1986 I was riding off road on an ATV trail and was approaching a large mud/water hole in the trial, as I approached I tried to give a blip of throttle to take some weight off the front end and i had nothing. I was in 2nd gear and thought that I might have bumped the shifter into neutral - i glanced down at the display and was still in 2nd gear and hit the mud and the front end washed out and i went down.
well, I have an answer to one of my questions my brand new 790R with only 200 miles on it has a fried clutch! I had to trailer it off the trial - calling the dealer tomorrow. I have 14000 miles on my KLR 650 and rode the exact same trails and used the clutch the same as I did with this bike and I still have the original clutch on my KLR - i have to say I am a bit nervous that I just spent $16,000.00 on a bike that will be useless to me for the offroad riding that I do!
You’ll be fine ;)
I believe your rear tyre in the bike is called E09 in Europe. I have used that rear tyre on several bikes and it's just the absolute best tyre for the rear I have tried so far. However, the front tyre E09 is probably the worst tyre for the same kind of riding as the rear. The two tyres are not even close to the same league of performance when looking at what the rear is capable of. So, my question is, what tyre are you using on the front since the E09 is so bad compared to the rear?
Watch the video mate
Kia Ora Chris birch can I get my 1090R suspension tuned somewhere proper you use? im always riding in deep scrub and river bed terrain mud ruts goat tracks etc cheers man.
I used a fork mod by ridejbi.com in my 1090. Its a big improvement and only about $300 I think. Check them out.
Great stuff Chris
great tip on the foam grips! less vibrations, and thicker grip, sounds great. I always liked them on the mtb
Did I get it right that you slid them over the stock ones?
No I kinda goofed that. You have to cut the rubber off the stock grip on the throttle side and slide the foam over the top. Its a bit of a faff but worth the hassle.
@@ChrisBirchNZ thanks, have ordered a pair!
Many people on the net say that the stock skid/bash plate is not strong enough and recommend an upgrade, what is your advise.
Depends how you use it. If you use the skid plate like a skid plate its ok. If you use it like a bulldozer blade you may need to upgrade it. I have not had any problems with the stock one myself.
@@ChrisBirchNZ Thank you, I suspect you ride a lot harder than I do ;) - so maybe I will just leave it as is. I can't wait to pick it up, it has been at the dealer since December ( I live almost 5 hours from the nearest dealer) and I am picking my 790R up next Friday!
Inquiry about Which is better, KTM 1290 or 790
What 50/50 tire do you recommend for the 1290?
Hi Chris,
your turn signals are flashing to fast and also not using the full length of the leds
connect the two yellow wires together in your headlight to solve your problem and they will be more visible.
thaanks for the video
Thanks! I thought they were not quite right! Ive never been any good with electrical stuff.
This is awesome!
Chris, how do you know that your steering damper works better than the oem damper?
From testing it back to back. I have two rental KTM790's that are stock. If I go between the stock bike and my personal bike its quite noticeable.
@@ChrisBirchNZ thank you for response. what specifically is the difference that you notice?
more stability, I'm able to ride more relaxed and the bike just behaves its self better.
@@ChrisBirchNZ thank you for responding!
Hi Chris, I have run the mitas 07 in the past, but had problems with front tyre loosing pressure. Do the 12-13 have that issue too?
I always run tubes so can't really comment sorry.
@@ChrisBirchNZ do you use the factory tubeless wheels for that? Many thanks
@@Calbertone Yes. You just remove the tubeless valve. The rear sits at a weird angle but it seems to be fine.
@@ChrisBirchNZ thank you Chris. Last question. I have the 1090r was going to put tubes too but mechanic said it would be dangerous at higher speeds given the internal angle of the wheel where the spokes are. I wonder if you had any issues with that. Many thanks
@@Calbertone No problem that I have experienced.
The adventure has tubeless tires. But the E12/13 are tubetypes tires isn't it?
Rear is tubeless and front is tubed. I always run tubes both ends.
Can the seat height be lowered on this bike, I'm only 5' 6".
Thanks man great tips!!!!
Nice one!
thx
Hi Chris what heavy springs dit you put into the clutch
Sorry I dont know. They came out of a box of random springs at my friends house.
Could you please do one one your enduro bike cheers
Yes I will! Thanks for watching.
Chris whats the XRC steering dampning kit worth for my 1090R ?
best to get in touch with Kelly at XRC and ask him. I'll guess and get it wrong.
Kellpaterson@gmail.com
......its the KISS bike! -K-eep -I-t -S-imple -S-illy (Stupid). hahahaha Awesome, we always appreciate your efforts. Hello from CANADA!
21-inch front wheel, 21-inch rear wheel?
Thanks.
I have a question about your clutch upgrade. I just got my 790 R and went riding with a friend who led me off the trail and into the woods, we ended up having to go up a steep hell with a lot of blow down and I had to use the clutch - a lot, to get through it. Long story short, the clutch appears to have overheated, the cable seemed to get tight and I ended up having to adjust the cable to get out, once I got to the road I let the bike sit to cool down, made it home and let it sit a couple of hours and readjusted the cable. It seems fine now and I hope there is not any serious damage to anything. Would an upgrade to the clutch prevent this (if so what would you recommend)? Is this normal to happen when using the clutch a lot? Do you think I did any serious damage to anything?
I dont want to play remote mechanic but if you kept an eye on the free play like you did it should be all OK
@@ChrisBirchNZ not sure what is wrong, but something is, the dealer was closed yesterday, so I will be speaking with them today and making arrangements to get the bike to them ASAP. With the clutch cable disconnected, I can put the bike in gear and even start it in gear and it goes nowhere.