Most of us really want a bike that does 2 things. 1st we want the after-work crazy one-hour drive around a few twisties, and 2nd 1-2 times a year a little tour if possible. so, that's what this bike combines perfectly, as one of the very few in the world. wanna cut twisties? take it. want to go touring, change the windshield (in 2 minutes) and you're good to go. i love it. I have 5 Bikes in the Garage, the SMT is going to replace my GSX1250FA and my 690KTMDuke. It combines them perfectly and it makes so much fun to ride.
You say that you can't tour on this bike and KTM has got it wrong, I refer you to MC News Australia who took one on a 3,500 km tour around Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, the bike had the taller touring screen on and it also came with the matching hard luggage, it's a bike that KTM has brought out in the past, 990 SMT and was ktms version of the original multistrada that also had 17 inch wheels, going back to the 890 SMT, it's a bike that's been designed to have some fun on and tour and when you're on tour on the twisties you can have some fun...
You’re welcome mate. Nice to hear from fellow sized riders. Rather than the skinny patrol telling me to lose weight. Always super helpful when commenting on a bike review video 🤣🤙
'A big, comfortable, mess-around bike' sums this up perfectly. Great review as ever - and what a great bike - but no tourer! I don't know what's happened to KTN's marketing of late; as a former KTM dealer it saddens me to see features turned off after a few months; that's coercing people to buy extras rather than encouraging them. But still, I can think of few bikes I'd rather ride for doing 200-mile day-rides on twisty, rough tarmac 👍
Thanks Steve. Yeah any long distance required this probably won’t be it. But if you live near the twisties then you are laughing. Money making scheme as with anything nowadays sadly
@@DSR1YT You guys are saying this isnt a tourer just because it doesnt have a higher windshield? Or is there any other feeling to it like comfortble suspensions?
Good review, I had a go on this for an hour at a recent KTM open day at Fowlers Bristol and was impressed. With regard to KTM reliability issues I think the jury is definitely out on them 😮
I’ve got a 2019 Duke 390, 5k ridden with no issues so far. I want to upgrade to a Duke 890r, but after your experience with the GT it’s a lottery. PCP seems the best bet, it was good your finance company sorted out the issue. It’s a shame KTM customer service and support are that bad as they do make fun bikes.
Mate this would be awesome for the mountain passes. and then a little off road down the dirt roads as well :) My only question would be the customer service reliability out there, think the only store is in Limassol. As you know I struggled here in the UK with mine, let alone somewhere like out there. 🤙
@zachmyers7721 you going epi side this time? KTM don’t have a great reputation for reliability. And if something goes wrong what ma the service like from KTM Cyprus. Parts etc?
Hi thank you for the video it sums well what this bike is in general terms. My problem with KTM is the reliability on the electronics side of their bikes and the technical preparation of their dealership net work. They fall very short on this two aspects. The engines and overall chassis wise matters are superbly engineered but if you have a software trouble with the bike you have a problem that regularly will melt your confidence in the bike and so on, and so on. My relationship with KTM bikes nowadays is like that:- I like to see them on the streets or on the track, I don’t mind to ride them for a while, as they are really pleasant bikes to ride, but I can’t and I will not buy one. Nice video though ✌️✌️
You don't need to tell me Fernando. Ive had my fair share of broken KTMs. They just need to sort a few things out and KTM would be back on the blocks for top bikes.
Nice review matt.i dont think people should be too worried about the touring part of the name,its a supermoto,and you could tour about if you wanted to.and like you say,you can tour on anything if you want! dont like the demo mode either,but lets not pretend ktm are the only manufacturer that have optional extras.ktm just push them harder imo.the sdr is reduced with a longer warranty because theres a 1390 sdr on the horizon.just getting rid of old stock,the new sdr wont be 14k! i wouldnt mind the smt for commuting and flitting about,the sdr is hard work sometimes!😂
That’s it mate. This is an easy bike to ride but you can still have plenty of fun on it. SDR is a beast and can be tiresome to ride 😁. Bmw are doing the same with their current stock of 1250s. Pcp is like £199 a month. £2k off the list price and a great warranty package. All getting ready for the 1300 coming soon.
@@DSR1YT i would have one if it was a gift,but as i said before,my sdr is the first and last ktm. i know its boring,but the jap bikes are the best bet all round.they just need to spice them up abit.excluding the h2 models obviously.
Nice review thanks. Really like the look of it (with the optional front mudguard), but I'm just not sure KTM has the reliability for this system yet, sadly.
Sadly I agree with you. Not sure if they ever will. They seem quite happy with what they’re doing atm. Which unfortunately isn’t up to par of the other brands out there.
I don't understand the comments about KTM reliability. I have a 19 790 Duke, 18000 miles, zero issues, 21 890 Adventure 17000 miles, zero issues. I had a 390 Duke, 11000 miles, zero issues. Also have dirt bikes, 250 xcf, 170 hrs , 350 xcfw 160 hrs, 300 xcw 150 hrs, all extreme reliability. In my opinion, KTM builds high quality machines with amazing metallurgy.@@DSR1YT
@kevinfarmer7896 and that’s your own perspective and experience. I bought a brand new KTM GT and within 50 miles from the dealer the engine light came on. After 6 months and multiple attempts at 2 different dealers trying to fix it. I finally managed to hand it back. KTM didn’t want to deal with the situation and luckily I handed it back via my finance company. All documented on my GT videos on the channel. I’ve also had electronic gremlins pop up on my KTM exc 250. Zoe had condensation issues with her tft screen on her brand new KTM duke 390. Peoples opinions are based on their experiences. And mine have not been good with KTM bikes, their build quality or KTMs customer service post sale.
@kevinfarmer7896 Kevin, as you've got the 890 platform, and this is an option I am looking at for future trade up, I am delighted to see you haven't had any issues with. Thank you for your reply. (I am thinking more Husqvarna Norden 901 now though, so it will have the same engine, but I just like the look of it more).
Ive owned the 690SMC, for my size and weight I hated it, got rid of it after only 6 months. the 1290 SAS is a good bike, but its big and cumbersome, this SMT fits nicely in the large gap between these two bikes IMO.
Im thinking of trading my 890 Duke for this. Im going to do a test ride next week. Im curious but I think I will buy it haha. Bit less power but if I see this going in the video still plenty of it. Coming from a naked this is probably more wind protection still.
Gr8 vid mate 🔥 I'm new to Bikes but as a Teenager always loved the DT125R, so 30 yrars l8r I've boughtt a WR135X which i love and at 6'6 it's not too small. But after my Test have been considering another SuperMoto in this range. KTM bike would be wicked but im hearing the same theme of them being a bit unreliable & expensive so unsure now.. Might have to Fallback to the Tenere 700 - Another dream bike at 18. Love the sport Bikes for their brutal power but i really don't think I'd fit on any comfortably for a long ride, hence me leaning towards the Adventure Bikes. Any other suggestions would be appreciated- Cheers.
Man 6’6, you’re going to struggle with any sports bike. As you’ve said. Your best bet is going to be naked or the adventure style bikes just purely down to their more natural riding position. I’ve personally had issues with KTM. Plenty of videos on my channel about my broken GT. Tenere is a decent bike and plenty of aftermarket adjustments can be made with it to help with your height. Happy hunting. 🤙
I'd rather get a Norden 901 for touring duty. At least Husky gives you the essential tech stuff without making you pay extra for it. The only thing they lock out is the explore package (which KTM also locks out on their 890s), which if you're not doing much hard off road anyway, is unnecessary.
It probably to do with the fact they can say their price is low-ish at £12,500 and then you forget about the extra £2/3k you chucked on in extras. Id love a go on the Norden 901, looks like a fun bike to ride.
@@DSR1YT I'm in Canada and here the Norden is priced the same as the KTM 890 bikes, so the tech pack is being given away by Husky here pretty much free.
KTM really don't do themselves any favours with this demo mode thing do they? Looking at a new SDR which have dropped to 14k with tech pack AND four years warranty. Obviously they are starting to understand they are getting a bad reputation.
Either that or they are getting ready for the drop of a new line of SDR 🤷🏻♂️😁. Giving you all the bells and whistles to then just take it away is just mean 🤣
You’re right. This was a review. Not a test. I don’t ride in the red of the rev range and drag my knee on every corner. Sometimes there will be stints of normal riding. I’m sure there are videos of people taking this bike on track if you want to see a test video.
I was looking at getting one of these to tour on. £14K plus tech pack is just too much. Limp mode does my head in with KTM for an exhaust valve. tech pack thing is a rip off.
I’ve know doubt there’s some lovely roads around there. But annoyingly I didn’t find any on my travels. Maybe next time 😁. Unless you’ve got some suggestions nearish the triumph dealership there?
Not only do they lo e to take more money out you. When it comes to taking responsibility for the shite build quality of the engine and seals and leaks etc. Yet are super slow in fixing stuff.... Terrible customer service.
Most of us really want a bike that does 2 things. 1st we want the after-work crazy one-hour drive around a few twisties, and 2nd 1-2 times a year a little tour if possible.
so, that's what this bike combines perfectly, as one of the very few in the world.
wanna cut twisties? take it.
want to go touring, change the windshield (in 2 minutes) and you're good to go.
i love it. I have 5 Bikes in the Garage, the SMT is going to replace my GSX1250FA and my 690KTMDuke. It combines them perfectly and it makes so much fun to ride.
Would you say its cheaper to replace parts and plastics if you drop it?
Compared to a sport bike type
You put a bigger screen and tune the suspension softer and its an epic tourer.
Sadly they won’t let me do that to their demo bike 🤣
You say that you can't tour on this bike and KTM has got it wrong, I refer you to MC News Australia who took one on a 3,500 km tour around Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, the bike had the taller touring screen on and it also came with the matching hard luggage, it's a bike that KTM has brought out in the past, 990 SMT and was ktms version of the original multistrada that also had 17 inch wheels, going back to the 890 SMT, it's a bike that's been designed to have some fun on and tour and when you're on tour on the twisties you can have some fun...
Would you say its cheaper to replace parts and plastics if you drop it?
Compared to a sport bike type
Finally! Someone who is a big guy like me on the bike I’m gonna buy..6’ 245 lbs here so spot on..thanks for this review!
You’re welcome mate. Nice to hear from fellow sized riders. Rather than the skinny patrol telling me to lose weight. Always super helpful when commenting on a bike review video 🤣🤙
'A big, comfortable, mess-around bike' sums this up perfectly.
Great review as ever - and what a great bike - but no tourer!
I don't know what's happened to KTN's marketing of late; as a former KTM dealer it saddens me to see features turned off after a few months; that's coercing people to buy extras rather than encouraging them.
But still, I can think of few bikes I'd rather ride for doing 200-mile day-rides on twisty, rough tarmac 👍
Thanks Steve. Yeah any long distance required this probably won’t be it. But if you live near the twisties then you are laughing.
Money making scheme as with anything nowadays sadly
@@DSR1YT You guys are saying this isnt a tourer just because it doesnt have a higher windshield? Or is there any other feeling to it like comfortble suspensions?
Good review, I had a go on this for an hour at a recent KTM open day at Fowlers Bristol and was impressed. With regard to KTM reliability issues I think the jury is definitely out on them 😮
Thanks SM, I wish KTM would sort their act out as I like some of their bikes, but until their issues are ironed out I sadly won't be back until then.
I’ve got a 2019 Duke 390, 5k ridden with no issues so far. I want to upgrade to a Duke 890r, but after your experience with the GT it’s a lottery. PCP seems the best bet, it was good your finance company sorted out the issue. It’s a shame KTM customer service and support are that bad as they do make fun bikes.
I test rode one last week. Im getting it for country roads/touring
Is it a good cyprus bike?
Mate this would be awesome for the mountain passes. and then a little off road down the dirt roads as well :) My only question would be the customer service reliability out there, think the only store is in Limassol. As you know I struggled here in the UK with mine, let alone somewhere like out there. 🤙
Limassol isn't far from epi.
How do you mean service reliability? Just the normal service intervals?
@zachmyers7721 you going epi side this time?
KTM don’t have a great reputation for reliability. And if something goes wrong what ma the service like from KTM Cyprus. Parts etc?
Yeah epi. Prob shite lol fair point
I am buying one to tour for sure. I have a 790 Duke now and tour on it, so this will be a major upgrade for that.
You sir are a braver man than me. Enjoy it when you get one.
Hi thank you for the video it sums well what this bike is in general terms. My problem with KTM is the reliability on the electronics side of their bikes and the technical preparation of their dealership net work. They fall very short on this two aspects. The engines and overall chassis wise matters are superbly engineered but if you have a software trouble with the bike you have a problem that regularly will melt your confidence in the bike and so on, and so on. My relationship with KTM bikes nowadays is like that:- I like to see them on the streets or on the track, I don’t mind to ride them for a while, as they are really pleasant bikes to ride, but I can’t and I will not buy one. Nice video though ✌️✌️
You don't need to tell me Fernando. Ive had my fair share of broken KTMs. They just need to sort a few things out and KTM would be back on the blocks for top bikes.
Ktm are more reliable then Ducati🔥🤩
@helgejohan3604 I’ve had more KTMs break on me than ducatis 😁
@@DSR1YT i had Superduke 990 most reliable bike i have 3 years 30000 miles when i sold it only oil change✊🔥the most unrelable bike i had was Buell M2😩
@@helgejohan3604or BMW
Nice review matt.i dont think people should be too worried about the touring part of the name,its a supermoto,and you could tour about if you wanted to.and like you say,you can tour on anything if you want!
dont like the demo mode either,but lets not pretend ktm are the only manufacturer that have optional extras.ktm just push them harder imo.the sdr is reduced with a longer warranty because theres a 1390 sdr on the horizon.just getting rid of old stock,the new sdr wont be 14k!
i wouldnt mind the smt for commuting and flitting about,the sdr is hard work sometimes!😂
That’s it mate. This is an easy bike to ride but you can still have plenty of fun on it. SDR is a beast and can be tiresome to ride 😁.
Bmw are doing the same with their current stock of 1250s. Pcp is like £199 a month. £2k off the list price and a great warranty package. All getting ready for the 1300 coming soon.
@@DSR1YT i would have one if it was a gift,but as i said before,my sdr is the first and last ktm.
i know its boring,but the jap bikes are the best bet all round.they just need to spice them up abit.excluding the h2 models obviously.
@@DSR1YTyou got your catchphrase round the wrong way in this video mate.
My catchphrase?
Nice review thanks. Really like the look of it (with the optional front mudguard), but I'm just not sure KTM has the reliability for this system yet, sadly.
Sadly I agree with you. Not sure if they ever will. They seem quite happy with what they’re doing atm. Which unfortunately isn’t up to par of the other brands out there.
I don't understand the comments about KTM reliability. I have a 19 790 Duke, 18000 miles, zero issues, 21 890 Adventure 17000 miles, zero issues. I had a 390 Duke, 11000 miles, zero issues. Also have dirt bikes, 250 xcf, 170 hrs , 350 xcfw 160 hrs, 300 xcw 150 hrs, all extreme reliability. In my opinion, KTM builds high quality machines with amazing metallurgy.@@DSR1YT
@kevinfarmer7896 and that’s your own perspective and experience. I bought a brand new KTM GT and within 50 miles from the dealer the engine light came on. After 6 months and multiple attempts at 2 different dealers trying to fix it. I finally managed to hand it back. KTM didn’t want to deal with the situation and luckily I handed it back via my finance company. All documented on my GT videos on the channel.
I’ve also had electronic gremlins pop up on my KTM exc 250.
Zoe had condensation issues with her tft screen on her brand new KTM duke 390.
Peoples opinions are based on their experiences. And mine have not been good with KTM bikes, their build quality or KTMs customer service post sale.
My KTM experiences have been fabulous. Top treatment by dealer, great products.
@kevinfarmer7896 Kevin, as you've got the 890 platform, and this is an option I am looking at for future trade up, I am delighted to see you haven't had any issues with. Thank you for your reply. (I am thinking more Husqvarna Norden 901 now though, so it will have the same engine, but I just like the look of it more).
I can't believe it doesn't have Brembo's like my 690 has, and not even a hydraulic clutch! What would be their reasoning for this?
Probably a cost saving exercise 🤷🏻♂️
Nice, real world review. Most appreciated !
Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed the video 🤙
If you change the windscreen, its a great tourer.
and a new seat for me and my delicate backside :P
The real question is, Why do you get this bike over KTM 1290SAS? Or KTM690SMCR? - What do you think?
Ive owned the 690SMC, for my size and weight I hated it, got rid of it after only 6 months. the 1290 SAS is a good bike, but its big and cumbersome, this SMT fits nicely in the large gap between these two bikes IMO.
How much is its price? See if I can buy it
£12,500
Im thinking of trading my 890 Duke for this. Im going to do a test ride next week. Im curious but I think I will buy it haha. Bit less power but if I see this going in the video still plenty of it. Coming from a naked this is probably more wind protection still.
Gr8 vid mate 🔥 I'm new to Bikes but as a Teenager always loved the DT125R, so 30 yrars l8r I've boughtt a WR135X which i love and at 6'6 it's not too small. But after my Test have been considering another SuperMoto in this range. KTM bike would be wicked but im hearing the same theme of them being a bit unreliable & expensive so unsure now.. Might have to Fallback to the Tenere 700 - Another dream bike at 18. Love the sport Bikes for their brutal power but i really don't think I'd fit on any comfortably for a long ride, hence me leaning towards the Adventure Bikes. Any other suggestions would be appreciated- Cheers.
Man 6’6, you’re going to struggle with any sports bike. As you’ve said. Your best bet is going to be naked or the adventure style bikes just purely down to their more natural riding position.
I’ve personally had issues with KTM. Plenty of videos on my channel about my broken GT.
Tenere is a decent bike and plenty of aftermarket adjustments can be made with it to help with your height.
Happy hunting. 🤙
@@DSR1YT Cheers mate, I'll check those KTM ones out. I'll let you know what I decide on - won't be for a bit tho 😎
VOTE 🗳 ORANGE 🍊
I like it for the fun aspect. But if wanted to tour I’d go GT plus.
Great choice with the GT +.
I'd rather get a Norden 901 for touring duty. At least Husky gives you the essential tech stuff without making you pay extra for it. The only thing they lock out is the explore package (which KTM also locks out on their 890s), which if you're not doing much hard off road anyway, is unnecessary.
It probably to do with the fact they can say their price is low-ish at £12,500 and then you forget about the extra £2/3k you chucked on in extras. Id love a go on the Norden 901, looks like a fun bike to ride.
@@DSR1YT I'm in Canada and here the Norden is priced the same as the KTM 890 bikes, so the tech pack is being given away by Husky here pretty much free.
Nice, but not really a touring bike, also costs the same as a run-out Gen 3 1290 SDR, and way more than the Duke 890R, in Oz anyway.
Not quite sure why KTM have put it in this category seeming so many people agree this isn't really for touring.
KTM really don't do themselves any favours with this demo mode thing do they? Looking at a new SDR which have dropped to 14k with tech pack AND four years warranty. Obviously they are starting to understand they are getting a bad reputation.
Either that or they are getting ready for the drop of a new line of SDR 🤷🏻♂️😁.
Giving you all the bells and whistles to then just take it away is just mean 🤣
have you ridden the original 990 smt? if so how does it compare? i cant realy justify the price difference.
also what gloves are those?
@sverremoe4087 I think they are rst stunt 3 gloves. Under £40 🤙
Better touring bike then duke 890r ✊🔥
Haha yeah. You’re right there mate. 🤙
This is not a test. You drove around 40, straight, not once in the revs, and highway. This is an SMT for cornering and having fun.
You’re right. This was a review. Not a test. I don’t ride in the red of the rev range and drag my knee on every corner. Sometimes there will be stints of normal riding. I’m sure there are videos of people taking this bike on track if you want to see a test video.
I was looking at getting one of these to tour on. £14K plus tech pack is just too much. Limp mode does my head in with KTM for an exhaust valve. tech pack thing is a rip off.
Plenty other better bikes out there to tour on. This will be awesome for Sunday fun 😁🤙
Do it all bike✊🔥
just needs a bigger screen :)
2 videos from gods country, oxford
I’ve know doubt there’s some lovely roads around there. But annoyingly I didn’t find any on my travels. Maybe next time 😁. Unless you’ve got some suggestions nearish the triumph dealership there?
Not only do they lo e to take more money out you. When it comes to taking responsibility for the shite build quality of the engine and seals and leaks etc.
Yet are super slow in fixing stuff....
Terrible customer service.
Don’t tell everyone KTMs secret mate :)