I have had BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki. But must admit I am a KTM kinda guy now, and don't see that changing anytime soon. - Both on road and offroad, heck if they made a KTM car like the 5-Series, I would switch out my car :D Amazing development KTM has been through the last 15 years.
Saubere Linie!! Schön zu sehen das es doch noch Leute gibt die nicht die ganze Zeit Kurven schneidend im Gegenverkehr rumlungern. Bei Deinem Video kann man sich genussvoll zurück lehnend die Kurven und den Sound genießen. Herrlich!
Somehow had my play speed at 1.5 and I thought you had lost your mind! 🤣 Excellent video, as always, and love that exhaust sound! From a slip on!? Wow!
Its surprising how happy the engine sounds post 7k, inspite of it being a big parallel twin unit. And the snorting in the overrun is ABSOLUTELY worth the money!
To me, supermotos are amazing, not just because of wheelies, but because of their lightweight construction combined with a high power-to-weight ratio. Ability to attack any obstacle on road without worry thanks to long travel suspension and flexible spoke wheels. The single-cylinder engines (big bang firing order) provide excellent traction on corners, and they also takes less or no damage in accidents and falls. I particularly enjoy the motocross-like seat and riding position, as they give you a lot more confidence once you get used to them. Actually, this motorcycle hardly has any of these features. So why is it marketed as "supermoto touring"? This motorcycle is actually more in line with the Yamaha Tracer or Multistrada, which are considered sport touring bikes. Thanks for the review!
You're totally right, about 10 years ago KTM had 2 different models with the 990 cc LC8 engine, the 990 SM T (supermoto touring, which looked like 990 adventure but with road wheels) and the 990 Supermoto R, a competition for the ducati hypermotard 1100 (air cooled). So now the 990 SMT is clearly the continuation, not a 890 CC SMC-R (which I was hoping for).
@@Icem4n84 Not in some european countries. I can only speak for Germany, but lots of mainly younger people drive supermotos here. But yeah, sadly from a worldwide perspective supermotos are not very popular. And thus only very few manufacturers got supermotos in their lineup.
@@klstrucker930419 Except the 990 SMT (I had one, btw) was built on the SM base (the SMR was also built on the SM base). And there was no competition whatsoever between a SMR and a Ducati HM. The SMR was better in every single way (even the looks, if you ask me).
Thanks to your video I booked a test ride. And bought it. Its amazing. Got the Remus on it and slightly bigger windscreen. Cant wait to to go ride the corners and tour with it.
How can be it compared to suzuki gsx 1000 gt? In scope of fun, twisties and riding with a pillion? What are the best mltorcycles which are fun, good for twisties and riding with a pillion?
its almost sounds like their thumpers! Best parallel twin ive heard honestly... Hows the clearence and suspension? its the first time ive considered a bike above 350 lbs... idk tho 456 lbs seems pretty steep.. if they could get it to 420 or below Id be more interested
Hi Shaaf As usual, I watched your essay with interest, as I think you are impartial. I have had for two years and 15000 kms a duke 890 R. What a surprise when I discovered this model...well PERSONALLY I find it a kind of visual Frankenstein of what KTM is currently doing, and in bad taste to boot...an 890 adventure in a nutshell... What's worse is that I've seen and read former rider-journalists describe it as the new benchmark for KTM, a kind of master stallion... Well yes, logically, it's heavier, more expensive and less powerful than an 890R, but with identical torque... and that's not even mentioning the front brake! Come on, I don't mind the suspension travel, but I think it's been revised, given that it's a... "trail roadster gt frankenstein"... I didn't need ktm communication's highly efficient service to equip my 890R with suitcases (ktm power parts, by the way) and ride it with my wife in decent comfort... for much less money, and more fun... So much for marketing... And you, Shaaf, having tested the 890R, and having shared your analysis of this test at the time, what do you think of the positioning and weight/price/power/equipment package of this umpteenth Austrian model...? 😉✌️
I would definitely not like to live with the R as traveler. Way too hard. That's why I'm so enthusiastic about the SMT. But value/money wise KTMs suck. Too expensive.
Hey Schaaf, war heute auf dem Event von SW Motech und bin die 8s Probe gefahren, nachdem ich dein positives Review gesehen habe. Kann deine Eindrücke nur bestätigen, habe mich auf der Maschine sofort wohl gefühlt, das Handling ist der Wahnsinn. Danke für die Raws :)
Well, you certainly made that look a lot of fun..! Question.. do you think you could tour on it provided you sorted wind protection with a screen? I'm considering moving from a R1200RS to either a S1000XR or one of these. My local dealer has an ex demo in, some extras on it including a touring screen and some bling, the tech pack and obviously that initial depreciation is gone, it's done 500 miles.. i want something thats going to be a lot of fun with a lot of noise.. but comfy for long tours.
A bit late to the party, but I just came back from a tour from Austria with my Multistrada 950 S. I'm not the tallest person, so even with the low seat, I sometimes don't feel that secure and pushing it around is always a chore. Also in the twisty stuff, it needs a bit of work throwing it around. And I have to feather the clutch in tight hairpins in first gear to smooth out the throttle. In the faster and more flowing stuff it's great though. Still, I'm thinking about maybe getting something lighter. Since you know the Multi very well, how would you say the handling of the two compares?
Die SMT ist deutlich leichter und so fühlt sie sich an. Dafür hat die Ducati das wesentlich bessere Fahrwerk und auch den besseren Windschutz. Aber die SMT ist definitiv schneller
@@Schaaf danke für die Rückmeldung. Ist das Fahrwerk so viel schlechter? Muss langsam nach einem Nachfolger für meine Multi 1200 S schauen. Weniger Leistung kein Thema, dann aber auch leichter. Das trifft auf die V2S nur bedingt zu. Bin gespannt ob ich bei der SMT das elektronische Fahrwerk vermissen würde.
I wanna see a 990 SMT & 890 SMT going at on the track or in the twisties that would be good comparison/competition between old & new but that’s like 140hp vs 100-120hp
The peak power difference isn't that big (it's about 5bhp) and the 890 actually has a better spread - surprising given the smaller capacity. But (the really amazing bit) in adventure bike tune the 890 engine has about 30% better fuel consumption than the Duke tuned 890 and the old 990!
I agree with you about the windscreen protection, for a sport tourer as KTM stated, it is quite hideous although most riders will look forward to a 3rd party one. Despite the amazing performance and thinking from KTM, its reliability is still a big question. My neighbor rides a 2020 790 Duke just only from home to workplace with a real relaxing pace. But still having minor issue related to electrical and fuel floats - just like any KTM.
The 'just like any KTM' is too much. Funny how many people will say sh*t about KTM without having one. I had three in a row : an SMT (first gen, 2011), a 2017 1290 SAS and a 2021 SAS. Here is a list of the problems I had : the SMT dashboard had problems dealing with humidity. My first SAS stopped twice (at a stop sign) in three years, but started again no problem. And I had warnings on both the SAS about the preload electric adjustment (just once on the actual SAS). Most of the time, electrical problems can be related to a battery that is too low. And that's it. I'm speaking about an eight years period. I'm sorry for people who have problems, but some people have no reliability issue. Now let's talk about how Ducati had to change the entire engine on an entire batch of multi V4. Let's talk about the BMW transmissions. Let's talk about how the modern Triumph deal with electrical gremlins.
@@fabiena1787You are overconfident about "how many people will say shit about KTM without having one". =))) I live in Vietnam and currently have a 2016 390 Duke and a 2019 200 Duke for daily commuting and I can confirm with you about the reliability issue on some components of the bike. But I agree with you about the dashboard problem with humidity. Some older KTMs are known for this issue and the newer ones are no longer known for those problems anymore. I admit the KTM engines are sure reliable but some stock components on the bike are not. Thanks so much for the insight. Cheers mate!
And I do agree about Triumph and BMW problems. In Vietnam, the most well known problem on Triumph Speed Triples are the coolant leak and overheat. And now the dealer cannot do anything to fix it although the solution is easy: ECU remap. :D
hello schaff, as always great video! I wanted to ask you how did you find the suspension setting and if you could make it more sporty by adjusting it, and if the brakes seemed good to you? 100 hp seems a bit low on paper but trying it, how did they seem to you? for travel as a couple? thank you very much and congratulations again for your work fb
Even two up the power is still plenty to kill yourself riding too fast but at the same time personally I prefer REALLY powerful bikes for passenger rides. Because my girlfriend likes to go fast with me.
I am an owner of KTM SMT 990 and yesterday i drove the new SMT 890 i have to tell that it is the only new KTM that it drives like the old. Now about the look i would like not to have the front wing but a lower at the wheel like the old SMT. Despite that i belive its badass look.
Hey! The quality of the sound was one of the best I've heard. Do you still use that method to record your audio that you linked below? Or you have a better placement for the microphone? Thanks
Hmm, something must be clouding my vision everytime i watch Schaaf videos. It’s right around the dash, where the speedo shoild be located. I must get it checked out
Finally the bike review i was waiting for 😎 Nice test and great review mr Schaaf In the end, this power plant is just a CB500 (god bless her 😁) with an austrian touch….just joking. Cheers from France 🍻
Hey Scharf sometime soon im looking to upgrade to a bigger touring bike. Im thinking of the versys 1000. African twin, gs 1250 or anything else up there, and youve recently tried all those out. What would you recommend of them and why?
In its adventure bike tune the KTM 890 is one of the best real world engines ever - power from tickover to the red-line (and quicker than the bhp figures suggest) with remarkable fuel economy to boot. The Duke tune releases a few more ponies but at the cost of a stuttery low down response and a 30% increase in fuel consumption. The 890 is as fast as the old 990 but much better behaved and vastly superior fuel consumption.
@@Schaaf Although I have a 1290 - two riding buddies have 890s which I have ridden quite often - so far they've been 100% reliable - surprisingly! And the engine oil has stayed in the engine! Even my thrashed mercilessly 1290 SAR has been totally problem free - so far...
Yours videos are the best in tube! Great bike! I have the oldest Smt. The roads in yours videos are always so nice. What area of Austria Is It and what roads do you reccomend? I'm near, from Friuli.
This is a common thing with all these 'adventure' or adventure styled bikes...they ALLL have wind buffeting and turbulence...my 1290 superduke NEVER had issues with that...I always had clean smooth air, no noise or turbulence....that is the strength of the naked bikes, sport bike like performance with good comfort and no aerodynamic problems.
Hört sich das beim Beschleunigen nur so an, oder spürt man die Zugeknöpftheit wegen Euro 5(?) bei 5000, 6000 und dann ab 7000 auch nochmal? Es mag täuschen, aber irgendwie kommts mir so vor als würd sie sich immer über die vollen 1000 Umdrehungen drüberretten und dann schrittweise besser ziehn.
@@Schaaf ok strange, dass das nicht zu spüren ist. hab grad vor 2 tagen ein paar Dynocharts gesehen und da merkt man, dass der 890er motor bei 4500 und dann bei 5500 ca. auch nochmal einen starken dip bei der leistungsentwicklung hat. mir kommt vor ich sah das im video, aber klar wenn man selbst fährt und sich aufs fahren konzentriert merkt mans vermutlich ned so ;) PS: Gilt übrigens auch für die 1290/1390 Duke neueren Baujahrs. Da ist der Effekt noch ausgeprägter. Ich schreibs mal den "Euro-Maßnahmen" zu.
Had the opportunity to test it myself and I had a blast! Not sure if I am a fan of the short windscreen but at least they got rid of the crapy mirrors! Seat felt really good. I'm a street-only rider (for now), so I would go all in touring on this bike - full front fender and a high screen.
As always an incredible riding video filled with the beautiful sounds of the engine. I would like to throw a leg over the SMT. I've been looking more into the touring segment lately since my super duke is my main fun bike and commuter. Now with the SMT I can't wait to take a spin. It seems like the perfect mix of refinement and hooliganism all in one tidy touring package
Literally the same here. I have a 1290SDR that i mainly use to commute to work, not even for fun anymore. It feels a bit to much for the streets and it’s a bit of an overkill for twisty roads. My dealer gave me the chance to take their demo the 890 SMT for the weekend, I though I would just take it for a small ride to try it, ended up riding it both day and and almost 400km in some very twisty roads close from home and honestly I loved it. Reminded me a lot to my old 690 SMC, but with more power. The only problem I see with it are the looks of it, specially coming from the 1290… it just ain’t pretty. Also, to get this sound I think you need to go de-cat, because the one I tried had the akra and didn’t sound even close… I’m also afraid they might release an 890 SMR, which would be perfect for me as I really don’t use it for touring
@@janalcon13 yeah I dob't really do high milage touring like what this bike is mainly geared for. The 890 SMC (which i also feel is coming) would be more of my speed for sure.
Ich bin immer noch irgendwie pissed, dass sie nicht den Motor der Duke R bekommen hat und weniger Leistung als die alte 990SMT hat. Wie siehst du das mit der Leistung?
don't know about all of them but I got a loaner KTM 790 (the chinese one :) ) with 511 kms on board, so brand new. Quick shifting from 4th to 5th would have 50% success rate and the rest were false neutrals. I only did about 200 kms on it, as I got it while my bike was at the dealer for the MOT. Other than that, the bike was fun, and on some gravel roads it was very good, judging with my limited "off road" experience. Another thing that really annoyed me was the proximity of the exhaust to my right leg, I was sweating in my boot after 20 minutes and I don't think there's anything that can be done about that.
I have recently test ridden SMT and clutch switch was already broken. But i had the same issue with my 2020 890R. I had also broken brake switch and coolant leak. All covered by warranty. For now, everything is fixed and i have 21 000km, after this season probably 30k. In any case, i can prolong warranty.
Its a good machine, KTM's usually are, but the 990 is everything this bike is minus all those drawbacks.. except for the horrid fuel consumption. Dont know if youve ridden a 990 smt before, but you should definitely try it if you get a chance.
@@Motovibes91this is true, I worked at a Ktm dealership here in the states for 4 1/2 years, the KTM’s need to be updated like phones and taken to the dealership more often than you should… this is why I bought a 06’ 950 SM (carbureted) it was easy to own just oil changes and valve checks every 7500 miles etc, but KTM’s handle the best on twisty roads (all of them)
I have a Husky 701 with the road legal (EURO5) arrow exhaust and it sounds the absolute business. It's a bit less deep than the decat version but still, very impressed. KTM does sounds right :P
The Duke is less comfortable, more focused (as you'd expect) and guzzles fuel compared to the ADV tune of the same engine. A 25-30% increase in fuel consumption for a 15bhp increase in power isn't a good trade IMHO!
![The SCREAM of 15.000 rpm - Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR exhaust sound [RAW Onboard]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fmwA0lTCXAY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Honda NT1100 QUICKSHIFTER sound [RAW Onboard - Gran Canaria motorcycle]](/img/n.gif)
I swear KTM is the only manufacturer constantly making cool new bikes. Go KTM.
Thanks
I have had BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki. But must admit I am a KTM kinda guy now, and don't see that changing anytime soon. - Both on road and offroad, heck if they made a KTM car like the 5-Series, I would switch out my car :D Amazing development KTM has been through the last 15 years.
Saubere Linie!! Schön zu sehen das es doch noch Leute gibt die nicht die ganze Zeit Kurven schneidend im Gegenverkehr rumlungern. Bei Deinem Video kann man sich genussvoll zurück lehnend die Kurven und den Sound genießen. Herrlich!
Ich dank dir!
Somehow had my play speed at 1.5 and I thought you had lost your mind! 🤣
Excellent video, as always, and love that exhaust sound! From a slip on!? Wow!
hahaha WARP SPEED engaged!
playing at 1x speed that telling myself this is f'ing crazy :P
I just tried it, it's weird how to sound seems normal
Its surprising how happy the engine sounds post 7k, inspite of it being a big parallel twin unit. And the snorting in the overrun is ABSOLUTELY worth the money!
It pulls all the way to the top
That's a perfect sound... just enough feedback without being obnoxious ❤
Thanks
To me, supermotos are amazing, not just because of wheelies, but because of their lightweight construction combined with a high power-to-weight ratio. Ability to attack any obstacle on road without worry thanks to long travel suspension and flexible spoke wheels. The single-cylinder engines (big bang firing order) provide excellent traction on corners, and they also takes less or no damage in accidents and falls. I particularly enjoy the motocross-like seat and riding position, as they give you a lot more confidence once you get used to them.
Actually, this motorcycle hardly has any of these features. So why is it marketed as "supermoto touring"? This motorcycle is actually more in line with the Yamaha Tracer or Multistrada, which are considered sport touring bikes. Thanks for the review!
You're totally right, about 10 years ago KTM had 2 different models with the 990 cc LC8 engine, the 990 SM T (supermoto touring, which looked like 990 adventure but with road wheels) and the 990 Supermoto R, a competition for the ducati hypermotard 1100 (air cooled). So now the 990 SMT is clearly the continuation, not a 890 CC SMC-R (which I was hoping for).
Supermoto is criminally underrated in the motorcycling community. I love them!
@@Icem4n84 Not in some european countries. I can only speak for Germany, but lots of mainly younger people drive supermotos here. But yeah, sadly from a worldwide perspective supermotos are not very popular. And thus only very few manufacturers got supermotos in their lineup.
@@todo4628
I'm in the UK, we have a few but not many.
@@klstrucker930419 Except the 990 SMT (I had one, btw) was built on the SM base (the SMR was also built on the SM base). And there was no competition whatsoever between a SMR and a Ducati HM. The SMR was better in every single way (even the looks, if you ask me).
You should have been @ the KTM launch! Waiting for my delivery 🏍️ ❤️
I don't think KTM likes to invite people who publicly address their reliability issues ;)
@@Schaaf I will keep you updated 🤞🏻
@@Schaaf right on bro!!! I would love one a supermoto type bike but the feedback from mechanics in the Las Vegas area say don’t it.
Getting mine in brand new in less than two days. Can't wait. Ordered it with the Remus exhaust 👍
Good choice!
I have test ridden SMT just yesterday, i enjoyed it, also 2023 Adventure 890, to be honest i liked it even more because of its versatility !
makes sense!!
Thanks to your video I booked a test ride. And bought it. Its amazing. Got the Remus on it and slightly bigger windscreen. Cant wait to to go ride the corners and tour with it.
Are you enjoying it? Any quality problems?
@@fearhand12 Eey, yes really enjoying it if you want a bike capable of touring but also being fast. Its great.
Nice skills ! Beautiful places and of course KTM FOREVER
Well done , a great real world review. I had a 990 SMT and loved it.
Seriously considering one of these, a very helpful video.
Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
How can be it compared to suzuki gsx 1000 gt? In scope of fun, twisties and riding with a pillion?
What are the best mltorcycles which are fun, good for twisties and riding with a pillion?
its almost sounds like their thumpers! Best parallel twin ive heard honestly... Hows the clearence and suspension? its the first time ive considered a bike above 350 lbs... idk tho 456 lbs seems pretty steep.. if they could get it to 420 or below Id be more interested
Hi Shaaf
As usual, I watched your essay with interest, as I think you are impartial.
I have had for two years and 15000 kms a duke 890 R.
What a surprise when I discovered this model...well PERSONALLY I find it a kind of visual Frankenstein of what KTM is currently doing, and in bad taste to boot...an 890 adventure in a nutshell...
What's worse is that I've seen and read former rider-journalists describe it as the new benchmark for KTM, a kind of master stallion... Well yes, logically, it's heavier, more expensive and less powerful than an 890R, but with identical torque... and that's not even mentioning the front brake!
Come on, I don't mind the suspension travel, but I think it's been revised, given that it's a... "trail roadster gt frankenstein"...
I didn't need ktm communication's highly efficient service to equip my 890R with suitcases (ktm power parts, by the way) and ride it with my wife in decent comfort... for much less money, and more fun...
So much for marketing...
And you, Shaaf, having tested the 890R, and having shared your analysis of this test at the time, what do you think of the positioning and weight/price/power/equipment package of this umpteenth Austrian model...?
😉✌️
I would definitely not like to live with the R as traveler. Way too hard. That's why I'm so enthusiastic about the SMT. But value/money wise KTMs suck. Too expensive.
Sounds sweet! Especially off throttle. Good review.
It does!
Hi Schaaf, thank you for the great video's! How does it compare to the Tracer 9 GT? What would be you're pick and why? Thanks in advance!!
I'd take the Tracer for extensive touring and the SMT for shorter weekend trips. After all it's not very comfortable. Just comfortable enough.
Hey Schaaf, war heute auf dem Event von SW Motech und bin die 8s Probe gefahren, nachdem ich dein positives Review gesehen habe. Kann deine Eindrücke nur bestätigen, habe mich auf der Maschine sofort wohl gefühlt, das Handling ist der Wahnsinn. Danke für die Raws :)
Freut mich sehr!!
Well, you certainly made that look a lot of fun..!
Question.. do you think you could tour on it provided you sorted wind protection with a screen?
I'm considering moving from a R1200RS to either a S1000XR or one of these. My local dealer has an ex demo in, some extras on it including a touring screen and some bling, the tech pack and obviously that initial depreciation is gone, it's done 500 miles.. i want something thats going to be a lot of fun with a lot of noise.. but comfy for long tours.
Would you prefer this ktm or BMW F900xr? Thanks
i'm the 890th like for the KTM 890. i have receipts. fire video bossman keep it up! ride safe!
Awesome! Thank you!
Hast alles rausgeholt auf denn Straßen tolles bike! Lg.
A bit late to the party, but I just came back from a tour from Austria with my Multistrada 950 S. I'm not the tallest person, so even with the low seat, I sometimes don't feel that secure and pushing it around is always a chore. Also in the twisty stuff, it needs a bit of work throwing it around. And I have to feather the clutch in tight hairpins in first gear to smooth out the throttle. In the faster and more flowing stuff it's great though. Still, I'm thinking about maybe getting something lighter. Since you know the Multi very well, how would you say the handling of the two compares?
Omg this sounds phenomenal
Thanks
Is it just the Remus slip on? Or full decat system?
Was there a mid pipe cat delete on this bike? I hear it really helps with heat management~ thank you!
Top Video! Klang passt echt gut. Wie würdest du die SMT im Vergleich zur Multi 950/V2S einordnen?
Die SMT ist deutlich leichter und so fühlt sie sich an. Dafür hat die Ducati das wesentlich bessere Fahrwerk und auch den besseren Windschutz. Aber die SMT ist definitiv schneller
@@Schaaf danke für die Rückmeldung. Ist das Fahrwerk so viel schlechter? Muss langsam nach einem Nachfolger für meine Multi 1200 S schauen. Weniger Leistung kein Thema, dann aber auch leichter. Das trifft auf die V2S nur bedingt zu. Bin gespannt ob ich bei der SMT das elektronische Fahrwerk vermissen würde.
I'm looking forward to trying this.
I'm tall and like the idea of the legroom ADV bikes offer, but I don't like large front wheels.
Nice!
I wanna see a 990 SMT & 890 SMT going at on the track or in the twisties that would be good comparison/competition between old & new but that’s like 140hp vs 100-120hp
yea, that would be amazing
I've got the old one, and its 'only' 116hp not 140. The new one is 105, so the difference isn't too big.
The peak power difference isn't that big (it's about 5bhp) and the 890 actually has a better spread - surprising given the smaller capacity. But (the really amazing bit) in adventure bike tune the 890 engine has about 30% better fuel consumption than the Duke tuned 890 and the old 990!
@Schaaf... KTM890 SMT or Ducati Multistrada V2S for fast cornering and touring? What is your choice and why?
Both can do that perfectly fine
Sound great, What to use mic, wind noise so less
I agree with you about the windscreen protection, for a sport tourer as KTM stated, it is quite hideous although most riders will look forward to a 3rd party one. Despite the amazing performance and thinking from KTM, its reliability is still a big question. My neighbor rides a 2020 790 Duke just only from home to workplace with a real relaxing pace. But still having minor issue related to electrical and fuel floats - just like any KTM.
The 'just like any KTM' is too much. Funny how many people will say sh*t about KTM without having one. I had three in a row : an SMT (first gen, 2011), a 2017 1290 SAS and a 2021 SAS. Here is a list of the problems I had : the SMT dashboard had problems dealing with humidity. My first SAS stopped twice (at a stop sign) in three years, but started again no problem. And I had warnings on both the SAS about the preload electric adjustment (just once on the actual SAS). Most of the time, electrical problems can be related to a battery that is too low. And that's it. I'm speaking about an eight years period. I'm sorry for people who have problems, but some people have no reliability issue. Now let's talk about how Ducati had to change the entire engine on an entire batch of multi V4. Let's talk about the BMW transmissions. Let's talk about how the modern Triumph deal with electrical gremlins.
You can use the windscreen from the adventure models though
@@fabiena1787You are overconfident about "how many people will say shit about KTM without having one". =)))
I live in Vietnam and currently have a 2016 390 Duke and a 2019 200 Duke for daily commuting and I can confirm with you about the reliability issue on some components of the bike. But I agree with you about the dashboard problem with humidity. Some older KTMs are known for this issue and the newer ones are no longer known for those problems anymore.
I admit the KTM engines are sure reliable but some stock components on the bike are not. Thanks so much for the insight. Cheers mate!
@@SchaafAgreed! ;)
And I do agree about Triumph and BMW problems. In Vietnam, the most well known problem on Triumph Speed Triples are the coolant leak and overheat. And now the dealer cannot do anything to fix it although the solution is easy: ECU remap. :D
hello schaff, as always great video! I wanted to ask you how did you find the suspension setting and if you could make it more sporty by adjusting it, and if the brakes seemed good to you?
100 hp seems a bit low on paper but trying it, how did they seem to you? for travel as a couple?
thank you very much and congratulations again for your work
fb
Even two up the power is still plenty to kill yourself riding too fast but at the same time personally I prefer REALLY powerful bikes for passenger rides. Because my girlfriend likes to go fast with me.
@@Schaafwhat is your personal bike so? I have multi v4s as you remember when I wrote you. But ... To big and heavy for me. But addicted to the v4
What a nice ride! How would you compare it to V100 Mandello engine power wise and handling wise?
Sounds like you're like me: Stuck between V100, 890 SMT, FTR, and Monster+
Nice video as always. How does it compare to KTM 790 adv in fast cornering sessions and ergonomics?
Similar ergonomics but the SMT needs less force on the bars
Not liking the design, but always like Schaaf videos. Your trick with the external audio recorder is still gold!
Glad you like them!
I am an owner of KTM SMT 990 and yesterday i drove the new SMT 890 i have to tell that it is the only new KTM that it drives like the old.
Now about the look i would like not to have the front wing but a lower at the wheel like the old SMT.
Despite that i belive its badass look.
Nice!
Man du hast vertrauen in die Reifen ^^. Runter hebeln und Vollgas aus der Kurve. Heftig
Hey! The quality of the sound was one of the best I've heard. Do you still use that method to record your audio that you linked below? Or you have a better placement for the microphone? Thanks
Still the same!
The best sound is maded by speed triple 1200 ...love it
cool
Ahem...coughs in Bandit 1200 through a black widow open pipe
I test-rode the Speed Triple yesterday, ... sounds horrible to my ears ! ... sorry for my honest opinion !!
Hallo Schaaf, danke fürs Video. Glaubst geht es sich nochmal auf einer richtig verwinkelten Strecke aus wie dem Sattel di Ochs?
Leider nein, würde dort aber definitiv noch mehr Spaß machen
Servus Schaaf, whats your point about the exhaust, does the remus sounds better to u than the akra?
I only rode the Remus
You have camera issues around 7k rpm the moto screen consistently blurs.
Great ride! How would you compare it to BMWs F900XR?
Hundred times more exciting than the XR
As it is sold as a sport-tourer, do you believe it would be a pleasant bike in duo ? Thanks
Not really
Hmm, something must be clouding my vision everytime i watch Schaaf videos. It’s right around the dash, where the speedo shoild be located. I must get it checked out
Have you lost your contacts again? ;)
Finally the bike review i was waiting for 😎 Nice test and great review mr Schaaf
In the end, this power plant is just a CB500 (god bless her 😁) with an austrian touch….just joking.
Cheers from France 🍻
tehehe CB500 on steroids ;)
Hey Scharf sometime soon im looking to upgrade to a bigger touring bike. Im thinking of the versys 1000. African twin, gs 1250 or anything else up there, and youve recently tried all those out. What would you recommend of them and why?
They all are exceptionally great touring bikes
The same Sound as a Wings without DB-Killer😮
Great video as ever, Schaaf! The Remus exhaust sounds amazing. Did vou have the opportunity to compare it with the Akra ?
Nope
I think it sounds great…under acceleration, or burbling off the throtle.
Great vid as always, thanks.
In its adventure bike tune the KTM 890 is one of the best real world engines ever - power from tickover to the red-line (and quicker than the bhp figures suggest) with remarkable fuel economy to boot. The Duke tune releases a few more ponies but at the cost of a stuttery low down response and a 30% increase in fuel consumption. The 890 is as fast as the old 990 but much better behaved and vastly superior fuel consumption.
Well said. Those engines are close to perfection as long as they don't lose oil lol
@@Schaaf Although I have a 1290 - two riding buddies have 890s which I have ridden quite often - so far they've been 100% reliable - surprisingly! And the engine oil has stayed in the engine! Even my thrashed mercilessly 1290 SAR has been totally problem free - so far...
Nice sounding bike and a weapon on the road. Hopefully it is reliable as well.
Hopefully
Cant love enough these pops & bangs 🎉❤. Nice ride dude 🫡
Appreciate it!!
Great riding and amazing road. Which country is this road?
Bit off topic but why does the 1290r do not gurgle, and pop like the 890 variants?
That is a good question
Yours videos are the best in tube! Great bike! I have the oldest Smt. The roads in yours videos are always so nice. What area of Austria Is It and what roads do you reccomend? I'm near, from Friuli.
This road ist the B26 from "Ternitz" to "Puchberg am Schneeberg"
Thanks! If you want to ride Austria's finest I recommend you to go to Mühlviertel or southern Styria
This is a common thing with all these 'adventure' or adventure styled bikes...they ALLL have wind buffeting and turbulence...my 1290 superduke NEVER had issues with that...I always had clean smooth air, no noise or turbulence....that is the strength of the naked bikes, sport bike like performance with good comfort and no aerodynamic problems.
I've ridden quite a few ADVs that don't have buffeting issues
Hört sich das beim Beschleunigen nur so an, oder spürt man die Zugeknöpftheit wegen Euro 5(?) bei 5000, 6000 und dann ab 7000 auch nochmal?
Es mag täuschen, aber irgendwie kommts mir so vor als würd sie sich immer über die vollen 1000 Umdrehungen drüberretten und dann schrittweise besser ziehn.
Also Zugeschnürtheit ist das letzte, das ich im Sattel der SMT verspüre. Der Motor ist eine Wucht, so lange er nicht auseinander fällt
@@Schaaf ok strange, dass das nicht zu spüren ist. hab grad vor 2 tagen ein paar Dynocharts gesehen und da merkt man, dass der 890er motor bei 4500 und dann bei 5500 ca. auch nochmal einen starken dip bei der leistungsentwicklung hat. mir kommt vor ich sah das im video, aber klar wenn man selbst fährt und sich aufs fahren konzentriert merkt mans vermutlich ned so ;)
PS: Gilt übrigens auch für die 1290/1390 Duke neueren Baujahrs. Da ist der Effekt noch ausgeprägter. Ich schreibs mal den "Euro-Maßnahmen" zu.
Had the opportunity to test it myself and I had a blast! Not sure if I am a fan of the short windscreen but at least they got rid of the crapy mirrors! Seat felt really good. I'm a street-only rider (for now), so I would go all in touring on this bike - full front fender and a high screen.
I fully agree
As always an incredible riding video filled with the beautiful sounds of the engine. I would like to throw a leg over the SMT. I've been looking more into the touring segment lately since my super duke is my main fun bike and commuter. Now with the SMT I can't wait to take a spin. It seems like the perfect mix of refinement and hooliganism all in one tidy touring package
Literally the same here. I have a 1290SDR that i mainly use to commute to work, not even for fun anymore. It feels a bit to much for the streets and it’s a bit of an overkill for twisty roads. My dealer gave me the chance to take their demo the 890 SMT for the weekend, I though I would just take it for a small ride to try it, ended up riding it both day and and almost 400km in some very twisty roads close from home and honestly I loved it. Reminded me a lot to my old 690 SMC, but with more power. The only problem I see with it are the looks of it, specially coming from the 1290… it just ain’t pretty. Also, to get this sound I think you need to go de-cat, because the one I tried had the akra and didn’t sound even close… I’m also afraid they might release an 890 SMR, which would be perfect for me as I really don’t use it for touring
@@janalcon13 yeah I dob't really do high milage touring like what this bike is mainly geared for. The 890 SMC (which i also feel is coming) would be more of my speed for sure.
Thanks Ethan
@@janalcon13 No way was that a de-cat, this is in Austria... Akra cans are notorious for being pretty quiet for an aftermarket, 701 for example...
Maybe I’m just a softy, but man you drive crazy fast! Take care
thanks, trying
It seems very funny, it's a weapon. And I love how it looks and sounds.
Thanks
Das Video hat mir sehr gefallen. Vielen dank 😀
Dank dir!!
Nice review, again! When is the aprilia rs660 coming?
Never th-cam.com/video/A_lVU5NGIUY/w-d-xo.html
Mit oder ohne db killer? With of.without db killer?;)😊
With
Sehr geiler Sound!
I love the sound of the 890... I imagine that Austrians must be very proud of KTM..... Austrians... the other "Aussies!"
sounds awesome, cant wait to try one......
You should!
Like always an fantastic video 👍
thanks Sven!
Great video, bike sounds awesome, looks like it handles well too.
Thanks Pete
How is Ride by Wife Option?
Is that decatted? Or just end can?
this sound is soooo nice...
thanks
stocked when i can test the new one, still would never sell my 990smt , its just the pure original , nothing beats the golden 990 LC8 for me 😁
Never sell indeed
Woa die klingt verdammt geil 🤩
Danke!
Ich bin immer noch irgendwie pissed, dass sie nicht den Motor der Duke R bekommen hat und weniger Leistung als die alte 990SMT hat.
Wie siehst du das mit der Leistung?
Guter Punkt, hat mich aber nicht gestört. Rund 100 drehmomentstarke PS find ich auf der Straße ziemlich genau richtig!! Ich hab also nix vermisst!
Wo ist diese Strecke?
Are there still huge relibaility issues with KTM's these days? Like electronics and engine issues?
With the 890 adv... yes, unfortunately they seem to be among the least reliable modern bikes.
don't know about all of them but I got a loaner KTM 790 (the chinese one :) ) with 511 kms on board, so brand new. Quick shifting from 4th to 5th would have 50% success rate and the rest were false neutrals. I only did about 200 kms on it, as I got it while my bike was at the dealer for the MOT. Other than that, the bike was fun, and on some gravel roads it was very good, judging with my limited "off road" experience. Another thing that really annoyed me was the proximity of the exhaust to my right leg, I was sweating in my boot after 20 minutes and I don't think there's anything that can be done about that.
Unfortunately yes, like Colin said, especially the 890 platform seems to be a bit tricky
I have recently test ridden SMT and clutch switch was already broken. But i had the same issue with my 2020 890R. I had also broken brake switch and coolant leak. All covered by warranty. For now, everything is fixed and i have 21 000km, after this season probably 30k. In any case, i can prolong warranty.
Yes and no - you get good ones and you get bad ones!
Hi Schaaf, could you tell me the part number of the Remus exhaust?
Unfortunately I can't since I only borrowed the bike for 30min
Geiles Eisen, bin schon kurz gefahren beim Öamtc, leider zu kurz 🙂
Ja, die macht nämlich auch auf der Langstrecke richtig Spaß!
that sound.. beautiful :-) but it's a KTM, I wouldn't have nerves for waiting, what brakes next.. :D
Me neither
Its a good machine, KTM's usually are, but the 990 is everything this bike is minus all those drawbacks.. except for the horrid fuel consumption.
Dont know if youve ridden a 990 smt before, but you should definitely try it if you get a chance.
I can't access old bikes therefore unfortunately not
This or the inline 4 sport tourers (Suzuki/Kawasaki)? Tracer 9?
I'd never trust the KTM to be reliable over a long time so I'd definitely take Japanese. In that price range I think the Versys is my favourite.
@@Schaafhow about the Ninja 1000SX?
The KTM probably handles way better but you can never trust a KTM like you trust a Yamaha / Suzuki😅
@@Motovibes91this is true, I worked at a Ktm dealership here in the states for 4 1/2 years, the KTM’s need to be updated like phones and taken to the dealership more often than you should… this is why I bought a 06’ 950 SM (carbureted) it was easy to own just oil changes and valve checks every 7500 miles etc, but KTM’s handle the best on twisty roads (all of them)
got some good skills there
Thanks
I believe KTM is really spending extra time to make every new bike look shittier than it's predecessors...
😂
Same thought mate!!
Facts
So they’re the Subaru of the motorcycle world…? Plus they’re doing the subscription model…time to ditch them to the curb
Ktm has to kinda balance it.. ugly but performance.. it's like the new m4
whose bikes are these? how do u get som nay bikes? sponsored?
I have a Husky 701 with the road legal (EURO5) arrow exhaust and it sounds the absolute business. It's a bit less deep than the decat version but still, very impressed. KTM does sounds right :P
Thanks
Der Klang ist Mega!
Danke!
As they announced it, i knew what to buy after my honda cb500f for the big license 😮
Nice!
Really nice sound!
Thank you!
Konnte das bike vor ort beim händler sehen und in Natura ein echt geiles Bike. Jetzt noch als smc (R) version und ich wûrde zuschlagen😅
Könnte durchaus eine kommen
No wonder you like it as the SMT has as many Supermoto elements as a Harley... :D
hahaha true that :D
You need to find a superduke 990 to ride. They sound amazing. love KTM
th-cam.com/video/A_lVU5NGIUY/w-d-xo.html
Can someone explain to me why sometimes the speed blur?
No idea
@@Schaaf I want to see you riding on max speed on this bike
Can someone send me please a link to the slip-on ?
it's an official KTM acessory
Hey Schaaf,
Great review, strange one though really as the screen on the tft keeps going blurry, whats that about?!😉
KTM being unreliable as usual :D
Master riding.
Thanks
DB Killer in or out in the Remus?
In
@@Schaaf Impressive sound for a muffler with a catalytic convertor and DB killer in place
This or a Multistrada 950s/V2s?
Depends
How does it ride compared to 890 Duke?
The Duke is less comfortable, more focused (as you'd expect) and guzzles fuel compared to the ADV tune of the same engine. A 25-30% increase in fuel consumption for a 15bhp increase in power isn't a good trade IMHO!
Softer