It's refreshing to see someone so good at motorcycling, particularly good at off-roading, review a non-top-of-the-line model bike. So many of these moto folk out here go to a dealer and grab the highest end model bike they can and then go for a ride. Thank you from those of us who don't always buy the most expensive motorcycle at the dealership. ;- )
@@harf4ng a year ago yes... just found the 2020 for 9,999. 13G out the door. Gonna buy it next week. Was gonna get a vstrom but this bike has sooo many more options
Cheers Brett! Great vid as always! You're the only adv channel i know who's as comprehensive in explaining things as Ryan F9. Good job! Awaiting more bike reviews on your channel teehee~
I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment. Here's why: Bret so infrequently endorses anything in such an overt manner, that that is why when he finally does stoke something, that it really counts. If he starts down that path, he'll have to do so for free or else be forever scrutinized for selling out.
Three aspects not mentioned. Both the S and R models have tubeless tyres which is a major plus point for me. The two side panels have storage that can be used for tools, tyre plugger, CO2 cartridges etc. And with an £8 smartphone app you can setup a simple navigation route with multiple waypoints and display a turn-by-turn pictogram on the TFT screen. (A happy S owner.)
Yeah, I don't get why other manufacturers (cough, Honda, cough) don't get on board with wired tubeless. A friend who has been riding on/off road for 20+ yrs, and goes through bikes like toilet paper, said to me once, "Bikes with tubes are bikes I don't want to own." I feel the same.
Testrode the t700 a few days ago and that bike doesnt have tubeless either, strange decision from yamaha, pretty boring bike to so i have turned my interest towards the ktm instead.
Norsefalconer ...my KTM 1290 is tubeless. It’s been great, but if you’re doing a lot of hard offroad it is possible to dent the rim, which makes it impossible to inflate the tyre because it’s not easy to smash those rims back enough to form a bead on a tubeless tyre. It’s never happened to me but it’s happened to a mate with an 1190R when we were doing really hard offroad. We therefore travel equipped with a ultra HD front tube, which can be used on a bent rim, but it kind of defeats the benefit of tubeless. Depends on how hard people ride and whether they want to risk being stranded...it’s not fun being stranded.
@@ronanrogers4127 You could always carry a tube as spare in case you need it. I think the initial 1190 had softer rims, I would expect the later models to have adapted.
@@ronanrogers4127 Thanks for your response, and I think it serves to reinforce the argument for tubeless. Given the requirement for very hard riding, a dented rim (to the point of not sealing) seems far more the exception than the rule, especially compared to getting a puncture. We all know that punctures are so common, they're (almost) a given on just about any ride, and it's far easier to plug-n-go than to patch or replace a tube. Plus, products like "RideOn" are far more effective in a tubeless tire. Carrying a tube for the "one-off" seriously bent rim, or cut sidewall, is very small price to pay for the convenience of tubeless. A person would be carrying tube spare(s) for tubed tires anyway, so, equal ground. I suppose a person could argue the tubes' "advantage" of extreme low pressure capability. But, there again, the frequency of this need for the riding majority is very low. Tubeless for me please. Yes, being stranded is much less than pleasant.
This is the best review of the 790 I have seen so far and now I am convinced , I must go and buy it ! Thanks you saved me in helping me to sort out which model, S or R.
Same here, the S seems to be the go for me personally and it’s quite a few $$ less then the R, sooooo....yeah, thank’s for the review and helping me make up my mind. Now i just need the money to buy it 🙄🤷♂️😂
Now that's how a review is to be done! Very informative and the video work is top notch. And that's one beautiful area you're riding in as well. The factories (KTM, BMW, Honda, etc.) should take note of how well this review is done and provide you bikes to do these going forward. Bret, you and your team have made a great channel. I, along with many others, look forward to seeing your material. Great stuff. Keep it up.
Living in SoCal I would not have anything else but a KTM. Flash floods, wind storms, earthquakes, fires etc,etc,. Having the ability to navigate and ride a moto off-road and make your final destination. All the information you have taught and shared is really awesome. Thank you.
Thanks Bret for addressing the most important aspects of 790 performance: how the bike actually feels and communicates to the rider. I have the original KTM Adventure bike, a 1997 620 ADV, and many of the same core attributes are consistent through the years: overall light weight, high quality suspension, stability at speed, and perfect ergos while sitting or standing. The biggest dynamic difference is my 7 gallons of fuel sitting higher on the bike.
Subscribed! I have looked att Your videos before since they pop upp as suggestions in my flow and thats great. This video is probably the best out there with a review of the 790 "S" and shows how capable it is. Your wordings in this review is great and i like the comparison to the others in this "class". I also like that You as an seasoned offroader and pro in the arena are just happy to review the "S". This is cool Bret. Myself has the R version and just love it!
Hey Mattias I've been looking a lot your videos to help me decide whether I would go for the R or S version, but now the used S model are a lot more cheaper than the R (2-3.000€) ! Can't choose witch one now 🤦♂️😅
I've got mine 790 adventure for three weeks and it's amazing, you have many bikes in one. It really makes you smile...and one thing you forgot.. (ABS cornering in the road) many will say that if you are a good rider bla bla bla safety first
@@ravan01d it is not, first days I felt a lot of pain. Now I am getting used to. But actually I was today visiting a place to put gel under. So I am considering the upgrade.
Thanks for an honest, unbiased review Brett, based on your experience of all the other bikes (competitors) you mentioned. I think that the new Yamaha T7 Tenere will be a bike to give the new 790 KTM's some competition … I'm however, still very happy with my Africa Twin, but those KTM's do look awesome! … Hats off to KTM!
Nice review, I bought the 790 Adventure S and had the same feelings as your test. I was very surprised by the weight and handling of the bike. Sorry for the English by Google translator. 😉
I've ridden it a few times at the KTM off road school,.It was a really tidy, stable bike and very forgiving of the rider and had no qualms at all on rocky uneven ground or even grassy off camber slopes where it just rode like a champ giving me great confidence all day .
Hi Brett. It's so refreshing to have an honest / balanced review these days. There's not many out there. (And I am a big BMW fan). I do think KTM's background in dirt-bikes has paid off, as has the gamble to drop the fuel so low. Great video. Looks like an awesome bike. Keep up the great work!
I just bought a 2020 KTM 790 Adventure (no R). Everything you said here is absolutely true. I sold a Yamaha FZ-07 and a Honda CRF250L Rally to buy this bike. It does asphalt better (way better) than the FZ-07 and does off road tons better than the CRF250. I wasn't sure about the fairing design because the air is very turbulent at the helmet level at highway speeds. BUT, it handles crosswinds amazingly well. I can hardly feel them. Also the the wind blast from oncoming semi trucks is barely noticable. Less than even my car which doesn't seem possible but I promise I'm not making that up.
Awsome video, most other just talk on how good it is etc. You acctually described how it feels and how it behaves. Hope I can save the money for it soon.
Do you ride your 1290 off road? I want an adventure bike and have pretty much decided on the KTM, but now which model do I get. I am a big guy (6' and 270 lbs) and want to ride from So. Cal to Alaska. I know the 1290 would be great, but I usually ride solo and am concerned about the weight of the bike when I drop it out in the middle of no where. Any advice?
@@rso1411 I've got a 1290 S and it's perfect for long distance touring on pavement, gravel fire roads, and decent double track. Definitely what I would choose if going from So. Cal to Alaska. We seem to be similarly built and the couple of times I've dropped it (mostly unloaded) I didn't have an issue getting it back upright. Fully loaded that might be a bit different. Ultimately I think you'd be good with either, but I prefer the power, comfy seat and luggage capacity of the 1290.
@@8andsk835 Not yet, I put the Alaska trip off for a year because of COVID and the hassles of going thru Canada. I will do it in June of 2022. I am leaving in 3 weeks on a cross country trip here in the USA. It will include Sturgis, S.D., 22 other states for a total of 4 weeks and about 8,000 miles. Already planning the trip to Alaska for next year and it is shaping up pretty well. I bought the KTM 790 R, but just recently sold it and bought the Harley Pan America. That is what I will take to Alaska next year.
I put a deposit on my 790R last November, and don't regret one penny. I love this bike! KTM Really made a winner. There are a few nits to pick - but that will happen with any first model year. The main one is the tinderbox by the headers - if you own a 790 and plan to go anywhere single track or off road, you MUST install a crap flap or you WILL have a fire by your exhaust headers at some point! The best part about the 790R is that now I run out of skill before I run out of bike. I came off of a 690cc KLR 650 and when we'd really be out having fun I constantly felt like I was running out of bike before I was running out of skill.
Great video. Could you please test the new 2019 KTM690 Enduro R because it is a massively improved bike over previous models with almost no vibration now on the pavement. Like the 790 it also has excellent traction control and is nearly 100lbs lighter than the 790. It is also a great deal cheaper whilst still having a better power to weight ratio so it should be reviewed by you in my humble opinion.
This right here. I am over the pigs. Picked up an 350 EXC-F and realized how fun and stress free riding can be in the most technical stuff. The 690 is in my cross hairs now. 322lbs dry, long service intervals, rack system capable (soft or hard), new improved 3rd balancer on cam (low vibes). Just need a windscreen, after market seat, bash plate and heated grips...good for most riding you can find. Sure it won't be gold wing on the highway, but you'll have a smile on your face when the carnage begins and everyone is picking up their pigs. Use the bike that is best suited for the most difficult part of your trip.
It's not that hard guys.. it depends totally on you.. and mostly where you want to ride The new 690 is awesome.. but it's still more of a (heavy) enduro, rather then a dedicated long distance adventure tourer. You'd need to spend a few grand on it to bring it up to the same features the 790 has, which is not a bad thing, as you'd still be ahead regarding weight. For me, it is replacing my Africa Twin simply because it has the same power output, but weighs almost exactly 100lbs lighter. So what that means is I can take it everywhere I have ridden 15,000 miles on my AT, and I've done some pretty technical stuff on it, and almost everywhere I was willing to take my Husky 701... I'm keeping my 2011 KTM 530 for the gnarly stuf tho..
lol, as a DS rider you're making me think this is the bike i've been waiting decades for...still might hold out and see what the Tenere 700 looks like though... either way this is making me happy!
Recently picked up a 2022 890 Adventure S and I'm gonna echo what you said in the video, this bike is the most fun I've had on an "Adventure" bike. By far, no comparison between the Pan America and 1290 SA-R that I had previously.
Your review was so spot on! Aced it! Must have seen almost all the reviews about this bike. None explained about the fuel tank , weight distribution! Amazing review sir! Enjoyed watching it! Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to more content from you!!
Thanks for the great review. I am trying to make up my mind and your opinion is important to me. By the way your videos keep getting better and better. Cheers.
I have to say how surpriced i was when i saw in my BMW r1200 GS oil cooled that on the oil Radiator in front, when i took it apart for some reason, there was the KTM and the BMW logo together on it. I dont know if it is so in all oil cooled models, but mine was a 2004 model.
Went to Brisbane yesterday. Rode virtually every ADV bike available here ... T7, AT, V strom 650xt ... list goes on. Then I mounted the 790 ADV r. Loved the smoothness, the power, the slick shifting. My problem was the height, I am a 173cm and it had me on tip toes. Back to scouring the back streets and motorcycle hangouts until I found a dealer who would unlock a standard 790 ADV. Rode it, bought it. It just, for me, represented the best ground between an off-roader and a roady capable of twisting through the mountains. I honestly felt the AT a let down after riding the 790. This review just reinforces my decision.
Thank you. I’m an American living in Vietnam retired. I’m 220 lbs, 6’1.5”, 63 years young and the scooters here for me are hard to ride. High center of gravity and far worse with me on top. KTM sales there bikes over here. Thought about BMW, wants something lighter. A lot of bad roads here in Vietnam. Even most of the highways can be an adventure. Traffic is very slow so the lower the center of gravity the better. Traffic is chaotic, I like the idea of the tanks catching a low speed impact instead of my feet or legs. Thanks again for your review.
Burg856: Can you ride bikes that are larger than a 175 cc in Vietnam? I understood there were restrictions limiting the bikes to 175 cc and lower. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
I've got a 790 adventure r. I love this bike. I added the Quickshifter and cruise control. The Quickshifter is absolutely genuis. Just pull the throttle and you can shift up or down without clutch. So nice.
Probably the best review I have seen about this bike. Well explained and to the point. As I read on another comment, can we have a review of the T7?. Love your videos Bret!
This is the first Mototrek bike review I have watched. A very good review it is, too. The terrain ridden would have a lot of journos in knots riding the 790R! Most excellent. Thank you.
Always excited to see another video by Mr. Tkacs. I went by the KTM dealership in Olympia and they said they wouldn't have any 790's until September. May have to wait until next year and compare the Yamaha T700 before purchasing, but if I can find one in Western Washington, I may just throw my wallet at them and beg.
Excellent review!! Fantastic bike!! I wonder if Yamaha's slow development and release of the T700 was influenced by the 790. The KTM is now the target in the mid-size market.
almost sure it did. as ktm had no such plans when Yamaha started spreading the T7 concept. tough thy took to long or started to spread to soon, that depends on how you look at it
@@corecass Well the T7 was built for and is a Dakar style motorcycle that they have built packages for the people to have an Adventure bike out of but its heart and soul is a Dakar style bike. There was a Dakar rally ran earlier this year where it started and the T7 was a force to be reckoned with and there was one Honda African Twin that was running in the top 5 or 6 but at the end of the day KTM had it
@@benlivengoodjr8314 😂😂😂 are you having a laugh? None of the bikes you just mentioned are Dakar style bikes, for a start Dakar is limited to 450cc. Maybe they got their names from ex Dakar bikes, but that's as far as it goes.
Well I dont entirely agree. I recently chose a new bike. I testrode a handful, among others the ktm 790, but ended up going for the triumph tiger. I have explained all my experiences on the advrider forum in more detail. But in short, the ktm is a more hooligan bike for people who really want to go off road. Living in western europe, that is very limited. On the road it felt less grown up than the tiger. The tiger was just a really good ride on the road. Im sure it will lose to a ktm 790 when going hardcore offroad. But the occasional fire road or gravel road are no problem for the tiger either.
Great video and some incredible riding!!! You all definitely helped in my decision to buy the 790S over the Africa Twin and I haven't a single regret. You've all even inspired me to start my own channel testing it out in the South Florida swamps. =D
I just picked up a new to me 2019 790 Adventure. I’m a big guy 6”2 250lbs. I was worried about this bike not being enough. Well....This bike is amazing on the dirt and road. I haven’t had this much fun on a bike in a long time. I’m upgrading the tiers, foot pegs and I ordered a higher seat. I didn’t realize I could add Rally Mode. Heading to the dealership now!
Bret just dropped the mic!!! Awesome review brother... I own a 2017 KTM 300XC and race the bike a couple of seasons plus I ridden the KTM 1290 and 1090 Adventures. I sold the 2017 Africa Twin for my new KTM 790 Adventure R. I have to say that this bike is extremely hard to bit. I rode the KTM 790 Adventure R in a little enduro cross section in my backyard, some single trails and I can ride it almost the same as my KTM 300. It handle really light and the geometry and suspension is superb on the dirt. I also rode it on the street and you wont believe how comfortable the suspension is absorbing all the imperfections of the road. Maybe the upcoming Yamaha T7 will be cheaper with no electronics and for some people this is a good thing but I also love the KTM 790 Adventure electronic options. They are very simple to use and you can do changes on the fly. Hands down this bike is the BEST Adventure bike out there right now. Unless you are looking for a long distance motorcycle and for that you can buy a Honda Goldwing... just kidding!
Jerry, I’m on the fence on picking up a 2019 AT and a new 790 Adventure. Having both, how the wind protection on your 790 compare? I’m 6’,2” and I’ve heard some horror stories about severe buffeting on the KTM. What’s your experience?
Good review and great video as always! My wife is relatively new to riding but she really enjoys your content because your information is useful and you get straight to the point. 👍
The only thing that makes me pause is KTM reliability. For racing, best. For power-to-weight and handling, best. For ADV travelling in the middle of a Mexican desert, not soooo sure. Now, I'm a BMW guy so factor that in - and I know there'll be many people saying I'm wrong, but for me, ADV is about getting there, not racing there, so I guess I'm still not sold. An amazing bike and great marque - but I struggle to trust it (having had several friends with them - I always finish the ride, they don't :-)
Ride Yucatan True - if one want to do an around the world trip, would one choose a KTM? How would it be to get problems in Mongolia, Kongo, Bolivia or Indonesia with such a bike? Would there be anyone who could fix it there? And how about servicing such a bike? With those tanks surrounding the engine, wouldnt it be a PITA to get to impostant parts on the engine?
Fun to see designers coming up with new ways of configuring the bike like this and the Honda NC 750x to try and improve weight balance and performance. I still think the NC doesn't get enough credit for being a great all-around bike, which is what many adventure riders are looking for.
Love it, the other guys have been selling their bikes mostly based on it being an dirt adventure bike. And now, like you said, this one wins hands down. nothing compares. Lighter is better. Seems the others have been trying to justify and sell their bikes on what they truly are not, A great off road adventure bike. Great review, cant wait to get mine.
Love all your videos! when are you going to do another instructional video for off-roading with a passenger? also, plz do more bike reviews! you're great at this!
I changed a couple of things on my 790... The handguard with barkbusters vps, the mirrors for double take adventure mirrors, I added a crashbar and skid plate from outback Motortek, I added luggage plates for kriega devices. Now I'll need better tires and I'll be ready to try off-road for the first time :) Later on I'll add touratech metal protection for front light and a smaller windshield, and maybe the R version of the wheel cover, the one which is higher...
Like others have said, great job on this review. High-quality, to-the-point, interesting. I, too, prefer riding my bikes over looking at them! I have beat the CRAP out of my 2011 F800GS, and when it finally dies....right now the easy choice is a KTM 790. Thanks! ☕️
I love my 790 R and while it is awesome in the dirt, it also rocks in the twisties. I was very surprised that a bike this size with a 21" inch front could be so much fun in the canyons. Just need to find a windscreen that works for me (which is nothing new, every bike seems to need a different screen for different riders). Cheers
With all the new mid sized adventure bikes out there is anyone really surprised that Bret wouldn't find this fun to ride. So much spent on R&D I figured they would have all or most of boxes ticked. I ride a 2019 Suzuki 650 XT only because it was cheap and my first ride. I love the sport and with my increase skills I look forward to riding these types of bikes.
@@masongoff6075 it is a great bike.in my limited experience. I love veronica (that is my yellow beauty's name) and have been have a great time this first season. Looking forward to many more.
OMG thank You so much! You just sorter my thoughts which bike to choose. (I was considering GS850, not anymore) after a test ride, I have the same feeling - its just so fun to drive it. Thanks again.
Interesting to hear your views Brett! I have the R, and love it, as I think nearly every owner does. You need to try one! Everyone who rides them back to back says the suspension is in another league (never mind the Rally model!). BTW, as a keen amateur film maker, how are you doing your slow close panning shots? Can't work out of its a gimbal or a drone flying real slow? Could also be a rack I guess but unlikely?
It's refreshing to see someone so good at motorcycling, particularly good at off-roading, review a non-top-of-the-line model bike. So many of these moto folk out here go to a dealer and grab the highest end model bike they can and then go for a ride. Thank you from those of us who don't always buy the most expensive motorcycle at the dealership. ;- )
The 790 adventure is not the cheapest one either :) kinda expensive bike...
@@harf4ng a year ago yes... just found the 2020 for 9,999. 13G out the door. Gonna buy it next week. Was gonna get a vstrom but this bike has sooo many more options
The 790 Adventure really cuts an interesting niche in the ADV market. I hope the trend of lightweight, fun ADV bikes continue.
I hope so too. I think the charge up the hill to grow bigger is reaching it's limits with what's useful and strokes the ego.
Tenere has entered the chat
ADV review of the year folks.
Truly impartial, balanced, highly informed and from someone not prone to hyperbole.
Bought one 2 months ago ..... Have rode and owned many bikes in the past. This is literally the best bike I have ever owned!!!
Launchpad 72 how does it drive on the sreets? I heard the vibrations are terrible when you go over 70 mph
@@whata86 My tires are not stock and more aggressive but don't have any vibration. Very smooth and well balanced.
Thank you Bret for making easier choosing my next adventure motorcycle. I really value your impartial review!
Greetings from sunny Spain!
Cheers Brett! Great vid as always!
You're the only adv channel i know who's as comprehensive in explaining things as Ryan F9. Good job!
Awaiting more bike reviews on your channel teehee~
ExcaliburGT Washington and British Columbia, so close for collaboration 👍🏼
@@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985 I'd love to see a fortnine production with brett in it. That would be awesome!!
@@excaliburgt4537 I think they've gone the other way once or twice, where Ryan has popped up in some Mototrek videos, but I can't remember which one.
@@KentRodgman yes. ryan being an expert in physics, he discussed something about traction or something. my jaw dropped at the surprise cameo lmao
Chris K-R man
Really enjoyed this. You should be do more reviews. Your opinion is honest and informative. Cheers man
I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment. Here's why: Bret so infrequently endorses anything in such an overt manner, that that is why when he finally does stoke something, that it really counts.
If he starts down that path, he'll have to do so for free or else be forever scrutinized for selling out.
I’ve seen and read every review on this bike. Brett yours is the most informed opinion yet.
Thanks
Another great production mate.Hands down the best & most informative adventure bike channels on TH-cam.Good to see you back.
The best channel about motorcycles in all TH-cam in all history of multimedia. Thank you for all the extraordinary work that you are doing.
Thanks!
Three aspects not mentioned. Both the S and R models have tubeless tyres which is a major plus point for me. The two side panels have storage that can be used for tools, tyre plugger, CO2 cartridges etc. And with an £8 smartphone app you can setup a simple navigation route with multiple waypoints and display a turn-by-turn pictogram on the TFT screen. (A happy S owner.)
Yeah, I don't get why other manufacturers (cough, Honda, cough) don't get on board with wired tubeless. A friend who has been riding on/off road for 20+ yrs, and goes through bikes like toilet paper, said to me once, "Bikes with tubes are bikes I don't want to own." I feel the same.
Testrode the t700 a few days ago and that bike doesnt have tubeless either, strange decision from yamaha, pretty boring bike to so i have turned my interest towards the ktm instead.
Norsefalconer ...my KTM 1290 is tubeless. It’s been great, but if you’re doing a lot of hard offroad it is possible to dent the rim, which makes it impossible to inflate the tyre because it’s not easy to smash those rims back enough to form a bead on a tubeless tyre. It’s never happened to me but it’s happened to a mate with an 1190R when we were doing really hard offroad. We therefore travel equipped with a ultra HD front tube, which can be used on a bent rim, but it kind of defeats the benefit of tubeless. Depends on how hard people ride and whether they want to risk being stranded...it’s not fun being stranded.
@@ronanrogers4127 You could always carry a tube as spare in case you need it. I think the initial 1190 had softer rims, I would expect the later models to have adapted.
@@ronanrogers4127 Thanks for your response, and I think it serves to reinforce the argument for tubeless. Given the requirement for very hard riding, a dented rim (to the point of not sealing) seems far more the exception than the rule, especially compared to getting a puncture. We all know that punctures are so common, they're (almost) a given on just about any ride, and it's far easier to plug-n-go than to patch or replace a tube. Plus, products like "RideOn" are far more effective in a tubeless tire. Carrying a tube for the "one-off" seriously bent rim, or cut sidewall, is very small price to pay for the convenience of tubeless. A person would be carrying tube spare(s) for tubed tires anyway, so, equal ground. I suppose a person could argue the tubes' "advantage" of extreme low pressure capability. But, there again, the frequency of this need for the riding majority is very low. Tubeless for me please.
Yes, being stranded is much less than pleasant.
your review makes more sense, I was tired of watching those non-sense reviews on the other channels, thanks for the great vid.
This is the best review of the 790 I have seen so far and now I am convinced , I must go and buy it !
Thanks you saved me in helping me to sort out which model, S or R.
So which one are you leaning towards?
Same here, the S seems to be the go for me personally and it’s quite a few $$ less then the R, sooooo....yeah, thank’s for the review and helping me make up my mind.
Now i just need the money to buy it 🙄🤷♂️😂
"I suggest ride the bike, and not look at it"
🤣🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I dug that toooooo.
I currently own a 07 V-strom 650. I had to embrace this long ago if you have ever seen one.
I have a 790R and I've been saying the same thing since I bought it!
I’ve said that about my 1290SA...it’s quirky looks aren’t to everyone’s tastes and didn’t grow on me, but when I ride it, it’s a great experience
Had me rolling, too.
Now that's how a review is to be done! Very informative and the video work is top notch. And that's one beautiful area you're riding in as well. The factories (KTM, BMW, Honda, etc.) should take note of how well this review is done and provide you bikes to do these going forward. Bret, you and your team have made a great channel. I, along with many others, look forward to seeing your material. Great stuff. Keep it up.
Thanks, Walt!
I agree... Waiting for the phone to ring
Living in SoCal I would not have anything else but a KTM. Flash floods, wind storms, earthquakes, fires etc,etc,. Having the ability to navigate and ride a moto off-road and make your final destination. All the information you have taught and shared is really awesome. Thank you.
the best review on KTM 790 adventure ever.imagine i am not a KTM fan but now you have me thinking seriously about buying this bike
Thanks Bret for addressing the most important aspects of 790 performance: how the bike actually feels and communicates to the rider. I have the original KTM Adventure bike, a 1997 620 ADV, and many of the same core attributes are consistent through the years: overall light weight, high quality suspension, stability at speed, and perfect ergos while sitting or standing. The biggest dynamic difference is my 7 gallons of fuel sitting higher on the bike.
I've got a 640 Adv, too. Did you try the 790? is it good enough to replace the 640 Adventure??
Subscribed! I have looked att Your videos before since they pop upp as suggestions in my flow and thats great. This video is probably the best out there with a review of the 790 "S" and shows how capable it is. Your wordings in this review is great and i like the comparison to the others in this "class". I also like that You as an seasoned offroader and pro in the arena are just happy to review the "S". This is cool Bret. Myself has the R version and just love it!
Thanks, Mattias!
Hey Mattias I've been looking a lot your videos to help me decide whether I would go for the R or S version, but now the used S model are a lot more cheaper than the R (2-3.000€) ! Can't choose witch one now 🤦♂️😅
Love your reviews, Bret! They are always comprehensive and thorough. We like the KTMs too!
You make a solid product! Love my hippo hands during the winter!
Outstanding and insightful review. And wow’d by that 180 turn!
This bike wants to play... If I owned one I'd sell my dirt bike
I sold my dirt bike after i bought ktm 950 s, because i felt more comfortable on tracks i use to ride! Greetings from Poland
I've got mine 790 adventure for three weeks and it's amazing, you have many bikes in one. It really makes you smile...and one thing you forgot.. (ABS cornering in the road) many will say that if you are a good rider bla bla bla safety first
How comfortable is the stock seat for touring ?
@@ravan01d it is not, first days I felt a lot of pain. Now I am getting used to. But actually I was today visiting a place to put gel under. So I am considering the upgrade.
@@31nerf Thanks for the feedback.
@@ravan01d I satin one at the dealer for 20 min. Ass cheeks killing me probably needs to be broke in though
I should not have watched this! NOW I WANT ONE!
Thanks for an honest, unbiased review Brett, based on your experience of all the other bikes (competitors) you mentioned. I think that the new Yamaha T7 Tenere will be a bike to give the new 790 KTM's some competition … I'm however, still very happy with my Africa Twin, but those KTM's do look awesome! … Hats off to KTM!
Nice review, I bought the 790 Adventure S and had the same feelings as your test. I was very surprised by the weight and handling of the bike. Sorry for the English by Google translator. 😉
Thanks. What a great review. Just ordered mine today. Can't wait to get her home!!
Loved this review!! Original presentation, refreshing and honest! You make me want to buy this bike!
I've ridden it a few times at the KTM off road school,.It was a really tidy, stable bike and very forgiving of the rider and had no qualms at all on rocky uneven ground or even grassy off camber slopes where it just rode like a champ giving me great confidence all day .
Loved all your videos about off road techniques and riding tips!
Great review! I’m gonna need one in a year or two after they hit the used market.
Awesome review, particularly the comments regarding relative off road abilities of this S vs the R and the Rally. Lots of food for thought. Thank you!
Hi Brett. It's so refreshing to have an honest / balanced review these days. There's not many out there. (And I am a big BMW fan). I do think KTM's background in dirt-bikes has paid off, as has the gamble to drop the fuel so low. Great video. Looks like an awesome bike. Keep up the great work!
Great review, you should do more!
And I'd also like to see a comparison to the Tenere 700!
Was about to say the same but you bet me to it :)
Me too! ;-)
Yep great idea!
agree! thanks a lot Bret.
Yes - great review. KTM is MAGIC... My '07 Super Duke is still the shit
Great review. Succinct, knowledgeable with good context and hits all the main points without confusing the viewer. Well done.
Good video! Reviews like these make me wish I had waited a bit longer to buy my 690 Enduro R to see what the new Adventure was like.
Finally a very thoughtful review with actual riding footage.
I'm looking forward to your take on the Yamaha Tenere 700 when the North American version is released.
Yes! Agreed!
Should be available by 2030 in NA for hopefully
Lots of testers say for the category it and the 790 are in it is behind the 790 in overall awesomeness
@@TAS0AadvarK hahaha true!!
I am also very interested in the 700 tenere. For the price, it seems to be a great bike.
I just bought a 2020 KTM 790 Adventure (no R). Everything you said here is absolutely true. I sold a Yamaha FZ-07 and a Honda CRF250L Rally to buy this bike. It does asphalt better (way better) than the FZ-07 and does off road tons better than the CRF250. I wasn't sure about the fairing design because the air is very turbulent at the helmet level at highway speeds. BUT, it handles crosswinds amazingly well. I can hardly feel them. Also the the wind blast from oncoming semi trucks is barely noticable. Less than even my car which doesn't seem possible but I promise I'm not making that up.
Thx for the feedback, Don!
Awsome video, most other just talk on how good it is etc. You acctually described how it feels and how it behaves. Hope I can save the money for it soon.
I think this is the best review ever. Thanks Bret!
I love my 1290, but that 790 looks quite tempting!
Do you ride your 1290 off road? I want an adventure bike and have pretty much decided on the KTM, but now which model do I get. I am a big guy (6' and 270 lbs) and want to ride from So. Cal to Alaska. I know the 1290 would be great, but I usually ride solo and am concerned about the weight of the bike when I drop it out in the middle of no where. Any advice?
@@rso1411 I've got a 1290 S and it's perfect for long distance touring on pavement, gravel fire roads, and decent double track. Definitely what I would choose if going from So. Cal to Alaska. We seem to be similarly built and the couple of times I've dropped it (mostly unloaded) I didn't have an issue getting it back upright. Fully loaded that might be a bit different. Ultimately I think you'd be good with either, but I prefer the power, comfy seat and luggage capacity of the 1290.
@@corynewton9311 Thank you, that helps.
@@rso1411 did u ever take that trip?
@@8andsk835 Not yet, I put the Alaska trip off for a year because of COVID and the hassles of going thru Canada. I will do it in June of 2022. I am leaving in 3 weeks on a cross country trip here in the USA. It will include Sturgis, S.D., 22 other states for a total of 4 weeks and about 8,000 miles. Already planning the trip to Alaska for next year and it is shaping up pretty well. I bought the KTM 790 R, but just recently sold it and bought the Harley Pan America. That is what I will take to Alaska next year.
I believe the best review I've ever seen, professional work...thanks .
Loving the BMW keyring spotted during the intro!
Yes! That's all that's left of David's F 800 GS!
I put a deposit on my 790R last November, and don't regret one penny. I love this bike! KTM Really made a winner. There are a few nits to pick - but that will happen with any first model year. The main one is the tinderbox by the headers - if you own a 790 and plan to go anywhere single track or off road, you MUST install a crap flap or you WILL have a fire by your exhaust headers at some point!
The best part about the 790R is that now I run out of skill before I run out of bike. I came off of a 690cc KLR 650 and when we'd really be out having fun I constantly felt like I was running out of bike before I was running out of skill.
Great video. Could you please test the new 2019 KTM690 Enduro R because it is a massively improved bike over previous models with almost no vibration now on the pavement. Like the 790 it also has excellent traction control and is nearly 100lbs lighter than the 790. It is also a great deal cheaper whilst still having a better power to weight ratio so it should be reviewed by you in my humble opinion.
This right here. I am over the pigs. Picked up an 350 EXC-F and realized how fun and stress free riding can be in the most technical stuff. The 690 is in my cross hairs now. 322lbs dry, long service intervals, rack system capable (soft or hard), new improved 3rd balancer on cam (low vibes). Just need a windscreen, after market seat, bash plate and heated grips...good for most riding you can find. Sure it won't be gold wing on the highway, but you'll have a smile on your face when the carnage begins and everyone is picking up their pigs. Use the bike that is best suited for the most difficult part of your trip.
It's not that hard guys.. it depends totally on you.. and mostly where you want to ride
The new 690 is awesome.. but it's still more of a (heavy) enduro, rather then a dedicated long distance adventure tourer. You'd need to spend a few grand on it to bring it up to the same features the 790 has, which is not a bad thing, as you'd still be ahead regarding weight.
For me, it is replacing my Africa Twin simply because it has the same power output, but weighs almost exactly 100lbs lighter. So what that means is I can take it everywhere I have ridden 15,000 miles on my AT, and I've done some pretty technical stuff on it, and almost everywhere I was willing to take my Husky 701... I'm keeping my 2011 KTM 530 for the gnarly stuf tho..
drummer since ‘78… love the drum tracks🥁
lol, as a DS rider you're making me think this is the bike i've been waiting decades for...still might hold out and see what the Tenere 700 looks like though... either way this is making me happy!
Recently picked up a 2022 890 Adventure S and I'm gonna echo what you said in the video, this bike is the most fun I've had on an "Adventure" bike. By far, no comparison between the Pan America and 1290 SA-R that I had previously.
Sounds like a home run for KTM! Great review, please consider doing more adventure bike reviews.
It feels like a home run... I could park this in my garage and be very happy
Buen video
Gracias por tus opiniones 👍🏻
Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷
What a funny and cool guy... :-D I love your videos! Greetings from germany.
Your review was so spot on! Aced it! Must have seen almost all the reviews about this bike. None explained about the fuel tank , weight distribution! Amazing review sir! Enjoyed watching it!
Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to more content from you!!
Thanks for the great review. I am trying to make up my mind and your opinion is important to me.
By the way your videos keep getting better and better.
Cheers.
the turning of the ignition key moment which has a BMW keychain - gold :)))
That BMW key trinket on KTM motorcycle is a blasphemy! 😈😄
lol ! I noticed that too :-D
I have to say how surpriced i was when i saw in my BMW r1200 GS oil cooled that on the oil Radiator in front, when i took it apart for some reason, there was the KTM and the BMW logo together on it. I dont know if it is so in all oil cooled models, but mine was a 2004 model.
@@Tenerisius i wonder what is the story behind that ❓
Only a couple of minor changes. A BMW lock and key? Minor?!
0:48 for those that want to see evidence of the blasphemy.
Best review I’ve seen or heard of the 790,ty!
I look forward to EVERY new vid!!!!!
Went to Brisbane yesterday. Rode virtually every ADV bike available here ... T7, AT, V strom 650xt ... list goes on. Then I mounted the 790 ADV r. Loved the smoothness, the power, the slick shifting. My problem was the height, I am a 173cm and it had me on tip toes. Back to scouring the back streets and motorcycle hangouts until I found a dealer who would unlock a standard 790 ADV. Rode it, bought it. It just, for me, represented the best ground between an off-roader and a roady capable of twisting through the mountains. I honestly felt the AT a let down after riding the 790. This review just reinforces my decision.
Thank you. I’m an American living in Vietnam retired. I’m 220 lbs, 6’1.5”, 63 years young and the scooters here for me are hard to ride. High center of gravity and far worse with me on top. KTM sales there bikes over here. Thought about BMW, wants something lighter. A lot of bad roads here in Vietnam. Even most of the highways can be an adventure. Traffic is very slow so the lower the center of gravity the better. Traffic is chaotic, I like the idea of the tanks catching a low speed impact instead of my feet or legs. Thanks again for your review.
Tourarech sells crash bars for the tanks. KTM sells carbon fiber covers. I was looking at them online
Burg856: Can you ride bikes that are larger than a 175 cc in Vietnam? I understood there were restrictions limiting the bikes to 175 cc and lower. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
What a place to ride a bike! Envious UK 660 Tenere rider..
Very informative and enjoyable.
Happy travels
I've got a 790 adventure r. I love this bike. I added the Quickshifter and cruise control. The Quickshifter is absolutely genuis. Just pull the throttle and you can shift up or down without clutch. So nice.
Ninjacorn how did u add cruise control?
Probably the best review I have seen about this bike. Well explained and to the point. As I read on another comment, can we have a review of the T7?. Love your videos Bret!
When we get one
LOVE IT! We want more!!! :)
BR, from Hungary
It's good to have good technical and off-road oriented bike because I never have serious injury while off-road riding. Congratulations KTM.
A friend David is very nice & has a big heart :)
Btw, if not the electronics - expecting similar ride feels from the upcoming T7 too.
Africa twin to this. Great transition to a bike that's so much more than advertised
Can't wait to see your take on the Tenere 700!
This is the first Mototrek bike review I have watched. A very good review it is, too. The terrain ridden would have a lot of journos in knots riding the 790R! Most excellent. Thank you.
Amazing.. Thank you for an amazing kind of review.. Enjoyed.. Making me think for ktm.. 790
Always excited to see another video by Mr. Tkacs. I went by the KTM dealership in Olympia and they said they wouldn't have any 790's until September. May have to wait until next year and compare the Yamaha T700 before purchasing, but if I can find one in Western Washington, I may just throw my wallet at them and beg.
Excellent review!! Fantastic bike!!
I wonder if Yamaha's slow development and release of the T700 was influenced by the 790.
The KTM is now the target in the mid-size market.
almost sure it did. as ktm had no such plans when Yamaha started spreading the T7 concept. tough thy took to long or started to spread to soon, that depends on how you look at it
@@corecass Well the T7 was built for and is a Dakar style motorcycle that they have built packages for the people to have an Adventure bike out of but its heart and soul is a Dakar style bike. There was a Dakar rally ran earlier this year where it started and the T7 was a force to be reckoned with and there was one Honda African Twin that was running in the top 5 or 6 but at the end of the day KTM had it
@@benlivengoodjr8314 😂😂😂 are you having a laugh? None of the bikes you just mentioned are Dakar style bikes, for a start Dakar is limited to 450cc. Maybe they got their names from ex Dakar bikes, but that's as far as it goes.
Well I dont entirely agree. I recently chose a new bike. I testrode a handful, among others the ktm 790, but ended up going for the triumph tiger. I have explained all my experiences on the advrider forum in more detail. But in short, the ktm is a more hooligan bike for people who really want to go off road. Living in western europe, that is very limited. On the road it felt less grown up than the tiger. The tiger was just a really good ride on the road. Im sure it will lose to a ktm 790 when going hardcore offroad. But the occasional fire road or gravel road are no problem for the tiger either.
@@DaemonViews that's exactly what he said in the video. So you actually do fully agree 🤔
100% for the FUN off-roading. It's a great toy easy to handle on hard terrain.
Great run down! Made me want to spend money I don't have...discipline. must. have.discipline...
Great video and some incredible riding!!! You all definitely helped in my decision to buy the 790S over the Africa Twin and I haven't a single regret. You've all even inspired me to start my own channel testing it out in the South Florida swamps. =D
Great review. Cheers from Brazil.
I just picked up a new to me 2019 790 Adventure. I’m a big guy 6”2 250lbs. I was worried about this bike not being enough. Well....This bike is amazing on the dirt and road. I haven’t had this much fun on a bike in a long time. I’m upgrading the tiers, foot pegs and I ordered a higher seat. I didn’t realize I could add Rally Mode. Heading to the dealership now!
Bret just dropped the mic!!! Awesome review brother... I own a 2017 KTM 300XC and race the bike a couple of seasons plus I ridden the KTM 1290 and 1090 Adventures. I sold the 2017 Africa Twin for my new KTM 790 Adventure R. I have to say that this bike is extremely hard to bit. I rode the KTM 790 Adventure R in a little enduro cross section in my backyard, some single trails and I can ride it almost the same as my KTM 300. It handle really light and the geometry and suspension is superb on the dirt. I also rode it on the street and you wont believe how comfortable the suspension is absorbing all the imperfections of the road. Maybe the upcoming Yamaha T7 will be cheaper with no electronics and for some people this is a good thing but I also love the KTM 790 Adventure electronic options. They are very simple to use and you can do changes on the fly. Hands down this bike is the BEST Adventure bike out there right now. Unless you are looking for a long distance motorcycle and for that you can buy a Honda Goldwing... just kidding!
Thanks, Jerry!
Jerry, I’m on the fence on picking up a 2019 AT and a new 790 Adventure. Having both, how the wind protection on your 790 compare? I’m 6’,2” and I’ve heard some horror stories about severe buffeting on the KTM. What’s your experience?
I watched a lot of 790 videos, your way of expressing yourself is quiete credible even intelligent. Hi from Austria.
You should do these kind of review more often, comming from a professional instructor like you, will be a very trustworthy kind of review 👍
Good review and great video as always!
My wife is relatively new to riding but she really enjoys your content because your information is useful and you get straight to the point. 👍
The only thing that makes me pause is KTM reliability. For racing, best. For power-to-weight and handling, best. For ADV travelling in the middle of a Mexican desert, not soooo sure. Now, I'm a BMW guy so factor that in - and I know there'll be many people saying I'm wrong, but for me, ADV is about getting there, not racing there, so I guess I'm still not sold. An amazing bike and great marque - but I struggle to trust it (having had several friends with them - I always finish the ride, they don't :-)
Ride Yucatan True - if one want to do an around the world trip, would one choose a KTM? How would it be to get problems in Mongolia, Kongo, Bolivia or Indonesia with such a bike? Would there be anyone who could fix it there? And how about servicing such a bike? With those tanks surrounding the engine, wouldnt it be a PITA to get to impostant parts on the engine?
Yup, the weight, balance and power is why I might buy one of these bad boys. Thank you.
Take notice Adv riders how Bret is ALWAYS standing up while riding off road...
Go Giant Loop!
This is because the ktm seat is not comfortable at all lol :) just joking. Though this is true this is not the most comfortable seat...
Brilliant Review and totally agree this bike is a game changer ....
Fun to see designers coming up with new ways of configuring the bike like this and the Honda NC 750x to try and improve weight balance and performance. I still think the NC doesn't get enough credit for being a great all-around bike, which is what many adventure riders are looking for.
Your choice is always best for me thank you!
Love the BMW Key ring on the keys
Love it, the other guys have been selling their bikes mostly based on it being an dirt adventure bike. And now, like you said, this one wins hands down. nothing compares. Lighter is better. Seems the others have been trying to justify and sell their bikes on what they truly are not, A great off road adventure bike. Great review, cant wait to get mine.
Love all your videos! when are you going to do another instructional video for off-roading with a passenger? also, plz do more bike reviews! you're great at this!
It would help if the manufacturers offered us demos to thrash
I changed a couple of things on my 790... The handguard with barkbusters vps, the mirrors for double take adventure mirrors, I added a crashbar and skid plate from outback Motortek, I added luggage plates for kriega devices. Now I'll need better tires and I'll be ready to try off-road for the first time :) Later on I'll add touratech metal protection for front light and a smaller windshield, and maybe the R version of the wheel cover, the one which is higher...
Like others have said, great job on this review. High-quality, to-the-point, interesting. I, too, prefer riding my bikes over looking at them! I have beat the CRAP out of my 2011 F800GS, and when it finally dies....right now the easy choice is a KTM 790. Thanks! ☕️
Thank you for your honest review! I am very interested in the 790 and this makes deciding much easier.
I love my 790 R and while it is awesome in the dirt, it also rocks in the twisties. I was very surprised that a bike this size with a 21" inch front could be so much fun in the canyons. Just need to find a windscreen that works for me (which is nothing new, every bike seems to need a different screen for different riders). Cheers
Any update on your ownership?
@@JohannesDalen 21k miles, no problems at all, still love the bike. Added a Puig screen deflector and that solved the windscreen. Very happy. Cheers
@@FanOWater Thanks a lot for sharing, that makes me very happy to hear the bike is serving you well! Ride safe!
Thank you from the Philippines Brett, for this review and vid, you nailed my decision..I'll be waiting for more of your reviews..
Loved the review, proud owner of an Adventure R. Silly question, what pants are those?, really like them, thanks!
With all the new mid sized adventure bikes out there is anyone really surprised that Bret wouldn't find this fun to ride. So much spent on R&D I figured they would have all or most of boxes ticked. I ride a 2019 Suzuki 650 XT only because it was cheap and my first ride. I love the sport and with my increase skills I look forward to riding these types of bikes.
Shawn Greenwood my first was a 2006 wee. Outstanding choice!
Currently on a 12 650 Wee and love it to death!
@@masongoff6075 it is a great bike.in my limited experience. I love veronica (that is my yellow beauty's name) and have been have a great time this first season. Looking forward to many more.
Welcome Sir to TEAM ORANGE !!!!
Yes welcome... and bring many wrenches.
OMG thank You so much! You just sorter my thoughts which bike to choose. (I was considering GS850, not anymore) after a test ride, I have the same feeling - its just so fun to drive it. Thanks again.
Interesting to hear your views Brett! I have the R, and love it, as I think nearly every owner does. You need to try one! Everyone who rides them back to back says the suspension is in another league (never mind the Rally model!).
BTW, as a keen amateur film maker, how are you doing your slow close panning shots? Can't work out of its a gimbal or a drone flying real slow? Could also be a rack I guess but unlikely?