I never really looked at these seriously because the 950/990 looked so damn good. But after time has gone by I sorta like these bikes. And like the road worthiness VS the 990 dirt bikeness. I have had a 640a since 2006ish. It is the best and worst all at once. I think for road miles with occasional dirt road adventure these new ones could be incredibly fun.
I've put 30,000km on mine through Africa and some of Europe and it's the best fucking bike, just pulls like crazy, so much damn fun. The electronics have saved my ass multiple times too lol
Could not agree more! Who doesn’t love a bike that has power for days? The electronics on this bike work phenomenal as you mentioned. Although, I usually have only the front abs active, everything else off and always in sport mode 🤣
This video helped me to make the decision to buy one of these bikes 2 years ago. I was wondering what happened with yours. Did you sell it? In the video, you mentioned you were going to lower the bike. Were you able to do that?
Nice ride. I own the 15 super adventure t. Preach on the air filter maintenance! Pain in the ass. What a beast tho. 160 hp. 103 ft lbs. Nicknamed mine War Horse. 😎
Gday mate.awesome tutorial I'm in the process of buying a ktm for commuting to work daily also heading for the high country on adventures Australia is an extremely harsh country but i have no doubt a 1090 or 1190 will take me places.much appreciate the things to look for whilst purchasing one. A little hesitation about air filter change but im sure i can learn how to do it.cheers mate.
Did you end up buying it? I am now considering selling my 2008 R1200gs for a 2013 KTM 1190r. Only thing I'm worried about is reliability (I ride about 30k KMs a year). Will use it for my daily commutes but also take it on holiday trips etc. Have you had any issues? I read about the air intake, starter motor and heat issues (frying the ECU). How bad are they in your experience? Would love to hear it. Thx in advance and cheers from Holland
I'm tempted by one of these. My reservation is that I see plenty of GS and GSA's for sale with 200000kms plus on them, I never see KTM's with that many.
I love mine. Tubeless tyre gaskets are a nightmare. Ended up taping the lips with gorilla tape, that sorted them. I think the previous owner had nipped them.
Hello from NM,! So good to see a rider of your stature on a machine like this, I am 5'8.5" and I ride a used 2015 S version of this bike and I feel like at times that this may be too tall a bike for me but at this point I've got way too much $ into the bike and I am committed to doing this. I am currently tackling a rear tire /wheel leak and would appreciate any advice on how to proceed with the repair. I am looking at possibly replacing the rear wheel vs getting the two rubber band seals replaced, just don't know yet. I have found that much of what you have talked about w/pros & cons of your R model also apply to the S model; yes I realize they are different machines. Thank you for the content on this particular KTM.
Hey thanks for checking out the video. Good to hear your point of view with similarities between the S model and the R. I had a rear band leak on mine as well. Cheaper to replace the bands for sure. It’s a headache but worth it IMO. Once I got the band replaced I haven’t had any issues at all. Give it a try! Pull the old band out and make sure the grooves are good and clean before installing the new one. Little patience you should get it no problem.
your video is already a year old, but I am currently taking a decision on either 2016 1190r or 2015 1290 but I believe it would be the 1190r due offroad ability to take it on a more challenging ground as I am used to ride 450/300.
I have a 2019 1290 SAR and it absolutely rips! I just uploaded a long 2-part video of shredding up the desert on it. Mine is pretty dialed in with some Rottweiler goodies, Arrow full exhaust, Seat Concepst seat and I can ride the hell out of it!
thanks for the review I'm looking to buy one of these right now,i do think it will suit my needs , can you wheelie it? , because i do like my wheelies ,especially up the beach, cheers from Australia
Just picked up a 2015 1190 Adventure R with 640 original miles, just turned 1000 miles today. Did the Stage 3 Rottweiler and Stage 3 SAS Delete... decided to delete the cat as well. Just ordered a 1" risers. Laid the bike down off road... and did scratch up the right side plastic 🤕 the stock crash bars just dont cut it. Damn, didnt think about wrapping the pipes, shoot should have done that while i was deleting the cat. Have you had any issue with your TPM.... mine is going crazy. Anyway to just delete it ?
I have to agree the stock bars don’t cut it. That’s why I put the uppers on as well. I don’t mind scratching it as I’ll drag it across rocks and down hills. The extra bars are a good piece of mind to know your protecting your investment. As far as your TPM issue, I have not had any issues with mine. Not sure if you can delete it or possibly have it programmed out. Haven’t really looked into it. I’ll cross that path when it happens haha Sounds like you picked up a good deal on a bike. Enjoy it !!!!
I have a 2016 1190 ADV R and I’m going on a trip in about 3 weeks from San Antonio Tx to Calgary Canada through the rockies. I’ve got 12,000 miles on it now and I’m looking to put 6,000 round trip. I have the Michelin Anakee Adventure tires on now brand new. I am doing some off road in Colorado and Montana. My concern is whether or not my tires will last the whole trip. What is your opinion on that? I’ll be moto camping also, so I’ll be a bit loaded down.
Space is minimum here as well. Still not an issue though. Bars don’t contact the plastics in the event of a crash. It’s actually closer to the plastic tank where they mount to the stock crash bars. You will love the touratech ones. That’s what I have and I have put them to the test with no issues whatsoever. Enjoy the bike and keep it on two wheels 🤟
strange to me that people get on a bike, ride it then complain about the amount of wind or "buffeting" they experience. I rode a gsxr1100 2500 miles straight, starting in sun, ending in snow and never even thought about wind being my enemy, it was my friend. Hopefully someday motorcycles come in fully enclosed steel cages encased with glass windows having four wheels so steering is easier. Then they could have heaters and air conditioning with comfy seats to make the "ride" more comfortable. I find all of these reviews so strange. Riding motorcycles for me has always been about enjoying the moment, whether on a honda 90 or a busa. Similar to the women Ive ridden. They havent all been my favorite, but gosh, they were all a blast at full throttle. Prove me wrong.
I get your point. However - 8 hours of highway riding these things (much more upright than a GSXR) the wind is a factor for people. I sure wouldn’t spend the money on a big ADV bike that wasn’t comfortable. Then again, I wouldn’t ride 2500 miles on a sport bike. If I want a raw bike experience - I stick with an enduro bike. I think we comment on it because that is an aspect that people consider w/ big touring bikes.
No didn't buy it after a 2hr ride on it 1190 that is it was super hot and was on its 3rd starter motor ended up buying a 2016 africa twin with 44k ks on it had it 10mnths now done 25k ks no issues and amazing in the mountains as well as daily commute to work at 60klm round trip daily.
Just saw in another 1190 video, that the 1190 is 37lbs lighter than the 1290! Also, the 1190 is one of the fastest accelerating bikes out there. Obvi, the 1290 has more electronics but depending on your perspective, may be either a good or bad thing. I’d love to see a comparison!
You are 100% wrong with your assessment on the windshield. Your jacket and helmet are designed for wind protection. I’ve got over 30K on my 1190 R and ar 6’3 I get far less buffeting with a stock windshield fully lowered then in the raised position let alone a wind sail like what you have. You’re only creating more buffeting. Ever ride a sport bike or naked without a windshield? Yes steady wind but zero buffeting, smooth air flow.
Glad it works for you! This video is simply our opinion on the bike. When we discuss wind protection, we are referring to wind hitting your body. Ride safe!
Maybe not with both feet at the same time) I am 176 and i cant plant both heels while sitting. Check out Cycle ergo website, as a reference on sitting ergonomics
I am 67 inches tall and I ride the S model. You might consider the Non -R model of this KTM as it might suit you better unless your dead set on the R model in which case I say go for it! I can't flat foot mine, I just lean to the side and I do just fine.
Been riding this on a 15K miles trip back in 2017. Other than the wheels gaskets (both failed at the same time in Mongolia) and a leaking fork (due to poor maintenance - that was on me) 0 issues. Now the bike is close to 100k kilometers, had some issues with it but very happy overall.
Bought 1190 ADV 2016 with 1km on odometr.. waiting from Japan to Ukraine... our war with russians bitches a little bit crahed my planes, but still waiting...
21k is nothing i have 1190 adv r 70k on it the egeine whent BANG 600 miles away from home. it becouse a dlearship fited the clutch wrong the oil pump powerd buy the clutch. btw cam chain ajuster r plastic. i would fit a manual one. the auto ajuster r rubbish. i just spent 3k get it running agein only get a secound hand egeine it had more miles then yours. lol would i buy a ktm agein NO! i messaged ktm thay put me under the carpet no jokes. and dlearship dident take fualt. and mead lot sexitst marks to me in first meating. im female. the bike had oil and filter changed 5k miles and full severic at 10k. i end up buying a 1993 honda transalp 600. it amzing offroading i was go off far off place no people if i brake down i take the transalp. the ktm now to racesing and group offroading. yes it slower it get me anywhere.
I am hooked, and I just bought one, and now watching this.
Awesome! Enjoy!
I never really looked at these seriously because the 950/990 looked so damn good. But after time has gone by I sorta like these bikes. And like the road worthiness VS the 990 dirt bikeness. I have had a 640a since 2006ish. It is the best and worst all at once. I think for road miles with occasional dirt road adventure these new ones could be incredibly fun.
They sure are!
I've put 30,000km on mine through Africa and some of Europe and it's the best fucking bike, just pulls like crazy, so much damn fun. The electronics have saved my ass multiple times too lol
Could not agree more! Who doesn’t love a bike that has power for days? The electronics on this bike work phenomenal as you mentioned. Although, I usually have only the front abs active, everything else off and always in sport mode 🤣
This video helped me to make the decision to buy one of these bikes 2 years ago. I was wondering what happened with yours. Did you sell it? In the video, you mentioned you were going to lower the bike. Were you able to do that?
Nice ride. I own the 15 super adventure t. Preach on the air filter maintenance! Pain in the ass. What a beast tho. 160 hp. 103 ft lbs. Nicknamed mine War Horse. 😎
She’s bad for sure!
Gday mate.awesome tutorial I'm in the process of buying a ktm for commuting to work daily also heading for the high country on adventures Australia is an extremely harsh country but i have no doubt a 1090 or 1190 will take me places.much appreciate the things to look for whilst purchasing one. A little hesitation about air filter change but im sure i can learn how to do it.cheers mate.
Enjoy the bike! You will love it!
Did you end up buying it? I am now considering selling my 2008 R1200gs for a 2013 KTM 1190r. Only thing I'm worried about is reliability (I ride about 30k KMs a year). Will use it for my daily commutes but also take it on holiday trips etc. Have you had any issues? I read about the air intake, starter motor and heat issues (frying the ECU). How bad are they in your experience? Would love to hear it. Thx in advance and cheers from Holland
Brad from SW is the man. hes done some work for me in the past
Yes he absolutely is!
I'm tempted by one of these. My reservation is that I see plenty of GS and GSA's for sale with 200000kms plus on them, I never see KTM's with that many.
That’s because people hang onto them! 😜
I have 95k on my 2013 1190 adv r
@@robertbaciu8857 I bought the 1290SAS. Put 3000miles on it already :)
I love mine. Tubeless tyre gaskets are a nightmare. Ended up taping the lips with gorilla tape, that sorted them. I think the previous owner had nipped them.
I will agree the gasket is a nightmare. I don’t understand how people can nip the gasket when doing tires. It’s way down in the wheel .
Invest in a Rabaconda street tire changer. Well worth it no more nicks
Hello from NM,! So good to see a rider of your stature on a machine like this, I am 5'8.5" and I ride a used 2015 S version of this bike and I feel like at times that this may be too tall a bike for me but at this point I've got way too much $ into the bike and I am committed to doing this. I am currently tackling a rear tire /wheel leak and would appreciate any advice on how to proceed with the repair. I am looking at possibly replacing the rear wheel vs getting the two rubber band seals replaced, just don't know yet. I have found that much of what you have talked about w/pros & cons of your R model also apply to the S model; yes I realize they are different machines. Thank you for the content on this particular KTM.
Hey thanks for checking out the video. Good to hear your point of view with similarities between the S model and the R. I had a rear band leak on mine as well. Cheaper to replace the bands for sure. It’s a headache but worth it IMO. Once I got the band replaced I haven’t had any issues at all. Give it a try! Pull the old band out and make sure the grooves are good and clean before installing the new one. Little patience you should get it no problem.
They really aren't that different, maybe a few small things but that almost all can be changed for a small price.
your video is already a year old, but I am currently taking a decision on either 2016 1190r or 2015 1290 but I believe it would be the 1190r due offroad ability to take it on a more challenging ground as I am used to ride 450/300.
You are right on the money! The 1190R of that generation will be better off-road than the 1290.
Excellent review. Thank you.
Buddys just got a vstrom and a t7. This looks like a happy medium. Small world.
I have a 2019 1290 SAR and it absolutely rips! I just uploaded a long 2-part video of shredding up the desert on it. Mine is pretty dialed in with some Rottweiler goodies, Arrow full exhaust, Seat Concepst seat and I can ride the hell out of it!
Great video, man! Subscribed!
@@bfeadventures likewise, you did a great job giving the bike a thorough review with thoughtful comments.
thanks for the review I'm looking to buy one of these right now,i do think it will suit my needs , can you wheelie it? , because i do like my wheelies ,especially up the beach,
cheers from Australia
The 1190 is a natural at wheelies 🤪. You won’t be disappointed!
Just picked up a 2015 1190 Adventure R with 640 original miles, just turned 1000 miles today. Did the Stage 3 Rottweiler and Stage 3 SAS Delete... decided to delete the cat as well.
Just ordered a 1" risers.
Laid the bike down off road... and did scratch up the right side plastic 🤕 the stock crash bars just dont cut it.
Damn, didnt think about wrapping the pipes, shoot should have done that while i was deleting the cat.
Have you had any issue with your TPM.... mine is going crazy. Anyway to just delete it ?
I have to agree the stock bars don’t cut it. That’s why I put the uppers on as well. I don’t mind scratching it as I’ll drag it across rocks and down hills. The extra bars are a good piece of mind to know your protecting your investment.
As far as your TPM issue, I have not had any issues with mine. Not sure if you can delete it or possibly have it programmed out. Haven’t really looked into it. I’ll cross that path when it happens haha
Sounds like you picked up a good deal on a bike. Enjoy it !!!!
I have a 2016 1190 ADV R and I’m going on a trip in about 3 weeks from San Antonio Tx to Calgary Canada through the rockies. I’ve got 12,000 miles on it now and I’m looking to put 6,000 round trip. I have the Michelin Anakee Adventure tires on now brand new. I am doing some off road in Colorado and Montana. My concern is whether or not my tires will last the whole trip. What is your opinion on that? I’ll be moto camping also, so I’ll be a bit loaded down.
Sounds like a great trip! In my opinion, no tires going to last 6000 miles on an 1190. Lol
@@bfeadventures Fair enough!
What size V Stream Windshield do you have?
how much space do you have between the upper crash bars and the actual plastic, I just installed the touratech ones and the space is minimum.
Space is minimum here as well. Still not an issue though. Bars don’t contact the plastics in the event of a crash. It’s actually closer to the plastic tank where they mount to the stock crash bars.
You will love the touratech ones. That’s what I have and I have put them to the test with no issues whatsoever. Enjoy the bike and keep it on two wheels 🤟
In my opinion it looks so good...
Agreed!
strange to me that people get on a bike, ride it then complain about the amount of wind or "buffeting" they experience. I rode a gsxr1100 2500 miles straight, starting in sun, ending in snow and never even thought about wind being my enemy, it was my friend. Hopefully someday motorcycles come in fully enclosed steel cages encased with glass windows having four wheels so steering is easier. Then they could have heaters and air conditioning with comfy seats to make the "ride" more comfortable. I find all of these reviews so strange. Riding motorcycles for me has always been about enjoying the moment, whether on a honda 90 or a busa. Similar to the women Ive ridden. They havent all been my favorite, but gosh, they were all a blast at full throttle. Prove me wrong.
I get your point. However - 8 hours of highway riding these things (much more upright than a GSXR) the wind is a factor for people. I sure wouldn’t spend the money on a big ADV bike that wasn’t comfortable. Then again, I wouldn’t ride 2500 miles on a sport bike. If I want a raw bike experience - I stick with an enduro bike. I think we comment on it because that is an aspect that people consider w/ big touring bikes.
What size Vstream is that?
No didn't buy it after a 2hr ride on it 1190 that is it was super hot and was on its 3rd starter motor ended up buying a 2016 africa twin with 44k ks on it had it 10mnths now done 25k ks no issues and amazing in the mountains as well as daily commute to work at 60klm round trip daily.
We love the AT as well!
I currently have a 22 890 Adventure R & I am thinking about switching it up to the 1190. Any thoughts?
What’s your reasoning for switching?
@@bfeadventures , honestly, the power.
@@DevinOrr the power is intoxicating. It’s a RIPPER on the street. The 890 surpasses the 1190 off-road easily though.
Has anyone ridden both the 1190 adv r and the 1290 sar? I'd love to hear about the differences.
Not yet, but VERY SOON!
Just saw in another 1190 video, that the 1190 is 37lbs lighter than the 1290! Also, the 1190 is one of the fastest accelerating bikes out there. Obvi, the 1290 has more electronics but depending on your perspective, may be either a good or bad thing.
I’d love to see a comparison!
You are 100% wrong with your assessment on the windshield. Your jacket and helmet are designed for wind protection. I’ve got over 30K on my 1190 R and ar 6’3 I get far less buffeting with a stock windshield fully lowered then in the raised position let alone a wind sail like what you have. You’re only creating more buffeting. Ever ride a sport bike or naked without a windshield? Yes steady wind but zero buffeting, smooth air flow.
Glad it works for you! This video is simply our opinion on the bike. When we discuss wind protection, we are referring to wind hitting your body. Ride safe!
@@bfeadventures your opinion is wrong. Get a jeep if you want a windshield blocking the wind from hitting your body.
You must be fun at parties. "YoUr OpINioN iS WroNG!"
Best bike Ever...
Where did you get your lights?
I actually bought this set used. They are Denali brand lights. Expensive but worth the money IMO.
-Pogo
I´m 170cm. Do I have a real chance to handle this bike with my feet?
Maybe not with both feet at the same time) I am 176 and i cant plant both heels while sitting. Check out Cycle ergo website, as a reference on sitting ergonomics
You will most likely be one-footing it, but that’s how I handle it!
Thank you for your response! 😉
I am 67 inches tall and I ride the S model. You might consider the Non -R model of this KTM as it might suit you better unless your dead set on the R model in which case I say go for it! I can't flat foot mine, I just lean to the side and I do just fine.
@@Bear_Mountain-70 Thanks for your advise!
I‘ll have to try one out.. 👌🏻 But great to hear, that you can handle it also with one foot 💪
Would you take this bike on a 4500 mile trip
We took it on a 3600 mile trip with ZERO issues. I wouldn’t hesitate to go 4500 miles at all.
Been riding this on a 15K miles trip back in 2017. Other than the wheels gaskets (both failed at the same time in Mongolia) and a leaking fork (due to poor maintenance - that was on me) 0 issues. Now the bike is close to 100k kilometers, had some issues with it but very happy overall.
I just bought a 2015 with 13k miles, I love the power but I don't like how hot she gets, is like after every ride your legs and nuts are baked
Baked beans! haha
@@bfeadventuresI’ve read that the Rottweiler intake kits and aftermarket exhaust will help with this… any truth to it?
@@freidrichnietzsche6643 It is still HOT!
I have a full Yoshimura exhaust and I wrapped it and it helped A LOT. No more baked beans.
Bakin' my beans! 🤣
nıce 1190 r😀
Bought 1190 ADV 2016 with 1km on odometr.. waiting from Japan to Ukraine... our war with russians bitches a little bit crahed my planes, but still waiting...
Your gonna love the bike!
21k is nothing i have 1190 adv r 70k on it the egeine whent BANG 600 miles away from home. it becouse a dlearship fited the clutch wrong the oil pump powerd buy the clutch. btw cam chain ajuster r plastic. i would fit a manual one. the auto ajuster r rubbish. i just spent 3k get it running agein only get a secound hand egeine it had more miles then yours. lol would i buy a ktm agein NO! i messaged ktm thay put me under the carpet no jokes. and dlearship dident take fualt. and mead lot sexitst marks to me in first meating. im female. the bike had oil and filter changed 5k miles and full severic at 10k. i end up buying a 1993 honda transalp 600. it amzing offroading i was go off far off place no people if i brake down i take the transalp. the ktm now to racesing and group offroading. yes it slower it get me anywhere.