I'm DITCHING My KTM 790 For This Bike Instead!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2022
- Following on from my last video, I am thinking about swapping my KTM 790 Adventure R out for a new (or two) adventure motorcycles! Here is the short list for 2023 adventure motorcycles that I'm interested in...
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Let me know what you think I should do in the comments! 👇
If money is no problem, get the big KTM and a 500 EXC.
Donate your 790 to Me so that way, when you get the 890, it would not be an upgrade but a new bike altogether! Win-Win for both of us!
@@Turco949 🤣🤣🤣 one day, I need some more subscribers first 🤷♂️🤣
@@TheMotoBarista Just keep going! With the quality of your content, I have full confidence you'll get to big subscriber numbers.
If 2 bike garage, new 1290 r & a 500 exc. expensive though so if only one bike despite your concerns I don’t believe you can go past the 890r
Keep the 790 for a few more years, It is a proven off-roader with the best balance out of all the bikes you mentioned. Shiny things are always tempting but you got a warhorse in your stable that served in multiple campaigns faithfully! and add an agile Achilles to further master the craft. Nothing beats lightweight on the trails! KTM 500 EXC-F / Husqvarna FE501s. Hone thy blade brotha
You make a good argument, my 790 is dialled and has never let me down 💪 as you say, a 500 excf is very tempting!
Totally agree / keep the 790 for longer trips and get a KTM 500 variant for your more technical riding. I have a husky 701 and GasGas 350 to meet those needs.. but, the 690/701 will never as comfortable as your 790. Cheers Stevo!
@@finno2980 ooooft, this is becoming more and more such a tempting idea! 😬😬😬😬
Africa twin and a KTM 500. I think if your “small” bike is too big it defeats the purpose of a two bike garage.
I am getting more tempted by the 500. My only concern is maintenance as I don’t have or desire a trailer for the bike. So worry about my 45 minute/1 hour commute to trails.
@@TheMotoBarista Get the 500 EXC-F, drop $500 on an Ultimate MX Hauler tow hitch carrier and don't look back. Awesome setup to get to trails. Or just ride the bike. Maintenance isn't as bad as you think once you get in a routine with it. The real issue with the 500s is that they are expensive and then you're still gonna drop another $5K+ in parts, ECU, exhaust, protection, etc. to get it set up the way you want it.
@@newenglandscrambler2262 I have been pretty much convinced to get a 500 by everyone at this point 😂 reckon I will and do a light adv build project. Will be fun. Might wait for the 2024 model though when they change to the new engine and frame.
701 enduro long range with rally kit, that would be your ideal bike
why they don't still make that exact bike is beyond me...
@@toltod they still make the 701. You just have to buy the LR kit separately, but Husky still makes that as well.
I have a 2021 Ninja 1000sx and a 2020 790 Adventure R. The adventure is probably my favourite. It’s so good everywhere. Nowhere as fast on the road but still great fun. I love the Ninja and have have been considering selling it, but I just can’t bring myself to do it because it’s so much fun to ride as well.
Mate, the CRF300 Rally is a fantastic go anywhere bike. And cheap enough to spend on a awesome suspension upgrade. $9,500 ride away with 12 months rego and 12 months comprehensive insurance.
It is a very cool bike indeed, I would need to test ride and see peoples reviews and experience with them when it comes to building out for more aggressive off-road riding 🤘
I’m owning a GS1250, a Tenere 700 and a ktm 890R and I used to have a 701, an Africatwin 1000 DCT, a Triumph XE 1200.
I also tried the Desert X but was not convinced by the rear shock absorber which is too harsh.
If you want 2 bikes, you should go for the GS1250 which is the king of the comfort and really capable off-road due to its low center of gravity + an enduro bike like a 350cc.
If you go for 1 bike, the 890R is the unicorn. Great everywhere.
Best advice so far in entire trail of comments 👌
I have a two-bike garage, KTM 790 ADV R, and a KLX 300 (dual sport). Best of both worlds in my opinion and I don't mind banging up the KLX on technical stuff and single track due to the low price range and easy repairs. I have my name on a list for the 2023 KTM 890 though - as far as I can tell it has the prior year's Rally features, I may be wrong, and significant upgrades. The 790 continues to be my favorite bike I've owned so far after 32+ years of riding.
I have to admit, my 790 still makes me smile more than ever and the extras I have added has just made it so dialled in. Perhaps I keep and just look into a smaller bike to join? 🤷♂️🤔
As a former MX rider I would recommend you the Gasgas/690 ktm or 890 AVDR. When I changed to Adventure Riding, I had a 800 GSA And I noticed all the time, that it did not like to be pushed offroad. So you might need a bike that is capable of your sporty driving style in the dirt.
Great content. Love your stuff! Keep it coming.
So glad I found your channel. I'm Adventure Curious at the moment and eating up information as much as I can. This was a great and informative video. Thanks.
Thanks dude!
I have a KTM 1090 Adventure R for road touring and moto camping off road plus the 690 Enduro R (2019) for day trips around my local forests. The 1090 is pretty amazing at riding over everything (long wheelbase and good suspension) as long as you have momentum but it ishhnih a heavy beast if you stop in the middle of a hill or technical section. For that reason I am going to switch to the new 890 Adventure R when it comes out. I also looked at the Ducati Desert X (I have owned 9 Ducati's) but the air filter is a deal breaker for our WA dust. As for the 690, it is a cracking performance dual sport for day rides covering highway and technical dirt. I had a tower on mine but converted it back to stock with a small screen which helps wind blast on the highway but doesn't effect the light handling for technical riding.
I’ll start with keep the 790 and go to an eventual 3-bike garage. Few bikes are as fun to me as my 91 KX 500 in the desert. I sold my DR350 that was great for a quick run to the market and a fun trail bike. I’m torn between a new 300 CRF to replace that and a large bike. A black Africa twin or a used GS 1250 is hard to ignore for long road miles and occasional dirt use. Looking forward to your decision.
I've been riding almost 20 years now. Last year I decided to go for 701 Enduro as my only bike (after many years with F800GS, F850GS and a few on CRF250Rally). Now, a year later and 10k km on odometer, I think this is a perfect bike for me.
I have installed a rally tower (for 3 main purposes: wind protection, better LED light and higher point to mount the navigation), some other minor mods as well. I took it for a 3-4k km ride in the summer with luggage including camping gear, I did one day 700km ride on highway and a lot of offroading too - bike worked flawlessly. Great platform for adventure motorcycling. GasGas is basically the same as 690 Enduro R / Husky 701, so I hope you will enjoy it too. Cheers!
I am definitely leaning towards this option - seems like such an awesome light adv platform.
I have the Honda 450RL and the KTM 890 ADV R. This combo works great for me! I use my Honda as a lightweight adventure/camping bike and the KTM is for more long road touring and traveling. Cheers!
Nice one dude! I don’t think we can get the Honda in Australia 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ such a great platform, very jealous!
I've a 2018 690. Has a tower and Rally Raid front tanks so extra 10ltrs. Takes a 20 minutes to take front tanks off and put on the original side covers. So changing from adventure bike to single trail in the Perth hills very simple and quick.
Oh nice one, the more I research the more I see the 690 platform could be perfect for my type of riding, especially once built out 💪
I'm going to miss your ktm vids if you move on! You were a huge inspiration in recently picking up an 890. That being said, I get it. Half the fun in riding is exploring different platforms and switching it up 👍
I think it is a fair bet there will always be a KTM in the garage. Love the bikes, the brand and the orange! 🤣
Glad you have enjoyed the videos and have helped with your bike!
I can take my 890 anywhere my 690 will go. Seriously. 690 Not worth it in my opinion. I'd vote for the 2023 890 and do the WP Pro suspension upgrade. Unicorn one bike garage. If you want to add bikes, For dirtbike stuff, 500EXC. For touring, R1250GS or Tiger 1200.
Hey Ian! Thanks for the insight, I haven’t been able to test ride the 690 off-road so this insight is helpful. To be honest I love my 790 and like you say I take it anywhere and everywhere.
I like the idea of a 2 bike garage both for diversifying the channel with different bikes and also to mix up up my riding between weekend off-road and longer moto camping trips.
Perhaps a 500 is really what I need to be looking at? I will just have to push through the 45 minute road commutes to the trails! 🤣
Triumph tiger 1200 rally pro. Good for long distance riding & decent for off road. Plus all the techs & gadgets included.
Triumph definitely pack a punch in offering a complete package with their bikes. And the fit, finish and styling in these new models is superb 😍
I'm on the 12 Explorer & love it, came off a husky 511 & an R1. Now I have the best of both dual sport worlds.
I have the Triumph Tiger 1200 gt pro. Love it. Really comfortable. Just had its first service and now when opening her up she has some grunt. I dont need a 30 litre tank in the UK. Good luck choosing 😉
I really really love the new Tiger 1200 line. I think they did a great job and just the overall package and I would definitely utilise the 30L tank here in Western Australia 😅
My two bike solution is a 2020 690 Enduro R with Rebel X Rally tower and 2018 R1200GS. Having done 34,000 miles on the GS, including two USA cross country trips (both on and off road) in every imaginable condition, I can vouch for the long distance capabilities and versatility of the GS. I also completed a 2 day BMW off road class at their Spartanburg SC facility. With the right technique, the GS is an extremely capable, balanced, fun off roader, despite a 19” front. The 690 with some soft luggage is also a fantastic lightweight adventure bike.
That is a very nice 2 bike setup you have there mate. 690 sounds setup the same way I do mine!
I think you're on the right track with the 2 bike garage. I have the 2022 ktm 1290sar, 2020 ktm 690r and 2017 ktm300xcw. Covers all the bases for me👍
Oooft now that is a garage I could get on board with! 💪💪💪
I was in the same spot one year ago (grateful to be in such a position), I had a 2021 890R, had reliability issues post 10K miles, and decided to go the two bike garage route at the beginning of this year. Been working great for me so far, Triumph 1200XE (8700 miles so far 65/35 ~ on/off road in the desert SW of the USA), which is way more capable than you'd think, but not cheap, and an AJP PR7 (2500 miles, 1000 more due in the next week) Both bikes I have used for plenty of moto camping without issue.
For the super fun stuff I have a 2023 TE150i...I have now promised myself no new bikes thru 2023 minimum 🤷♂
All your options definitely seem like they would be pleasing as well, and certainly would be all good choices! Looking forward to the decision and your thoughts. No matter what you'll be out riding and that is the best part of it all!
Thanks for the insight, haven’t looked into the AJP, though I am being tempted more towards the 500 😬
Always had small bikes so a FE501 for the off road stuff, changed my 701 after 5 years to an 890 adventure r only to try something different. Lot more comfortable on the longer trips and still ok on the fire trails. If I could have only one bike would be a 701 with some sort of rally kit with 25 liters of fuel but wow your prob around 30k to build it.
How about a Portuguese Princess (AJP PR7)? Do the wide ration gear mod and you've got a pretty good all-rounder with minimal other 'extras' needed...
I’ll look into it, never given them much thought!
What’s your speed on the long trips highway stretches? If around 110 km/h (70mph) or lower, go for the 690 enduro. It will do 150km/easy, but not comfortable. I switched 6 months ago, coming from big and mid sized adv bikes. Will never go back. If range is a concern, take a fuel bladder or install the Rade Garage aux tank.
Yeh I’ll sit at about 110-120kmh. 690 is sounding more and more like a great option - even as my only bike.
Africa twin 1100 base model would be the best value for money and with a little extra you can make a nice set-up. Other big bore options are more expensive and still require more $$$ on accessories.
I have had the Desert x for a month now and I can say it is the most fun I have ever had on a motorcycle - it almost feels lighter than a t7 and it feels like my KTM 500 - yes its that flickable - tons of pull power - I have a KTM 450 XCW for the real technical stuff -
It is a nice bike for sure. I enjoyed how smooth and linear the power was.
I would (and did) go for the 2 (or more) bikes solution. the 690 platform is perfect for what you want to do, it can do pretty serious off-road (depending on ability, anything short of hard enduro) and is better than expected on the road (without even mentioning the road-bike kind of mantainance wrt say an enduro). However, personally I would keep the second bike in the mid-size, I see no much need to go maxi. EG, a new 890R or a tiger 900 or perhaps the desert x.
Yeh, I’m thinking that more and more myself, might stick with mid-sized and look at something smaller.
As a t7wr owner my vote goes to:
T7wr or Africa Twin for the 1bike garage (you want something reliable I suppose?) and for the 2bike garage I’m suggesting to get a crf450 with a rally tower and the tiger1200 (watta sound!)
Also the Italians will look good on you (also important content wise 😉) but I rode the Aprilia once and it just felt like a souped up moped. The Ducati you mentioned it’s shortcomings in the video already…so I will end my book🤓
Thanks for your input! Really excited to check out the World Raid when it (finally) arrives here!
I run a two bike garage and for me it's the best option. Costs more.. But having the perfect tool for what you're going to do is great.
I’m running a 690 but My next bike will probably be a 500exc. The 690 gearing is just not suitable for technical off-road. It’s a blast on gravel roads tho
Interesting, I’d like a smaller bike but just don’t know if I want to go down the van/trailer route.
First bike: ktm690 or husky701. Second bike GS1200/1250. The end. Thanks for listening to my TED talk.
Great TED, would recommend 👍
Best midsize adv in my opinion is the Aprillia Tuareg. Fully adjustable suspension with more travel than T7, same ground clearance, lower center of gravity, easy to access air box, all the rider aides that don’t reset when switching bike on/off and fully accessible while on the go. Oh and cruise control.
Yeh, but I’d get an 890R over the Aprilia any day of the week 😬
Safe bet = new updated 890 (let’s be honest, it’s all you really need), the high risk/reward = the 690/700 & the Tiger pairing. I have sat on multiple Triumphs and I am really impressed. The wildcard = just get the Tiger 900 Rally. It’s also all you really need.
And to be honest, I would pair an ADV bike with a 500 EXC-F or Beta 480, etc instead of the 690 if I were going down that road. Having the Tiger and a big bore enduro would be sick in my opinion.
Mate, I think you nailed exactly the way I’m leaning towards right now. The Triumph is very impressive. I like the 500exc, I just worry about road segments and maintenance? What do you reckon?
@@TheMotoBarista The EXC has been ridden all over the world and people rave about them, but you would have the Tiger for your really long jaunts anyway and that’s kind of what I love about your plan. If you want an enduro bike that has a little longer service interval, you could go with the Honda CRF450RL, but it’s only worth getting if you get the Aim ECU from the start. Born A Goon and John T Young have tons about that bike on their channels. If it were my money though, I would, without hesitation, get the Tiger and a KTM or Husky 500 and call it a day. The Tiger would by my travel bike and the 500 my trail and day trip play toy. That just sounds awesome.
@@TheMotoBarista check out the KTM 500 build Taco Moto did a couple of years ago. That thing is sweet.
How about a scrambler 1200?! I recently ended up getting one after being on the hunt for a speed twin, it wasn’t on my radar at all but I stumbled upon it and the test ride really surprised me
Beautiful bike, if I wanted something for around town and gentle days out off-road, it would be my pick. But for the adventure riding I like to do, I’d break and dent such a beautiful machine! 😅
I've ridden both my own T7 and Tiger 1200 rally. They are trucks barging through compared to the tenere. Comfortable on highway but they are just soo big I'd be worried truly off roading with one.
I've seen some leaks about Hondas potential 750 "transalp". I'd stick around for that in November before deciding on anything new
True, a transalp could fit me perfectly if paired with a 690 build 😍
I've been all over Oz on my Husky 701, and I think it's an awesome bike for what I use it for. Sure, those 8 hour days in the seat aren't the best, but it can cruise at 170km/h fully loaded, and still tackle any of the sticky stuff. Plus, picking it up isn't an issue, especially if you drop it multiple times a day. My original plan was to also buy a 1290 R, but I've been so happy with the 701, I haven't bothered. Of course, I have upgraded my bike. That stock seat is a running joke.
This is really good info! I was thinking perhaps the 690 platform would be good enough to tackle everything even the road miles. I’m surprised to hear it handles the high speeds so well!
@@TheMotoBarista Yes, I was surprised as well. With balanced wheels, a screen and an upgraded seat, it definitely goes. 8 hour days doing 130km/h. I've had it up to 180, but that's as fast as I like on knobbies on any bike. If you look at the supermoto guys, they are a big fan of the platform.
same here....main reason I chose the husky was because of the weight....I added an Aurora rally tower and it's perform GREAT on road. My focus is more off road capable but still can manage hours on road at a comfortable pace.....if you compare for example the Ducati vs the Husky you are talking +100 pounds difference.
@@jayd3931 180kmh! You’re a mad man 🤣🤣
@@luichodelgado I think I have been underestimating this bike’s highway manners. Seems like this is going to be a great platform to tackle everything 💪
I have four bike garage. Recently sold #5. Realistically, I only need three but, I don't ride as much as I would like to (meaning every day).
Two bike solution is the way to go. Husqvarna 701, and Triumph 1200. Although, the BMW adventure could replace the Triumph. For the bigger bikes, it is more about going far, on asphalt, in comfort, with payload, and less about dubious off road.
Agree that is definitely why the Tiger 1200 is so tempting, just a really great overall package. 690 would be so much fun but no white bikes for me 😂😂
What is your bigger bike going to do that your 790 doesn’t? Unless it’s for long highway touring I think keep the 790 and add a husky fe350 or fe501.
If you have to have a bigger bike, I think the Desert X and a 350/501 makes a pretty awesome garage.
If you only want one bike, the 690 enduro is pretty hard to beat for doing it all.
Tried the DesertX, Tiger Rally, Tenere, Tuareg, 890 R....and the one that felt the most natural offroad was the KTM...Like you said you need to test drive them ✌️
That’s my problem, I know the 890R is the perfect bike for me in the mid-sized segment, but doesn’t feel like enough to upgrade from my 790 😬😬
My preference went to the Tuareg and desert x. Only because I dont like KTM styling and engine mapping geared towards racing (almost no engine breaks) so you can't let it slow down itself when on road. I admit it is the superior offroader.
@@romroger fair enough, I definitely lean towards the off-road capability of bikes.
Next best offroad was the Tuareg, best engine was the Ducati... Tiger is probably the best all around, but more 70% road and 30% trails. You might need 3 in your garage 😁
@@TheMotoBarista you should probably try the Tuareg if you have the opportunity. I would have spare parts availability and dealership location concerns. But at least to try it. It is really a special bike
I love my 690/890 combination. The two bikes have a totally different character, but enough crossover that they can both do pretty much anything
Ooo interesting, never considered the 690/890 combo. Do you find the bikes different enough to tackle different terrains?
500 exc-f / 890r 👌
@@jasminlevesque5798 lots of people saying the 500. Very tempting.
@@TheMotoBarista I find the bikes have a very different personality. Both are capable of covering long highway miles and pretty hardcore off-road. They just feel very different doing it. 690 is a hooligan, 890 is a little more civilized. Both put a huge smile on my face every time I ride
@@michaelcameron8559 you had me at hooligan 🤣
Tiger 900 rally pro really is the perfect balance between offroad capability and on road comfort，trust me，try the bike
I am very impressed with triumph lately, will have to go and give it a go!
I feel a 2 bike garage would be the ideal if it's possible since you can get beat of both worlds
What about the upcoming 390/490 rally edition?
Why not keep the 790 seeing as you've already set it up nicely and supplement it with something like an EXC 500/FE501? Buying two new bikes would be awesome but very spendy!
The 500exc is tempting, but I don’t want to trailer my bike and worry I’d be putting too many road miles on it.
Well ive have no bikes like ive said before but i watch MAD TV and they seem very pleased with their 701's. Especially Nugget on the 701 LR 🤙 so 701 for the win. For me, i just want a Tenere 700 or the Norden 901, oh maybe you should consider the Norden also 🤷♂️
Yeh, I saw they absolutely love their 701s. Definitely an awesome platform it seems for a lightweight adv build 💪
You have the best of two categories already - the Swiss knife. Just order Renazco racing seat for it, That it :)
It definitely handles everything extremely well, but neither the best. That’s why the mid-sized platform is so so good at the moment for single bike ownership. And I do love my 790 🤤
Videos like this make me want to move to Australia.
It’s pretty beautiful 😂
Triumph TRP 900...it performs so much like a twin, hard to spot the differences plus complete electronic package.
The triumphs over deliver in the premium package - you get so much with the bike. Really like them. Definitely considering the 900 instead of the 1200.
@@TheMotoBarista the biggest problem is the wait time. Had to wait 7 months for my TRP 900 in NSW
2 bike garage. 701/700,690 or weekend adventure performance dual sport. 500EXC, 500RRS, or 450L all with tank seat and screen added.
More and more people have me considering the 690 as the do everything light ADV bike in my garage 🤔
@@TheMotoBarista Once I added a more street capable bike to my garage I then wished my dual sport was dirtier. Don't want too much overlap between models.
@@mikeisland7382 agree, if I have 2 bikes I really want a clear distinction between riding styles.
@@TheMotoBarista That's where the weight comes in. The 690/701 are 100lbs lighter but some of the performance dual sports are 200lbs lighter than the 790. While I love my 450L I do find myself reading a lot on the Beta 390. None of the performance dual sports are great on the highway though.
Aprilia Tuareg? Definetly go the two bike route....I would even say go down to a 500 with a tad bigger tank.
Only thing I worry about with the 500 is highway miles and constant maintenance, is it as bad as I think or am I overthinking it?
Tuareg seems impressive but personally don’t like the styling and just don’t fancy owning an Aprilia.
What about the Norden 901
They are comfortable
An interesting alternative to the KTM 690 is the portuguese AJP PR7.
I’m liking my 850GSA but she’s an heavy lady so except for the fuel economy and a good riding comfort (very little vibrations), I dunno how really capable it is off-road, I laid her down in deep mud once with road tires already, but I wasn’t careful and I’m relatively a noob. Fortunately the bars did a wonderful job, not a scratch.
I guess that with touratech’s or other vendor’s front suspension kits it would do wonders with people capable like you (with mandatory knobby tires lol)
Less powerful than any of the three you mentioned tho, but the fuel economy is really great and with the huge tank I do more than 600km with a full tank
The 1250 has a wonderful motor but it’s a 19” FW
I’m also curious about the next big adventure Moto Guzzi will put on the market based on the newly released V100 crossover platform, that bike and that engine look promising
850 is definitely comfortable! Could easily crush highway miles on and some light off-road!
I dumped all of my large ADV bikes as my only bike. Loved them but not for off road. I have a 2021 GS and that is my sport tourer that can do fire roads. I also have a Husky 701 with Coober chip, Rotty intake etc. I also have a Beta 390RRs. There is no master of all trades.
So what you’re saying is, more bikes!!! 🙌🙌🙌
AJP RP7 One awesome bike!!
very surprised you ignored the BMW and went with the lesser comfort brands thou the triumph will sing to you!
the light bikes... yea still mid sized with the big bikes...
have fun what ever you pick!
I like the BMWs but they just aren’t right for kind of riding. 1250 only is 19 front wheel and I don’t want telelever suspension. 850 is spring way to soft and plush, no feel of the ground.
i rode with a guy that had that new ducati desert X last weekend
Just took it out for a road ride myself - very smooth machine!
Love your channel man. Just found you. Sub!
Thanks mate, appreciate the sub 🤘
Admittedly the T7 has no electronics, but had you considered why you find the engine so good? Probably because it has a cable throttle which gives that perfect connection. On the question of ktm reliability, I've had no problems with my Duke 890r after 8k miles.
Yeh nice throttle but the delivery of power is very linear, has a nice feel. I only addressed KTM reliability because I knew people would in the comments. I have had no problems with my bike.
I currently have a Yamaha WR250r, which I will keep and add a second - like what you’re thinking. I am looking at the KTM 890 or the KTM 1290 super adventure R rally but do worry it’s to big. I am planning riding the east coast and off road. The 890 maybe the sweet spot? Not sure. Hence why is am watching TH-cam videos. 😂
Sounds like we are both in the same predicament! The way I see it, with two bikes, I can lean into a heavier/comfier bike. When I travel and moto camp the trails are never extreme, usually just super fun two track. I think the big bikes will be fine for this and then super comfy for the big 10 hour tarmac days! 😬😬😬
I've ridden my WR250R up and down the east coast from Brisbane to the bottom of Vic (mostly off-road) many times. I'd hate to be on one of those bigger bikes on the trails I find myself on in the Vic high country.
Funny, im thinking of the same thing.
I have been riding all of the mentioned bikes except for the Ducati.
Currently owning a Ktm 1190 adv r for 3 year and a 790 for one year(sold now).
I find the 1190 a smigde too big for the riding i want to do and the technical stuff, but its soooo much fun of fast gravel roads and the street.
The Ducati looks awsome, but is pricy and still have the dreaded and really expensive desmo service from what i have heard.
For me, the 690 is not a one bike only bike, too uncomfortable for a day of riding on the street, great fun off road. Owned one for half a year before i needed something more street friendly.
Test rode the T7 and found it to be a bit bland engine wise, and that boat suspension😅. Not for me. The World Raid version looks better, but too expensive like you said without any electronics.
The 1290 is probably your best bet, the new 2022 is a beast of a machine, the new engine is so powerfull, althou not different enough to replace my 1190.
The Tiger 1200 i found to be too soft suspension wise and it did not feel like it had 150hp. It also felt very big compared to the 1290.
The Africa Twin was a great bike, really hides it weight really well on the new model, a bit boring engine for me. LOADS of buttons, but not that hard to figure out after 1 hour test ride.
I test rode the new Aprilia Tuareg 660 and fell in love with that. Feels a bit lighter that the 790 with a bit less power, but way more comfy suspension.
Awesome dude, thanks for your insight! I’m actually leaning towards a 500excf now as a platform for a light adventure build which I think will be a really fun project. As for the bigger bike, I might even hold onto the 790 for now as it super dialled in.
The desert X is the best bike (on road) I have tested this year and I have tried all adv bikes. It is impressive in many ways. I was confident on it in 5min. Suspension breaks, ergo everything works perfectly as one would expect. I think if you go for a two bike garage I would stay below the 1000cc. Honestly the big bikes just bring weight to the game and 100HP is plenty even with 2 people and luggage. I would go for the GasGas690 of even a 450cc to get something really light. And for the big bike I would go Desert X (no problem of filter if you do lot of touring and a bit of road) or the Tiger 900. The tiger 900 is brilliant . Not sure why people are interested in the 1200cc so much. It is just so big.
Very good point, I agree over 1000cc isn’t necessary, you just usually get better fuel range and wind protection with the big bikes. Definitely excited to ride the Desert X, only hearing great things about it - and you’re right about the Tiger 900, that is an excellent, maybe underrated motorcycle 🤘
Yeah, I second this. I got a Tiger 1200 RP this year (new gen) and everything about it is brilliant.... except it is just too damn big. Now I'm looking at swapping for a DX... but not until I'm sure I can get my hands on a service manual for it.
@@newenglandscrambler2262 yehhh it must be the triple cylinder configuration- they all result in building big and tall tanks on top of it. Definitely the most too heavy bikes.
@@TheMotoBarista it also just "feels big". I'm 6'2", 200 lbs. 35 inch inseam and not out of shape. I can flat foot anything with bent knees and drag a 500 lb bike out of a mud pit if I have to. The Tiger still feels over large to me. The Tiger 900 RPs carry their weight better and are absolutely superior off road bikes. The DX seems to be even more balanced than the Tiger 900s. It feels much more like a sub-450 lb bike when you are standing over it shifting the weight from side to side. Not quite as well balanced as the 890 R, but pretty close.
So youre saying this new world raid is no longer top heavy?
By the way my Africa Twin has a problem-oil burning, but honda will sort out this. Otherwise Amazing bike, and believe that the engine is super rocky! Oil burn due to crankshaft ventilation
I have some of the same issues and thoughts of a two bike garage to embrace a broad range of riding. Or, one bike with some extras that does it all. First, a bike that is entirely road biased is not going to work for me. I recently sold one of those. A good one too, but it wasn't scratching my riding itch. I have been missing a very capable off road bike for years and having that capability is a priority. In a world more perfect than the one I am in now, I have two bikes set up and biased how I like. My two bike garage would be a 2023 KTM 890 R focused on my offroad adventures and a 2023 KTM 1290 S for longer road adventures with easy gravel tracks and not too technical dirt trails. Or, I pick one bike and set it up with a few additional options to enable me to have the best of both worlds in one bike with minimal compromise. My current thoughts are a 2023 KTM 890 R with the following additions: An extra set of 890 S wheels with 80% road biased tires. A more comfortable and lower seat. A clip on to add height to the windscreen, or a different windscreen for days on the road. The bike would be kept in the R configuration and the easy swaps would be made for the occasional longer road trip with a lesser amount of easy gravel/dirt trails. I am leaning toward the KTM 890 R with additional parts for the road. Would that work? What would be the downsides, if any? I would appreciate your response.
Yeh I think that would work great, as a single bike garage it is hard for me to look past the 890 R because I favour riding off-road. Instead of buying S wheels I’d keep the stock as my road wheels and then get some tubed high strength wheels and tyres for off-road trips - ktm stock wheels dent easily if you don’t run high pressure!
@@TheMotoBarista Good to know. I'll look into the high strength wheels and put appropriate tires on them. I'd love to have more bikes but I am out of space. I recently sold one a wasnt riding much. One bike would be much better and cost less. I saw what you are talking with the wheels denting up and failing to hold air on another TH-camr's channel posting about a multi-country trip. He dented up the wheels in Albania riding a very rough rocky trail fast at night to find shelter before a storm. What they did was dangerous and in my mind foolish. You come off a bike going downhill at speed, in rough rocks and you could be badly injured. I tend to reduce risk when I have options. I have a lot of outdoor experience and would have holed up and spent the night in the storm. Anyway, a local mechanic fixed the wheel old school with a hammer. They put the tire back on and it held air the remainder of the trip. Chances of running into a mechanic like that in the middle of nowhere are slim to none. Wheel and tire choice is important.
If you can do two bikes is a no brainer. Especially if one is the KTM 690. Consider the KTM 450 Rally Replica also!
450 rally replica!? That’s the price of both bikes I’d consider together! 🤣 it would be fun though!
450 rally replica!? That’s the price of both bikes I’d consider together! 🤣 it would be fun though!
No consideration of the Aprilia Taureg 660?
From what I have seen it is an impressive performing bike but personally I don’t like the styling or have any interest owning an Aprilia. Plus no good dealer support here. Would love to ride one though!
just buy a damn exc500 and man up to the task of riding hard and fast - all the time - and of course suffering on the roads 🙂
😂😂😂 I think remember that being the reason I collided with a tree 2 years ago and ended up with a broken shoulder, wrist, pelvis, 2 surgeries and 3 months in a wheelchair 🤣
exc500 is an insane race bike not a tourer though. I mean it can be, but that aint what its for. Ridiculous power to weight.
I have Africa Twin for long touring and 701 rally for fun.
You sound exactly like the person I want to emulate 🤣
How do you find both bikes?
@@TheMotoBarista love them! I have some issues with 701, have to do a video about them. But love riding it. It’s built for longer offroad touring (was planning to ride to Mongolia this year, but war started and can’t get through Russia). I’ve done one rally with it and loads of motoorienteering competitions. Just love it!
Africa Twin is now about 100k km and still going strong! It’s a good compromise between onroad and gravel riding. Maybe bigger fuel tank would be a good thing, because refueling 5 times a day is a bit frustrating when I have 1000km/day riding to do :P
Are you going for Desert X?
Isn't everything you want from a new or two bikes already in the 790? Didn't really get why the 790 isn't working out for you.
Single bike option: KTM 690 Enduro or GasGas 700
Two bike options: (1) KTM 350/450/500 EXC (you have Kriega loop for it to attach camping gear) and (2) KTM 1290 SAR
If you ask me, keep 790, add RebelX or Aurora Rally and different stickers and it will be a new bike. For a second bike, get 350-500 EXC (or Sherco 300/350)
Oooft nice picks. Do you reckon the 500 would be ok on road segments? I worry about that and the maintenance when putting a lot of road miles on it to get to and from the trails! 😬
@@TheMotoBarista 500 maintenance is over rated - mine is relatively new at 100 hours and faultless, i know bikes at 35k that are faultless - sucks on road if using full knobbies which i do, i do mean full knobbies and mousse ahahahaaaaa - mid tyre and tubes, gear down at the rear and booosh - bike is amazing even at speed - except in uk windy winter yuk
Few of us had/have same decision “issues” like you do now (hell, these are good issues to have 😂). I had 690 hoping to rise it TO the track. I had ATAS back then. Ended up buying 250EXC and a trailer. 690 was just stuck in the middle between 250EXC and ATAS. Sold to a friend who had 1290SAR. He eventually sold 690 as well (we have even put a rally kit) to get much lighter 450EXC which he, street legally ride to the tracks.
I personally now lean more toward combi/van with EXC in. I do have 890R, but would prefer to put everything in a small van, ride to the point of interest, and then use smaller bike. There is of course a something in adv/moto-camping with 890/1290, but I just dislike “big cow” feeling (not sure how those GSA guys like it?) amd preder smaller bike. Even contemplating selling my 890, but damn, it is such a great all around bike 😂
Hence: single bike to have: 690/701
Two bikes: 890/1290 and smaller EXC. Add there one trial bike for training 😂
As for interval maintenance - well I guess EXCs are not great for very long adventure, but there are guys who do it.
Not sure this helps - at least that is what bothers me as well. Love your channel - keep up the great work!
@@endurojitsu3804 thanks for comment, super helpful! Now you have me looking at vans for sale online 🤣 yeh, moto camping is so much fun and especially when I can still rip on my 799 through the trails with all my gear strapped on the bike - very impressive!
Thanks again and glad you are enjoying the content! 💪💪
The 2024 Tiger Rally Pro doesn't have the fork angle the other mid weight bikes have making it more sketchy in the pea gravel and sand we have in Western Australia in my opinion, but they do look really well put together and have every feature you'd want out of the box. The Desert X, Aprilia and KTM would all be better choices due to their stability in offroad riding conditions. I wouldn't buy the Desert X because of the Airfilter either. I own a 790 now and its much better if you up the fork pre-load to max - got mine down the Canning Stock Route this way. I'd much rather ride my 790 than a 690 any day in the Perth Hills, the extra weight makes it way more comfortable and much more tractable on the gravel. The Aprilia gets great reviews but I've yet to try one - but you said you don't like them. The 890 you know is going to go well off road and they've improved upon the 790's niggles, but KTMs quality and reliability seem to be going down hill at the moment and the buffeting from the screen at highway speeds sucks! There is no perfect bike....they all have their good and bad points! It's really hard to make a decision on a new bike at the moment!
So maybe you should've kept the Harley Sportglide. I'll keep my T7 and buy a HD low rider S..maybe I'll put nobbies on that as well ..
Maybeeee. I couldn’t buy a new one now though, I’d be 50k deep into a bike I wanted including all the additional parts 🤦♂️ plus - I like off-road 🤣
Well I am going to throw in my two dollars; Two Bikes. Bike one, Triumph Tiger 900Pro..for those long adventure rides, its proven its bloody good and would suit your skill base. Bike Two; Honda CF 300F to throw around on those weekend single track rides; Chronicles of Solid has one and he has proven this model.... again its your choice. I have two bikes, both different and serve different needs.....David..Adelaide...Tiger 900GT & Street Scrambler...
2 bikes does seem very very tempting. The Honda 300 seems like a great bike but needs a lot spent in terms of suspension etc otherwise I’ll break it 🤣 maybe I’ll have another look at the Triumph 900 though, might be better for me than the 1200.
You should also try the Tuareg 660
Tuareg seems like an impressive bike but personally I don’t like the styling and I just don’t really feel interested in owning the Aprilia brand.
And the Tuareg comes with a big issue: it’s heating the legs, so it’s not an option when you ride in a hot country
The moto barista - I agree with your opinion with the aprilla. I bought a 2020 1290 adventure r. Best bike ever! Heavy pig in the tight stuff but literally my only complaint
Dont like the styling of 660? KTM 790 is fugly. To each his own…660 is a sleeper
@@ojaisherpa yeh, the 790 is super ugly to a lot, but I love how mine looks now with the headlight grill and aux lights. I think styling is super personal which is why I love when designers to weird things - you’ll either love it or hate it! 🤣
You never mentioned the Tuareg. Basically a modern T700, more power, low fuel CoG, all the rider aids of the KTM. The Ducati would be a complete non-starter for me. Yeah the air filter is an issue, a bigger issue is the fact that is no service manual for you. Ducati expect you to take it to a dealer to do anything with the bike.
Yeh, I think the Ducati is out. The Tuareg seems to have impressive performance but I personally don’t like the styling and don’t want to own an Aprilia. Would be great to ride one though!
Personally will not do KTM as I am discussed with there new add all the bells and whistles but then have them turn off when you get used to them so uou will pay. I love the look of desert x. But I think your a KTM boy at heart so that is probably the only way you will be happy.
Tiger 900 Rally Pro ?
Husqvarna Norden 901 ?
Probably lean Tiger of the two
Three Bikes - KTM1290 / KTM690 / Beta430 - the trifecta
3 bikes!!!?? Now we’re talking 🤣😎
Get a 890.
Move the upgrades from the 790 to the 890.
I did that.
The engine of the 890 is so much better.
The 2023 now also looks good.
Would be the safe play.
Backlit switches should just be a standard thing across every manufacturer!
Agreed! Soooo good!
I keep my 790R and add a 1290R basically for the same reasons. If you are used to kTm, everything else seems just "boaring" 😂
Yeh, you’re not wrong 🤣
I'm really looking closely at a DX too. One even bigger issue that you didn't mention - Ducati isn't going to make any kind of service manual accessible to owners. Only to dealers. So... want to know tour torque specs to pull the tank and clean that air filter... take it to the dealer, or good luck with that. In my book, that's a deal breaker. I'm hoping that it might run afoul of US "Right to Repair" laws and they might have to eventually make the service manual available, bilut im not holding my breath. And given how much Ducati (over)charges for parts and labor at the dealer, you can bet that maintaining that thing is gonna cost you a pretty penny. Really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'm actually thinking of selling my 2023 Tiger 1200 Rally Pro to downsize a bit more... just never really synced with the bike and it just feels too big for what I like riding. So I'm actually looking to go to a midsize ADV to complement my KTM 500 EXC-F. I'm definitely keeping the 500. Most versatile bike on the market, IMO.
I feel the same, I don’t think the ownership experience will pair nicely with proper adventure riding. I’m leaning more towards keeping my 790 and adding a 500 to the garage - it seems people only have amazing things to say about the 500!
@@TheMotoBarista the 500 is the perfect "single person's" bike. If you are married (I am) and your spouse isn't as enthusiastic about moto as you are (mine's not), the amount of time and money you spend with/on your orange "second wife" can be a little jealousy-inducing if you arent careful about it (mods/farkles = gifts, maintenance = TLC, riding = well, you get the idea 😉). Be prepared to go the extra mile at home to offset this to some degree. And pay off any debts and fund your retirement investments before you buy one or that bike will easily make you bankrupt lol. Just waaay too many "must have" add-ons and customization options with that bike. But man is it fun AF.
Anyway, I hope you'll pardon the unsolicited advice here. I started riding a little later in life, so my perspective on it is a bit different. Now pardon me while I go and install my new Athena GET ECU and Scott's stabilizer setup before my wife wakes up.
@@newenglandscrambler2262 hahaha trust me I know, I already have a build list if I were to get a 500! 🤣 now it is just a question of time to ride and time to wrench in the garage!
What about the Africa twin
Grass is always greener aye?, stick with your 790 weapon bro. It's everything you'll ever need. Unless you just like spending money. All the best to ya.
Yeh, definitely would be hard to get rid of it, this thing is pretty well dialled in. Fortunately TH-cam revenue can pay for a bike so I can use it to bring you guys better bike reviews and in depth experiences and opinions.
@@TheMotoBarista
That's awesome mate. In that case it depends on what sort of riding you want to do. Your 790 or 890 will do most adv stuff and moto camping s you know with ease. But if you want to flick a bike around enduro style like Chris birch then why not get a nice light 350 or 500 ktm. Ktm shocks are pretty unbeatable out the box compared to the alternatives aye? Enjoy mate. Yo from nz.
Ps . Can I have your 790 then if your ditching it ?? Haha cheers bro cyas.
I can't believe you didn't mention BMW G850GS .
It’s a nice, comfortable bike but too soft for me. I find when riding it off-road it is so soft you can’t feel the terrain through the tyres.
Considering all the add ons I've done to my 790 there isnt that much reason to buy an 890. The WP suspension is a game changer. Buy a 500 and keep the 790.
Hmmm interesting, a 500 would be fun but don’t know about the road riding I have to do. Like you said, my 790 is so dialled in, hard to swap for an 890 at this point 😬
Yea same as my 1090 few upgrades and it's just preams...
i dumped a 990adv for a wr250r because every time i had to fix something the ktm was 1000usd. the wr is much cheaper and been more reliable.
I do like the idea of a WR450 as a second bike 🤔
@@TheMotoBarista very good bike but super hard to find.
Ducati is a copy of the KTM 1090 and all the problems with that is where the 890 and 1290 comes in..
no doubt. 890 2023 is coming ;)
It does look good. But would be expensive for me to swap and customise - and have essentially the same bike. My bike right now is sooo good.
KTM/Husky's all have pure offroad capabilities, rather than any other Europe relatives. I think better get 4T enduro bike! Lighter is better always on any dirt ride🙂
Definitely looking forward to a lighter bike for weekend riding that’s for sure!
So you would say that a BMW that is 20 kilos heavier is easier to drive off-road?
@@taekwondotkd2668 depends how you ride! The GS1250 is very easy to ride and well balanced for a heavy bike, making it easy to ride “off-road” but as soon as things get tight and technical the weight is hard to handle, the suspension can’t keep up and the front wheel doesn’t help over obstacles.
For around $20,000 you could buy a good 2nd hand kitted KTM 500 and a Vstrom 650/1000. The 500 is the king of dirt bikes and you would be amazed at how capable the Vstroms are in dirt. 2 of my friends have Vstrom 1000s and swear by them on the dirt. And forget about all,the rubbish you hear about 500 maintenance, indestructible motor and 2-3000 km oil changes. The new 690 is much improved from the old unreliable 690 up to 2013. I own a 690 and 500. Also, there are now increasingly more bikes for sale post covid, a buyers market.
There is an amazing local 2022 500excf six-days for sale with only 600km on it. Very tempting indeed.
Fantic 450 rally and vstrom 1050 DE
Dude, how good does the Fantic 450 Rally look!!???
@@TheMotoBarista on paper looks a great package
Shit bikes
You will regret buying anything other than the 890. Just transfer your aftermarket parts from the 790 over to the 890
900 rally pro rides better than the 1200 on and off road, just putting it out there.
You have a KTM and it an issue you think to buy a Ducati? 😮😮😮
Ok, about the air filter i agree 100%.
Haha I would probably put reliability concerns on par with KTM. But I just don’t think I want to own the Ducati brand is what I meant 🤣