@GrizzlyDaddams a few recalls, warped front discs, ignition lock error and condensation in the TFT. All done under warranty. Can be difficult to start in cold weather (below 5°C). Can't think of anything else. Now has over 40,000 miles on the clock and I'm still enjoying it. I've ridden the 890Adv and 890SMT, neither have me wanting to sell mine and start again with all the usual mods.
I do love a KTM. Although I probably wouldn’t pick an adventure bike. I had the original 790 duke which came loaded with everything as standard. I loved that bike.
Potentially my first bike in 9 years.... I was eyeing this bike when they suddenly discontinued it. I used to own a highly-modded DR650 which probably cost $9000 US with all the bits... And this KTM is far superior to that IMO. The 790 here in the U.S. is going for $11k. $2k more. But a bargain IMO. It looks like the perfect bike for my travels.
My choice was between this or the transalp 750. Both were about the same price wise and the KTM had the option of cruise control which is a big plus BUT i decided to go with honda because KTM just has such a negative association with reliability problems, wether true or fictional i dont know but i didnt want to take the risk.. This seems like a lovely bike though.
Morning, having not ridden a motorcycle for 20yrs, last was a ZX6R, how does this compare to a 800 vstrom, or a transalp, Suzuki looks really cool, and transalp looks just honda I've never been keen on them, can you live with a KTM?
I own a 2023 KTM 790 adventure, and just like you, I need a better screen! Although, i'm only 5'6, I've had to fit a screen extention. Everything you said about the 790 rings true to me, I've covered 3k since begining of aug on mine. One thing you didn't mention, unless I missed it....... Rally mode, quick shifter/blipper and cruise control, are all optional extras. Along with KTM connect etc. You get ALL the extras at first, but after, I believe its 900miles, they get switched off! KTM sales gimmick, or con? you decide. You need to purchase then seperately, or as a tech pack. I paid the extra for Quick shifter and cruise control when I ordered my bike. Awesome bike, IMO, and definately a good alternative to the 890. I wasn't prepaired to pay an extra £2k, for 10 bhp, 13nm torque more, and I believe, pre-load adjustment on the suspension. Great review as always, top job. Grumps
I'd say let the price, reliability, build quality, service and parts availability speak for themselves over time for any of the brands. Honda in particular has set a pretty high bar for all of the above so it's not a stretch of the imagination to understand how other brands can compete in the same space without a sacrifice of some sort.
How does it compare with the cheaper CF Moto versions? I’m sure there are some differences but must be the same engine along with many other parts for a cheaper price.
One thing that really pisses me off about my 1290 is that I can't map EITHER of the two quick access menu items to the RIDE MODE functionality. Absolutely ridiculous. You can have quick access to the active cruise control settings though? Goddamnit
Oh weird, I swear on my one I had one direction mapped to at least take you to the riding mode screen (you still had to go leftand right on the left-hand switchgear to change mode though). I had the other direction take you to the heated bum/hands screen. Wish you could just use the custom switch to actually change the mode though
It’s another good one! I love this road I know it well! Anyway, great video I’d like one of these do you think it would be good to graduate up to from a Suzuki GSX-8S? It feels like it would! Similar power but a bit more unhinged?
I've not ridden the 8S yet so can't really comment. KTMs do tend to feel naughty though, even with similar on-paper figures to rivals. Get a test ride perhaps!
@@timrodierides thanks that’s all the permission I need to go for a ‘test ride’. My track record with test rides is not good, I have bought both bikes I took for a ‘test ride’ I can’t be alone in that.
Loved your enthusiasm and coming straight to the essentials. Subscribed :) (I bought mine last year, dealership new, now 10k miles on it. Id say your assessment is pretty much perfect.) /edit I put the all new michelin anakee roads on it which transformed the bike substantially. Turn ins are sharper and the highway smoothnes increased by a good chunk. The Pirelli Scorpion STR are very good, although I had some slips in the wet with them. The Anakee Roads glue the bike more to the road, they feel like the Continental Trail Attack 3 I had on my old bike. Lets be honest, I will never do offroading with my 790 Adv anyway.)
I thought you get Rally mode, quickshifter and heated grips and you just have to pay to enable them after the demo mode expires. A really annoying way to do options.
Extra for software on the former, but for heated grips you're actually not getting the hardware as well, you need to buy and install the specific grips (the proper integrated ones are about 400).
I love the video mate. Thank you for all the effort you made for this video. I got mines 3 months ago and enjoying it so far! I just don't like that rally mode and cruise control are extra. Rather than that good bike.
I couldn't help noticing you said "My 1290" several times in that video. Pour one out for the KTM, as it has now been replaced. I'm just about to trade in my Street Scrambler and I can no longer look it in the eye, when I go in the garage. It's like I'm taking it to the vets in a couple of weeks and it won't be coming home again.... The 890 Adventure was on my shopping list but I just didn't trust the electrics. Was your 1290 reliable?
Haha I know what you mean. I couldn't ride my 1290 SAS once it was up for sale... felt as if I was leading it on. My 1290 had no problems other than an occasional (happened twice) preload adjuster error from starting it in a rush. And slightly rusty brake pad retaining pins...
Nice but short review. So all things considered, including Hondas tubed tyres, better sound, self cancelling turn signals, more comfy seat, and KTM's cruise control, tubeless tires, cornering ABS, 20lt tank, and aggressive ride, which would you go for if you were going to do 95% road, and 5% light offroad? KTM's biggest negative is the reliability issue, and especially now being made in China. And it has no shop in my town whereas the Honda does. After ditching out the F750GS, this is the dilemma I've been having. Which one would you go for if you were in my shoes? I'm also sort of thinking about the new Tracer 900GT Plus, which is an exceptional bike. But wanting to use it mainly on country roads, the power is just too much.
@@Wanobi99 I got out of the same boat a month after I wrote that. Now the proud owner of a KTM790adv. NO issues, just a great looking perfect bike for everything. Loving it.
Fast forward to KTM's imminent demise(December '24),under £7k including Tech Pack,pre registered...seems like a bargain, because someone will take over KTM,wether it be Chinese or Indian?
KTM can’t build a bike properly now without crap build build quality and endless faults which every TH-camr gloss over and say there amazing there not so hard to see how a Chinese bike could be any worse than there own 👍
@@GregoryRamsey No - CFmoto owns 51% of their Chinese "joint Venture". Almost all companies wanting to do business in China have to form a Joint Venture with a Chinese company (GM and SAIC etc..). Tesla may be the exception.
Great review 👍 sadly it's a KTM in my opinion one of the ugliest bikes on the planet and least reliable put into the mix Chinese build quality 😂 and your on a slippery slope to bankruptcy 😢
Bought my 790Adv, new in Dec 2019 and I have no plans to replace it.
Great bike for my daily commute.
@GrizzlyDaddams a few recalls, warped front discs, ignition lock error and condensation in the TFT. All done under warranty. Can be difficult to start in cold weather (below 5°C). Can't think of anything else.
Now has over 40,000 miles on the clock and I'm still enjoying it.
I've ridden the 890Adv and 890SMT, neither have me wanting to sell mine and start again with all the usual mods.
the only question that is left. Would this one be reliable?
I'm watching. I suspect Chinese manufacture will help clean up some issues. If reliability is up, I'm definitely interested.
I do love a KTM. Although I probably wouldn’t pick an adventure bike. I had the original 790 duke which came loaded with everything as standard. I loved that bike.
Potentially my first bike in 9 years.... I was eyeing this bike when they suddenly discontinued it. I used to own a highly-modded DR650 which probably cost $9000 US with all the bits... And this KTM is far superior to that IMO. The 790 here in the U.S. is going for $11k. $2k more. But a bargain IMO. It looks like the perfect bike for my travels.
My choice was between this or the transalp 750. Both were about the same price wise and the KTM had the option of cruise control which is a big plus BUT i decided to go with honda because KTM just has such a negative association with reliability problems, wether true or fictional i dont know but i didnt want to take the risk.. This seems like a lovely bike though.
Transalp is brilliant too - don't blame you for going for it!
I’ve bought 3 KTM’s since 2018 (1090/690/890 R) only 1 issue, and that was a slave cylinder recall on my 690👍
if you have stayed with one for over 10 years,then you could say something@@toddbenfield6546
i think than transalp can be naughtier too,if the spocket combination changed.i tooth less frond and a tooth more rear....
Morning, having not ridden a motorcycle for 20yrs, last was a ZX6R, how does this compare to a 800 vstrom, or a transalp, Suzuki looks really cool, and transalp looks just honda I've never been keen on them, can you live with a KTM?
This KTM 790 adventure with all features from the Tech Pack included cost the same as the Honda Transalp 750. Which would you go for?
Ah don't I cover that in the video? KTM for me. It's naughtier, but doesn't feel as 'nice' in terms of finish
Yes, thanks. I've watched both videos. I think this CF Moto build KTM could have improved reliabilty, but only time will tell
I own a 2023 KTM 790 adventure, and just like you, I need a better screen!
Although, i'm only 5'6, I've had to fit a screen extention.
Everything you said about the 790 rings true to me, I've covered 3k since begining of aug on mine.
One thing you didn't mention, unless I missed it.......
Rally mode, quick shifter/blipper and cruise control, are all optional extras.
Along with KTM connect etc.
You get ALL the extras at first, but after, I believe its 900miles, they get switched off!
KTM sales gimmick, or con? you decide.
You need to purchase then seperately, or as a tech pack.
I paid the extra for Quick shifter and cruise control when I ordered my bike.
Awesome bike, IMO, and definately a good alternative to the 890.
I wasn't prepaired to pay an extra £2k, for 10 bhp, 13nm torque more,
and I believe, pre-load adjustment on the suspension.
Great review as always, top job.
Grumps
Thanks Grumps, glad you're enjoying it!
I don't think 21" fronts are for the road. They don't seem to turn in well
They are more than capable
Ye, never had any issues
Remember it’s an adventure bike. That said you made a fair point depends on use 👍
I'd say let the price, reliability, build quality, service and parts availability speak for themselves over time for any of the brands. Honda in particular has set a pretty high bar for all of the above so it's not a stretch of the imagination to understand how other brands can compete in the same space without a sacrifice of some sort.
Hiya. Does it have a usb connection point?
How does it compare with the cheaper CF Moto versions? I’m sure there are some differences but must be the same engine along with many other parts for a cheaper price.
Haven't ridden them but I'm sure someone can chip in
One thing that really pisses me off about my 1290 is that I can't map EITHER of the two quick access menu items to the RIDE MODE functionality. Absolutely ridiculous. You can have quick access to the active cruise control settings though? Goddamnit
Oh weird, I swear on my one I had one direction mapped to at least take you to the riding mode screen (you still had to go leftand right on the left-hand switchgear to change mode though). I had the other direction take you to the heated bum/hands screen. Wish you could just use the custom switch to actually change the mode though
@@timrodierides I hear you on all counts. I'll have to check again the settings menu, but its not a helpful as one might hope.
It’s another good one! I love this road I know it well! Anyway, great video I’d like one of these do you think it would be good to graduate up to from a Suzuki GSX-8S? It feels like it would! Similar power but a bit more unhinged?
I've not ridden the 8S yet so can't really comment. KTMs do tend to feel naughty though, even with similar on-paper figures to rivals. Get a test ride perhaps!
@@timrodierides thanks that’s all the permission I need to go for a ‘test ride’. My track record with test rides is not good, I have bought both bikes I took for a ‘test ride’ I can’t be alone in that.
Loved your enthusiasm and coming straight to the essentials. Subscribed :) (I bought mine last year, dealership new, now 10k miles on it. Id say your assessment is pretty much perfect.)
/edit
I put the all new michelin anakee roads on it which transformed the bike substantially. Turn ins are sharper and the highway smoothnes increased by a good chunk. The Pirelli Scorpion STR are very good, although I had some slips in the wet with them. The Anakee Roads glue the bike more to the road, they feel like the Continental Trail Attack 3 I had on my old bike. Lets be honest, I will never do offroading with my 790 Adv anyway.)
Thanks for the subscribe and kind comment. Glad you're enjoying it - trying to get my Dad to buy one...
I thought you get Rally mode, quickshifter and heated grips and you just have to pay to enable them after the demo mode expires. A really annoying way to do options.
Extra for software on the former, but for heated grips you're actually not getting the hardware as well, you need to buy and install the specific grips (the proper integrated ones are about 400).
£400?! Blimey. They were £230 installed on my 1290 SAS.
@@timrodierides the no integrated ones with the ugly dongle are 160 so at least you have choice I suppose!
I love the video mate. Thank you for all the effort you made for this video. I got mines 3 months ago and enjoying it so far! I just don't like that rally mode and cruise control are extra. Rather than that good bike.
Yeah, KTM love the electronic unlock profit. It's a business model, I guess... Thanks for the kind words
I couldn't help noticing you said "My 1290" several times in that video. Pour one out for the KTM, as it has now been replaced. I'm just about to trade in my Street Scrambler and I can no longer look it in the eye, when I go in the garage. It's like I'm taking it to the vets in a couple of weeks and it won't be coming home again.... The 890 Adventure was on my shopping list but I just didn't trust the electrics. Was your 1290 reliable?
Haha I know what you mean. I couldn't ride my 1290 SAS once it was up for sale... felt as if I was leading it on. My 1290 had no problems other than an occasional (happened twice) preload adjuster error from starting it in a rush. And slightly rusty brake pad retaining pins...
Awesome bikes when they run!
Nice but short review. So all things considered, including Hondas tubed tyres, better sound, self cancelling turn signals, more comfy seat, and KTM's cruise control, tubeless tires, cornering ABS, 20lt tank, and aggressive ride, which would you go for if you were going to do 95% road, and 5% light offroad? KTM's biggest negative is the reliability issue, and especially now being made in China. And it has no shop in my town whereas the Honda does. After ditching out the F750GS, this is the dilemma I've been having. Which one would you go for if you were in my shoes? I'm also sort of thinking about the new Tracer 900GT Plus, which is an exceptional bike. But wanting to use it mainly on country roads, the power is just too much.
@@Wanobi99 I got out of the same boat a month after I wrote that. Now the proud owner of a KTM790adv. NO issues, just a great looking perfect bike for everything. Loving it.
@@Wanobi99 I’m sure you’ll make a good choice
Great vids BMW 900 or ktm890r
Fast forward to KTM's imminent demise(December '24),under £7k including Tech Pack,pre registered...seems like a bargain, because someone will take over KTM,wether it be Chinese or Indian?
Not liking Chinese bikes, good or bad has nothing to do with race.
htm makes you pay for software that is already installed. reminds me of apple. or tesla ahem
I won’t be buying a ktm. They don’t respect their customers. Arrogance won’t sell bikes.
Sucks to be you🤔you don’t know what your missing
Okay
Thanks to your video I got to know that the bike is made in China! I was convinced to buy one, but I changed my mind.
Is this made in North Korea?
Worse - Tasmania
KTM are mad ..colours and design by 6 year olds , performance by 12 year olds ..then the grownups have to make it stick to the road and sell em ..
KTM can’t build a bike properly now without crap build build quality and endless faults which every TH-camr gloss over and say there amazing there not so hard to see how a Chinese bike could be any worse than there own 👍
I owned a KTM when I filmed this, just in case it wasn't clear. Had no problems with it
No problem with my 890 adventure 3000 miles in 4 months.
No issues here, either
KTM doesn't own CFMoto.
CFMoto owns 51% of KTM. Controlling interest.
@@GregoryRamsey No - CFmoto owns 51% of their Chinese "joint Venture". Almost all companies wanting to do business in China have to form a Joint Venture with a Chinese company (GM and SAIC etc..). Tesla may be the exception.
Yeehaa!!
Patriotism lost in the pursuit of profit.
What good has patriotism ever done?
@@timrodierides If it wasn't for patriotism, you wouldn't have a country to call your own.
Competition is a good thing.
Great review 👍 sadly it's a KTM in my opinion one of the ugliest bikes on the planet and least reliable put into the mix Chinese build quality 😂 and your on a slippery slope to bankruptcy 😢
"All racist men..." Lost me there. Drop the woke stuff.
Do you mean woke as in “not being a cock”? Because that’s basically what it means