Chain wax pools just below the countershaft sprocket on my '22 SAS. It looks catastrophic, but it was just the PJ1 spray wax I use. I will say anyone who buys a 1290 needs to check chain tension after purchase. My 1290 chain was so tight that I had to adjust it after I bought it. Once I adjusted to the proper tension, shifting improved dramatically.

I have a 2021 1290 SAR, and I have this issue since with the sprocket/chain since brand new, and it got better after 5k miles.

14:08 man, we are the same… and I have that tail tidy from comp weeks, and the install was a pain in the ass and I’m still not happy with it. Got the axle bobbins as well … crazy! Edit: forgot to mention I went with the Puig screen, game changer!

I got a 24 model, same as yours but the grey. I completely love it! I picked it cause I’m basically the same as you, 6’3” 210 pounds so needed something bigger than the normal entry level bike. Got the tech pack and looks like you also may have the same sliders, Evotech? Anyway, I ain’t selling mine. I got in February, and at 8,000+ miles. No issues. Enjoy it bro as I do as well 💪🏽

Had a similar issue with my SAS after they did an oil chain and serviced the chain. It was chain wax. It pools in a certain spot and they cleaned it up. I don’t know where it does that but apparently it happens.

I have a 1290 SAR and agree with everything you posted. Couple things... new tires feel weird for a bit but after a few miles they wear in and the strange feelings and vibration typically disappear. In terms of the leak I would not worry about it as new bikes ooze assembly oils and grease but you may also want to check the bolts on your ignition cover as mine were a bit loose and can seep oil. Enjoy the bike it is awesome. I literally ride mine like a 450 extreme enduro bike and have yet to find the limits of the bike.

Keep us posted on the Cam issue findings if any, Nice looking bike. My son bought a 24/ 790 in Grey. I have a 22/ 890 GP. Interestingly enough we looked at a new Z900 and went with the Duke instead.

i had the same problem. No worries. I think it's chain lube. problem gone after a short while. Came back again whenever I apply chain lube.

Had the same issue with my “24 790 Adv when new, 2000 miles later, no issues , love the machine

Use dirt tricks dome washer

For vibration issue, if on pavement, try a packed gravel road and see if softer terrain might smooth that out. If so then might be knobbies on pavement. If it’s the same amount of vibration on gravel then mention balance concern to dealer.

All you need now is an adventure crane to follow you around to lift it back on the track after a spill.

Great bike

My 2019 1090 had an oil leak that took over a month to get resolved. KTM didn't silicone the stator wire grommet? ... and to make worse I ended up diagnosing the issue after three trips to my dealer. Immediately after there was a 1290 in for the same issue .... KTM should have done better then and needs to still do better now with their initial QC. Still have the 1090 and it has been a great bike.

Heads up, this is 12/2/2024. KTM is facing possible bankruptcy as Pierer Mobility shares plunge amid KTM insolvency filing - if KTM does not recover from the restructuring of its debt, it will file for court protection through bankruptcy.

You should never trust your dealership no matter how nice they are to you, they are there to make profit from you. They see you as $ not a human. I owned a ktm back in 2021 from new, it was a heap of junk. Dont get sucked into defending the brand what sells bad bikes. Best thing i ever did was sell the 790 duke and brought a honda cb1000r

I always have concerns when I buy a new motorcycle too. Every little noise, drop of oil or sensation in the handlebars worries me. I eventually learn the quirks of the motorcycle, relax and just enjoy the bike. I almost bought a 1290 SAR. I was having a difficult time deciding between the KTM, a BMW 1250 GSA and a Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200. I eventually bought the BMW because I do a lot of highway touring, in addition to getting off-road. I'm sure I would have been happy on any one of those 3 bikes. I ride regularly with 4 guys on KTM 890 Adventures and none of them have had a single issue. Like most things on the internet, maybe the KTM reliability issues are a bit overblown. Enjoy your bike. I'm seriously jealous of that motor!

Had the same oil/wax on the sidestand of my 2024 SAS. Figured it was chain lubricant from factory, so just cleaned it of and it didn´t come back. Seen it before on other bikes, so wasn´t too worried. Awesome bike!

Very good choice. I just sell my Teneré 700 after try sas it just tick all boxes. Thinking to buy 25 Sas or R 😊

Try using chain wax. It won't fly off. The clear lube always looks like an oil leak. Clean the area around the counter shaft & the shift shaft. Go ride. If it'd an issue. You should notice after a few miles. If the vibration is a drone, feel. Wha, wha,wha. Probably needs balancing. Buzz feel is the knobbys. Just a KTM tech trying to help.

YAMMIENOOB overstated the camshaft problems and was going by hearsay and propaganda from some haters which the problems really only came from pre 2021 models and I had noticed about every time when on those facebook and other media outlets they would post a later picture 2022-UP of an 790/890 KTM, and after I had done some serious digging to find out that the people that were posting pictures of the later bike were only having issues with pre 2021 models. So it goes to show people will do anything to keep boosting their ratings or to jump on this band wagon with others to try and get more subscribers.

I have the same 1290 SAR you have, but mine is the 2022 model, and I’m absolutely amazed by the performance it has. Oh by the way check your side stand bolts, they tend to loosen up and I think a little thread Lock-Tight will remedy that situation. Love your videos and that’s why I subscribed, can’t wait to see more content like this!

I had a similar experience with a brand new 790. Ended up just being factory chain lube. (Unsealed chain)

no wonder they are going out of business. sorry that you have to deal with this...best of luck

Bro, you don't show any views of the bike except standing from the the back in 1st person mode. Step back, give us a wide field of view, do a full walk around so we can see what you are riding not just what you tell us.

I had the same issue after 1,500 miles. I had the bike in the shop for two weeks until the parts arrived. The dealer replaced the seal and did the oil change free of charge. Now have 4,500 miles on the bike and haven’t experienced any issues since.

new sub!

How is the interior feel compared to the high end Arai and Shoei helmets? I actually have a Shark thats really nice inside.

Congratulations on the new bike - have fun and ride safe!

Valid points about your purchase (i liked the bike and bought it for the exact same reasons) It doesn’t seem for the 2023 model to have camshaft issues

I love my 790👌

KTM 790/890 Resolving The Camshaft Issues! Check out this video and put your mind at ease

I have owned a few Duke platform bikes, and they are simply magical to ride. I have owned almost every major brand bike, Japinees, Italian and Austrian. I always seem to come back to KTM. It is just a great all-around package. Even the Chinees brand KTM brakes are super good. They are every bit as good as the Brembo brakes on either of my Aprilia's. Keep in mind CF Moto won the Moto 3 world championship this year. A KTM designed Chinees built bike. I had a few problems with my Duke 690 but KTM took care of issues without a problem. Don't buy in to the online BS about the cams. There were issues on the early models, but if you watch newer videos KTM has fixed the issues and is reimbursing the people that had cam problems. Also, the people that have the new heads are reporting no problems. Ride safe!

I stuck with japenese KTM 790 890 have major issues with cylinder heads with oil pump pressure issues .

Enjoy it mate. I owned bunch of different bikes, but KTM Duke just has a personality and roars like no other. I just love mine.

Have fun, best lightbike ever ! 😄

Thanks!

Screw Lock would be a goog idea... ! Greetz from Austria 😃

Ur absolutly right, i have the same bike..and love it ! Have fun 😃

Fellow KTM rider. I’m truly happy for you. I purchased a new 2023 KTM 890 adventure S model, it now Just short of 3000 miles on the clock. Everything they say on KZbin is 100% correct, I’ve had nothing but runability/reliability problems with my bike… So frustrated. Now I tell everybody do not buy KTM until you fully research them. I should’ve listened to my inner self, and stuck with the Japanese brand of motorcycles. You can’t go wrong there. Maybe I just got the lemon out of the whole bunch😡 Anyways, enjoy your new motorcycle, and be safe out there.

Great review man, I'm still going to buy an 890R tomorrow regardless of the issues as you're correct, they are fun bikes.

The cam issue and the fact it's made in China scares me, the fact KTM gouges for the tech pack turns me off. I looked at the 990 same things there up sell for the quick shifter and the cruise control. I do really like KTM's just not sure.

Killin it

Bro you have a goods motorcycle. I love it❤️

i just picked up a 2024 ktm duke 790 and im soo happy with the bike.

I have the same bike same year. Keep us updated on your cams. Im at 3200 miles so pretty low but when it gets closer to 9k and that valve clearance service is due.....seems like its a toss up on whether your cams are toast

Honestly there really is no " upgrade " ... motorcycles are motorcycles. Keep it and get another one, more fun that way.

Wow! That’s one beautiful bike!

Ayyy there’s my dad