2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, Full Off Road Test With Chris & Neil Hawker (4K)

[@LifeOnTwoWheels]

Forget gs, this is it

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Yeah but they won’t

[@khakimzhanmiras]

The gs allows you to forget you’re riding it. This on the other hand?

[@nauticalboy4529]

🤣 GSss

[@Farmaci86]

That is it! I almost bought a GS for myself but now, NO FN WAY!!!

[@rudyrude7975]

Yes yes yes😎

[@JRinPG]

This guy is the best moto reviewer ever! Excellent communicator and told me everything I wanted to know while being a true entertainer! Editing , music and guest rider were so well done.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@SamVBikes]

This is fast becoming my favourite channel on here... Chris genuinely seems legit in everything he says, you can believe it all - plus that inner child when riding makes it more relatable to watch instead of just listing off specs! Love it... also may have ordered something based on your last review so thanks for costing me a load of money! haha

[@ivanreyes6756]

you´re so right..

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Sam, really appreciate it.

[@7arkhwf]

Agree totally 😃, also the deut of him & out of this world Niel is amazing! (P.S., Neil is officially CRAZY, raised most certainly with wild bikes in the jungle 😂)

[@sudhinkumars7940]

Till the 1290advs launched on market i requested and begged to all reviewers fkr doing a proper offroad review like this like shooting from outside of bike instead of only using their helmet gopro.... Everyone commented just a mocking smiley.....today i found the best video on youtube that which i wished to watch including mudding,jumps ,water all.....its awesome......luv from India brother.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks, luv back from the UK!

[@GerardusWicaksono]

Chris, you're the top-tier moto journalist on KZbin! The cinematography is also amazing! Big fans from Indonesia guys.... I have a huge hope from you and Bike World for reviewing the 2021 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP next time. It's gonna be a blast! My friend who still owns the 2017 KTM Super Adventure R told me that "160 horsepower does not move dirt, it moves the earth!"

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@delcotelcomputersupport3897]

So you friend Ryan Kluftinger

[@Jeff_Klein]

I’m starting getting into bikes, buying my first one today. Being seeing reviews for the last couple of weeks and this guy is already my favorite on KZbin. I love his reviews.

[@JohannesDalenMC]

Dont buy this bike as your starter! Hehe

[@camgere]

Enjoy your bike! Your education starts today.

[@tankslapper4686]

What did you buy?

[@Jeff_Klein]

@@tankslapper4686 a GSX-S 750. Loving it so far…

[@tankslapper4686]

@@Jeff_Klein damn thats hot....are you experienced rider or a newbie?... I bought mine too 2 months back...its a 400cc single ....

[@mohammedbhyat5377]

Damn, Chris. Why do you make me want to buy every bike that you review?

[@zain670]

LOL SAME HERE. HE is LEGENDARY

[@mohammedbhyat5377]

And I don’t even ride off road much 😂. Dude is a legend

[@mohammedbhyat5377]

Dude. I only have one. I need at least 4 more

[@vangrandvangrand928]

He can shell ice cubes to an Eskimo

[@hagestad]

And then you confront riding in water in this video with KTM electronic connectors quality. It spells disaster within month or so. They rust when you look at them.

[@montaego]

Love the 890 adv r. Nice to see a proper review where adventure bikes are ridden off road, not just to the coffee shop or on dirt roads.

[@chuckb337]

Nailed it. Every questioned answered, clear & straight forward. Now on the need list. Thanks

[@trendingtopicresearch9440]

The best review I've seen of this bike by a long shot. Thanks!

[@false_cypher]

I’m a simple man. I see a bike world video with Chris and I watch it

[@GkM1000R]

Best reviews on KZbin with a proper rider keep it up. 🔥

[@sahilarora1987]

I just love watching Chris because he sounds like such a super excited kid. Pure passion in his delivery. Reminds me of myself. And reminds me to be like that overexcited kid. Love from india!

[@stevedenny3547]

You sir are a relavation,straight between the eyes no bollocks review of two awesome motorcycles,those who have owned big KTM'S know .Great delivery and very well done

[@Boschie143]

Flip man, honestly this is the best channel bike related. Once again such a good review!

[@benmiddleton8266]

Great to finally see proper review of the 1290 Adv R and an awesome review as well ... I'm debating btwn the 890 and 1290, clearly the 890 easier off road but I love the power and greater comfort on road of the 1290 .. both amazing bikes. Thanks for the review

[@1xplorer]

Man, you are the best motorcycle reviewer I’ve always looking for watching, You know what to explain the practical matter of the bike in a funny way

[@Xplorer.Adventures]

That has been the coolest bike review I've seen like for... ages! Brilliant! Hooligan and emotional at the same time - just like the bike itself. Hats off! 🥰

[@ecrusch]

By far the BEST reviewer. And your riding mate is superb.

[@mbtfp]

I used to have a Multistrada Enduro, basically a little bigger brother of this beast...now i want to ride the KTM. Thanks Chris! ;)

[@Kwhopperfan]

That’s a sharp looking machine, I may have a super T and a new V Strom but there is something about these KTM’s that scream fun and excitement

[@dust2snow09]

Perfect. This is the review I've been looking for.

[@ryanwythe3878]

Awesome review 👏 I get that giddy feeling everytime I ride my 1190, can't wait to one day upgrade to the 1290!

[@aasimyousaf2455]

Fantastic bike and the production quality on this video was absolutely top notch

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@steliosste3980]

Your reviews are awesome ! keep doing sort and essential videos ! Maybe we stop looking linear GS or V4 Multistrada and buy these crazy 1290'S!!!

[@mahesh1simhadri]

Wow! That was a hell of a machine. Just watched the video and subscribed. Great camera job I loved the video.😁

[@FavoriteScenes5999]

Damn this review is crazy. Not just bike but his riding skill is superb.

[@markputnam6371]

I have absolutely no interest in off road riding but would watch Chris review a unicycle and probably end up wanting one. Easily THE best reviewer on the net.

[@r1deftone]

Nailed it. I don't know if there is a better test rider/reviewer out there. Well done.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers!

[@ktherrien007]

After watching this video I made up my mind that the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R was the bike that was the right choice for me and the places that I ride. I was finally able to get my hands on one in Feb of 2023. The bike has met every expectation I had and has exceeded it! I think its one of those bikes that you have to experience to understand, no matter where you ride it's the performance of this bike will always give you that special smile when you twist your wrist.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Well done, KTM. 👏

[@andresperez5387]

And that is how you review a dirt-oriented ADV bike, goddammit. What a killer review. Look at that rear tire at 2:54. Hahaha god I wanna go tear up some dirt now.

[@anselbutikofer2247]

Dont generally comment but your reviews are super helpful! Smashing it guys!

[@Schlum99]

I really enjoy your reviews, pure honesty. I wonder if KTM tested the bike as hard as you guys did.

[@grudzien9784]

Love the reviews brother. It’s fun watching u, u seem very likable and genuine.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@mikemike8067]

Head lights are the hardest thing to get right on a bike in all honesty thats prob the best looking headlight design in the modern age

[@caroldave4037]

Watching this just tells me that most of us can or will never get within a mile of what bikes are capable of ...

[@caroldave4037]

@@alangaunt2381 yes sir I've a Himalayan its brilliant but my 1050xt vstrom is more than I'll ever need👍😉but for those who want big power why not...👌

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ever seen New Zealander Chris Birch ride the KTM bikes? Flings them around like they're a 450 dirtbike. Here's a clip of the former 1190 R. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKGmppWPpdekfLM

[@AYYOFLOCKA]

As soon as I saw this bike my first thought was 'Yeh but how does it fare in Wales' This has made my choice between a Super Duke and a Super Adventure SO difficult for next bike!

[@LondonSteveLee]

Another great review - you're killing it! Very tempted to chop my Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in for one of these.

[@shawntoronto7967]

Really digging your reviews. Nice to see you ride the shit out of everything - and have grounded feedback

[@BigDaveTALKS]

So I watched this video way before I got my 1290 SAR and now that I watched it again after I got the bike, the reactions you have to the bike become all too familiar. It is an absolutely amazing bike. Thanks for helping me go into motorcycle debt 🤣...WORTH IT👍

[@alexgrigoreas4825]

Best review yet. Anxiously waiting for it to show up in the states. Someone needs to do a proper two up review with gear. Cheers.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Research 1190 and 1290 SAR motor failures. I wish I did before mine ate an engine.

[@dragonsmonk]

@@thepassionofthegoose5472 The R has the same engine as the S has the same engine as the Super Duke - in the last 3 years my S has not done a stutter and have thrown it into the forrest (literally); before you're asking, yes, I have days where I am riding that thing hard and hammer it into top speeds (Germany says hi). I have heard the same about all other manufacturers btw... be it GS, Multistrada, Tenere, etc. in relation to issues.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@dragonsmonk I'd change your slave cylinder, ASAP. If you don't do your own service the dealership likely already did it when you had your valves adjusted, which is likely why it's still running. I put 24K-miles on mine is 12 months, so it was ridden frequently and hard like every bike I've owned. Difference is, other brands don't hide known issues in technician service bulletins that penalize riders with the skill to do their own maintenance. KTM does, which is why I'll never buy another. Good luck with yours.

[@Thumpermad]

The Want is strong with this bike mate 👌 had to laugh how much you destroyed that Rear Tyre 😅 when you had it beside the other rally bike in a rear shot it looks surprisingly good and nimble looking especially the way you were riding it. Cheers mate Happy Trails

[@psycodriver]

As I said in the S model review (probably the right choice price wise), as soon as you ride the R model you get instantly intoxicated of her: better capabilities on offroad, good and reliable suspension, crash barriers, better wheels and also much more pretty colors and presence due the 21+18" are enough arguments to pay the extra money imo. Well it was my personal choice, but I also did test the S model and it's awesome as well.

[@ryanmalone2681]

That pro rider’s skills are insane!

[@mikkovirtanen9866]

For me this is best bike overall in the world. I love it.

[@atlasheld]

I've dropped mine plenty. Have also seriously bottomed out the suspension on a mistake. Aside from some nicks on the engine protection bars, it is fine. I do wish the stock pegs were more in line with what an adventure needs. It is annoying to have to pay 18k for a bike and then have to replace footpegs...

[@Juuul89]

In a world filled with dentists in hi-viz on grey GS's this bike is quite the refreshing statement

[@murdoch9106]

I'm giggleing like little kid and I'm just watching this on youtube! xD That look stoooooopid fun!!! (I could never ever ever ever ride something like this, but still!)

[@mm93249]

Reviews just keep getting better! Let’s go! 😜

[@Speedytrip]

I'd love to see you ride a Super Tenere 1200. I know it's remained mostly unchanged for years, but you've never reviewed it, and I'd love to see what it's really capable of :)

[@MJPMoto]

Where did you find this awesome offroads?

[@johnrodneysoriano6477]

Hello sir, at 5'8 did you rode it with the standard seat height? Thanks.

[@ticthedog9413]

👍 Fantastic review I can remember Neil from SEEC, he is a amazingly talented rider

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

Thank you mate that’s a long time ago now .. good times

[@jagadanandasahu5765]

Please compare it with bmw 1250 GSA to make us better understand which bike we should get

[@mosesarm]

at 5'8", how easy or difficult is it for you to get your foot down at standstill? from the specs it seems the seat height is 950mm. thats tall!!

[@Perception_]

Did you at any point go slow? *_- I followed the instructions written at the center of the handlebar._*

[@pebbles8360]

Quote “like sticking dynamite in your trousers and running as fast as you can” says it all. 😂😂😂👍🏻

[@zeplin4078]

What an absolutely awesome review, I really enjoy watching your videos, pity I am not a billionaire because Chris is a super salesman.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@AndrewBoundy]

Great channel, great bike. Always had a bit of a question about reliability on big KTMs - ridden with a few and saw them break down or give trouble. It's a thoroughbred stallion - fast AF but maybe temperamental and when you often end-up 20 miles from any help, in the bush, on roads you can't get a truck down - hmmmmm.

[@C_R_O_M________]

It's always something small though. It's the parts outsourcing riddle that everybody in the industry struggles with.

[@greganderson8257]

Had my 1290r for a week. Mental,love it.back tyre 450ks done

[@vknair6652]

Chris makes me plan buying bikes that are not even available in my country!

[@jamest5149]

Like you said people can remember when a top line good sports bike was 7-8k, people can also remover that wages haven’t changed that much to now where car and bike prices are crazy, all comes down to finance and leasing which is terrible for those of us who want to own their bikes.

[@jefta88]

I get mine SAR in about a week. Can' f..... wait! Great video

[@twa5053]

I just got one and everything Chris said is absolutely true. This thing is a beast!!!!

[@eubikedude]

Isn't 6th "overdrive" for motorway use? ;)

[@TzeiEm]

I tried the 2019 version of this bike today and took it on some gravel roads. I have basically zero offroad experience, but this bike really inspired confidence and allowed me to be playful. I've only ever taken an ADV bike on a gravel road once before and it was Triumph Tiger 900 Rally but it felt a bit uneasy. Might be due to the tires though, because the KTM had much more offroad oriented tires.

[@jamescummings4130]

Will you be reviewing the 890 adventure r?

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

Stay tuned

I might be a GS fanboy, but that KTM be lookin' mighty fine... 😍

[@chaitanya5197]

Thats freaking awesome review for awesomely freakish bike 😍😍😍

[@roadglide]

This bike says buy me. Thanks Chris!

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

Outstanding review! Have you tested the Harley Pan American? I don’t expect it to be this good but is it somewhat close and still exciting & fun in your opinion? Honestly at 55 I probably won’t be pushing it as hard off road but with no sport bike would push it pretty hard on road. I want to ride their basic lightest version. At 6’4 with 36” inseam I don’t mind the ride height I just will trade off the heavy muffler & center stand etc.

[@rpf23543]

Awesome review! Thanks!

[@terrystratford1235]

I'm a hardened sports bike rider. I'm thinking of joining my local byway club! It's either this ktm or the African twin, both look really nice! But the ktm is only 13hp short of busa power!! For a 1st timer offroader, which would you chose?

[@pigeonpallz1733]

0:34 . would have liked to see the T 700 and 1290 suspension upon landing

[@_Makanko_]

I think I'd rather get a duke 890R for the road fun and a Honda CRF300L for off-road at the same price (bought new). It's a nice bike but too expensive because it has to be able to do it "all". I'd rather branch out in the more capable in a certain function vs the do-it-all bike but that's just me. Cheers Chris (and Neil), proper review.

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

Cheers 🤘🏻

[@MrRambo50]

Damn good review very informative great information on the bike well done video thank you so much for the great video I hope you put more videos out on this bike how good the bike has lasted you thank you again

[@callmekitt]

Watching this for like the 9th time, just to see Chris speaking in awe.

[@UncleWally3]

As someone (fifty years + experience) who appreciates the qualities of an “off road” adventure bike but only wants the ability of an “off tarmac” bike I have a question: Is the Adventure S for riders like me?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Here's our Adventure S review Walter, sounds like the bike for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ_HYZKYfsiafZY

[@MrCrazeDawg]

So here I am just watching it while still enjoying 1190 adventure xD

[@philippehenry5809]

Top video. What about the consumption of the bike during your test?? Thanks you

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

You need to stop to calm down before you need fuel in it 🤪

[@pepestudiovideo]

Next up, HD Pan America!! Giddy up, Chris!!!

[@davidcolin6519]

Yeah, just one bike in the garage? I'd be seriously tempted by this one. but I currently have 3, and two of them are going to be leaving soon. Which leaves room for a dedicated off-roader and a full on sports tourer. That means that it'll probably be a full-on enduro bike and a full on sports tourer. Both KTMs. SD1290GT and (probably) an EXC500, though I'm also tempted by the EXC 300 TPI. Another great video, not many videos capture the fun/lunacy of riding bikes, yours do.

[@LambChopRides]

Wow you know they are an incredible rider when they ride on and make Chris look slow!!

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

I get enough of following chris on tarmac and very rarely get a chance to keep up with him 😝

[@TheMegatron30]

Man u ride those bikes hard and I love it. Love from India

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

Thank you 😊

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

This is how i drive....no wait,,,, This is how i THINK i drive and WOULD LIKE to drive..

[@C_R_O_M________]

I hope I'm not going to hate, you and Birtchy, for selling me that bike! Fingers crossed!

[@bonta0240]

I think the beast is you the way slice that KTM. Salute 🙏

[@ajayramanan3414]

Seems like a serious weapon and a do it all bike . Very kewl video . Considering urself and Neil having tested the GS 1250 on numerous occasions and with Ducati V4 Multistrada launched recently , Is the KTM super adv r the new GS in the world of big adventure motorcycles or is there something still missing ?

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

It’s a great bike and very Offroad focused I still love the Gs as the all rounder ✊🏻

[@chrisnorthover7582]

I'm with Neil on this one - it isn't the new GS, it's a different beast with more of an off road bias. If it was my money I'd have the KTM because it's more exciting for the riding I like to do.

[@ajayramanan3414]

Thank you for the comments … for sure the KTM looks very very interesting …

[@markbcn4000]

Not really interested in this bike, but Chris is reviewing it, so I'm watching and knowing its gonna be a great video.

[@Checkyoursix77]

I not a big fan of the 10/11/1290 series. The existence of the 7/890 and the sales on the biggest KTM Adventure is proof that I’m not the only one. KTMs Adventure bikes took the wrong turn after the 990 unfortunately. With less suspension end more weight they became a BMW GS with KTM reliability. 160 hp just destroys any off road tires. The engine got some awesome power but it’s big on road tourer with 18/21 wheels. Impressive riding btw, I know how heavy and bulky the are off road!

[@juanfelipearango2029]

i have to agree on that. I was choosing between an 1190r and a 790r. Considering i could only afford one bike for everything (daily commuting, off road riding, travelling, etc...) i ended uo choosing the 790r. Surprisingly light sensation while riding and not so heavy if you have to pick it up after falling down. For the country i live in and its roads, power is more than enough. Only downside for me has been wind protection (which i hope to sort out with a rally kit or the upcoming plug&play fariring kit from RebelXports) and seat confort (i added gel to mine but is not enough, although i admit i have the resistance of a little child). The bike has great fuel economy, suspension is not confortable but its performance is great, specially in off road (makes me look as a better rider than i actually am because makes things easier).

[@colo5432]

Hey chris! Awesome reviews as always! I have a question if you had to choose one bike between the ktm super adventure R and the multistrada rally v4. Which would you choose. I appreciate much your answer!

[@danytheunicorn95]

i love how hard you ride them, I am tired of breaking weak bikes

[@Tom-gr4em]

Grinning from ear to ear watching this 😁

[@randysavage1997]

When will this bike be available in the U.S.A.?

[@mbtfp]

How does this compare to the GS "offroad" as Neil used to do trainings on the GS?

[@chrisnorthover7582]

Quite a different beast in terms of character, but there's definitely a head to head waiting to be done there! Rough impressions? GS easier at slow speed and low grip, KTM better at going fast and hitting jumps.

[@Ebadol-gel]

I don't understand what you are saying about the GS. Could you explain to me please? 5:35

[@1compaqedr8]

electronic suspension is adaptable to many situations but does nothing exceptionally well like a well tuned manual suspension which the 1290R has.

[@livestrong9696]

I watched the entire episode with a wide grin on my face.. I can only imagine what a dynamite KTM super adv1290R is..

[@triumphbonnevillerides3654]

At last the summers here and we can hit the road...

[@theowerle1638]

With 177 cm height, coming from a Super Duke 1290 R, which one should I go for the S or the R? Here in the US both bike have the same price, and I love the looks of R better but I will be missing the active suspension for that. I will be doing 50/50 (road & offroad). Any feedback will be appreciated. Thank you.