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

We pulled the big guns out for the KTM Super Adventure R, we took it to a Welsh rally stage where Chris and Neil rode it how KTM intended, Hard!
If this is too much for you, check out our first ride on the Super Adventure S: • 2021 KTM 1290 Super Ad...
#KTM #SuperadventureR #BikeWorld

[@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😎

[@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 😂)

[@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.

[@chuckbelow337]

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

[@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

[@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! 🥰

[@trendingtopicresearch9440]

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

[@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

[@merjful]

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

[@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!

[@glimpseofcambodia]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@ecrusch]

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

[@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!

[@Boschie143]

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

[@mahesh1simhadri]

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

[@anselbutikofer2247]

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

[@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! ;)

[@shawntoronto7967]

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

[@Schlum99]

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

[@LondonSteveLee]

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

[@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!!!

[@aasimyousaf2455]

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

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@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

[@FavoriteScenes5999]

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

[@rpf23543]

Awesome review! Thanks!

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Well done, KTM. 👏

[@mm93249]

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

[@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👍

[@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.

[@JohannesDalen]

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 ....

[@grudzien9784]

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

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@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

[@chaitanya5197]

Thats freaking awesome review for awesomely freakish bike 😍😍😍

[@Chaosfyre89]

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

[@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!)

[@ljuborajictt]

Hoooo hoooo 😜👍👍 It's fun It's fast It's Adventure Thank you so much for this and for each of your videos, this brings every blood type to a boil. KTM POWER It's Beast. Lots of greetings from Germany!

[@r1deftone]

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

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

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

[@kailiebejung]

What a skilled rider! The colors and the 21` wheel has me :)

[@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.

[@roadglide]

This bike says buy me. Thanks Chris!

[@RaulMotoADV]

Best review ever.

[@Tom-gr4em]

Grinning from ear to ear watching this 😁

[@bonta0240]

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

[@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.

[@ryanmalone2681]

That pro rider’s skills are insane!

[@twa5053]

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

[@jefta88]

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

[@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

[@rohan390]

Love this

[@mikkovirtanen9866]

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

[@greganderson8257]

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

[@plbyrne]

Great review...

[@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.

[@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!

[@TheMegatron30]

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

[@neilhawkermotolife3653]

Thank you 😊

[@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.

[@pepestudiovideo]

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

[@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.

[@tjodalv2k]

Chris

[@damytzeus]

i love how you test. this is what I want to know.

[@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!

[@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 :)

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

[@Juuul89]

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

[@MrCrazeDawg]

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

[@kepler240]

I have a 2019. Awesome machine in every way

[@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.

[@callmekitt]

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

[@five-eyes666]

I have a 2019, 1290 SAR....Its awesome

[@meroamingaround]

Nice ride.. 👍🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jambukizee]

Awesome

[@donnovanokoth5872]

best looking adventure bike

[@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!

[@Whatreally123]

Must be so awesome to ride like this. 👍

[@danytheunicorn95]

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

[@caroldave4037]

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

[@alangaunt2381]

Got to agree Best fun I have had is on lower cc bikes My Cbr 1000 does not even wake up until ton plus ( on a private road obviously 😂)

[@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...👌

[@alangaunt2381]

carol & dave agreed But ....... have a Cbr 1000 e reg that does not want to know below a ton Have an xjr 1300 that wants to kick my head in and god forbid you don't pay attention And a Honda vt 750 ( tri colour ) total dog shit power wise but bloody lovey and totally gorgeous through the wye valley . It ain't about the speed it's about the fun ( wish I could have told myself that 20 years ago ) It's very subjective as to where any particular individual is in their life . P.S. bought a zip 50 scooter and had an 80 cc kit fitted happy days ..., Then not long after I wiped out on a patch of gravel 🙁 cos I was trying to ride it like I stole it . Hope you both stay stay safe and enjoy your travels . Alan 👍

[@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

[@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...

[@MJPMoto]

Where did you find this awesome offroads?

[@fredrikbengtsson4050]

Everything is perfect on this bike! (Except the indicator button , it’s simply not good) I love mine!

[@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.

[@budgiebee7530]

ahwoooooo - bring on the crazy!!!

[@rockout1180]

Awesome review and fantastic looking bike. Just don’t think it could compare to touring with the BMW GSA.

[@johnrodneysoriano6477]

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

[@musicmind7582]

while I am a fan of supersports (I have a CBR500r), this looks so much fun :3

[@livestrong9696]

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

[@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

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

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

[@makina2022]

i genuinley want one

[@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!!

[@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 🤪

[@_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 🤘🏻

[@barbamatteo]

I have a 950ADV S 2003.. first 5 bike selled in Italy.. is signed on the tank by Meoni (god bless him.. great man)... ok maybe after 18 years is time for a new ADV, but i'll keep 950 too.

[@pekkapylkkanen6941]

Remember 950 beeing just great! Had one years ago and after that only KTMs: 990, 1190r, 1290r (2017) and now this new one ☺️.