2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is probably the world’s most complete sport-tourer

Filmed and produced by Full Access Media (Pty) Ltd
Prices mentioned in South African rands and may differ in other countries.
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[@kn58]

This is the video that helped me make the decision to buy the 1290 SAS. RIP my friend

[@galuhrichata6148]

My very close friend just bought this bike yesterday, and I rode it for a little bit, and oh boy, what a massive difference compared to my 2016 1290 Super Adventure T. Lower seat height, much more compact body, more nimble, and feels much lighter. I do love my bike, but I am in love with this new one. Amazing.

[@MrPHL1]

Brought one yesterday and have to say these videos made me do it over a GS

[@ApexMotow]

Your words are chosen with surgical precision. Great job as always!

[@scottieray]

I just bought a 2022 1290 SAS...the USA was a year behind Europe in getting these. It's still quite cool in Northwest Arkansas (daily highs in lower 50s) and it does a good job of protecting me from the wind. Heated grips/seat will be future additions for those Spring thunderstorms. My only gripe is that the stock screen has much buffeting regardless of position. Otherwise, it can provide a serene ride. Of all the motorcycles I have owned (ZX14r, Hayabusa, and others) this is the one that will earn me a ticket. It makes 75 feel like 40. I think it is top notch though. I can say this will be my Arkansas-to-Colorado and beyond ride. Great review.

[@splodge5714]

I like a bit of shuddering and shaking from a V twin. I used to love riding my Guzzi Le Mans on those wonderful French roads. Nice video, cheers.

[@mikejenson6406]

Wonderful programme..Really professional and a really relaxed and honest presentation..

[@yvindskarb3942]

Oh my. Why have I not found this channel before. So great video. Great narrative. Reminds me a lot of Grand tour and likes. This looks like a marvelous adventure. Makes me dream more of ever owning a bike.

[@davealston4862]

This updated bike is all the bike I wanted from my 2019 1290 S, it really hits the right notes all round.I was quite disappointed with the last model, now I will be buying the new one. I cant wait now.

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Wonderful programme. Thank You!!!

[@RRSmurf]

Really enjoyed this video, thanks! Love the bike, probably the best do it all thing going... Including the exciting mystery of electronic reliability!

[@iandavies6620]

I bought one. 200 miles the suspension packed in. 380 miles the electrical systems started shutting down one at a time. Just managed to crawl to the motorway services before it completely gave up. Three hours for KTM rescue to organise recovery. Got the dealer to collect it from my home. They called me two days later to inform me the wiring loom was faulty! Brand new bike with a break in the wiring loom! Now they have to strip it apart to replace the loom and I'm still waiting for KTM in Austria to send the damn parts! As well as the options I ordered with the bike over two months ago still haven't arrived from KTM either. Bash plate, crash bars and top box still outstanding. One of the panniers didn't latch shut properly and I know they must have noticed that at the dealer because it was covered in WD40 around the keyhole. So compared to my 1290 Super Adventure S (which was faultless over 14k) this new one has irritated me beyond belief.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

The local KTM dealer in my city has "ZERO" bikes for sale due to supply issues. Imagine being the main KTM dealership and you have no bikes on the floor for sale!!!!!

[@splodge5714]

Ian Davies Thanks for a nice honest review. I wouldn't want them stripping down a bike that only done 380 miles, I'd back it for a new one or my money back. Best of luck.

[@ToyCollectr]

Ian Davies , I’ve got the 1190 AdvR done 55k on it a lot of Offroad, I watch these reviews and think, I need one of these, the electronics and the technology was always a worry but like your previous 1290 mine has not faulted once. At the moment where I am these still are not available so hopefully when the do arrive these issues on the production line will have been sorted. Hope you get it back soon all sorted, I’m off for a ride tomorrow and shall come from that a lot less stressed and relaxed. And too the bike show team thanks for another great video. 👍

[@samiam5326]

I feel you pain. And I know your new bike has given you a lot of headaches, but, is it really that much better to ride compared to your previous 1290 Adv S? In other words, all things being equal fault wise, how much better is the new bike to ride? And if you didn’t already own a 1290 Adv S, would you still buy the latest version for AUD$30k or the previous version for AUD$24k (new)? Cheers from Australia.

[@iandavies6620]

@@samiam5326 Honestly I've never ridden a bike that big that handles so well. It's a massive improvement over the last gen. It's so nimble you wonder how they managed to create something that doesn't really look that much different but is 90% new. I bought it mainly for the adaptive cruise control which on the couple of hundred miles I have used it on motorways has been incredible. It just latches onto the vehicle in front, maintains the set distance meaning all you have to do is steer. IMO it's a gamechanger. They truly have created an awesome bit of kit. Pity it's at the dealers waiting for the new loom.

[@brynthomas2047]

Great review and thanks for sharing. I bought one in April and loving it. This is the 8th KTM I have owned after years of BM ownership. Like you I split my time between Europe and South Africa and do lots of bike touring in SA every European winter. I keep a KTM and Tenere down there . Had no problem with the 1190 I have there and got 50,000 kms on the clock. Done stacks of off-roading too and not changed the air filter. Runs hot but I just open my legs ! I don't need everything to be perfect and enjoy the adventure. The BM was boring. Every summer I tour the UK and sometimes Iceland and Norway. Usually do about 6000 miles a year here. In the autumn I tour Portugal and down through Spain for the ferry to Morocco. For the past 7 years always used KTMs - 990 Adventure, then a 1190 Adventure , 1290 Adventure SAS and now the new 1290. All proper bikes.

[@matdurrans3361]

Damn, Bryn, that is really living the dream. As I've said elsewhere I'm always a bit wary about mentioning any faults I encounter 'cos it can genuinely cast an undeserved cloud over a new model. This was irritating, but never terminal, and I'm sure the KTM brand would have stood behind their product and sorted it had I been the owner. Brilliant biking life you lead there, I hope one day our paths cross and we can swap stories and recommendations. Happy exploring!

[@brynthomas2047]

@@matdurrans3361 Hi Mat, I think many people lose sight of the benefits of biking such as adventure, facing the unknown and dealing with the unexpected and want this replaced by reliability, no surprises and guarantees . I have heard some " bikers" talk about re-sale values for Christ's sake. I would much rather go into the yonder with my KTM than tour with a group of accountants and dentists on a BM tractor and swap stories about grandchildren over a slimline tonic at the end of the day . I almost look forward to my bike being unreliable as it will make me face some new frontiers and meet new people which is what it is all about. However my KTMs always seem to get me to where I am going somehow and always with a smile on my face.

[@matdurrans3361]

@@brynthomas2047 Yeah, with you on those points. And fuel economy, or god forbid, fuel price. I fill it up when it's nearly empty, at the most convenient spot, not the place that will save me a few cents. We are living in the golden era of the combustion engine, let's enjoy it while it lasts!

[@brynthomas2047]

@@matdurrans3361 Lost track of how many people I meet on tours who mainly potter around on their BMW R1250 GSAs topped up with their 30 litres of fuel ready to cross the Sahara but they live 2 miles from a petrol station and seem quite happy to talk about how " good the bike is on the bends " yet are happily carry 30 kgs of fuel in their lap. No one needs more than 23 litres and you can get around anything with a bit of planning. Biggest problem is dealing with health issue on the rides - I am 71 and had my moments including having both hips replaced during one tour, suffering from a bit of breathlessness in Africa and having a quadruple bypass and then 2 years ago getting a Urinary Track Infection in Lesotho and developing severe Sepsis and spending 37 days in a coma. Oh yes - I also ran over a guy in Malawi and they locked me up for 4 weeks. All on a KTM.

[@matdurrans3361]

@@brynthomas2047 Holy shit, you give me hope of a fulfilling future at 71 with adventures like that behind you. Would love to interview you and get a story worth sharing with our viewers. I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical one 8 years ago so I understand and respect your continued adventuring after the open heart surgery. Big respect and long may it continue.

[@erwindenengelsen8144]

Really enjoyed your style of reviewing mixing it up with some nice scenery shots and info on your locations in your videos! Refreshing! Subscribed! Already own a KTM SAS, 2020 model. Really loving this bike!

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks Erwin, hope you keep enjoying the content. We're planning on more 'travelogue' features as we hopefully travel Europe from July onwards...

[@erwindenengelsen8144]

@@IgnitionBikeShow well looking forward to that content! You are more than welcome in Amsterdam and the Netherlands!

[@kamk1180]

FANTASTIC video, like most of your videos…….thank you!

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thank you KK

[@motoparadiso3389]

Great show! thank you for it.

[@BirdArvid]

Charming show with a charming presenter; I tend to like The Bike Show a lot! I'll probably never be in the market for a huge KTM, but I love looking at bikes carving up the European countryside. Thank You!

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Never say never!

[@KTM1290SuperAdventureS]

Une video très agreable et enrichissante, merci. J’adore aussi cette KTM 1290 SAS. J’avais auparavant une GS 1250 et j’avoue que je prends bien plus de plaisir avec ma nouvelle KTM !

[@pebbles8360]

Just wow. Great vid. Great camera work. Great bike. 👍🏻😁

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks!

[@sparty94]

excellent report, i really enjoyed it!

[@andrewedmond7738]

Truly great scenery and coverage Matt, and as a side note, the KTM looks pretty good too. Will have to test ride one once our dealship gets one in. Hopefully KTM have fixed the problems with the electronics, as this is the only thing that keeps me from wanting to buy this bike. A premium brand should have this sorted.

[@ThePalmatron]

Great review and what a beautiful country France is!! Thanks....

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thank you, and hopefully we'll be able to show you more of it in the future.

[@plbyrne]

Great video - very enjoyable...

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Beautiful countryside, Mat. You're obviously living the dream. 👍

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks guys, I guess both me and the Mrs are, yes. Would be perfect if I could resume my occasional 'commute' back to SA, hopefully this bloody pandemic will eventually quieten down enough for that to happen, though probably not before next year. In the meantime, after our second jabs at the end of the month, we're looking forward to getting in our camping-car (as they say here) and heading off around Europe for test bikes/stories for 3 or 4 months... Keep watching!

[@davidelizabeth4933]

@@IgnitionBikeShow We will definitely keep watching! ❤❤❤ -David, Elizabeth, and little Jessica

[@arrow0872]

I absolutely loved the video. It brought back beautiful memories from 2019 when I toured the Provence region of France on my 2017 KTM 1290 SA-S. It was my first time in France and I didn't know what to expect and I fell in love with the place. Gorgeous scenery, achingly beautiful villages, filled with history, culture and delicious food. I hope I can do it again in the future.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

I totally agree with everything you say, it's a special place and any who have been fortunate enough to visit will understand why it is the most visited country in the world.

[@Greggspies]

Top league bike presentation leaving the others in your shadows great film work and critique, which I may add other reviewers fear to tread

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks to, erm, whom? A Yorkshire Bond, perhaps?

[@dinbarful]

Great review... genuine pleasure to watch 👍

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks Rami

[@36moto]

I agree, what a beastie... I only got to ride the bike for a few hours but I loved it. Fast and comfy with that beautiful ktm attitude... grest little review..cheers

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks!

[@markputnam6371]

Great video Matt, got me very misty eyed for France. Such a beautiful country and those roads!!!! NZ is blessed with scenery but the roads are not so hot, gravel in a lot of place’s

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

You live in a place I would love to visit. Maybe one day...

[@loeffelm]

Came for the KTM, bought the Auvergne road trip !

[@davidcolin6519]

Thanks for another great video. I know the Allier quite well, though not as well as the area a bit further south. I just love both the Massif Central and its foothills in every direction. Although France is no longer even remotely cheap, it is still one of the best countries in the entire world for riding bikes. Extremely well maintained roads, spectacular scenery and every Department has something for bike riders.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Could not agree more. As you know this Massif Central area is overlooked by the vast majority of tourists (which is a good thing for the rest of us!) but it is spectacularly beautiful, and the roads have a variety to them that you just don't find in even such exalted venues as the Alps or Pyrenees. I love this country, and despite all the terrible stereotypes about the French I have found them to a be a wonderful, welcoming people. My own view is that they are in many ways similar to us Brits, which is perhaps why we seem to clash so much! I love their independence, their love of life and how to live it and their readiness to stick two fingers up to the establishment (though having oppressively slow speed limits in places, and this recent 'no filtering' law give me cause for concern).

[@davidcolin6519]

@@IgnitionBikeShow I wasn't aware of the "No Filtering" law, that's a PITA. But yeah, totally agree about the Massif. I also know the Auvergne pretty well and the area around Albi/Carcassonne. The ride over the Mont Noir from Mazamet to Carcassonne is, for me, quite possibly the greatest biking road in the world. If you've never done it, you really should. There again, I might be a little bit closer, I'm about an hour over the Spanish boarder. Oh, oh, oh, and the D5 out of Clermont. S**t, you've got me going now. Lovely to talk to you.

[@hedonzx822]

So far no problems with the electronics 😃 rides like a Dream🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@sebastianwisniewski2634]

So far, but how far?🤔🤔🤔😄

[@hedonzx822]

@@sebastianwisniewski2634 2000 km so far 😇

[@hedonzx822]

@@sebastianwisniewski2634 around 2000 k so far 😇

[@hedonzx822]

@@sebastianwisniewski2634 and now 13000 and still rides like a dream 🙏🏻🙏🏾 no technical issues yet

[@sebastianwisniewski2634]

@@hedonzx822 Thank you mate😄🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@christofonobrown3659]

IMO, this is the absolute best use of this motor.

[@vagelispsimenos]

Truly great review 👏

[@simonbowen2076]

Great filming on this feature. 👌 Did the scenery justice..

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Hello mate, I shall tell Jax, she'll be chuffed. I owe you a letter but every time I sit down to write one I realise the last six months (at least) of my lockdown life haven't been very interesting and when I start I bore myself to sleep. Hope your 2wheel enterprise is making you millions in the meantime, and I shall grit my teeth and send you a missive of some description this week.

[@simonbowen2076]

@@IgnitionBikeShow Nay bother me old mate. Catch up as & when..

[@triumphbonnevillerides3654]

Nothing better than a motorcycle and an open road

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Too true.

[@KMeyn]

Great review! Awesome filming! Made note of the area, thanks much for the geography lesson. Bought my first ever KTM, a 1290SAS (2019) on a whim, quite literally, from a dealer last year. With open return. Previous bike was a BMW 1200GSA. Took some adjustments to get used to. Adaption is a two-way thing, both for machine and man (most of the times). As you said, nothing is (ever) perfect. Did a few modifications. One being a booster plug that changed engine characteristics, especially on low RPM. But also made it more responsive, smoother. Then risers, and KTMs ergo seat. KTMs stock on that bike IMO resembles a slab of rock or plywood. One of the worst stock seats I've ever experienced. The bike's grown on me. The ergonomics works very well now (tall guy). Done >10.000 kilometers with the bike to date, long tours as well, on pavement, gravel, dirt, and I absolutely love it. I've had no issues, with electronics or anything else (knock on wood). Only niggle was occasional no-response from starter button/FOB. That turned out to be a simple thing. Potentially a safety measure clicking in. The steering lock would not disengage and thus start sequence not initiated. Was down to resistance detected in the mechanism. A little wiggling on the handlebar, all fine. Initially thought the KTM experiment would be short'ish lived, I'd return to BMW and get a 1250GSA for the 2022 season. But now, the 2021 SAS is a more likely candidate. If there are software issues I'd expect KTM to sort it out. After all, it is (one of) their flagships. In a week's time I'll take the new SAS out for test. Then we'll see.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

I've a feeling you will end up buying the '21 SAS after that test ride... I must admit to a certain reticence around mentioning any technical niggles I've had with a test bike given that a one-off occurrence might tarnish the bike for many thousands of potential buyers who watch this review - we often have up to 100,000 viewers for our South African TV show before it gets to You Tube. But the little integrity gremlin nattering away in the back of my skull always ensures that I mention any untoward experiences at least in passing. As I've said elsewhere, KTM's test bikes have occasionally irritated me with electrical problems, but no issue has ever been so bad as to leave me stranded anywhere. It's something to be aware of, but I would say - hand on heart - I'd still buy KTM if I was looking in a class of bikes that featured one.

[@KMeyn]

@@IgnitionBikeShow ​ While it was impressive I've decided to stick with my modified 2019 SAS for this season. The modifications have made it as close to perfect for my needs as I can expect it to be. Come 2022 we shall see. :) Cheers.

[@dailylife6183]

Great bike, makes us very familiar with KTM service shop.

[@shadowdancer2131]

What beautiful countryside.

[@valdenircomelli2579]

The best Adventure Bike for 2019, 2020 and 2021

[@EARP87]

Nice work i love the video i am convince to change my 1090R for this one

[@alithejumbo]

The thing about your reviews: I forget the bike and just enjoy ride in the video!

[@YaGhAd]

Great video! Having a radiator for each cylinder; would it handle the high heat of the Middle East well? I do not mind riding in the summer as long as the temperature does not exceed 45 degrees C.

[@mloclam6917]

Best review of the bike

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Probably not, but thank you for the kind words anyway!

[@davidhughes3051]

Another fab review Sir, thanks muchly. Gorgeous terrain, amazing roads and views..... do you get paid as well..... salutations.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thank you David, if it's any consolation I get paid fairly miserably, though I wouldn't dare to argue that this isn't more than offset by what I'm doing for the money, and where.

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

I love the front, I don't mind the 'transformers' look at all.

[@scottieray]

You know you ride a cool bike when kids notice it. In the short time I've had mine I've had a lot of inquiries as to what it is from car drivers at stop lights.

[@jameshouchin5086]

Fantastic segment....

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Cheers

[@trevorbush3656]

Great show, all I found was riding the 2021 the gearbox is smoother than the previous model especially the quickshifter, here KTM have refined it much like the 1st gen CC from the 2015 1290T to the 2017 1290SAS. Other than that the new 1290SAS is much the same and KTM have pulled a quick one again, almost no accessories carry over from the 2013-2020 bike to the 2021 machine with KTM "refining" the chassis and the accessories are post covid DAMN EXPENSIVE, all be it far cheaper than the Multistrada V4S. I personally won't be switching to the 2021 as it makes no sense when you have a fully fully sorted 2017 which is geared for touring already. To date my 2013 1190 and now 2017 1290SAS have never let me down bar the 2013 1190 being the most problimatic which is well documented. My 1290SAS has not missed a beat in 4yrs, it does track days, touring and weekend stints 2up, 100% reliable.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Good to hear, as I'm well aware not every owner's history is problematic, which is why I'm very careful when I talk about any issues I may have temporarily encountered. But... I have to mention them or I would be dodging the responsibilities of my job.

[@Killswitch-ON]

Hi Mat ! Next time you're in Europe i would suggest you a very spectacular SH8 road between Vlora and Saranda. Absolutely gorgeous to ride besides the Adriatic and Ionian see, at least once in lifetime 🙂

[@fabiena1787]

Thank you so much for your kind visiting of our country (Welcome in France!), and... for your riding of my new bike! Very honest review I think. Amazing bike, so fun and capable. I only wish KTM would fix the problem with the seat that won't stay in high setting! That should happen at some point, though. Edit: about the electronic gremlins, I have no problem for the moment (and I had maybe three or four strange warning with the old one, on a three years period). One sensitive point is to keep the battery well charged (just playing with the dashboard when the engine isn't running is not a good idea, and I'm afraid a lot of press bike go through that kind of treatment, but maybe I'm wrong).

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Hello Fabien! For those who won't know, Fabien is the main PR dude at KTM France who kindly loans me the bikes. Like I said Fabien, it's a genuinely brilliant bike, but as a 'professional' (sometimes) journalist I feel I have to mention the gremlins. But I also say that I would still buy the bike because the electronics have only ever been irritating, have never left me stranded. Btw, the bike would default to the 'unadjustable' situation as I turned the bike on, so no fiddling going on with the engine on or not. The bit in the film with the flashing screen is me becoming irritated, trying to reset it - with speeded-up filming I think (I'll have to ask the editor - my wife). I am currently struggling to decide what bike to buy for myself here in France, and my funds are not what they used to be after over a year of pandemic affected business so instead of a super-naked (in which case I would immediately buy a Super Duke R) I am looking at a secondhand KTM Duke 890 R or Triumph Street Triple RS. Or I was, because this morning I saw a Ducati Monster 1200 for the same money, low mileage, but a couple of years older. Decisions, decisions. The older I get the less able I am to make them quickly!

[@fabiena1787]

@@IgnitionBikeShow Thank you for this extended reply ;-) Yes, you're absolutely right mentionning the problems you encountered. Definitely. This is the kind of things that can get very annoying, and it seems it can occur on KTMs. But I must say, I have been lucky, overall (I had a SMT before my first 1290 SAS). So you've settled in France? I hope my fellow French people treat you well (there is no reason they wouldn't, but I feel they can be like KTMs at times).

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

@@fabiena1787 Yes, I am afraid you are stuck with us Fabien. We have fallen in love with the country, we pay our taxes here, we have our cartes de sejour and if our language skills improve enough we will pass our citizenship exams in a couple of years and become as French as it's possible to be for us rosbif types! And despite your (justified) concerns about the occasional 'grincheux' local, 99% of your countrymen have been fantastically friendly and welcoming. So much for the stereotypes, ay?

[@fabiena1787]

@@IgnitionBikeShow All of this is very nice to hear. Thank you, and welcome again. You are a fine addition to our country, no doubt. (your language skills seem to be on a good path, judging by your excellent pronunciation of French places, rivers and so on, and that's not a given usually). I guess that's why we've been blessed with your reviews in Europe recently... Sorry if I missed some of the episodes, I mostly tuned in to look at your KTM stuff. I hope I see you on the roads, some day. And, how us 'motards' say in France : Vé ! ✌ Et encore bienvenue, du fond du cœur !

[@suezix8689]

It's a fab one indeed. Tried and loved it, much preferred it to the Multistrada V4S.

[@Lord_C0mmander]

What didn't you like about the Multistrada? How was the wind protection on helmet? Thanks

[@suezix8689]

@@Lord_C0mmander Wasn't keen on the sound (for me a V4 needs to sound like one, the Tuono's for instance). Being a V2 man I found pick-up lacking below 5-6000 rpms. It is a great bike, for touring in particular, but I didn't gel with it. Wind protection was on a par with most other trailies (I have the Caponord 1200, have had the Versys 1000), so ok but far from amazing (I am 188cm tall).

[@jordan_drones]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@Boleh888]

Yeah, I'm not following the border crossing restrictions today. Thanks The Bike Show.

[@peer-olafkremer4715]

I just found this channel on KZbin and watched this video. I like the style and went to the channel page to browse the library because I am interested in buying a ADV bike. I am especially interested in a Honda AT and I wanted to know your opinion about the bike. Unfortunately I could´t find a video about the bike and now I wonder why.

[@autoinnovationsuk]

Great review - warts n all, im buying one i am also lucky enough to own a r1250gs rallye going to use both for six months then sell the one i use the least... excited to pick it up and start getting out on the roads, Scotland tour awaits.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Good decision. Passion over logic, every time.

[@a.s.5280]

Awesome video mat, brilliant camera work, cut and composition. That really must have been a lot of work. Do you actually no longer live in South Africa but permanently in France?

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks A.S., yes, we moved here permanently 2 1/2 years ago - my Afrikaans wife wanted to have an adventure and try living in the country of her dreams, and since I already loved the place I wasn't about to object! I had been 'commuting' between France and SA for the business every couple of months, but the pandemic put paid to that last March. I'm looking forward to that privilege returning - hopefully just in time for me to disappear occasionally during this next French winter!

[@a.s.5280]

@@IgnitionBikeShow then a warm welcome to Europe and nice that it was successfull, it`s not always that easy with the residence permit. 20 Years ago i wanted to emigrate to Canada or Scandinavia, but it didn't worked. Hope the difference in mentality wasn't too difficult; =) I live in southern Germany in the Black Forest, great motorcycle tours here. Since my wife's sisters live in France, I am often there too. Normandy and Brittany are also very beautiful. Then an even greater compliment as you two guys lead "the bike show" through a long-distance relationship. The best channel out there for me, authentic, charismatic and always witty. Just great work. Thanks a lot for this!

[@brucekendall52]

Beautiful countryside and by all accounts a great bike.Its getting difficult to make the right choice these days.thks.JHB-SA.

[@Domitianvs]

More like the opposite, to be honest. Most bikes are so good these days that it's difficult to make a bad decision.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Simon makes a fair point - so few bad bikes these days. In fact so few even 'average' bikes, most are bloody amazing, and the rate at which they improve never ceases to amaze me - you wouldn't believe the huge leaps they've made in the 25 years I've been reviewing bikes for a living!

[@taz473]

Love this bike,I had a 1050 ktm and loved it but I had electrical issues which was upsetting

[@after75]

Hi Matt! More engaging than the SD GT? Could you give me a little more detail on this thought? Thank you!

[@regislacomme5238]

so cool to see Matt operating and riding in Auvergne of France!!...I wonder if you have picked up a little French accent lately...does not sound like it on your last vids though!...thank you indeed for another entertaining riding journey and test....perhaps bientot tu pourras nous faire cela en francais et avec un petit accent auvargnat!!!....greetings from Stil Bay, South Africa!... merci et prends bien soin de toi!

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Ha! Too true, it has been difficult to practice our language skills during le confinement, and while everyone is wearing masks. I sometimes catch myself between pronouncing French place names in French, or as the English would say them (given the nature of our audience) and end up with some terrible Franglais version which does no favours to either persuasion. I shall keep practising, and amaze you with a sudden burst of your beautiful language in a future video (that will probably still make you cringe and then fall off your chair laughing).

[@regislacomme5238]

@@IgnitionBikeShow thanks a lot Matt, looking forward to hear your French anytime!!....totsiens mate! enjoy your rides and keep up the good funny spirit!...cheers! a bientot !

[@samiam5326]

Great vid. What boots do your wear Matt?

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

An old pair of Alpinestars something or other, road-racey with toe-sliders. Not ideal, but all my 'good' new kit is in South Africa. I left last March in a bit of a hurry!

[@chriswhotton7056]

Just done 500 miles on mine as you say the old bike which I had was still a brilliant bike but this is on another level I'm struggling to find an after market end can original is awful only thing I don't like about the bike , we cant wait to get over to France again we fell in love with Confolens on the river Vienne stunning area but as is most of France, great video thanks. Regards Chris

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks and isn't it just - France that is. Amazing country if you're into bikes.

[@hazarddavid6987]

Subscribed

[@jamesfisher1827]

Great review Matt, really glad you mentioned the not so good bits. KTM are definitely trying to pull me away from BMW.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[@Tg-bl1lz]

If you dont want a old mans bike gotta go ktm🤣

[@ricardopereira597]

How do you compare it with the Multistrada? And between the s1000xr? I had a s1000r and loved it as it make us feel special

[@dalebridle6826]

Great review…if I look to replace my 2020 MS 1260s it would be hard to go past… just need the low seat as it’s still a tall bike…

[@Tg-bl1lz]

The new 1290 adventure is actually surprisingly low and rides super easy because of the low gravity point

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Why did I watch this , now I'm finally considering it , no high speed wobble. I'll take my chances with the electronics 😀

[@nicholaskemp2451]

I have a SDR and I have all of the electronics except the front wheel ABS permanently turned off so, if you are concerned about them, I guess you can do the same.

[@floriankroeber4673]

Great video, thanks. If the electronics give small problems when new, who will be able to maintain that bike when its 20 years old? I wonder if some new bikes have a useful life beyond the factory warranty.

[@bseidem5112]

A KTM electronics specialist. I sense future (?) job security since so many bike mechanics hate electronics.

[@paulvanhout9695]

Impressive bike and perfect for what looked like a marvelous tour! Interesting bike and curious to see how reliable all the new electronics are as that seems like it’s Achilles heal.

[@battsonbikes1919]

That is the thing that has stopped me pulling the trigger on this bike. No dealer network and reliability = no confidence.

[@Kurt013]

2 1290S (2017 and 2019) and never had problems (beside de wobble in certain conditions at 200/220km/h+)

[@fabiena1787]

@@Kurt013 the wobble seems to be solved (see Motovibes vid). The new one handles even better than the previous one (I had the ‘17 and I just got the new one).

[@Kurt013]

@@fabiena1787 Yes, i saw that. Finally KTM got it fixed; 4 years to fix a problem... 🤦 Next year probably i'll buy the new model.

[@fabiena1787]

@@Kurt013 Well, fixing the problem wasn't that easy, since they had to redo the whole geometry, it seems (the previous frame had been around since the 1090 I think: don't quote me on that though).

[@bobvincent5921]

Thanks . a useful review of this bike as it seemed to have a calming influence on around corner behaviour in its precision of returning to vertical stance. I know it will be too tall for my inside leg, does it have adjustment?????

[@darylclifford]

High heeled boots ??!! 😝

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

@@darylclifford Ha! And two positions for the seat. High and higher. Actually it's not that bad, but I'm 1m 81 (and shrinking) and felt most comfortable with it on the lowest setting.

[@cpuuk]

I pick mine up in a couple of weeks, so will also find out if the electronics are twitchy or not.

[@corentinalpha4784]

Hi, As a 2018 model owner, I can tell you the best addition I made to the bike and that got it completely "gizmo free" is a Ultimate 5 charger. The bike since stopped having "suspension warning" or other odd behavior (not that it had so many truth be said, but those random warnings were a pain in the a*** because you start doubting your bike and I guess nobody likes that). Seems all this electronic is VERY sensitive to the battery level charge. And for the rest, this bike is a real joy every day. I had it for 18 months and +12000 km and it still gets me giggling when I start it 😊

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Love the absence of traffic!

[@Boleh888]

What the nice ride... peaceful roads, nice, amazing scenery, fresh air stopping.

[@balsara675]

Just completed a 800kms ride in 34-hours with badass indian traffic filled with asshole truck drivers. Foul mouth car drivers and unnecessary strays and cattle on many crossing on national highway8 with uncountable 100cc bikers and three wheeler auto rickshaws. Plus it's 44 degrees heat and covid filled streets. Ftw

[@balsara675]

@@Boleh888 just wish for days like those

[@Boleh888]

@@balsara675 😔😔😔

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

@@balsara675 Sounds like a proper adventure though. Big respect!

[@tomtraynor5384]

Went from a Adventure S to a SD GT which fits our needs better. But you said this over the GT..... Hmmm.... Just tired for tiptoeing with two aboard and maybe don't need so much bike around me. Hoping a V.3 GT will come and incorporate the SDR upgrades.

[@corentinalpha4784]

Hi Mat, This review by small episodes is one of the best on the channel and that is saying something when there are so many good ones. There is one topic you didn't cover though: considering your review of the 890, did the electronic let you wheelie? I guess I know the answer😁 The 2018 model is mental, it seems it is just a (really) huge supermotard and KTM must have wizards to have improved it... still not enough to make me switch after I tried it last week. This bike is very much about the 160hp v-twin and the difference was not that big to start an argument with my best half about "buying a new bike again". 😊 Like you previously said, leaves me wondering how so competent engineers can design such a bad seat...

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Yes and agreed, on basically all points. The Super Adv S caught me by surprise in a way, because I wasn't as impressed by the Super Duke GT (which previously I had loved) last year, perhaps because I rode it immediately after the R. I'd have this over the GT every time.

[@corentinalpha4784]

@@IgnitionBikeShow choosing the SA-S over the GT: it's probably because of the added comfort without any compromise about performance and very little about handling 😉.

[@fyorbane]

Hi Matt. Great vid. Do you live in France full time now? I moved here from the overcrowded U.K a while ago now and absolutely love it. Great biking roads everywhere and very little traffic [away from the cities]. The KTM is obviously a very capable machine but the continuing troubles with their electronics does put me off along with the hideous front headlights. Take care and ride safe.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Yup, living in Brioude in the Auvergne, got our titres de sejours and hopefully a couple more years down the line it will be full French citizenship. Love the country, love the people, love the lifestyle and love keeping the free movement within Europe which is so important for us to continue trying to grow this channel with the minimum of travelling red tape.

[@fyorbane]

@@IgnitionBikeShow Great to hear that and completely agree with you on all points. We live in the hills above the lovely La See Valley in Basse Normandie. We have traveled around France a lot and you are in a beautiful part of the country. Take care mate and I look forward to the next installment of the bike show.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

@@fyorbane Lovely part of the country, too. I promised my wife we'd visit that area this year, but that was before the pandemic put everything on the back burner. Next year, maybe. Perhaps we'll see you on the road sometime...

[@fyorbane]

@@IgnitionBikeShow Yes, that would be great. We will probably be down your way soon in the motorhome with our 2 dogs. Anyway, all the best mate and stay safe.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

@@fyorbane HA! Snap! We hope to head off in our 'camping-car' early next month, with our two dogs! A Giant and a Mini Schnauzer. If you're in the region before then drop a note here and maybe we can hook up for a cold beer or verre de vin.

[@jamest5149]

Does it really have a separate radiator for each cylinder or linked? A separate radiator suggests 2 water pumps and systems. I think its marking talk.

[@barney3417]

I recently sold my 1290 S which had a couple of electronic issues during my 2 years ownership! My friend picked up his new 1290 Adventure S last week, its cut out twice for no reason so far!!

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

It's a worry, but like I said, although I've experienced issues on more than one occasion, it's never been terminal. But irritating as all hell? Yes. I'm looking at buying a bike here in France, and a KTM is on my list and if I can scrape the money together I might well go Austrian for the sheer thrill of the machine, taking a bit of a gamble with the reliability of the electrics in the process. Not an ideal situation, probably not that clever, but you know... at the right time, in the right place, those bloody orange bikes can be hard to beat for riding pleasure.

[@RikkyTang]

In many ways this bike would be a good step up from my BMW R1250R, aside from the lack of shaft drive! However the thing I didn't like on a test ride is the vibration if you are holding the revs around the mid-range. Just way too intrusive for me and as a result I don't think I could own any of these big KTMs sadly.

[@Graeme4561]

Great review, Interested in your thoughts of the 1290 compared to the traditional sports tourer such as the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Thanks for the compliment Graeme; for me these bikes with their 'adventure' upright riding positions make much more sense as tools for crushing distances. When I started working for bike magazines 27 years ago sport-tourers were nearly all like the SX - big smooth 4-cylinder engines with a riding position that was just a couple of clicks back from a sport bike. If you wanted a more comfy bike you ended up in the 'massive' category with the likes of Yamaha's FJR1300, or 11 & then 1200 as it was back then. Comfortable, but about as sporty as a water bed. Times have changed, and even though I do enjoy the SX - it is a fine sport-tourer - I would much rather have something like BMW's XR (or even GS though I'm not a big fan of the undeniably impressive Boxer engine), or KTM's GT or this Super Adventure for the friendlier riding position and because you've got that option of a bit of gravel road without compromising the fun you can have on-road. And I'm a sucker for a big V-twin rather than a four, so I think of all such models I'd opt for this 'Beast.'

[@Graeme4561]

@@IgnitionBikeShow Thanks for the advice, the adventure category is undoubtedly where the R&D $$$ is going. I just struggle getting my head around a 19inc front wheel over a 17 for handling...

[@matdurrans3361]

@@Graeme4561 Go with it. We shouldn't get stuck in our ways because it works, it really does. Blindfold test you really couldn't tell. But you might ride into a hedge.

[@adammills4343]

I almost bought one of the S models in 2019 , but 2 things stopped me , the bike was just way too tall and the seat was just too hard , I really loved the bike and even with a lowered seat it was still too tall - but it was a deal breaker for me , I bought a low suspension Bmw GSA instead and love the bike , but if I were looking to buy again in the future the revised 1290 s would be hard to pass up if it is as good as you say.

[@chrisa7237]

Nice review. I don't agree with your comment on the steering though - at speed (55/60mph plus) it does take effort to turn it, not much but compared to my 3 years with the previous model I can tell the difference tipping in. Low down fuel weight and gyroscopic forces combining I suspect. However! Low speed steering is ridiculously good. Around town it's a joy compared to the 2017 model...and that wasn't terrible.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Fair enough. I remember my first set of turns though, and thinking it was broken or something. So big, and yet...here's the apex, way earlier than I expected.

[@bertrandls]

"forget the Alps"? you say? How DARE you sir! ;-))

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

I know, I could barely believe myself as I said it. But I mean it - greater variety, less traffic, fewer police. Truly, the Auvergne is a biker's paradise.

[@shetanks2163]

Hi ! i am 1.78 height! can i ride it ?

[@ionutalexandruradu9873]

What would you choose between the S1000XR 2021 and KTM super adventure s 2021 ? Thank you in advance for your answers !

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

I am a big fan of the XR, its electronics package is a match or better than the SA S, and the screen is even a bit more colourful and legible. And of course there is BMW's app that is a genuinely engaging tool. There's also the fact that I've never had any issues with the electronics of any BMW I've tested over the past 25 years. But... that 1290 V-twin and its low rpm grunt is a freak of nature, addictive to use and with a top end that is still a match for the XR. I'd have to say, heart over head and without actually going through the final, painful dithering that's always involved when you're spending your own money... I'd take the KTM.

[@Eric-Marsh]

I've had one for a couple months now. Nice bike but I think it needs another tooth on the countershaft sprocket. The thing wheelies in third gear and I'm sure it could pull a little more gearing without noticing.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Electronics are there for controlling the wheelies Eric! Or keep the electronics out of it and just enjoy the occasional 'light' front end, erm, officer. It could undoubtedly pull some taller gearing, which you could very affordably adjust with a change of sprocket, but I must admit I wouldn't bother.

[@Eric-Marsh]

@@IgnitionBikeShow Yeah, I get that. But if the bike has the power I don't really see much advantage to short gearing. It just means having to shift more often and that the engine runs faster at freeway speeds. My last two bikes were a ZX-14 and a Hayabusa (turbo). The Busa would do 80 (mph) in first, the 14 would do 90. Seems like the 1290 ought to be able to pull at least 60 at the top of first.

[@briananderson2219]

If I didn’t know any better I would swear he was talking about the 1200 mL boxer

[@UncleWally3]

A five year warranty on the electronics would be a an indication of KTM’s product confidence; its absence being the opposite.

[@mwjd58]

Yes. KTM needs to match all the other 5 year warranties on bike electronic systems. 🥸

[@jamesonpace726]

Absolutely wonderful...! Gorgeous country, ahh, France.

[@ScragNath]

Had my new SAS for a week now and the bike couldn't find the key in my pocket for around 20 minutes on a recent trip. Same happened with my 1290 Superduke R a while ago. The whole immobiliser had to be replaced. Hope this was a just a glitch this time.

[@sd5458]

Did you try pressing the button on the keyfob to disable Anti relay attack?

[@ScragNath]

@@sd5458 The dealership would have known that but they replaced the whole immobiliser harness under live video zoom with KTM in Austria.

[@Heavywall70]

@:12 he informed us the video was abridged.

[@Coddiwomple133]

not the first review of this Bike with problems with electronics enough to put off many people. and rightfully so

[@micha6720]

Superadventure or multistrada v4s?

[@andrewmarlow7303]

KTM should make a custom cruiser or chopper

[@MrJustforkicks]

Is it the Sony Xperia you have in your hands @14.01

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

It is indeed. 5 II. Apple fanboy for my laptop since forever, but gave up on the phones when I drowned my second one on a wet ride in Bavaria - on the R Nine T launch. Pissed me off so much I swore I'd never go back, and I haven't. Loving the Sony, especially the slightly unusual size.

[@MrJustforkicks]

@@IgnitionBikeShow, it's such a lovely device, and such a different form factor than all the other devices. Love your reviews. Keep 'em coming. Time for the 5 III now my friend. 😉

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

If KTM hasn't addressed the slave cylinder issue common in the previous generation of 1290/1190 that has resulted in many blown motors I would stay very far away from these. Yes they're perfect touring bikes that are an absolute blast to ride, that is until you're sitting on the side of the road with one reduced to a rolling paperweight.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

How would a slave cylinder problem blow a motor?

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@jaywhoisit4863 When shifting hydraulics keep clutch plates from being shattered and sent into your motor in pieces while running. You can imagine what happens next.

[@Rayk76]

I just want the R

[@veiledallegory]

As a KTM owner you’ll have computer problems on the bike you own too!

[@bseidem5112]

Sounds like a connection/connector problem hitting the computer with a volt spike forcing a reboot? Perhaps a mil-spec system very resistant to vibration?

[@dater35i]

Beautiful machine and powerfull, shame for the tallest guys , at least 165 cms up

[@robb8773]

The GS has more Torque 143 nM AND shaft drive! Yes, 24 less HP but you ride torque not HP. I will wait for the R1300GS in 2023 before I give up my 2019 R1250GS!

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Also a fair comment. Similar torque though. Shaft drive useful if you're as lazy as me. I've always respected the boxer motor, but never loved it. It drones instead of booms. It has waged a three decade war with my shins, and I just don't care for the looks. Is it good? No doubt. Having an opinion about a bike these days is a matter of splitting hairs, but at least it gets us talking...

[@bjornv5287]

Gs or sas?