2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | Pros & Cons From Karl the "SAS Guy"

[@KMeyn]

Nice review! Will concur with Karl on several points. Am an owner of a 2019 SAS. Several changes brought it, at least for me, even closer to the new model. The most important, a Booster plug (from Danish Booster plug), transformed engine characteristics in lower RPM completely. Gone is the jerkiness that was there before. It also responds better/faster, and overall feels more pleasant to ride. On the flat pulls smoothly even down below 2750RPM. But of course, it's not vibration free. In that respect, the BMW GS is a more comfy ride, in low RPM. I had a 1200GSA before. A bike I did 55k kilometers with. So it took a little while to get used to the 1290SAS. 19000 kilometers later it's opposite. Now I miss lots of things when on something else, for instance a 1250GSA. But I still think it's great. Most people need time to "calibrate", to adapt. Of other things, KTM Powerparts ergo seat fixed the seat issue. Absolutely mindboggling KTM continue to fit their bikes which, at least to many of us, is a rubbish, a slab of concrete "comfy", stock seat. SLightly better on the 2021, but not by much. The KTM ergo has excellent comfort, and also much better shape. I also put on offset risers, 30mm up/19mm offset. Max or close to max of what was possible without re-routing, or even change of cables. Being tall guy the rest sits well with me. A fuel eco that hovering between 4.3-4.5 liters/100 kilometers, it's as economical as my modified 1200GSA was. Cheers :)

[@doodle0007]

Hey Scott, it was nice to see some change in the review. Perspective of an experienced rider does help :) thanks for putting this together!

[@cpuuk]

I'm getting 55-60 MPG (easily getting 270 miles between refills) at a steady 70-80mph. The scary fun is all above 5Krpm, below that it's civilised and I'm riding my down 3K rpm in 5th gear without issue. I hate the end can, waiting on the Scorpion (Akrapovic option is too pricey for me). It's a good town bike, nothing snatchy, filters well. Do order it with the Pro Suspension option, it's worth it. After market and KTM accessories are thin at the moment (and very little from the previous bike fits). It's not perfect (hate the seat and indicator switch in particular). I traded my vstrom1000XT for this KTM, so it's better in most respects.

[@pg88corfu]

Can you refer to one respect that the V Strom was better than the ktm ? L8 owner here

[@toltod]

Great review! Great idead inviting Karl and getting his viewpoint and experience. Never thought about the passenger pegs hanging up my boots, that would be a deal killer with erogonimics for myself. Very happy you reviewed this bike...its been on my want list for a while. Cheers!.

[@Mark-ou8nu]

Great to hear Karl's thoughts

[@DanDude2905]

If it hasn't got the quickshifter activated the gearbox will be as notchy as hell. Same with my 2020 SAS. Once activated it solves the problem and is as smooth as silk.

[@larryvanputten4048]

Nice and clear review, Scott! Karl's argument about 'emotion' is a difficult one. On one hand we know it's the most important issue for us, motormen, on the other hand it's difficult to measure because it's subjective. To me any boxerengine means emotion! Nice issue to consider!

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Another excellent review, best regards from Barcelona!

[@hawkwood6405]

Another excellent review. Karl's thoughtful comments are much appreciated. I like the new styling, a lot. That exhaust can has to go, it looks like something from the boiler room on a ship! The first thing I would do is throw on a Remus can and a power commander, that would fix the low end power issues, it certainly suffers from being over lean.

[@markb3180]

Good to hear the view from a experienced SAS rider.

[@edwsec]

Great analysis, first CONS comment that I saw about knee angle... very important for me. Thank you!

[@markhyoutube]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the multistrada v4s!

[@emak4558]

Nice job with the review approach.

[@sd5458]

Cool man! Do you think you'll be getting your hands on the 2023 version? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new model. Thanks.

[@brucekendall52]

Good to hear your views,thanks.

[@santaquaranta682]

Hallo !who model ist faster?2017 or 2021?

[@RikkiHockey]

Hey Scott, great review as always! PS: Whats the model of the jacket you are wearing?

[@NothingToProve]

Alpinestar Tech-Touring WP jacket. Love it for 3 season riding.

[@RikkiHockey]

@@NothingToProve awesome thanks!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review! Super helpful to hear from an owner of slightly older version of the same motorcycle!

[@rinatwittmer2038]

Dadurch, dass ich den Vorgänger 6 Bigerscheine günstige erwerben konnte, hatte ich mich, ohne Zweifel, für Baujahr 2020 entschieden habe. I, am Happy!

[@WiscTJK]

Great review as usual!

[@mantan_rtw]

How come there is no QS on this? Isn't that standard? Also why no mention of the ACC? It had the big radar sensor up front.

[@michaelskajem2940]

Great review ! I have a 2020 KTM Super Adventure S (Silver/Black) and I love it - except the one time the key fob gremlins popped up when I stopped for fuel 500+ miles from home… I hope the new bike has the electrical issues resolved…

[@Tony_K]

Thank you, Scott, Great review and content as always👌 And special Thank's to Karl, solid info from experience 👊Greetings to ALL from Ireland 🍀☘🍀💚 Tony K.

[@adrianmathe3578]

Another great review. Test drove the bike back to back with the gs. Still undecided, i have mixed feelings about both. Waiting here like a good boy for triumph to launch the new tiger 1200,that looks like it ticks on both ends, gs style and ktm power. 😁

[@yorkshireR9T]

Being a GS owner, I agree with Karl. I'm definitely missing some excitement in my biking miles.

[@andrewedmond7738]

Good stuff as usual Scot. Another riders perspective was enlightening regarding the new SAS. Will definitely be patiently waiting for the release of the new 1200 tiger. Love the channel brother, and please keep these great reviews coming. Appreciated.

[@kdguntherpropertiesbyfrida1496]

Great review, I own a 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere aka XT1200. I've been thinking about upgrading to a new XT1200. the 1290 has recently been on my radar. I'll be in Austria on vacation next month, maybe a few days on the 1290 will be enough to make me switch to a KTM.

[@adrianbilba]

Carl is a big guy, for him new ktm is to small on every aspect. But for most of the other people, asiatics mainly, new model is more approaching.

[@pinnacledivingco]

What windshield (and additional shield) does Karl have on his 2018? I want one. 😅

[@paulbradshaw9046]

The real question is should a 1190AdvR guy upgrade to the new 1290 SAR?! One complaint I have on my 1190 is my heals hit the rear pegs on my street boots, guess that ain't going away. I want the new bike simply for the separate wheelie and traction control functions, and the "rally" throttle mapping. I really hate how most street bikes have a really mild throttle map, too much wrist twisting! It would be awesome if they could do an off-road "race" ecu map and exhaust like they did on the gen3 Super duke, which I own and did to mine, really makes it scream now that euro5 is not a concern

[@anatoliiprytkov7313]

Hello What's your gear (jacket andjeans)?

[@roadglide]

Nice review Scott. Edgy look. It’s got power for days. No questions there. By comparison for money spent. What’s your opinion of overall Fit and Finish?

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you. Well, you will spend about the same money as a 1250GS but the fit and finish is not as good as the GS, the GS is on another level I'd say...imho.

[@marcelcoenen1437]

Great review with the new formula to catch the experience from an owner. The uncomfort riding at low RPMs is annoying and was one of the main reasons to change my KTM 790 Duke into a BMW F 900 R. Exhaust of the SAS isn‘t Italian style. No navigation/ connectivity? GS seems to be the gold standard. I prefer smaller bikes.

[@martyn_g]

Navigation isn’t that good on the GS. The Navigator GPS is pants because it’s Garmin based - you could use the Cradle, but your limited to what smartphone you can use. On either bike I’d plug in a rugged Android smartphone and use a RAM mount.

[@brsha8762]

Excellent review.. you're easy to listen to, articulate and very specific.. the video was clear, concise and informative.. by the end of the video I felt as if I had demo'd the bike myself.. well done.. Thank you. I subscribed to your channel immediately.

[@travelinben1966]

The only thing this has over the GS is looks imo.Thanks Scott.👍👍

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

+1 on that... and also if driven on track or like a hooligan on the street.. I was thniking of selleing my GSA and buy a 1290 but after testing it (i have a video on my channel of that) i felt that it was not better...... So i bought a Standard GS instead. ;)

[@travelinben1966]

@@Swedeonamotorcycle Nice bike.I'm leaning in that direction myself,but would like to try a new Super Tenere 1200 if one becomes available.

[@ulaskvlcm]

I have a 890 Duke R; is it worth for trade up?

[@japan41000]

Great video! I had a 2019 SAS and my complaints about the 2021 are the same!

[@rideronthestormc968]

Was it worth it?? I have a '17SAS.

[@japan41000]

@@rideronthestormc968 i didn't buy the 2021- the '19 fit me much better, and the new one didn't make me excited enough to spend the money. I need to ride an 890 adv r to see if the weight savings makes up for the difference in power.

[@ScragNath]

Just bought a new 2022 SAS. The only bike that prised me off my 2018 R1200 GSA.

[@gordon4221]

Great video as always... Motorbikes are getting too big, too heavy, too powerful, too tall and too expensive. A bike of 100hp and no more than 200kg wet is the sweet spot IMHO.

[@chrishart8548]

Not much is under 200kgs these days. Maybe a 650 ninja

[@mickleblade]

@@chrishart8548 somewhat shy of 100 ponies though

[@gordon4221]

I was thinking of the Aprilia rs/tuono 660 . I think Aprilia may be onto something with these bikes....

[@chrishart8548]

@@gordon4221 they do seem rather nice. Look worth the money over the 650 ninja that's for shore. As good as an older 600/4 super sport really. And more usable power and torque. Can't really decide between the rs and the tuono. Think the rs looks better but do I really need the fairings.

[@chrishart8548]

@Rod Rebman sounds like mt-09 and tracer

[@mikehamilton9128]

Thanks to you and Karl for your honest and objective impressions on both models of SAS. I am wondering if I should change my Yamaha Super Tenere. I understand what Karl said about his bike having more character, more soul, and I think this is very important in a motorcycle.

[@dujedragicevic]

S10 had to be replaced a long time ago.

[@MrNevo7]

I did not test the new one, but have over 20000kms on model 2019. Cons are important and majority not saying. My are: not suitable windshield for taller riders. Very narrow. In the half of mirrors I see the elbows. And than a few problems, which are not coming every ride: heat under the seat from rear valve /over 25°C you feel it/, not suitable central stand, no space under the passanger seat, poor cover of rear wheel in rain - water you have on passenger seat and your back/.

[@hermannschmidt9788]

You were in street mode while complaining about the throttle response. This mode was too lame for me on the previous model already. Switched it to sport and never went back.

[@maddmatter2003]

100% Buy Rally mode and hang T.F. on!

[@marekboroth6707]

That german fella looks very emotional himself 🤣. He probably meant exciting, bless him.

[@pegibbons]

Are you sure you didn't have it in 'Rain Mode'?

[@NothingToProve]

Lol, I'm sure that I had it in all of the modes, except rain, I don't think I even tried rain mode cause it was not raining. LOL!

[@pegibbons]

@@NothingToProve LOL

[@Greggspies]

Love your honest reviews minus the bull, stopped watching others who are in the pocket of manufactures. Keep the format cheers

[@huambo]

great review. My 2017 SAS gets an average of 51mpg.

[@steve5825]

Nobody mentioned the bloody awful indicator switch, the ‘23 model has rectified this thankfully.

[@motoparadiso3389]

A very informative and sincere look at the bike. thank you.

[@heinekensese_]

this and the MTS V4 cost about USD $35,745 here in PH 🇵🇭 whilst the r1250GS/A cost USD $28,150/$30,831. all stock. pretty obvious what to choose.

[@nuffysbuilds3750]

Fantastic video mate, thanks for sharing. I am currently looking for my first KTM and I have decided I would prefer the 1290. S and second choice would be the 1290 R. my budget here in Australia, means I am typically looking at bikes from 2013 - 2017. My intention is to buy as tidy bike as I can for the money, with my next focus being to find one with as low mileage as possible. Can you make any recommendations of which Year bike to try and buy or. perhaps which year I should avoid. I have never owned a KTM but after riding 4 of them, I have shifted my focus from a similar year BMW GS to the 1290. As I feel it has more bang for buck. Thanks again for sharing, I appreciate how much effort and time goes into uploading content. Kind regards Paul KZbin. Nuffys Builds

[@toofastnobrakes]

Hey! 😄 have you had another chance to review the Z900?

[@NothingToProve]

Coming out this Saturday!

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@NothingToProve yay! Hope you liked it 😊

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great review and comparison Scott. Bike is just too big, if that makes sense. 👍

[@klauspeters7434]

Do a review on the 1290 SuperAdventure R, PLEASE ! 😁

[@NothingToProve]

Same bike just taller front wheel and suspension and a few other things. But my dealer does not have one on demo any way :( So I can't.

[@UARider]

Very good review 👍👋

[@outdoorsmansjourney8738]

Good review!

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Good input from Karl. I wear size 13 (US) boots so that rear peg issue would affect me too. I do wish the previous gen 1290 had the updated riding modes and an optional factory GPS.

[@aleksandarbotic979]

i wear 15 and have no problems even with a passanger

[@dujedragicevic]

Fair point on the rear foot rests, especially with 46(13) sized boots. Something like tracer 900 GT. Definitely a deal breaker.

[@aleksandarkanizaj]

I have 2019 SAS like Karl's and in a year or two ot sure what to upgrade to. I really like the adrenalin this LC8 V2 engine gives when the throttle is twisted. It's a blast. Now I wouldn't get the R1200GS, although a great great bike very planted and confy it just doesn't have the power of my SAS. I want to test ride the R1250GS, 2021 SAS and the Multistrada V4 before deciding what to buy next. However, recently I started liking sporttouring bikes such as the new Hayabusa, Ninja 1000SX, R1250RS.... So much to choose from 😅

[@kugangles9860]

There's always KTM'S super duke GT. I came from a super adventure T and the GT is a good middle ground between a sportbike and a tourer all while maintaining that crazy Vtwin power.

[@aleksandarkanizaj]

@@kugangles9860 that's a good shout actually! Did not consider that bike because somehow I think it would be too small for me. But should be worth a test ride. When is due to have an upgrade? Like the SAS had this year

[@kugangles9860]

@@aleksandarkanizaj I thought KTM might have put a new one out this year because of some spy shots that came out last year of a new GT being developed. But probably within the next 2 years I'm guessing. The current 2nd Gen is a great bike though.

[@philipparana9225]

Everything euro 5 in that displacement needs a tune and exhaust from headers back. My bmw was same way I literally thought it was broken before I flashed it

[@Vffr1]

I love your channel. Missed Germany (born there in the 60's). Triple

[@emak4558]

The comment about the passenger foot peg is a bit odd. I find that actually quite convenient. It has NEVER bothered me when using the rider pegs, but if you like, you can rest your heel on the passenger peg and your foot front on the rider peg - and get a nice change of position / stretch. Very useful. The other thing that the SAS guys does not seem to value - the handling and ride - BOTH- on this new SAS is off the planet. Crazy how it can do both.

[@NothingToProve]

Karl has a BIG foot! 🙄

[@RNvidcast]

Good review as always. Good lord that bike is ugly though!!!! Euro 5 emission regulations are leading to some pretty horrible engine strangulation; case in point. Decat and remap and I'm sure it would feel far better.

[@pedropostigogimeno6851]

Muchas gracias, excelente video, has captado exactamente la esencia del modelo anterior y del actual, estoy totalmente de acuerdo contigo, es una excelente moto, aunque ya no es ready to race. Mis felicitaciones, por favor sigue así. Un saludo

[@fredzuccarelli]

Always appreciate your honest approach to comparing bikes! 1250 gsa still the leader on my list as I look to add to the stable.....looks tough to bump it from the leaderboard.

[@arnofrom9350]

Thanks Scott (and Karl..), great review as always. Don’t know in you ‘do gossips’...but I’ve heard that there will be a new KTM 1290 GT. What can you tell about this?. Regards Arno

[@NothingToProve]

Well rumor has it...yes. It really needs an update, I hope it will come next year.

[@jorgemsoto]

Hey! I appreciate the spreadsheet, but the weights seem off. The Revzilla Daily Rider - Zack - Actually weighs them. He says the Multi V4 is 570 pounds wet, the GS is 565 pounds wet, and you say GS 549 and MS V4 429 ???. What's interesting is that the Multi V4 is actually 5 pounds heavier than the GS!!! What is going on? I Imagine that you don't weigh them. I would like you to weigh them, add accuracy to this problem, and reveal the deception I think is happening. Especially with Ducati? These differences are NOT trivial.

[@NothingToProve]

Sorry, I have no way of weighing a bike, I just go by what the OEM legally states. There are so many conditions and options that can change a bikes weight, too many to list, so that is why there are so many different weights for just one bike. take care, Scott

[@davidhughes3051]

Danke Mensch

[@JMeyer-qj1pv]

It's a shame that KTM did all that redesign work on the SAS for 2021 and didn't end up with a very compelling ride. I'll stick with my 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure.

[@NotNowCato1254]

Nicely done sir (sirs) 👋

[@fjrboy]

Karl gave his opinion....do you think people with current 1290 should?

[@NothingToProve]

Na, keep it, don't trade up.👍

[@siegfriedfischer7876]

High Scott, if you do the comparison in a list of all big adventure bikes than you should get the big Yamaha and last but not least the Pan Amerika Harley... 🙂

[@NothingToProve]

Na, I only include bikes that matter! :)

[@siegfriedfischer7876]

Another statement looks strange for me.... The fuel consumption of the GS... 4.75 litre?????? Most if the bmw drivers are saying that she needs 5.6 or 5.7 litres..

[@NothingToProve]

www.bmw-motorrad.de/de/models/adventure/r1250gs/technicaldata.html#/section-technische-daten

[@chrishart8548]

And the 1250 uses more than the 1200 despite claiming more efficiency

[@hawkwood6405]

The reported fuel economy numbers have to be compliant with the Euro 5 standard testing parameters. Real world numbers will vary a whole lot depending on many factors, not the least of which are how fast you ride. The regulations involve testing at legal speeds.

[@siegfriedfischer7876]

But the gasoline consumption has to be realistic... Even with euro 5 the 1250er engine needs under normal and compliant with road law normaly 5 litres plus....

[@kowalski2334]

@@siegfriedfischer7876 you can get the 1250gs below 5 litres if you chill ride, even below 4.7 litres, but that would be a boring ride.

[@ballerblocks]

Saausspennnsioon..love the elongated pronounciation👍☺️

[@tomtrieschmann6048]

As a primarily happy owner of a 2018 SAS I’m happy to hear that the 2021 doesn’t have significant differences. My biggest complaint with the 2018 is that it feels top heavy to me at slow speeds, but once rolling it’s a wonderful bike.

[@maddmatter2003]

I would counter his opinion as a owner of the '22, the TFT DOES connect to both the helmet and the device and shows NAV on screen. He only tested power in street mode. Had he put it in Sport mode, and suspension mode in sport, he would have ignited his brain a bit! RALLY mode is Insane! You can also custom map the throttle response and the suspension can be dialed in . (If you pay for the mode)

[@ljubott]

Really good review, I need emotions for a motorcycle and not a lot of electronics and phone conecting etc .... with that all the prices went to all brands unfortunately. for those drivers who drive in 5 or 6 gear at speed 30 or 50 it is better to drive only a car, or ;-)) Greetings to all and thank you!

[@yimingli6720]

if there is anything you dislike the KTM compared to a GS , it is because you ride the KTM the same way you ride a GS

[@CPUspeed]

Nice alpinestars jacket

[@henryvaneyk3769]

EURO 5 is killing motorcycling excitement. As soon as my bike is out of warrantee, all that crap is going.

[@Gw49172]

Man the new version looks horrible

[@motodxb]

I agree with u, I have a GS and the GS is the bench mark but I have to say, this KTM is awesome

[@robertdunn7646]

Once again Scott, great review. Are you German? Your English sounds so American to me. Perhaps you’re with the CIA or BND? Motorcycle division of course! 😂

[@NothingToProve]

Both! Actually I'm a triple counter agent with the FSB. I don't even know who I'm working for/with/against anymore 🤣🤣🤣 I'm American born.

[@joseVazquez-sk5dt]

Not for USA 🇺🇸😥

[@PIXbyGrant]

I do not buy a bike for display

[@artaburu7410]

Engine... 1301cc

[@monkeyCmonkeyDoo]

Have you been able to throw a leg over the Pan America yet?

[@NothingToProve]

Not yet.

[@syntaxmsi]

Some guys like big cans!

[@plwn6468]

Not bad at all the baby.

[@abdulrahman_albutti]

الجديد احلا ❤️❤️

[@kowalski2334]

karl has the most german english accent you can imagine 😃✌

[@siegfriedfischer7876]

But relative fluently.... 😂

[@dose8738]

monstrosity.....

[@geeyov]

Damn that autofocus. 😂

[@mikeyb6737]

I want a Pan America

[@janw4725]

I don't

[@siegfriedfischer7876]

Yes, a must have for a american guy... 😂

[@kowalski2334]

Go buy one

[@siegfriedfischer7876]

@@kowalski2334 I'm a German Guy.... 😂

[@NotNowCato1254]

@@janw4725 😂

[@bakabezzraka]

1st