(2022 USA) 2021 KTM Adventure R, 1290 vs 890 ridden, rated, reviewed

To watch this video with corrected stereo sound go here • Video
Support this channel at www.Patreon.com/BretTkacs
I only had two days to ride both the 2021 KTM 1290 Adventure R and the new 890 Adventure R (I own a 2020 790). But it didn't take long to get a feel for the performance of each. The comparison is not to compare again the BMW1250, the Africa Twin or new Harley Davidson PanAmerica but instead to look at how these compare to each other.
The 890 is very similar the 790 but the the 1290 is a big step forward in refinement over the previous 1290.
I hope you enjoy the review... We skip the technical details and just dive into what it is like to ride.
www.BretTkacs.com

[@imho624]

Just here for the smooth helmet to hat transitions. 👌

[@frostbitevinnie]

Dang bro ya beat me to it!😀

[@badbruise]

Can’t let that head shine in the sun

[@goranvitkovic5234]

Fastest transition I have seen so far.

[@richardgatenby7560]

smooth

[@soolew7]

That transition was really quick. At first I thought he somehow had been wearing that hat under his helmet.

[@wfodavid]

Had a 1290 and sold it for a 790. At 5-9 the 1290 was just too big. The 790 is a dream. The helmet to cap transition is pretty Amazing. I like a bit more off road than street so the 790 was much better choice.

[@FanOWater]

I have a 790 and love it. I'm 5-9 also and have dropped it quite a few times. Glad the bike isn't bigger or heavier!

[@Ironhawx]

I’m 5’8 and tippy toe the 790 and I’m thinking of the 1290S I tried it on today and I can manage it comfortably

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

@@Ironhawx I appreciate that perspective. Have you had it off-road yet?

[@davelariviere682]

Great review guys. I liked to hear the opinions from both of you👍

[@EricBanner571]

"You have to expect some issues when buying a KTM" you were very diplomatic when talking about the issues had with the 790. I'm just not ready to experience a new bike with problems.

[@zerotonine807]

And still there are thousands of people like me where the 790 hasnt any problems at all…..

[@goflynw]

The South African guy is so much more grounded.

[@BretTkacs]

John is a great representative of the average ADV rider... It's a great perspective to include.

[@robjjohnsen]

Good video. It's nice to see you in SA. Seems like you found an awesome saffa to take you through the country. I agree on the 890 though, he was ripping that thing. On another level.

[@cpuuk]

Brett riding the new 1290 like he's been on it all his life LOL

[@germaniack]

Great video! I loved the, "Ok you want more specific stuff" end. Touched on good considerations and contrasts (new v old 1290) that some people are probably weighing. I'm happy with my setup but glad to know KTM is iterating over their 1290 for those of us who like the Orange Kool-Aid

[@MrBarlien]

Good comparison, my right ear feels left out though. You guys need to check your videos after render with headphones, quite a few people use headphones and this sort of thing is awful to watch with audio in only one ear, if you happen to have only one channel of audio make it mono. It's been a problem on a few of your videos. It's a shame because the knowledge and quality otherwise is top-notch, truly great stuff!

[@BretTkacs]

I checked on the computer stereo speakers and my headset. Even the audio editor showed both sides equal. I did find a way to fix it (this was ANOTHER miss) but I am still missing the cause

[@dakotac69wgs]

Same issue here... Right ear was left a little out.

[@hunkyleepickle]

i love my 1290s. Its been reliable, fast as snot, and comfortable for long days in the saddle. I'm not a huge off road focused guy, so the S has been great. Even pretty decent on gas! Dealer support has however been poor, but i knew that going in. Would i buy a new 1290? Good question, new 1250gs is one hell of a bike, with amazing support where i live.

[@bseidem5112]

You better get to know the service mgr right away and save your bucks for repairs when the warranty runs out.

[@nathanboeger978]

I have had the opposite with dealers in my area (Asia). The BMW dealers are awful. They are arrogant, slow and useless. The KTM dealers are responsive and nice. I had the 1290-S and loved it. One amazing bike. I can't wait to get the new 890.

[@ennisventer8038]

New 1250 comes with a 5 year warranty 😀

[@metalsadman]

2:16 helmet to hat transition was so slick!

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.Still think the 690 is the most fun for the dirt.

[@jurekmonk]

2:16 when he changes his helmet to his hat so fast that the camera can't catch it🤣🤣🤣

[@rudyrude7975]

Who carries a flap cap on a ktm super adventure R? Kinda cool though

[@Kaegis]

@@rudyrude7975 Some baldy

[@sauli9351]

Riders opinion. I ride 2021 1290 R and 2021 890 R from saddle to saddle. The 1290 is top heavy compared to the 890. Especially when driving on gravel, the 890 stands out by a huge difference. You can't talk on those the same day in off-road driving. 1290 was at its best on the highway. Now I have ride 890 R for about 15000km and enjoyed every mile.

[@GanGoz]

Thanks Brett, I enjoy your content alot. Great review.

[@leanit5756]

KTM hit a home run with he 1290R. It has no place on single track, and I doubt deep sand (I have not tried), but if those two things are eliminated I think it would be hard to come up with a better single bike for all purposes. I have owned a FJR1300 and a Versys 1000 (both with bags) as my physically biggest/heaviest bikes over the years. I am 5'8" and 165, and have been riding for 46 years (street, dirt, DP, and road course race track). When I saw the 1290R in person and sat on it I found the idea of riding such a huge and heavy monster in the dirt pretty intimidating. But I went with it and am glad I did. It is outstanding on dirt road, and very easy and confidence inspiring to ride. Love the stand up ergonomics and the ease with which it can be steered with the rear wheel. The smooth low end power delivery is incredible, and has almost no vibration. The controls are all easy to activate and are not hyper-sensitive. The ride is plush. I like it on dirt roads, even rough surfaced dirt road, better than the EXC500F - a lot better actually. By comparison, the EXCF requires constant shifting, is painful to sit on, and the standup ergonomics are not as good. Plus it is easy to get used to the on-dirt advantages of the 1290's sophisticated traction control and ABS electronics. Points to improve: My right heel hits the exhaust system. The Rally Pegs are a must have for stand up riding, especially due to this point. Like on the Super Duke 1290R, the high/low beam switch and the C1/C2 switch are easy to activate without meaning to do so via brushing them with the back of finger. When in Rally mode, I accidentally change the traction control settings from time to time the same way - periodically hitting the +/- buttons by the left handgrip while riding without know I have done so. And the turn signal switch is almost the same abortion that was put on the Super Duke 1290R. Lacks feedback upon activation, and is a PITA to cancel when pushed, and pushed, and pushed again. Has to be pushed at a very specific angle and then it lacks feedback upon successful cancelation as well. While stupidly annoying, those little things are easy to forgive since the big things that really matter were done so well.

[@rlsearch1]

Brett, thanks for another very good presentation, however I found the title misleading....I was expecting you to do a similar review of the 890, instead this was really all about the 1290. I would value your opinion and insights around the 2021 890, when you have a chance......relative in particular to your experience as a 790 owner. I have a 2020 790 and love it to bits for so many reasons, for instance the ease of wheeling it about and manoeuvring it at slower speeds, on top of that I average between 300 and 325 miles on a full tank of petrol......how's them apples 👍😊 For me, the 1290 is way too heavy and cumbersome....and when will you realistically need that extra speed, torque and power? Wishing you and all your viewers safe travels, from bonnie Scotland 👍😊

[@christopher9626]

my 2019 1290 R roasted my right leg to ridiculous levels. I had a ton of electronic issues which KTM fought me on. Luckily I had an experienced KTM dealer and they were great in getting KTM USA to warranty the electronics. I loved that bike when it ran and was in motion. I did an 800 mile day and could have easily do another 250 miles, but was worried about Deer. I've never been able to do that before and every mile was glorious. It really is an amazing bike. But make sure that you have a competent dealer who is familiar with dealing with KTM about repairs.

[@peviens]

When Bret says "so great from the 790" does he mean all the fun times loading and unloading the bike in the back of his Tacoma and getting a coffee driving it down the scenic route to the dealer? 😂

[@BretTkacs]

😭... The truth hurts

[@SteveHofsaess]

@@BretTkacs I have a 790R in Colombia,, so far the only issue I had was the rear shock leaked out the oil and it was covered under warranty, Maybe you need to ride 790 a little harder

[@davelariviere682]

I have been there with 6! Trips to the dealer with my 390🤦‍♂️😵‍💫

[@kirikset]

Rear brake seems to be the same construction as on a 1090R, which means you can adjust the rear brake position by disconnecting the lever and screwing in or out.

[@rickhouston2144]

Those 1090r’s are the real champs!

[@kirikset]

@@rickhouston2144 disagree. Test rode 790, enjoyed it more, but during the epidemic and KTM dealers switch now 790 and 890 are more expensive than 1090(as they are newer and 1090 are not available and there are like 2 1090 for sale on my whole country)

[@kugangles9860]

I think the 890 R is the best compromise between the two. The S version is great for the road but the 1290R is just overkill.

[@PaulRichter75]

Damn... Makes me miss South Africa. My brother there just went from the 1190 to the 1290. Still loving my 1190 here in Canada though.

[@jasonearles9789]

Free dog with every KTM purchase so you don’t have to walk home alone

[@LouisGiliberto]

I've had a KTM for 7 months. 3 of those have been in the shop. True story. :-( Never again.

[@orlandoberry8454]

@@LouisGiliberto - I’ve had my current KTM for over 10 years. It’s never had a problem. And it’s never been serviced by anyone but me.

[@LouisGiliberto]

@@orlandoberry8454 I guess I just got lucky. 2020 KTM, only had 1500 miles on it, and the engine blew because a part broke on the crankshaft. Warranty is covering it, but I'm not real happy with Orange so far.

[@orlandoberry8454]

@@LouisGiliberto - yes with all the reports, and with some of their new bikes being made in China, I would not be too quick to buy a new KTM. However, I have several friends who have the newer models, and they don’t have any problems. Glad they are fixing your bike. I hope it’s a complete new engine and they are not just fixing the original one.

[@k_plax]

Smart, real world experienced thoughts on both bikes!

[@t.k.1448]

Everybody who is critical of the potential KTM issues seems to forget "all the issues" the first R1200GS's had: detonating trannies, detonating rear shaft drives, issues with the electonics, cracking cast wheels.... Like KTM it was probably single digit percentage or less, but that is all you read about in the press, on the forums, etc. Personally I've ridden 98000km on my LC8 including quite a few muddy, dusty, rought off road kilometers and it never let me down.

[@BretTkacs]

We haven't forgotten about the teething pains of other however I believe it is best to evaluate a bike on it's own merits and compare against the previous generation the new model is replacing and/or it's competition.

[@matt_kelly]

I might have spoken too early about the audio being fixed. :) Background audio during actions shots is good, but both laval mics are only coming out of the left channel.

[@motorcyclemarv8912]

Yep, and clipping. Major distortion.

[@jyripieniniemi]

All it needs is mono. It's one plugin in any editing program. Make the audio mono in the clips. Bit of a pet peeve, this, if only because it's so simple to fix.

[@MototechWanderer]

All audio on the left channel.

[@jyripieniniemi]

@@MototechWanderer Yes. Dual mono would duplicate the audio to the right channel, which would be ideal.

[@disekjoumoer]

Bret, you forgot to mention the biggest change: it's been a looooong time since KTM had the colour blue anywhere on their bikes. This one's graphics look stunning.

[@czaszi]

I wonder if they fiexed leaky airbox. You had added insulated rear exhaust manifold, that used not to be a standard on 1290 and 1190. Curious if it is standard on the new ones. The heat is a combination on non insulated manifold and fueling. People who modified their KTMs said that fitting a Rottweiler or PowerCell filter, removing catalytic converter (subject to local laws) and adding insulation of rear manifold pretty much resolves the heat issue.

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

I know id have more fun on the 890 but god damn that 1290 looks so friggin sick!

[@mikedew380]

Great video. Not a KTM person but found it very interesting.

[@nigellove-lovebigbikeadven4783]

Sweet review Brett Just sums up my thoughts on the 1290

[@oztursen]

So, when is the video trashing the 1290 ADV is coming? :-) Joke aside, I got a 790 Adv last year, part of the reason was your review of the bike. I love it for all the reasons you mentioned in your earlier 790 Adv review. But, I also had my fair share of issues so far but the dealer was at least responsive (despite the fact that it took them two months to get some broken parts). I am now debating whether my next bike should be 1250 GS or 1290 ADV. This video is definitely helpful. I am not sure GS deserves the premium price over 1290.

[@MototechWanderer]

Bret ... Can you please check what's wrong with your main camera ... The left channel puts out most of the audio. Left channel has more audio than the right.

[@BretTkacs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57Uc2WQZs-giZI

[@asong26]

Great overview Bret! Thank you. Any speculation as to why no adaptive cruise control on the R? Chip shortage, or something else? I can't find this info anywhere on the web. What a bummer.. Such an amazing technology to keep us safer when touring. I hope we don't have to wait another 4 years to get one on the R. Through your connections, if you can shed some light on that, it would be wonderful. Thank you.

[@indegrow1]

Great review. The brake lever is adjustable by the way. Same as the 1190. You adjust the rod on the master cylinder. FYI.

[@XtremeCoke]

Just bought 890R while the new 1290 SAR is equally great if not greater. Sole reason being the price difference didnt justify the gain given my application.

[@motorcyclegordy2078]

As always, well done!!

[@FranksBmwAdv]

These videos make me want to spend money. I’ll take the 1290. 🤩

[@izabella1999]

I've been riding sport for last few yrs. Want to get adv now. Which one would you recommend for beginner adv rider? I pick up on skills faster than average.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

The 890 is more offroad capable, and also a lot lighter to pick up should you drop it, which WILL happen if you ride in the dirt. Personally I would not own a 1000cc+ bike except for riding 2-up.

[@bdraidian6280]

Please do a video of what you think is the best long distance road touring adventure bike.

[@DirtRiderLife]

What an awesome bike ! I see a 2021 1290R in my future, not available here in Canada till 2022, gives me more time to up my skills on my CRF 450 first

[@tkrey23]

shift and rear brake levers are both adjustable, as is the height of the pegs

[@sergia6513]

Hi Bret. I test rode a 890R last week with mind in changing my T7 for the orange. Super powerful engine and great suspension. Ergonomics are weird and also the throttle feel, kinda disconnected compared to the cable driven T7. What's your take on the throttle thing in the KTM?

[@BretTkacs]

The throttle is typical for FBW but the ergos take some work to dial in. The T7 feels nearly perfect from the floor. Flatten the bars and move them forward 10mm and its set. Ironically the 790/890 need the same fix. Flatten the bars and move them forward. Of course this is referring to and ideal set up for dirt and trails.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

@@BretTkacs with ‘flatten the bars’ you mean replace them? Or you mean rotate them in the clams? (Searching for the sweet spot on my T7)

[@BretTkacs]

@@timsalabimbombassa the T7 feels pretty good if you flip the clamps 180 and then level the grips on the bars. I explained it in the T7 review

[@mal-wx6tu]

Sergi A, don't do it mate, stay with your T7., the simplicity is all you need, the others could leave you stuck on the trail.

[@Theravadinbuto]

Under how many circumstances do you need more power than the 790/890? Smoother, OK - I’ve ridden big bore bikes... but in return for a huge weight gain? No thanks.

[@BretTkacs]

None... We don't need the HP a 790/890 has. For me it was fit, touring comfort and street handling that tipped me to the 1290

[@justsomedude445]

""need""? define need .. i CT125 will take me to the same places i guess ? that 1301cc mill is simply intoxicating

[@LEEGOOVER9901]

2:14 nice transition

[@dannymayes2122]

I'm up in the air about the ktm 1290r or the Africa twin. Either will be better for touring than my klx250

[@THEelduderino]

1290R for performance & fun, AF for Reliabilty

[@blacklion79]

KTM - Adventure grew from 620 to 890, BMW - G/F GS from 650 to 800, Honda AfricaTwin from 750 to 1000+. What's next? There will be no adv motorcycles with less than 1000? Only T700?

[@jhhlnn]

There is the ktm 390 and have been pretty convincing rumours of a new ktm 490. Yamaha T7 as you mentioned. Kawasaki came out with new klr 650. Honda has cb500x. Although the latter two are very basic to keep prices down, there are options below 1000cc. Edit. To add, T7 popularity will make other manufacturers look into the segment even harder. At least I would think.

[@blacklion79]

@@jhhlnn KTM390 is not adv/ tour-enduro, it is imitation. See Fortnine review - wrong seating posture and other problems. I've never seen that cb500x was classified as adventure motorcycle. Yes, suspension is high-ish... KLR650 looks right, I forgot about re-issue!

[@jhhlnn]

@@blacklion79 Honda classifies cb500x as adventure themselves. I'd say the mid class adventure bikes will be around 700-900cc in the future. I see no reason to assume they would go to 1000cc or over.

[@blacklion79]

@@jhhlnn KTM says so about 390 too. I'm not saying, honda is not asv bike, as I didn't try it, but it looks suspicious, like street bike with rised suspension, and adv bike is not only suspension travel, but many other details too. 900 is near 1000, it is only 10% less, I'm not sure there is big difference in weight and size. Oh, there is CRF250L, of course, and it is great! :-)

[@blacklion79]

@@jhhlnn Anyway, big adv bikes become bigger too - KTM was 990, big GS was 980 and where are they now?

[@matthewnadler7521]

Bret, I wanted to see you thrash that 890…how ‘bout an 890 review?..matt

[@moronibreitbart6055]

I had an oil cloth hat exactly like yours for years...until I left it in a rental car and haven't been able to find anything like it since. Can you assist?

[@BretTkacs]

This one is several years old. It's a Stetson

[@toltod]

Dang this bike really gets me excited!

[@JohnSelwynShimron]

Hi, great video. Just a note. The shift lever and brake lever are height adjustable. So is the handle bar. They need to get in to do it. But I am getting my first service done on my 2021 1290 S and will get it adjusted then at the dealer.

[@metallbaustamm3838]

I prefer the 890r, it has enough Power and its much better on dirt tracks.

[@KiLLaDaTa]

Bret Posts a video, I smash the like button. 👍

[@bhoop4076]

How does the seat height compare with the old 1290, is it noticeably lower? How about compared to the new 890R?

[@SmokinZen]

While waiting for my new T7 in the showroom I was surprised at how big these KTM bikes really are. I do like the lower center of gravity on them though.

[@THEelduderino]

Seems simpler than the long debate between the 2. Touring, 2 up or street rider that likes to hit some fire roads, 1290R. Hard off-road, single track, 890R. Ergonomics for street r great on 790 & 890, have ridden far, definitely doesn’t feel like a dual sport, especially w/ suspension adjusted. 1290R is a beast, but unless your Chris Birch, a pro like Brett or the 10% of buyers that can, difficult to push off-road. 1290 motor is undeniable on street, regardless of trim

[@RedRupert64]

Are you sure one can't adjust the gear and foot brake?

[@glossblack1098]

Brett, for technical stuff, rocks, sand, jumps, wouldn’t most people be better off on a 690. It would be great if you could review the 690. Cheers

[@BretTkacs]

Most people would be better off on a 250... So glad logic doesn't drive the motorcycle business 😀

[@gtpits]

Do they both have a clutch pull from the 1970’s just like the 790?

[@Parakitedude]

Im about to buy a new bike and I have a hard time to chose between a used 12000km 1290SAR 2019 or a new 2021 890adr. You who have the 2019 1290SAR, would you chose the 1290 2019 or the 890adr?

[@IgorKadulenkov]

I’ve got 2019 1290SAR and while I love it on the street and highway, it does feel top heavy and a bit high for me at 6”0. I tipped it over a few times at parking lots and it was almost impossible to pick up single handed. Having all the extra gear on it, I would think twice of doing any serious off-road while being alone. But on the highway it feels great, I do not get tired as much as on other bikes. The engine is a beast. And I love the cruise control. But I am still debating if I should get something like 890r for better overall versatility. However I recently bought a 2010 300xc and now I have the best of the two worlds. I think even 890 will be too heavy for long and technical trails. I don’t think that I would risk going all technical alone on a loaded 890 either. Having 300xc for enduro stuff is just great, I think anything over 500 would be just too heavy.

[@Benjamingt4]

Damn, fastest helmet - hat swap i've ever seen XD

[@Sj1bby]

Rode the 890r recently, loved the bike but do not feel good about the reputation ktm has. Then again my 800gs and my 1200rt both were serviced by inturns / idiots at the official dealer. The rt was declared dead after 3 wrong diagnosis at 200tkm. And with the GS was also wrongly diagnosed, so I stranded twice... No more BMW dealer for me. I'm wondering, would Heatwrap stay on in rain? could help with temperature management, but would probably be a mother to clean....

[@florentmozet2493]

Hello Bret ! i love yours videos but my english is not perfect (i'm french) could it be possible to add subtitles even in english that could help me and other to translate. Thanks !

[@49Roadmaster]

Sorry Bret, "hiccups"? Sorry, stuck in the woods with no chance of getting it fixed (say, unlike a KLR) is not a hiccup.

[@rb70383]

Just started the video and I could who was Bret by the dismount in the beginning…

[@captainron7904]

I have had my 790R for just over a year only problem i have had is my screen fogging up. i would take it to dealer to deal with it but by the time i get there its cleared up. So I don't know what to do not a real big deal i guess. Brett you mentioned that only shorter riders than you would not have any adjustment. You don't mention taller rider 6' is not really that tall so what about taller rider would they fit better or worse than a 6' rider

[@BretTkacs]

The 1290 definitely fits taller riders better!

[@travishimself1973]

Whats the new 1290 like down low in the revs? My 1250GSA is amazing down low and I always found the 1290 to just not want to be under 3k.

[@DirtRiderLife]

I saw another report stating the new 1290 engine is tuned to be ridable at low revs, even happily rolls along on idle

[@Parakitedude]

Thanks, i went for the 890adr...

[@philwilliamson3370]

Brett - Any tips or suspension settings to settle the rear end of the 790 down. Mines hopes around like you describe. Love the channel!

[@espero7757]

Maybe click the rebound of the rear shock by 2..4 clicks can help in your situation. When I got my 790 it was 20 clicks open. I reduced to 16 clicks and that kicking is reduced and feeling much better now.

[@ameerhamza9864]

is it just me or his video's sound only when he speaks on his mic comes on only one side of my headphone? all other videos are fine but this channel videos idk why only one side of my headphone works?

[@eriklindhardsenact7596]

Why not the ktm 1290 sas that can manage all the gravel and pot hole roads?

[@RuisRydo1205]

The non-adjustable gear lever is a major flaw of the 1290 in my opinion.

[@Sarrus25]

Minor nitpick, the audio seems to be missing from the right channel at the beginning of the vid

[@BretTkacs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57Uc2WQZs-giZI

[@johnnyidahoan4182]

You say the 890 could be your one and only bike, so could it be modified to comfortably ride two-up long term and also be that great solo bike?

[@BretTkacs]

I think so... It all depends on what you want from it. It would work for me two up

[@johnnyidahoan4182]

@@BretTkacs Thanks for the reply! This is one of the things that is making it harder for me. I haven't had much time in my life to learn what I want/need. I've only owned one bike and ridden it for two seasons in a limited area.

[@damage0055]

Any chance of reviewing the 1290 S??

[@rizqirizaldo]

Man I wish I'm taller so I can ride the 1290, I'm on a Duke and already tiptoeing But I bring the duke on the dirt, even with street tyres

[@dandersonjr]

Almost makes me want to trade in my 2018 1290 and the biggest reason I went with the R model was that it didn't have electronic suspension. And it looked cooler.

[@pp16115]

So the big question. The new KTM 1290 or the BMW 1250 GSA?

[@BretTkacs]

It depends on what you want from your bike. Reliability? Power? Road handling? Touring ability? Heat control? Off-road handling? Fun to push limits or comfortable to ride chilling out. I enjoy the 1290 but love my GS

[@pp16115]

@@BretTkacs i agree with you there. For me the KTM is a bit more fun. But I love my 1250 GSA. And I’m looking forward to joine one of your courses with my girlfriend so I learn how to use my GSA properly. Just need to get rid of the corona shit. Thanks for the great videos

[@henryvaneyk3769]

I had that same conundrum 2 years ago. They are both great bikes and my KTM 1290 have not given me any issues in this 2 years. But they are quite different bikes and are for different types of riders.

[@pp16115]

@@henryvaneyk3769 hi, I just testet the new 1290 vs my new 1250gsa. Both bikes are great bikes. But I noticed that bmw is more premium. And I’m a aggressive rider. I went from a BMW S1000R to BMW S1000RR to the 1250GSA. And my riding style hasn’t changed. But all in all. It’s in my opinion what bike you like better. And I like the BMW better. The looks , the premium feeling it’s just the confidence I have in that brand. My girlfriend has a KTM790 adventure. And she has a lot of problems and her inspection costs more then mine for the GSA. That was a big surprise for. And be bought the bikes at the same time. I haven’t had anything with the BMW.

[@henryvaneyk3769]

@@pp16115 Here in South Africa things seem to be better for KTM. Service prices are generally the same as BMW. One also had to bear in mind that the 790 and 890 are built in Asia while the 1290 is not. I did compare the 1250GS with the 1290SAR when I bought, liked both for what they offer, but the 1250GS was almost 20% more expensive than the KTM, which was in the end for me the deciding factor. And remember I am refering to the GS, not the GSA. The GSA was another 10% more expensive than the GS.

[@tahoehiker]

How many times did the bikes breakdown on this ride?

[@TheAegisClaw]

@KTMARV 1 sounding a little butthurt there buddy. There's no denying KTM has had reliability issues for many years. Brett has had issues with his too...

[@TheAegisClaw]

@KTMARV 1 I've seen too many friends have issues to ever put down my hard earned cash on one. Great bike, when they work. Which is not that often...

[@TheAegisClaw]

@KTMARV 1 dude, you're fanboying way too hard.

[@MrEtnorb]

@MARVD12 3 Don’t include the EXC500’s in the “ unreliability” myth. They are looking like one of the most reliable motors around. The 690’s up to 2013 thereabouts caused most of the problems and the brand has been tainted forever.

[@MrEtnorb]

@MARVD12 3 Exactly. I’m afraid that the majority of comments on KZbin and online are I’ll informed and anecdotal. As you say, if you can find genuine experienced owners, they are worth listening to. I get sick of people talking about having to change the oil every day with the 500. There is a wealth of info out there that proves otherwise. A New Zealand owner recently completed a 140,000 km round the world ride on his 500 with minimal maintenance.

[@mattevans5812]

the Eurotrash music really suits the bike

[@frank_jk]

Sick bikes. And sick beats.

[@robertoszym2]

You are wrong when it comes to adjustments! You can adjust shifter, rear brake, you can even adjust foot pegs hight!

[@Danzelmuwanguzi]

Bret flips on the topie faster than he starts the bike.

[@BretTkacs]

🤠

[@faphwil]

@Bret 🎧 sound is left for voice/engine 🎧 is even for music

[@rudyrude7975]

I am 5"8 am i too short for the 1290 adv R ?

[@henryvaneyk3769]

Yup. I am a 6 feet rider with a 84cm inseam and it fits me just perfect. But only just.

[@richjones859]

No just drop a hip on tall bikes, don’t need dual flat feet.

[@Davidkxf]

Need one of each

[@RoyClendaniel]

Break and shift levers are adjustable.

[@demiratmotovlog]

Why no more helmet to flat cap transitions 😀

[@BretTkacs]

2:17

[@private4254]

He's so smooth that you can't see the transition.

[@demiratmotovlog]

@@BretTkacs how did I missed that? 😀

[@COOLCABMAN]

Ur videos get 👍 then watch.. ❤️

[@masoudghodrati3770]

why manufacturers don't put a nice GPS on these fantastic bikes and screens, it just adds a few hundreds more, but it make it really useful. They just need to partner with a GPS company, simple :).

[@Brad-RB]

Good info.

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Nice ... those orange machines are growing on me ...

[@r-max4156]

my left ear enjoyed.

[@BretTkacs]

I did reload with the sound fixed kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57Uc2WQZs-giZI

[@r-max4156]

@@BretTkacs thanks

[@Snowhite808]

Please get some more facts straight. Plenty of adjustments on the 1290. The fuel economy difference on highway is neglible 890/1290. And the 1290 does not come with electronic suspension nor distance radar (so there are more sophisticated versions available - electronics wise). The 890 is just the real version, of what the 790 should have been, if KTM had not let the customers do all the testing for them. The 1290 weight distribution is changed only by a few percent but it has gotten wider so tipover is easyer to resolve and the super manueverability is due to the press complaints on the previous model being not "sporty enough on tarmac" and is at the expense of stability. Just as the 890 - they are pretty problematic without the steering damper. That blue-orange does look fabulous.

[@espero7757]

Thanks alot! Cheers Uli & 790 AdvR RALLY 🏍💨

[@queenslander954]

CR Moto’s ?

[@MichaelMeyerMotocyclist]

890 Adventure R 431.2 pounds dry the 1290 Adventure 473 pounds dry 50 pound diff not Kilo

[@twowheelpilot]

IMO the 790 Adventure R is crap. Horrible clutch. I've five guys I know and they have all blown up clutches on 790/890 bikes. Also Peaky motor is horrible for off road. The 890R fixed the peaky motor and added desperately needed smoother torque. However I have a 1290 Super Adventure R. It's crazy where that thing will go. Mountain passes, 4x4 tracks, loose rock climbs. Just a smooth power house with hydraulic clutch. Only place it's not so much fun is soft sand. I find that very tricky. As for the 790/890 platform, KTM needs to stop going all cheap on us the the 790/890. It's clear to see cost cutting is happening. I want to see Excel rims, hydraulic clutch back. Renthal handle bars again. Also removing the Brembo brakes on the 790/890 at the cost is inexcusable. If I wanted cheaper build if by a CFMoto which after all is what the 790/890 shared platform design comes down too. That's fine but then I don't expect the 790/890 to cost twice what a CFMoto does! At least the 1290 is Austrian. Unlike the 890 going forward. Chinese unfortunately which probably explains the cheaper build spec and why it's more in like with the CFMOTO 800.

[@___SSS___]

2:17 watch in 0.25x 😂😂😂still so fast

[@sadigov]

990 Adventure rider here. Yesterday I tested a 890 Adv R. The geometry, suspension top notch. Feels much lighter than my 990. The engine was too buzzy at higher rpms and the ride by wire was total crap. I open the throttle and the engine responds half a second later. Acceleration was not linear either. Also the build looked too cheap compared to my 990. Was disappointed overall. Keeping my 2009 990 Adv