A SuperMoto You Can Actually Use I KTM 890 SMT

Can you actually tour on it?!
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Gear;
Helmets - Arai Tour X4, Shoei RYD
Summer Gear - Knox Urbane Pro Mk2 Mesh Jacket, Richa Daytona 60s and Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA Jeans
Touring Gear - Halvarssons Racken Jacket and Trousers
Boots - Daytona Roadstar GTX, Sidi Adventure 2 and Daytona AC Classics in Brown
Gloves - Knox Handroid Pod Mk5, Goldtop Predator, Gerbing X12 heated gloves
Camera Set Up;
Main Camera - GoPro Hero 11 Black
Face Camera - GoPro Hero 9 Black
360 Cam - Insta360 One X2
Sound Recorder - Zoom F2 BT
Drone - DJI Mavic Mini (1st edition)

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

I pick my SMT up in 2 days aaaaahhhhhh.... so excited....

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Congrats!! You'll love it

[@geekcycle9368]

I saw/sat on one of these on Friday. It is a bit of an odd duck but would be a fun second bike/hooligan addition.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha yeah it's a odd one isn't it! A lot of fun though

[@Erios92]

You have to try it with traction control set to 0 instead of 1. You have to keep the button pressed down for 2 seconds when you're in track mode. You'll notice the difference when you try to power wheelie!! :D

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! I had a lot of fun off camera, don't worry 😂😉

[@Brad-RB]

I would love to try the SMT.

[@fatyank44]

If you adjust the front brake, leaver out one click, eg, if it's on position one, adjust it to position 2, which will solve the hazy brake feel. My new 1290 sas had the same problem, not now, though. Great video, as always.

[@SamVBikes]

I did mess around with the brake lever on this but couldn't get a huge amount of feel. I did the same on my 1290! Thanks!

[@fatyank44]

@SamVBikes hi Sam. On my first service, they also bled my front brake, too. I forgot to mention it. Your show is by far the mist entertaining 👏 on KZbin. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment....

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! That means a lot! Glad you like it

[@eriklarsson3528]

Great review and an awesome bike! This week my new 2023 sas will be delivered, arrow slip on and some nice power parts added😃

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Ahh amazing!! Congratulations!

[@CPUspeed]

I am a little overwhelmed with all the new bikes for 2024. I was really getting into this until you mentioned the new Duke 990 at the end 🤔 damn it, but yea that would be an interesting comparison.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Yeah there are so many new bikes and models to choose from. Almost too many!

[@wrenchturners]

I found a spirit animal and appropriate steed. NICE. thank you. This feels like the bike I should have bought.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha it's definitely a brilliant bit of kit! Proper wolf in sheep's clothing

[@stuartmorton662]

I used to have a 950SM.....I've got a 790 Adventure R which I only ride on the road.... The SMT looks like my next purchase :-). Thanks for the ride. The dick on the sports bike I hope is still alive.

[@Unclefacts]

At first I thought, man a 1290r SMT would be amazing, then I remembered that I have a 1290 GT in the shed, and a 1290SMT would be redundant.

[@SamVBikes]

Having said that... the 1290 SDR and 1290SAS are oddly completely different bikes to ride, so maybe it wouldn't be. I'd be interested to try two back to back

[@Unclefacts]

@@SamVBikes I'd be interested in watching that! And when they drop the 1390SDGT, I can't wait to see your vid on it.

[@mattmutane5502]

@@SamVBikes That would surely be too heavy to qualify as an SM!! SMs have gotta be light and nimble, IMO!! :) This one seems like the perfect balance/compromise! :)

[@mrflores7708]

Jason and Mark at the KTM Centre Hemel are great guys. I have never received better service from any other manufacturer or dealer. You are right to praise them. Get there early, and you might get doughnuts with your coffee.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! I've always missed the doughnuts! Will have to haul myself out of bed earlier

[@invictalad]

Been interested in one of these ever since I saw the journalists reviewing them. For a long time they weren’t in dealers, but managed to get a ride on one the other day. Literally the perfect bike for me, put a massive grin on my face. Safe to say, my sportster s 1250 is being traded in for one next week 😅

[@SamVBikes]

Haha yeah it was such a great bit of kit. Really enjoyed riding it and the longer I spent on it, the more I enjoyed it!

[@invictalad]

@@SamVBikes it was nice to see your review too. I think the problem is journalists is that they ride so many bikes it’s quite a different view to us ‘normal’ riders. Don’t like the Matt black tank bit, but hopefully a sticker kit will sort that out 👌🏻

[@santodelcore4036]

Picking up my one on Thursday, can't wait.. traded in a tracer 9 gt plus, hope this is better

[@SamVBikes]

Congratulations! Hope you love it! It's a great bike

[@mattmutane5502]

I once (I'm old ;) ) came VERY close to buying the old SMT 990.... Therefore, I LOVE the idea of this and would deffo have one... just too many bikes to aquire, not enough money/time/garage space!!! ;) As ever, fab vid Sam, you really capture the "spirit of riding" (properly/having a decent amount of biking fun)!! Keep up the good work :)

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Have you ridden one yet? A lot of fun! Know the feeling of not enough space or money for the amount of bikes I seem to need! Appreciate the kind words too mate

[@mattmutane5502]

@@SamVBikes I haven't ridden one - I have a VERY long list of bikes I'd like to try (but honestly, I'm not buying anything any time soon, sadly... :( )

[@61greybeard]

Great review Sam and I totally agree about the Ktm center been a customer for 12 years bought 5 bikes last 2 being super duke Gt done everything from track days to riding 2 up to Ibiza great bikes had the original SMT which loved so interested in the new model smt and you have got me thinking again 😊👍👍

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! it's definitely something worth riding. I really enjoyed taking it out. KTM Centre have been brilliant! So glad you've had the same experience

[@61greybeard]

Mark Jason and all the staff are top guys really go the extra mile to be helpful 👍👍👍

[@garytaylor7611]

You need to try the expedition Sam , still get the front end dive but you get the top end KTM suspension fully adjustable. Yep you get the 21inch front but it still handles well. I've found it great for touring especially on the smaller twistier rds.

[@SamVBikes]

I'm relatively obsessed with them! Haven't ridden one because I know I'll want one haha

[@garytaylor7611]

@@SamVBikes love mine more than I thought I would. Get dropped a bit by the BMW n 1290s in a straight line but in the country lanes I have no problem. Scotland trip back end last year was probably the most enjoyable I've had 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Nice mate! Yeah I don't think you need anymore power for the most part. Lovely looking things too

[@indiamelia639]

I had a go on that very bike back in September! I really didn't like it and preferred the 890 adventure but each to their own. I had just had a go on the Super Duke so it felt a tad meh. Should have done them the other way around.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah It's definitely an odd one. If I was going to buy one I'd get the adv as it does more of what I want from a bike. Maybe the SDR didn't help haha

[@Harry-Wheeler]

I really like these. Look good, sound decent, hooligan&tourer (smt) comfy, only if they were 120bhp dukeR spec engines. Defo a warranty owning style bike going off the 790/890 pages for issues.

[@SamVBikes]

Would be nice if they add some bits from the R! Brakes etc too! I'm always skeptical of owners groups.. people moan about the most simple things! Seen people on the 1290 owners group saying it's KTMs fault his chain has rusted, but in the comment replies, he mentioned he never lubes it because chains shouldn't need it these days 😂

[@Harry-Wheeler]

@@SamVBikes 😂😂 tend to only see negatives over the positives too.. but there’s only a few melts 😂👍🏻

[@taz473]

Very nice,look forward to a 1390 super Duke review, hopefully a 1390 superadventure on way ? 🙏

[@SamVBikes]

Haha I hope it comes out soon!

[@pg-jq3jc]

Im considering this or 950 rve. Hard choice

[@SamVBikes]

Oddly I was between those two exact bikes for a while but ended up buying a 1995 916 haha. The Ducati definitely feels a bit more premium, but this is all day comfy whereas I think you'll want to get off the RVE after an hour or two with that seat

[@philwoods2534]

had one for a week whilst mine was being sorted at the dealers.....I'm still confused,...touted in the 'touring' sector, its anything but in my opinion. I see it as a 'supermoto' style hooligan bike, plenty of grunt, exceptional handing on the Michelin tyres provided, surprisingly comfortable, but the front brake really does need moderating for normal road use (Its brilliant for track based work) and your goolies take a hammering when you make the most of it...the other thing I found badly wanting was wind protection....again great as it is for short rack blasting, but in a Touring guise, your head takes a battering and it becomes wearing and tiresome after longer rides. Also I found the ride to be a bit fidgety on our roads, almost as if you need a comfort mode as per the 1290. All round a bike for a quick weekend blast around the hills and lanes, but the 1290 or even a 890 adventure walks it for longer distances.

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh interesting to hear! It's definitely not the most refined touring bike going - I see it as more a supermoto that's been tailored to be able to do some decent trips. I couldn't bare the thought of touring on your typical supermotos - A 690SMCR would probably be quite 'painful'.. single cylinder, narrow, and high motocross style seat, smaller fuel tank etc. This is comfortable enough, big fuel tank, slightly more frontal protection, better economy etc. I had no issues with wind buffeting at all so wonder if that's my height or helmet

[@davem3008]

Cracking vid.... i think the uncontrollable giggling said it all! 😂👌

[@SamVBikes]

Haha when a bike has it, I can't hide it 😂

[@mac46rr]

I think it looked better in the flesh if you like than in pictures. Bit of a shame they didn’t use the 890 Duke R engine. Gonna test one in spring when weather/roads improve. Need to decide whether to buy this an 890 Adv or an old model 1290 S ???😄

[@SamVBikes]

I wonder if there's much difference in the engine itself or if its just a tune. I think the Super Adv engine and Superduke engine are basically the same but they changed the cams, injectors and tune.. so Is this the same or is it just a map! Haha that's a good question!

[@mattmutane5502]

@@SamVBikes I think the internals of the two engines are actually different.... sadly...

[@kj385]

On the 1290 side. The SAS also has a heavier crank than the SDR. I have both and you can tell the difference.

[@NooBiker]

Poor Nora has blood all over 😂 Seems like you enjoyed that and it was fun to watch. I'm a short arse at 5'7" and 30" inside leg so would I be able to reach the ground? (I can't on the Ducati... 😢)

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 poor ol Nora! Yeah I think you'd get your feet down but you will be on tip toes. The ducati basically had my legs dangling in the air ha

[@rjmockett]

Thinking of one of these or one of the older 950 SM's ...... whatdya think ?

[@chrisi970]

Oddly satisfying 🧡

[@Icem4n84]

I bought my bike from there. A good bunch of guys there.

[@SamVBikes]

Agreed!

[@jasperktm]

I see alot of people commenting without them riding it. It need more power etc. Its not good for touring blah blah. If I see you riding it. And I will do a test ride next week. I will probably maybe buy it haha. Will see.

[@markfromleeds]

Spot on review pal and wellish behaved 😂

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 some day I'll show you the utter cockery that was left on the editing room floor

[@flangmasterj]

What are KTM doing with the styling these days? This is up there with the 2007 690 SM in non-cohesiveness. Lines and proportions are all off. Anyone recall the 950 Super Enduro? Now that was a great looking large capacity bike. Slap 17's on that, throw the 890 twin in there and voila.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Yeah KTM's have always been a bit odd looking but it's definitely an acquired taste. Mind you... there's not many pretty looking adventure bikes nowadays

[@roballison6097]

Great video, as usual. I actually bought one of these, collected in November and have so far put 1000miles on it. I love it. So much fun. Longest day has been 170 miles and was superbly comfortable. Scotland tour planned for April and I am sure it will be a blast.

[@SamVBikes]

@roballison6097 thank you! Nice to hear of someone who's used it for what it's designed for!

[@elvisthewart670]

Not once did dam say 'just like my bikes got' great video sam not watched any for a while.

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 Thanks!

[@factoryape79]

1390 SMT with all the bells and whistles please KTM 🙏

[@SamVBikes]

😂 yes this!

[@YoureGettingaWhat]

Thinking of changing my ZZR 1400 next year, would this bike be a contender or would the full fat super duke be better?

[@SamVBikes]

Depends what you're after from the bike. The SDR is more raw, more unhinged but still very usable. This feels lighter, still has plenty of power, but would definitely be more comfortable for trips! I have my SAS for the trips so the SDR would be my pick

[@ridewherever]

Just waiting for the R version now lol.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha yes

[@MrShepdon]

Hi Sam Please could you do a test on the 1290 GT. I have a 2021 SAS like you but I quite like the GT 🙏🏻

[@SamVBikes]

I'm eagerly awaiting the 1390 GT! But yes I can get a leg over one

[@MrShepdon]

@@SamVBikes I love my SAS but I think a GT would better suit the type of riding I do. I don’t do quarter the mileage you’re doing. I’ve heard the GT’s engine isn’t as flexible as the SAS in that it’s harder work around town. Would be really interesting to hear what you thought about the GT as a direct comparison to your SAS👍🏻👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely! I think the current GT engine is the same guise as the gen 2 SuperDuke R if I'm not mistaken, so the SAS and new SDR are smoother. I'll take it out next time mines in for a service or tyres... which I doubt will be long 😂

[@MrShepdon]

@@SamVBikes 😆thanks mate I’ll look forward to that.👍🏻 My SAS has been in M&P Cardiff 3 weeks tomorrow, waiting on a new rear shock under warranty, they told me it would only take a week when I dropped it off🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh thats irritating! Was chatting to a guy at Triumph on Friday who was waiting ages for parts for his Tiger too.. seems like supply is all shot at the moment!

[@jaygorakht5135]

Love from nepal👌🤘

[@cocky_potato]

Cracking motorcycle; honestly, I have no clue how come this sort of platform is not a niche on it's own explored by other manufacturers. A supermoto that you can use? A hooligan machine that has comfy ergos? Something that's equal parts fun and practical? Yes, please, more of this please. I just wished it's sounded a bit better...

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah completely agree! It seems like such a logical thing to have in a lineup! I bet if you stick an exhaust on, it will sound decent. Obviously not V4 decent, but way better than stock

[@cocky_potato]

@@SamVBikes btw, stumbled upon your channel mindlessly binging on various KTM reviews, as one would, and I really enjoyed your review of the SMT. Subscribed.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you mate! Means a lot!

[@garethmartin2911]

Im considering changing my sdr gen 3 for one, but keep having the niggle i would miss it to much.... what are your thoughts on that change?

[@SamVBikes]

Depends what you are doing with the bike. The SDR is an incredibly capable bike, and I don't think you'd be a huge amount worse off doing a trip on an SDR vs this. It's a different style of riding though. SDR is more raw, with ridiculous power. This is much more supermoto where you drop the bike in instead of leaning with it. Give it a try though

[@marcverstraeten296]

I'm drinving an 1190 adv r, and dont do any offroad. Its a bit heavy to get out if the garage for a short Sunday tour. I am looking at the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio, but the fun factor seems a lot higher on the smt. Any advice?

[@SamVBikes]

Fun factor definitely is higher on these although the Stelvio looks like it could be a great bit of kit. With no off road, would you consider something more naked bike style? 990 Duke, Street Triple etc. Some brilliant bikes in that line up and still comfy enough for a long weekend ride.

[@marcverstraeten296]

@@SamVBikes thanks for your reaction! I'm a bit afraid of the knee angle on these nakeds. I'll be glad to try it out. 😉

[@Cycle9568]

Now would you get this or a GSXS-1000GX?

[@SamVBikes]

I've got a ride booked for a few weeks time so I'll let you know! If I had to guess, the 890 will definitely be more fun, but the GSXS would be a better touring bike!

[@marek19922209]

was you not afraid of riding on those tyres on wet and cold ?

[@SamVBikes]

It did worry me a bit at first but once they were warm I had no issues. I ride all year in the UK so these conditions are tame compared to some of the winter snow and ice I have ridden in ha

[@marek19922209]

@@SamVBikes so, even in around 10C they should be fine, ofcourse for calm riding. did you have chance to compare this bike to Duke 890/790 when it comes to ergonomics and motorway riding ?

[@SamVBikes]

@@marek19922209 It's a way more comfy bike in my opinion than an 790/890/990 - you can still do a lot of the same riding on those as you can on this, but its more upright and would be more comfortable on a long day out. Motorways are all about the same with the 890,990 and 890SMT

[@marek19922209]

@@SamVBikes thanks for that, just booked test ride on next friday

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

literally ordered my stickers from moto pro 4 days ago... no discount code for me hahahaha

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

I didnt go for a full sticker kit, as i thought that they look OTT@@SamVBikes

[@hypermotardking]

You need to come and have a play on my Hypermotard.. 😂

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 I thought you might say something! Have you gone on trips on it out of interest? Wonder what it would be like

[@hypermotardking]

@@SamVBikes Round trip to Assen with luggage and bags.. fuel stops provide the necessary breaks

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh nice! Good effort! The last Hyper I sat on, I could barely get my feet down which didnt help haha. That was the SP though

[@philcross1215]

I have had a 990SM, 1050 Adv and now got a 2020 1290 SAS. Its a great touring bike but a handfull for a Sunday blast with mates. Thinking of a 1290SDGT or maybe buy an old 990SM for that commute to work and Sunday playtime. If you know anyone with one, beg them to give you a go, forget touring (although i did) just find the twistiest road you can find and send it! So much fun.

[@philcross1215]

Sorry that was meant for @SAMVBIKES🙄

[@sv7017]

8:35 Whats the matter ? :D

[@SamVBikes]

A small section may have been cut out of definitely legal speeds and riding 😂😂

[@MidnightVein-rz3bw]

Would you swap the 1290 you ride for it?

[@SamVBikes]

Nope! But mainly because the 1290 does so much more for me. If I was looking for a bike that's mostly a toy, and could be a touring bike too, it would be tempting!

[@MidnightVein-rz3bw]

Cheers bud, I should take one iof these for a ride, but it ain't quite the lightweight to be worth swapping mine for yet

[@Lewis4568]

Woooo time to laugh my pants off 🎉

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Great review Sam, that bike looks like a great bit of kit. That sports bike rider, what a nob and potential contender for a Darwin Award! 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you pal! Haha yeah I'm not entirely sure who he was trying to prove himself to. Nearly lost his rear tyre a few times!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes I'm thinking his wife must be a right ball buster and he doesn't want to make it home! 😂

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 yeah the lack of gear and riding style... he's got to really dislike going back to work Monday too

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes agreed! 😂 I have the day off tomorrow for the Can-Am testing, it should be interesting, and hopefully stay dry too! Have a good week mate 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh that's today! Enjoy mate and ride safe!

[@red.riot.2280]

Ktm… 1390 SMT please.

[@SamVBikes]

😂 yes please!

[@eddyhoughton6542]

You've got this bike down to a tee. It, and the 890 Adventure (both versions) WANT you to ride like a twat. Yes, the aesthetics are shite, but that's not why you buy a KTM. I just got a helmet cam after having a massive run-in with a phenomenal Karen last week, and that's kind of making me ride a bit more sensibly just in case the Pigs get hold of my SD cards. Those tyres wouldn't last a summer in Spain. I know, I used to ride a Ducati with Pirelli Dragon Super Corsas and I wouldn't squeeze more than 1500 Km out of a rear. Not cheap.

[@SamVBikes]

That's exactly it. I can't explain why it does, but it just encourages you to be a bit of a bell! And that's why I love them haha! Ouch! That's not a lot of k's!

[@eddyhoughton6542]

I know, mate. It's because of the temperature here. The road surfaces easily get north of 40 degrees C in the summer, and soft rubber gets scrubbed in no time. Especially if you do motorway miles or lots of wheelies. That's one of the reasons I plumped for the Adventure instead of the super-moto last May. The OE tyres on the SMT will be wicked, great for a British summer or a Spanish spring/autumn, but they wouldn't last the season here. I'm on 11000 Km now on the original Pirellis and I'll get another couple of thousand out of them before I have to change them out. I know you could pick holes in my argument, saying that yes, but you could put a more conservative tyre on the SMT, but what'd be the point? That'd be like dressing a porn star in a hard hat, a pair of sweaty coveralls, and working boots...

[@TheScortUK]

Typical sportsbike knob made an appearance

[@SamVBikes]

You know they are going to be when they are wearing a puffa jacket and normal jeans 😂

[@jameselliottlinnell7869]

Stop trying to sell this bike to make you money life will get you back go away.

[@SamVBikes]

I don't work for KTM, or any brand, and never have. Not sure what you think this is...