KTM 890 Adventure R vs Ducati Desert X Rally | Off-Road Head To Head

[@strutter176]

You are one of the best bike journalists 👍👍👊👊👊

[@bsmukler]

So cool. I bought a base Desert X in May, rode it from California to the Arctic Ocean (Tuktoyaktuk, NWT) and back, and put 10,000 miles on the clock in the first two months. Granted, that’s a very different form of riding from that shown here, but it was a testament to the level of design, development and construction of the Desert X, with zero failures or defects. I think the bike looks great, and it somehow manages to handle like a much smaller and lighter bike than actually is. Simply great fun all around.

[@brucerossonthetube]

And I had the opposite experience. Randomly stalling and not starting, broken wheel on the way home from buying it, left had switch gear randomly quitting and coming back. I took a bath on it, just to be rid of it. Then there is the annual and km based maintenance warnings with no hack available to reset from home. Pay $460 for heated grips and install them yourself? Still require a trip to the dealer and $ to "emable" them. After owning several Ducatis, they will need to change their direction before I own another.

[@jamescampbell4334]

My 2023 DDX has 18.7k miles in 16 months, has been flawless. Currently in for DESMO service.

[@HELLCROWYT]

​@@brucerossonthetube As Fortnine once said said 'DEALER X'.

[@andrewpeter6128]

Truth…”adventuring” is all about he journey, and the experiences along the way. I did giggle a little bit though…”look at that view”; I’m just finishing up a week touring in Alaska complete with bush flights, glacier caves, ice climbing, wildlife, etc. Granted, my V85TT doesn’t go as fast, but enjoyment can be had in many ways.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Stop showing off! 🤣

[@timmoore6789]

Absolutely buzzing for this. Two of my all time favorite journalists in motorcycling in one video?! It is gonna be a good day

[@coboisarapatanas]

900cc middleweight is just madness

[@mancavemoto]

Great video yet again, thanks Guys. After riding the Desert X Rally at the Ducati Adventure Centre, I have to agree. My off-road skills are nowhere even close to a quarter of yours, so I'm not getting anywhere near the bikes limits. But it made me feel like a hero, and I am away with the wants.

[@PeteAnda]

The best biker reviews. Im not a SUV rider but still enjoy watching this. Great skills on display.

[@Designer_Opine]

No experience with this class of bike or riding style but, I have two Ducati. It’s the feel. No surprise it’s evident in whatever they produce. It’s a core brand tenet. Thanks for the enjoyable review.

[@ramonsuarez1893]

I own a KTM 990 Adv and after many years I finally found a bike that I could replace it with. That’s the Ducati.

[@JlbB-r6r]

I'll keep my 990adv without question, won't buy the x. Good looking bike but my 990adv has been great!!

[@WetFeet4]

Me too, 990 might stay in the steed though

[@tubejorrit]

there will be a new 990 adventure next year

[@dawn-moon]

Just test ride it. Depending on your height and physique, you might notice the Ducati isn't as good for squeezing it between your knees because it's wider there than the KTM. It's also more top heavy if it tips over.

[@RedRupert64]

You are 100% right. The Ducati is a modern day KTM 950/990 Adventure.

[@JonahAlexanderMCDougallGardner]

Seems like 890 R’s pro suspension package was the biggest advantage for KTM. To justify the comments about “bottoming out” “faster through the jumps”. The X needs to be brought out again. This time with top off-road racing suspension. Great entertaining video 🔥🔥🔥

[@SHI-ts5cl]

I came from a tricked out KTM 790R, which was a great bike. I did however replace it with the DDX Rally, which I find to be an even better bike. I have so much fun riding it, and the Ducati Desmo engines are something very special. Paired with the Termignoni race exhaust and ECU tuning, the Rally fully comes alive. It is almost a must have, to get the bike to what it should be. I have personally not experienced any bottoming out of the Rally suspension yet, neither on gravel or trails, and I am 205 lbs, but I did up the preload. I find the suspension really good and it eats up all the smaller pot holes and uneven surfaces on the ground quite effectively. I will however still upgrade the springs on the shock and forks to my weight. I did this for the WP suspension on the KTM, and the difference was substantial. I might even upgrade the rear shock to the Öhlins shock for the Rally, that soon will be released. With those changes, the Rally will be nothing short of phenomenal. The Ducati engine is “bulletproof,” and has that special character only a Desmo engine has, something I can not say about the KTM 790 engine.

[@shanelogie7644]

I was going to buy a DDX until I found out how bad the air filter access is.

[@SHI-ts5cl]

@@shanelogie7644 ​​⁠It is not difficult to change it, but a bit tedious. You also don’t need to replace it as often since it does not pull air close to the rear wheel. I bought the Funnel Web filter, that protects better against finer dust, and prolongs the service interval. I am sure they will come up with a better solution in the future, like Aurora’s version. This is what KTM had to do for its 1290 Adventure model.

[@DoozyShipsha]

Don't spend money on Ohlins if you have the DDX Rally, it's a waste. . Suspension quality is top notch, closed cartridge forks with Kasima coating and equivalent shock with 46mm piston, and CNC milled anodized materials inside. Just customize springs and valving to your use.

[@SHI-ts5cl]

@@DoozyShipshaThe forks are fantastic, the rear shock is good, but not as good as tha forks are. I will see how much better the Öhlins will be when it comes out, if it actually is worth the investment. New springs alone will however make a noticeable difference, that is what I have experienced in the past. Maybe an Öhlins spring will do for the rear, we will see. I am Swedish after all. 😜👍

[@RedRupert64]

I have an 890AR, and agree with your conclusion. I purchased the 890 expecting it to be a better KTM 950A, but it's not, because it's a lot more sporty. When I rode the DesertX, I found it to be an up-to-date 950. It's amazing what Ducati have done. That bike will look after you. On the other hand, because I'm a road rider who loves riding adventure bikes on the road as if they're sports bikes, the 890 delivers the goods. It's wicked what this bike can do in the Picos; my favourite playground. Great vid, thanks to you and Llewellyn.

[@kareokedan]

Have the 2024 DDX and agree, having owned three KTM 950As, this is a KTM 950A for today. Probably just nostalgia, but but I still miss my 2005 KTM 950A. :) It just defined/defines the genre for me. Of course, this one with the Cagiva style cues does go a long way to recall another classic. We're lucky to live with all these choices: Tenere, Tuareg, R1300GS, Tiger, etc, etc. But having owned a Tuareg, KTM and ridden the new R1300Gs, this bike has as good a claim to the "goldilocks" bike tag as any I've ever ridden. I'm close to as fast through the twisties as I am on my Street Triple and ride as aggressively as I have my Tuareg, albeit not a lot of foresty, technical stuff, which might be a bit tougher on the X.

[@RedRupert64]

@kareokedan I don't think it's nostalgia. Both the 950A and the DDX have long wheel bases, which provides unrivalled stability and confidence. I've kept my 2004 950A (now with 140k miles) and an immaculate 2005A in the sitting room. I may well get a DDX if it'll fit inside my VW Transporter.

[@risingphoenix1187]

Good comparison and the your honesty is what comes through in leaps and bounds. Keep up the good work. 👍🏿

[@pmr01]

the bit where says that the ktm makes you ride like a dick is why i think most ktm owners have them....they really do have a very alive feeling that spurs you on. there is a 'you can do better than that' vibe when you ride them

[@brianrainey2739]

True. I dare anyone to try and take an SDR or 690 Supermoto for a leisurely ride.

[@SHI-ts5cl]

I experience the same on my DDXR, equipped with the Termignoni Race Exhaust, and included ECU tune. It opens up the engine even more to 118Hp and 98 Nm of torque. It is so much fun to ride, and the geometry of the bike makes it feel very stable both on and off road.

[@RedRupert64]

Yes, you're right. I've been riding my KTM 950A like a fool for 18 years, now I do the same on the 890AR.

[@AlexFBuchholzPhoto]

Great review and summary. One of the reasons I'm seriously considering the DesertX/DesertX Rally to replace my 890 Adv R is the more comfortable riding position. For taller riders (I'm 187cm) the KTM 890 R gets quite uncomfortable due to the hunched standing position (Ready to Race). Just came back from a Morocco tour and "suffered" this discomfort when cruising longer stretches.

[@luddite6239]

Top test and great photography. Some nice drone shots are the icing on the cake.

[@lophophorawilliamsii9740]

I have 890 Adventure R, fuckin love it.

[@ssmith954]

Great review as always, well balanced and nicely balanced the subjective and objective. Both bikes clearly have their pros and cons. Having owned a KTM in the past, I would go Ducati -- the engine is a well tested platform with years of solid reliability under its belt (in the Hypermotard, Supersport, Monster and Multistrada). The L/V-Twin really is also a lovely engine. I've also experienced first hand that quality control on KTMs is seriously lacking, and am not in the slightest bit surprised at the latest camshaft goings on. In reality though, I wouldn't be able to ride either at their limits.... so would go for the bike that is in budget, has joy of ownership and has a proven motor as a platform. If I were on a tighter budget, I'd be happy with a T7.

[@Michael_Shay]

Do you think if you re-valved and resprung the DDXR you would have the best of both worlds?

[@theislandrider406]

These 2 guys could be the European Zack & Ari :D

[@KikoBW7]

British Zack & Ari maybe, certainly not european 😂

[@majorlee1]

You are a really good rider. Love your channel. I would probably go KTM. That desert X looks like it’s a great bike. I just feel like KTM has it down they have been in the game for a long time now.

[@here2enjoy-bt8jq]

Please compare the winner or the desertx Rally to T7 rally please.

[@urbanstrencan]

This is the one we all been waiting for clash of Titans 😂😂😂. Awesome video keep up with great work

[@BrokeGuyDan]

I've been through so many Ktm's (9 in total) and will never ever go back. Too many headaches from lack of reliability and basically zero warranty help. The fact ktm markets their crap as ready to race, but you ride it to work for example and it breaks. Then take it to the dealer and get blamed for it breaking. What a pile of dishonest bs! Yeah there are people that are lucky, and others that show blind obedience to the brand. But the rest of us are just tired of it.....

[@hulkhulk5141]

True that, I’ve always wanted the 500 duel sport in any of the 3 formats, even with it having the best rep out of all the bikes , still can’t commit to it.

[@gpa1978]

the one you get, that one.. is the best

[@sanjosejeff]

I have a 2023 890r. Windshield sux. Once I got a madstad that solved it. I live near the sierras. It’s awesome off road and on the twisty roads. I have a 350 exc-f as well which does things 890 doesn’t do

[@joseaguirre7517]

Ha ha ha ha!! I'm simply happy !! Last friday I Just bought my Ducati desertX RALLY 😂!! Great video ! Congratulations!

[@flatgrindrides]

Great review, thank you

[@El-Dome411]

Both excellent bikes. In Europe, the KTM costs about the same as the Ducati when adding those extras, which Ducati has included as a standard (quick shifter, cruise control, 4yrs warranty...). What I find is very annoying is the min. speed of Ducatis cruise control. It wont work below 50kph. But the engine of the Ducati is better for sure 👍🏼

[@mac22011964]

With KTMs current deals there is something like £6k differential in price here. Would the test not have been better with more price comparable models….either the standard X or the R SE version? Love the channel and the review

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers, the KTM has thousands of pounds of suspension upgrades so the price is a lot closer.

[@7-v4z]

Thats bang on Chris ,It is about the view

[@PureEvolution]

What a review some great riding and even greater bikes

[@fozzy1717]

Kove 450 rally review? Had one a year now not missed a beat or not rusted away

[@ads_rides]

Would love one of them ducati but tried sitting on one they are a tall machine unfortunately my legs aren't long enough. How was that steering shaking though looked like both bike's was doing it over that section looked unsettling that was it a common problem on the test?

[@cp4512]

I’d buy the one which won’t eat its own camshafts……. 😂

[@C_R_O_M________]

The oil passages alignment issue makes the KTM a cannibal. Unfortunately it's a design-machining flaw.

[@maximusmiles8435]

@@C_R_O_M________ Which KTM leaves the customers high and dry, for their mistake.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@maximusmiles8435 Agreed! They should be pressed to assume responsibility.

[@therealturbofanisme]

My '21 890R's cams look totally fine at 21k miles. Many others have had failures though. Pretty poor management of the issue by KTM.

[@procesgnilny]

I get rid of mine 890R as i cant stop thinking about it. Great bike, with massive problem.

[@atillacakroglu]

KTM not ready to race KTM ready for repair :D

[@themoderncaferacer2264]

F900gs as well?

[@PLRMoto]

Serious question though. How many issues did you have with the KTM’s electrics?

[@maximusmiles8435]

Surprise surprise. The ducati's engine will last longer, cause it's not made of cheese.

[@closedcasketcustoms]

I really hope KTM gets their shit together with the cam wear issues. My buddy just toasted one on his 790 and so far it's been denied. Huge black eye for KTM and I've always loved them. Personally holding on a 690 Enduro R even though it's not an affected model. At least till a resolve is out for the other models. Who wants a bike from a manufacturer that pulls shit like that.

[@hagestad]

Wait they still sell those? Pretty sure 790 replaced that in road Duke version. Its not the case for rally version?

[@TheSpragz]

How much was the rally suspension?

[@nurzyhand]

Please compare it with F900GS Enduro, it might a better comparison and review!

[@dirtydog1114]

You forgot to include the T7 you have!

[@MrSergioRosario]

top top, I have the same feeling and opinion , thank you

[@rideroll9609]

What got better suspension? Thinking about buying Norden Expedition 901

[@dashuntas.m4045]

Say away from KTM products until they sort themselves out and earn the trust of their customers back

[@sholaisen]

Skills... impressive... my DesertX test didn't go as well 🤭

[@Kristofferheihei]

This is why i love my ktm 890smt. When you adjust the suspension it reveals crazy good handling. On tight twisty roads, which is all there is here on the west side of Norway, it is faster and better than pretty much anything. Love it

[@gwgosdjinn2989]

Nice hearing the truth. Fun is the only thing we need.

[@carlogigante5239]

I wish i could bring myself to buy the 890r.... But sub par components on a 17k and an engine that eats the camshaft is just unacceptable...

[@motoboggle7525]

Whats happened to all the T7 Extreme content you promised us Chris ? Still got it dude 🤷‍♀️

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Part one, shot part 2 on Friday: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJylq2hnqq99n80

[@normalpeopledoingepicstuff8295]

Would love a Tenere Extreme vs the Ducati Rally X

[@motoboggle7525]

@@BikeWorldTVshow yes Chris this is the video thats left me excited for whats to come, get that part 2 loaded up bro 🙏🤙

[@joeblow5037]

The Duck doesnt look like a pile of traffic cones surrounded by an island of black plastic covering the disposable camshafts. I'd take that one. I can afford neither.

[@tomtraynor5384]

But no DRAG RACE? ;). Turns out they never mentioned motors once.

[@blizzard71]

even if he did, the KTM would smoke it , but he would tell you there close and he would still go for the Ducati !

[@keelangerken5154]

Remove the cone valves and run the stock WP stuff on the 790 R and you'll have your answer.

[@Dillithium]

I can't speak for the KTM, as I haven't ridden the Adventure. Only the (super)dukes. But I have to say that I'm shocked that you were able to bottom the suspension of the Rally regularly and/or easily. I've spent a few days riding the Desert X rally and I was really impressed with the suspension. I started out thinking I would never pay the surcharge of the rally vs the standard Desert X (which I also rode a few days after its launch), but left thinking it was a must have upgrade for offroading. Mostly due to that suspension ( the lighter wheels don't hurt, but I don't want to sound like a Ducati advertisement). I'm also quite a bit heavier than you Chris, but even with jumps and bounces I don't think I ever hit the bumpstops. The terrain here isn't as gnarly as Wales or parts of the UK, but for me the suspension took everything very nicely. I think I'm as surprised as you are, because to me the suspension on the Rally just felt like it could go on forever. Even to the point where it feels slightly more vague at the front during aggressive roadriding, as compared to the standard Desert X. Thanks for doing the comparison, I think I need to do another test of the Rally before settling on buying it.

[@SHI-ts5cl]

I have the same experience with the DDX Rally suspension. I find it excellent, particularly the forks.

[@chrisva505]

​@SHI-ts5cl so do I.

[@richardsimpson3792]

Great video

[@ottomondo1368]

Aphex Twin- you have a custom spec suspension on the KTM. GET THE SPRINGS FOR THE RALLY. IT WILL KILL.

[@serwhit2490]

It's all scrambler terrain... let's see how fast we can go to the next pub in the next town 😅

[@fauveride]

Those suspensions!

[@tawshoo1]

I wonder if the new tiger 900 is comparable in this kind of test?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Not off-road, great road bike. See our recent review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5WahnqFfNN8jc0si=ZEhh-mS2cGjSN2EB

[@closhookem]

Nice Mechanix gloves!

[@1990-t1j]

I like the look of the KTM better.

[@mikelyon5595]

The Duck has my vote!

[@Shopsmith10er]

Never thought to admit something from China is on my list, let alone a bike without any history. That being Kove 800X twin possibly coming to the US market. Power, range and a svelte 185kg !

[@georgemorissette8856]

Pretty equal $ to $ bikes if you do have the ( rally ) pro cone valve on the ADV R.

[@SHI-ts5cl]

Still better specs on the DDXR since you get the excel wheels, and some more goodies. To get it all on the KTM side, you have to buy the full Rally version, which at least in Europe is more expensive.

[@georgemorissette8856]

@@SHI-ts5cl 10-4 . I have a 890 Rally so I get what you are saying.

[@pathikdesai5853]

Ktm eggs you to charge!!! I completely agree 😂😂😂 I'm very new to this adventure world and I often prefer taking it slow but that Ktm I'm telling you 😂😂😂 I'm also shocked as to how forgiving it is for me.

[@johnanthony6141]

Is it worth the extra $$$$

[@heilpepe7298]

890 ALL THE WAY .... That low hanging weight makes it a winner in offload.......

[@Crsf84]

well flank god you mentioned lat one to us all…👌

[@blizzard71]

100% agree the low center of gravity and better suspension should seal the deal , but of course not...the high tank and not as good suspension brings the win to ducati in this guys eyes! kind of funny

[@skipole09]

Neither one will get you home.

[@mac22011964]

Ah! Must listen more carefully!

[@elithegreat6463]

No Tiger 900 Rally Pro ,??🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

2 riders, 2 bikes!

[@jirihorsky9600]

@@BikeWorldTVshow Should have rode them two at a time, a Van Damme style if you know what I mean.

[@axelfiraxa]

The tiger 900 rally is a great bike, between the two, offroad the 890 beats by quite a margin it but the tiger is nicer on-road and you can choose based on preference. If you only do gravel roads the tiger 900 is good enough and will be more comfortable. The 890 rally spec is much better kitted suspension wise and is lighter weight

[@elithegreat6463]

@@axelfiraxa I’m not a dirt guy, so this is why I bought a 2024 900 GT-Pro, Great Road bike, and the new updates just put the icing on the cake for this model. 👍🇬🇧

[@Crsf84]

⁠@@elithegreat6463tiger doesn’t come close to the ktm or the desert x. The gt is a pointless variant of the bike it’s no more an adventure bike than a z1000 kawasaki. The rally pro is another one. The 1200 holds its ground the 900rally is not as good as ktm, desert x or now even the f900.

[@mrflores7708]

No mention of the camshaft problems! Guess you're not a brave enough journalist to confront them, just in case ktm cut you off from their supply of test bikes?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Here we go again, easy to blame us for it.

[@lolipo-oj2cu]

890 2023 has not the problem

[@blairknight7793]

He's calling you out for not even mentioning it which is quite a reasonable position to take, you are convincing people to buy the bike without any mention of their well earned reputation. ​@@BikeWorldTVshow

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

@@blairknight7793 We don't know enough about the issue to mention in an off-road head-to-head, if we'd had an issue on the test then we would have covered it. We have asked KTM for information and we're waiting for a response from the factory.

[@blairknight7793]

@@BikeWorldTVshow go to KTM Failed Camshafts and you can gather all the info you require straight from the Owners.

[@mloclam6917]

Ktm have a lot of damage control to assure the engine doesn't break

[@AaronsAnglingJourney]

👏👏👏

[@camilofeliz]

apples against bananas...should be KTM 890 RALLY against Ducati Rally...or both not rally

[@HNNNGGG12]

when will we see Chris on the Tenere extreme that he shoved in the van and drove of with ?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Here’s the first part: The Ultimate Off-Road ADV Bike? Chris Builds His Dream Yamaha Tenere 700 To Find Out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJylq2hnqq99n80

[@abstractspaces8186]

Now put it against a Himalayan and see which end of the spectrum feels more fun.

[@jonomasonILoveU]

I love kTm😁.

[@verenchook]

I need to ride one to compare to KTM

[@blizzard71]

Its funny before I even started watching , which I skipped through most of it , knew from the start he would pick the Ducati ! lmao, KTM , the company everyone loves to hate!

[@Angry-Lynx]

Both are adventure bikes - ull gona have a lot of adventures owning them .... Going to dealer 😂😂😂

[@mototrailz]

Nice vid but paying crazy $ for a desert x "rally" and still getting shitty suspension it is not right... 9:04 that sound 😱 also air filter access on Ducati is a joke finally the geometry of the ducati where you are sitting inside the bike with a huge metal tank between you and the handlebar compare to sitting on top with lower fuel tank on the KTM makes the desert x a good adv road bike but not so much real off-road.

[@corpsmind5920]

One has an oil pressure issue, the other costs 20k. End of video.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

And THAT.....my dear friends, should be a lesson to all the spec sheet crybabies. Reminds me of the initial reception of just about every new motorcycle in recent decade, all the hecklers have a go around the equator of the earth before the real story gets its shoes tied. V-Strom 800DE was one of those: aw it's too heavy! aw it has a parallel twin! aw it's got simple brakes! aw the spec sheet!! ... Next thing you know guys are swapping parts and racing Baja with it, other people are ripping up the side of steep mini-mountains launching into the air.

[@wicko2363]

Decisions, Decisions…..a CF Moto powered KTM or a Ducati with a metal tank and 45 mins to service an air filter……..😊

[@salsadurauk]

Ducati alll the way . Who cares about 45 min is fun work in your bike so why not .

[@wicko2363]

@@salsadurauk yep I get the fun factor, I have a 1290, here in Australia, dusty, dusty, dusty, air filter maintenance on multi day rides is paramount, I would rather be sitting in the pub.

[@salsadurauk]

@@wicko2363 buy a different bike if you thinking on changing bikes mate that Ducati is not for You in that case or moved to other country 🤣 for us in the U.K. is perfect and I am buying one as my second bike .

[@wicko2363]

@@salsadurauk 2 bikes are the way to go, I have a GasGas 700 and the 1290. Guys I talk to out on the trails love their desert x’s, each to their own, I just prefer easy air filter maintenance and as you say dust is not as much of an issue in the UK. I also like throwing hand grenades on the internet, because every bike on the market have positives and negatives no matter what brand and You Tubers tend to not disclose any perceived weaknesses, they all love those OS junkets.

[@lorenzotelleria4200]

Get a T7 and with the money left over put better suspension on ir 🤔

[@blairknight7793]

After dealing with the KTM people for 6 months after my Ad R cams failed at 30km, I'll never own another KTM as long as I live. Seriously dont invite this risk of failure into your life.

[@leooneill1693]

Last test should have been a road side service test, timed of course. You could have started with an air filter change😂

[@lionelcook8522]

Yes, a lot of "Adventure" bike reviews neglect to mention air cleaner access.

[@etdbsub0]

To answer the initial question, wouldn't it have been more appropriate to directly compare one of those two with a T7 or CFMoto?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Why?

[@etdbsub0]

@@BikeWorldTVshow Well, it’s what you said at 1:30, if motorcycles with more specs than a T7 or a CFMoto are worth the cost difference or not. But after seeing the whole video I realized it’s just a KTM versus Ducati comparison.

[@MrDannyZ123]

I feel like you have to bring up the KTM cam issue

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

@@MrDannyZ123 Why? Cams worked fine, we would have if there was an issue.

[@C_R_O_M________]

I'd go with a 990 Adventure and save myself 15K. Better bike too.

[@Checkyoursix77]

Agreed 100%! I have owned several 950 and 990 and the standard DesertX. The Ducati is sold and the old KTM is still in my collection. Several riding buddies have 790/890 and they are not only ugly they are problematic as well.

[@therealturbofanisme]

Ride one back to back with an 890 and the 990 feels like a tank. It's capable but not nearly as fun and playful as the 890.

[@therealturbofanisme]

Also lol at saving $15k. A low mile clean 2011+ 990 costs almost as much as a used equivalent 890R around here!

[@Checkyoursix77]

@@therealturbofanisme Done that many times and you shouldnt listen too much to biased journalists. The 950 is my favorite. The engine is so smooth and the bike is more rewarding. Both bikes feels like tanks compared with a real enduro bike.

[@therealturbofanisme]

@@Checkyoursix77 I'm not listening to journalists, I own an 890 and helped my buddy find and buy a 2011 990 Dakar. It's a great bike but it's just not the same as the 890. More stable at speed due to the longer wheelbase, but the 890 platform is so good and it feels so much lighter (even though it isn't) and more playful in the dirt. I don't fault anyone for choosing a 990 but it's not the same experience.

[@Jungleland33]

Wouldn't touch either with a barge pole. One is guaranteed to eat cams. whilst the other will eat your wallet.

[@ltonkerinstein873]

How do you do an “honest”!review and not discuss the KTM LC8 engine issues?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

@@ltonkerinstein873 because it didn’t come up on the ride, if we’d had engine issues on the day it would of been discussed. And don’t call us dishonest, this is getting very boring.

[@ltonkerinstein873]

⁠@@BikeWorldTVshow Yes, the truth and your service to the industry’s consumer is boring. I believe I heard Two Tier Keir also recently say the truth shouldn’t be spoken.

[@veetwotls]

Duke don't have TOFU cams so it's a no brainer for reliability

[@CarlosSantos-b5o]

Ktm Never lose

[@Rzv-333]

And yet, ktm is better :) Older guys will buy Ducati

[@DucRiderNL]

That ktm will eat his own camshafts. 😂😂😂

[@Checkyoursix77]

Answer: KTM 9X0 Adventure

[@nicksokolis6343]

The Ducati is more likely to bring you back.

[@v992_]

I had a Multistrada 950 S(identical engine as DesertX), and man that thing was 0 issues from new all the way to 45 000km when I sold it and bought the 1260 Enduro. So I agree on this one!

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@v992_ 45K isn't that much.

[@v992_]

@@C_R_O_M________ It is if you ride it like you stole it! 😂😂😂💪🔥

[@skipole09]

Owned KTMs..always great performance, always chaotic maintenance and poor dealer support. Owned a DX, pain to work on, chain wore out after 6k miles..air filter work is crap. Bottom line, buy a T7 and put the extra money into goodies.

[@terrarecon]

Bottom line is, experience varies person to person just do you.