Can the KTM 890 SMT live up to the 990 original? | MCN review

#KTM #890 #SMT
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[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Are you a fan of the SMT??

[@chrisi970]

Yes

[@reidspeed77]

100% like Excel hoops on an enduro ,so much so that it borders on mania

[@peterhoyle1616]

Yes love my 990 apart from the fueling low in the rev range. Can't wait to take one the new smts for a spin and compare to my old 990.

[@fizzhogg23]

Yes, I got a deposit on one

[@disekjoumoer]

Yes, and I'll be buying one if money permits. All that bla bla just to say you don't like it. Why bother?

[@Micjoh]

I will never sell my 2010 990smt. Best bike I ever had. It will fast group track day and light tour. Sounds amazing as well with more free flowing pipes. Nice to see they have reinvented the concept , but agree churlish to have the electronics switch off.

[@jandeman198]

150.000 kilometres on my 990SMT...will stay with me forever. Don't know why they call it a niche bike, it's very allround. And it's got brilliant suspension, brakes, and a bonkers top-end. Yes, low rpm sucks. Drinks fuel like crazy. But the wheelies make up for it. I would probably consider the 890SMT, but not in the market now, and i'm not super keen on big electronics.

[@sinki19841984]

pre-1290 LC8's are a niche. The 1190 got some traction, but the platform only became more 'mainstream' since the 1290. I know at least 5 people that have a 1290, couldn't name three that had a 950/990. How often do you see a 950/990 these days? They've always been niche bikes. Still running the old 950, until it gives up.

[@NudaMan]

@@sinki19841984it won’t give up especially a 950 engine made by rotax 😌

[@leonrawls892]

My 2013 990 SMT with Rotteiler air intake all emissions removed, decat nodded exhaust, custom fuel map 114hp on dyno. Drop one tooth on counter up 2 on rear, Golfer wave rotors, it's mountain weapon!!!!

[@nERDANZIEHUNG]

Looks cool, but KTM needs to improve the quality of the 790 and 890 models. My 890 Adventure R was within the first 10k km 6 times in the workshop. Leaking radiator, leaking brake cylinder, complete failure of the instrument, multiple replacement of the injectors,... And I know similar cases from other 790 and 890 models 😕

[@jsleeio]

I had a similar experience with one of my BMWs. 9 warranty claims in 2 years, all of them big expensive items

[@MGLkiwi2008]

Sorry to hear that. I've done 12k miles on my 790 Duke (2018) incl 8 track days, multiple long weekends away and a fair bit of riding in torrential rain (in all temperatures) and never had a single issue. No corrosion either (although I do apply ACF 50 before winter).

[@barryjohn7765]

Looks much better with the low front mud guard IMO, it’s not on the KTM website though as an option which is a shame!

[@beetleything1864]

it is - it's under CARBON - 317 gbp

[@colin_e]

Good info, but insane price. Any chance a standard mudguard (plastic?) from a duke 890 or 790, would fit I wonder. @@beetleything1864

[@newtype101]

Personally the SMT, this 890 SMT is for a very slim number of people. But those people, who buys it, that want it, they gonna absolutely adore it! It sure does have road performance, comfort, practicality, touring, and the childish stupid hooligan attitude that KTM is famous for. The bike looks like a mutant tho, I love it!

[@AyoHues]

Whereas the old SMT was a really practical, ‘tall rounder’. Something more similar to a TDM or a Fazer 1000. Most definitely not a supermoto with a narrow range of abilities.

[@jimriley909]

Absolutely on the money about the cost to make it an ‘SM-T’. And don’t get me started on ’demo mode’.

[@rondobrondo]

bro shut up, nobody with 2 brain cells and real money cares about demo mode

[@oddmagnusbjerkvik5119]

Love my 2009 "modified" SMT. Great bike. Will test the new when I get the chance

[@peterhoyle1616]

What mods did you go for ?

[@oddmagnusbjerkvik5119]

@@peterhoyle1616 The usual: ITG airfilter, rc8 stack in front, o2 sensors blocked, epc off, alot of remapping, akra cans, lovering a bit in front etc...

[@peterhoyle1616]

Nice dis the rc8 stack and remap sort any rough throttle response low in the rev range ?

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Sounded great. That price though - sort of acceptable with that tech pack and the decent loggage, but as it is, mmmm. Best thing ktm could do would be as a special offer just for the period they're actually selling it (2 years maybe) , have these as 'free' extras.

[@zm12341]

Great review, I love this bike. But I'd need more power to be lured away from my F900XR, if it was a 990 instead of a 890 my bike would be sold tomorrow.

[@nickrider5220]

Great to see Chris back in the limelight after the sad demise of Practical sportsbikes 👍👍 Almost forgot to say - very well summed up CN !

[@robotBabylon]

I don't get why this is considered a niche bike. Price, aesthetics, and the insult of KTM's "buy then buy again" electronics philosophy, this seems like the perfect bike to me. I tend to think most riders fit that commute/scratch on the weekends/tour maybe three times a year description. This bike allows for some short/medium length touring, and is biased towards the real riding most of us actually do instead of being built for world tours at the expense of mild daily hooliganism. I can't wait for the comparison, and, personally, hope they throw the Ducati Supersport in there as well to get the full sport touring spectrum.

[@simsimmer250]

The bike could come full priced, not reduced. Then you only buy what you want which if you don’t want them you get a cheaper bike.

[@motomax1690]

Working at an Ktm Dealer atm. For me its a complete disappointment but im happy that its a bike that cant replace my Ktm 990 smt which is a super dope bike with the right software on it 👌

[@Andy-co6pn]

Just picked up a 2011 990 SMT, what mapping are you running?

[@jackalay23]

I bought a 2013 SMT last year minty fresh with 6000 miles on the clock for $6000 USD. I love it and it does not ask me for my credit card for anything but fuel and maintenance. $14 grand for an 890 is no bueno.

[@Achilles22]

Like the new presenter!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Not sure it was mentioned, but the fuel capacity is 15.8L (4.17 gallon).

[@johnsaxton503]

I owned a 2010 SMT for years, great bike, just wanted to have something more modern. Traded it in on a new Multistrada V2S (which is pricey, but an outstanding machine). I might would have gone for an 890 SMT if it had retained some of the styling of the original SMT, such as dual exhaust and low front fender. Now that new 990 Duke on the other hand....definitely considering adding that to my stable ;)

[@MrAndrew1953]

Sounds good. I find these days as I get older,sustaining the concentration for intense fanging is shorter anyway. A topbox,blue tooth and quick shifter stand out. Not sure about the track stuff. Overall it looks like a lot of fun. You pays your dosh,lots of smiles guaranteed.

[@davidroeder7299]

Almost bought a 990 SMT a few years ago. Not sure I want the 890, I would prefer a real Vtwin over this 270 degree crank voodoo.

[@orangeorphan]

I bought a 950 sm about five years ago. Best purchase I ever made in terms of motorcycles.

[@jonnybonny4193]

I've ridden both. I think you need to try the new 890. It's an epic engine

[@orangeorphan]

@@jonnybonny4193 I rode the duke 890 and it was alright, but I wouldn’t trade my 950 for it. But to each their own.

[@MicahMicahMicah]

I think KTM parallel twins a 285 degree

[@graeme9911]

Ok

[@yumpbalump]

Helpful review. Really appreciate you calling them out on the pricing. Notice that they don't provide official pricing on those extras for the first ride? That way, reviewers can't cite an as-tested price. Same thing with all their recent launches. I would honestly buy this bike if it came from anyone but KTM. I just can't take: 1. The pricing BS 2. The shameful build quality 3. The almost certain lack of reliability

[@41teeth]

Great review. That demo mode feature is a major, major turnoff. It’s also a shame that they reduced the range. Still, an intriguing motorcycle.

[@PROopticSp33dFr3ak1]

Just bought one haven’t go5 it home yet can’t wait 💪🏍

[@MianCowell]

SMT but no luggage? Screw that. Coming soon, KTM release a dirt bike with slicks. Knobbly tyres cost extra.

[@NudaMan]

Ktm 450 SMR lmao literally a dirt bike with slicks, this is been going on for years…

[@monzadh]

Ive gone from an 890 Duke to a Norden and wished I waited for the SMT...this will be.my next bike....

[@sfade6217]

In the market. Hard pass due to KTMs charging money for what should be included.

[@StephenSGordon]

Great video- informative and very well delivered! 👍

[@kumatmebrah9044]

Really good overview.

[@thepub245]

So, I was thinking about buying an 890 adventure and was briefly tempted by this but on reflection, its too focused on hooning about on tarmac, which is ok but if its your only bike, you may as well have the dual purpose capability.

[@markariewilliams]

Will deffo be keeping my 2012 990 SMT, fueling sorted with a remap and beowulf Exhaust without baffles is a symphony to behold, if i wanted Refinement (boring) then would get a inline 4 and or a BMW! dont like the shape of the new 890 at all, more SM than SMT, as for MPG 😂😂all of the 1000cc twins ive ever had are in the same category for tank range unless you buy multi enduro 30l tank. i average 130/140 miles till light comes on and roughly 20 on reserve, i always have and do carry a dessert fox bladder with 6 liters so never a problem. i bought the 990 to tour and put a huge smile on my chops and that it always does whenever i turn the key. It will be a long time before anything matches the original 990 smt to tempt me away, comfort, handling, Looks, braking and that engine....... and most of all none of the complicated electronics that most newer bikes are cripled with. i am a mechanic and had the 1190 adventure when the Horn failed, i couldnt even fix that so had to buy battery operated one for the MOT! god forbid if anything else went that was claimed as difficult. Prices now for the 990 smt are great, paid £3350 for mine with 49k Miles full service history and strong as an ox, 2012 model with the rear shock adjustable preload unlike earlier models with the 2 serated colars ( Pain in the ring)

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Well said. Thanks for your thoughts. 👍😎🇦🇺

[@christopht683]

It is definetely a good bike no question about it. However, I am not sure if I agree that a bike must be super smooth and super easy to handle. Obviously, you do not want to ride a tractor, but the V engine of the 990 SM , SMR or SMT is definetely a great engine even though it may be a bit rougher than the new engines. The low rev torque issues and the thirst can be relatively easy sorted out with a mapping update. A bike that is too smooth may become quickly boring as well. Anyway, I also do not understand the trend of building these super strong bikes that can only be driven by 10% of all riders without assisting modes switched on.

[@PeterOlexa_]

Any info about 2024 Duke 890 R? Is KTM planning to keep it in the range or discontinue it after introducing the new 990 Duke?

[@deasuin]

Nice, clear and detailed review 👌

[@Steve-motorcycles]

A tracer a relatively fun bike and it won’t break down.

[@benkelly2190]

Ere we go ..won’t break down…boo hoo., won’t look like a gargoyle either!

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@benkelly2190 you look like a gargoyle? That’s a bit harsh on yourself mate 😂

[@monzadh]

The Tracer is a pig...

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@monzadh really? it’s so much worse looking than the headlights on a KTM 😂😂

[@timsgta]

​@@Steve-motorcycles The KTM headlights are a signature design and very cool in most people including my opinion!

[@ClaudioSubtil1974]

I have a 2019 KTM 1290 SADV and a 2020 KTM 690 SMCR, one is too heavy and I do just one long trip a year… the other one is fully modded and an animal but I get tired after 2 hours… maybe this SMT is for me… sell both and get this one… I am 50 but have been riding 600/1000 sportbikes since I am 18 until 45… I am trying the ADV/Travel bikes for the last 5 years, it’s nice but it’s not the same…

[@reidspeed77]

Lot a good rabbit and a mustard T-Shirt from c&a this bloke is wise beyond his years

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Watch out, fashion policewomen alert

[@Outrageprovocateur]

Instead of being comfortable for really big miles, it sacrifices some of the adventure bikes characteristics for wheelie big miles.

[@johnfazackerley6951]

Why do i think the Ducati Hypermptard is a competitor...

[@mrsilbo6499]

@00:55 "there isn't a pure supermoto in the current range." 450 SMR or 690 SMC R anyone? 🙄

[@AyoHues]

Sad how these journos uncritically repeat the spin they’ve been given by the PR teams. You’d think that a launch in Sardinia with no motorways & no luggage or accessory equipped bikes might get them asking a few questions about the ‘Touring’ bit. But yeh, some wannabe Pikes Peak shenanigans and nice vino later and it’s a done deal. 🙄

[@Ukmongoose3]

Hahahahah, I just said the same thing

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@AyoHues Apart from Neevesey, the quality of MCN journalism is lacking.

[@wheelmindedivan6182]

I think he means in the 890 range. The 990 came in Adventure trim and SM trim, as he says, but the 890 exists as the Duke and as the Adventure, but not as a pure SM on either platform.

[@jonnybonny4193]

​@@AyoHuesI don't know where you get this criticism from? He compares is to a Tracer, that's exactly the comparison you ask for

[@quotieslife]

dream bike

[@Secularworld60]

Super moto touring ! A concept i just don’t get seems a bit of a contradiction like ordering a white espresso

[@TheChindoboi]

First demo mode... Next year ktm are charging subscription fees for the ability to use the software on hardware available on their bikes...

[@benkelly2190]

Thing , is you have to pay for all the extras, from any manufacturer! At least this, way you get to try them first.

[@terencegates]

Looks like my next bike.

[@roughrider9831]

I want one of these, except for £11,499 on the road with a full set of luggage and all the electronic feature unlocked. For £12,500 + 800 for the full electric pack + 1000 for luggage, no thanks.

[@GabenHood]

Removing features already inherent on the bike is a complete deal breaker for me. I cannot support this idea at all. Disgusted frankly.

[@rogerevans3112]

Now if they would release it in the US

[@mattyp80]

As i commented on someone else's channel: that business with paying extra for the stuff already on the bike is what we serving and ex military types would call a c÷@£'s trick! I happen to own the 990 smt and it's that bad it has put me off KTM's and anything related to them (CFM) for good!

[@Ukmongoose3]

Noise? Emissions complaints? What are you going on about?

[@rolan2dr]

No mention of reliability

[@BodybuildingSteve]

hard to comment on that when they prob ride it for less than a week, although being a ktm thats more than enough time for it to go wrong lol

[@shhmule]

What did he say the brakes are? Why are Brembo not an option? My old 690 has Brembo M50s which are great. I hope this SMT isn't made in China.

[@armandomateus5103]

Supermoto? Yes. Touring? No... to be called a tourer, it had to be a 890 adventure with 17' wheels, road focused suspension, but all the rest just the same. In my opinion (for what's it worth...) it's so close to the duke that i can't understand why choose a smt over a duke. Because of a mini fairing the size of a bikini and some more midrange torque? 🤷‍♂

[@AdamForeman]

Has there been any one that's able to hack and unlock these tech upgrade options yet? I can see someone making a nice little earner out of unlocking these types of bikes software. Same goes for cars too.

[@papaduck1000]

Well done - thanks

[@shhmule]

It's too heavy! 205 KG is massive. It's got less power to weight than the 990 did. It also lacks noise, it's not impressive, sounds very boring. You'd need to completely modify the exhaust, remove catalytic converter, remove emissions controls. It would still be very heavy. I'll stick to my 690 which is 143 kg and sounds wild!

[@perryburns6515]

Is that Newbigging?! Nice review. Please bring back PB Chris! No one likes those boring old clangers in PS

[@sarries1]

Looks cool but I cannot help but think that the game has not moved on that much.Less power than the 990 and latest ktm build quality is not as good as the 990 era.electronics are welcome though imo

[@rivaroci]

Sadly i only understand half of what was explained in the video, even with subtitles.The jumps between the topics make me confused if it concerns the old or the new bike

[@PwnstarUK]

So more than a 890 duke R and a screen ..

[@artempeshkov7489]

I think that’s a perfect bike to replace my Ducati multistrada 1100s.

[@everardjohannessarot5513]

It might be really a lot better to watch, this video, without sunglasses...

[@jampot560]

Love the bike but I'll wait for the R and have the 120bhp it should have from the start 🤭

[@Steve-motorcycles]

I’d definitely wait for the R, it will be out next year, no doubt.

[@Ukmongoose3]

Got it in one!

[@fizzhogg23]

You'll be lucky to get an R next year even if it comes my local dealer is only getting 2 of this version this year both sold

[@Ukmongoose3]

@@fizzhogg23 I heard that one dealer was only getting one. Don’t worry, there will be more. Early days.

[@fizzhogg23]

@Ukmongoose3 not worried I got one from a different dealer hopefully in 2 months

[@robmac3958]

Not a great review...was hoping to see the original run side by side with the new SMT 2.0. I have the original 2009 and I have NO plans to replace it. With a tune - the low down roughness is gone and the 990 has outstanding torque - Original was widely acknowledged as a great if not best alrounder of its time. It's important to call out that context and I didn't hear this in the review (MCN's own words). Anyone looking for an awesome bike - get a low mileage original with FSH, factor in a tune at top tuner and you won't regret it.

[@1956colinb]

I had one of the original 990 SMTs and this isn’t a patch on it, 15 bhp down for a start 🤷🏻‍♂️! Also beats me how this guy can garble on for over 16 minutes and say basically…nothing?

[@jonnybonny4193]

I don't think you've tried a new 890 engine. The 990 is a dinosaur in comparison

[@1956colinb]

@@jonnybonny4193 Yes I have mate, a friend has an 890 adventure and we swapped for a while, bloody awful, I couldn’t wait to get off it, was like riding a pneumatic drill down the road 😩! Also the seat was like a plank and the wind buffeting was horrendous! I’ve had two KTM’s and they gave me more problems than all my other bikes put together,…not for me thanks 👍

[@jonnybonny4193]

@@1956colinb ah you don't like the 990 either. Haha fair enough, I'm a big fan of what ktm are doing now

[@1956colinb]

@@jonnybonny4193 Well Jonny, I wouldn’t say I didn’t like the 990 SMT I had, after all I did 26,000 miles on it, but I just got fed up of having to fix things on it 🤷🏻‍♂️, end of the line for me was when in the middle of a south of France tour the stator pick up sensor was malfunctioning and making the bike misfire intermittently, not good when your overtaking lorries 😳! It spent two days right in the middle of the trip in a KTM dealership in Frejus SOF and I had a mammoth battle with KTM and the dealer to eventually get it fixed, ruined the trip for me, so nope, not really a fan of the Orange 🍊😉

[@brucerossonthetube]

18 months from now they will crash the price, blowing them out to make room for the new 990 version.

[@Ukmongoose3]

Er, 690 smcr is a ‘pure supermoto’!

[@jonnybonny4193]

That's not in the 890 range though is it? 😂

[@gixxerlemans]

Demo mode is a scam, you have already paid for the parts when you buy the bike, then to use it, you pay again.... my 990 LC8 will stay...

[@focusgreg4136]

⚡️🔥⚡️🎬🔥⚡️

[@queenslander954]

Hey .. that’s one of those Indian motorbikes.

[@captainthreethumbs175]

I wonder if this bike comes with a monthly bill to unlock the software that governs stuff like the quickshifter? Fuckin thieves

[@sedman5179]

So good for a 2 hour jaunt.

[@rosscollier3992]

Had a 690, pig of a bike, spent more time in the garage than on the road. Never again

[@korma9732]

Demo mode is putting me off....

[@Apostolosmic]

This is the worst looking bike KTM ever made

[@reedist]

What a joke of a comparison

[@natural9743]

Alot said about nothing

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

This guy is very hard to follow and puts me to sleep. Where's my Neevesy?

[@emal7164]

Looks horrible

[@klstrucker930419]

Damn it, been waiting for so long for this bike and this review and then the review comes frome someone, who can't speak understandable english.

[@fizzhogg23]

I understood everything he said

[@MianCowell]

@@fizzhogg23 Made perfect sense to me too

[@almightyhimself9284]

MCN is losing it

[@jonnybonny4193]

Disagree pal

[@almightyhimself9284]

@@jonnybonny4193 MCN is losing it cuz MMA is onto it

[@kbeightyseven1783]

I agree, mcn needs to move with the times before they aren’t relevant at all, there are some awesome KZbin journalists and mcn is here still trying to be a magazine…. Just compare bike worlds video to this