Is the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R the ultimate off-road adventure bike? Long-term test

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

What's your favourite big adventure bike currently on the market? Tell us below!

[@Dazza-u4c]

Haters are gonna hate, I have never had a reliability issue with the KTM’s I own.

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

I bought an 1190 Adventure R when they came out. It was my first "Adventure" bike. Where I lived in Australia that style of bike was only just coming in. Apart from GS's. How you have spoken about this 1290SAR is exactly how i felt about the 1190. The engine was phenomenal. I couldnt understand how it could have so much power. Like, blow past other road bikes unless they were 1000cc superbikes. But then you could take it right into the bush on knarly little tracks. Tracks where we rode our enduro bikes. And yet the 1190 was rideable. The power was really tractable and controlable. The gearing worked for both road and dirt. The handling was phenomenal given the size and the compromise. I did have one fall but that was chasing a very fast fellow road rider on his Brutale in the Vic high country. I just cooked the OE fitted TKC80 front tyre. I didnt get any warning and the bike just went away from me. The only problem i had with that bike was the height. Im 5'9" on a good day and maybe 75kg. It was just a lot of bike when I was stationary. But I miss it. Ive ridden the newer 790 Adventures and I dont feel they are as special. I just love the LC8 engine. Honestly it was the Trophy Truck of bikes. After the 1190 I purchased the 1090 s. Its much more approachable. Better road bike just. More than capable of dirt roads. I just dont take it proper off road. Still has the same character/attitude and similar looks. Cheers guys. ***Also, I need to add. A freind of mine has a 1290 SAR. Its done 235,000 kms. Does need an engine. But it had done those kays trouble free up to that point. He now owns an 890 Adventure and plans to fit another engine into the 1290.

[@CurtisBrandt]

What a great comment. I share your love of the LC8 and am not 100% in love with the parallel twin 890. I keep thinking that maybe what I want is a 1290R (I already have a 1290 SAS, so I'm decently familiar with the general situation) but the weight and size difference between the 890 and 1290 for off road use does give me pause.

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

@CurtisBrandt thanks mate. The 790/890 would definitely give you more confidence in tackling the off road sector for sure. One day I'll probably buy one lol. But for now, I'm too much of a fan of the LC8. 1290 S would be a beast of a mile munching sport bike.

[@CurtisBrandt]

@@frankensteinsgarage9632 It sure is! 🙂

[@splodge57]

I dont want unreliability. In 50 years of riding various Japanese bikes I've never broke down.😊

[@mistahugespliff1265]

Breaking down on a KTM? unheard of lol 😂

[@Scratti80]

Owned 2017 1090R, sold it 30,000km on the odo. Zero problems. Bought this 1290R 2021 model. Now 20,000km on odo and again... zero problems. Is it luck or something but love the bike.

[@bseidem5112]

Dude! you've got 12K miles on the bike. You have no opinion until you"ve got at least 50K miles or 80K Km. In the States authoritative reliability facts are spoken after 100K miles or 161K km.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

You can’t blame the bike for a mechanic forgetting to open the fuel tap… But yeah that o-ring thing should not happen

[@nikkato7096]

Had an 1190 R from new and rode the hell out of it here in Australia.. never missed a beat.. Been on the 22 1290 SAR for last 2 years riding the hell out of it too in all environments!! Never missed a beat.. best all round for Australian landscape.. I’m 6 foot 5 and a perfect fit.. love it. Period

[@gildiekhoff7315]

I had one of the original 1190 adventures. The fuel pump failed 2 years and 10,000+ miles out of warranty and KTM repaired 100% no cost to me. That was the only mechanical issue I ever had with it but… I had the exact same fuel tap issue happen to me after I rode it home from the repair. Dealer only opened 1 fuel tap! Loved that bike and made 4 across the US road trips on it.

[@Robert-v7l2e]

Had a ktm loved it and hated it. Fantastic bit of kit WHEN it worked. Never had any issues with warranty claims got shut the moment it was out of warranty. Wouldn't have another

[@kjonasson10]

22.000 KM on my 2021 1290 SAR. Flawless and its ridden hard in Iceland´s highlands.

[@TIMHARTTT]

I don’t want power, I don’t want exotic, i don’t want exclusivity, all i want is reliability, reliability and reliability.

[@DJAguitars]

T7

[@MadChalet]

I"ve never owned a KTM, so I can't speak from experience, but I frequently see owners (present past) complaining about reliability. This review reinforces the issue.

[@carleddison7479]

Suzuki V-Strom 1050. Expect 100,000+ miles, problem-free.

[@christianmouraux7269]

Stay home ! 😂

[@roelfkromhout]

Yeah, stay away from KTM if it’s reliability you want. 😂 damhik

[@peterwhittick43]

I’ve had a ‘22 SAR for just over a year and 5k miles. I’ve been riding continuously for nearly 50 years and this is the best bike I’ve owned. I absolutely love the 1290 engine. I had a very slight coolant leak at approximately 500 miles which was fixed by the dealer in a couple of hours but all great since then. I agree KTM’s quality control isn’t as good as it should be but once you’re over the possible initial hassle they seem pretty reliable. This is my fifth KTM and they’ve all been that way. I do think it’s a bit harsh saying you experienced two breakdowns. The second one wasn’t a mechanical failure but just one of the fuel taps was left switched off. That’s a well documented gotcha ! It’s such good fun to ride I can ignore the quirks! 😊

[@casefarley5744]

The audio for Michael Guy is muffled and flat. Maybe the mic got stuck on his clothes? It's a shame because this interview is great.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

There is no excuse for bad audio nowadays.

[@wanderlpnw]

Pulled the trigger and bought one. Thanks, Michael.

[@adamc209]

It takes a brave man to own one of these out of warranty ! 💣 💰

[@AntaresSQ01]

As it is with any bike... If I were to argue I'd say these are low risk out of warranty, most of the issues with these prop up in the first 5000 miles, if it hasn't, as I'm sure you can see some of the comments, they last absolutely forever. I know plenty of people personally with 1090s/1190s/1290s over 50k miles issue free, and ofc know a few that had to return their bikes within the first 1000 miles.

[@donnym2103]

😂😂😂

[@onyekaonyia8395]

Your experience is a perfect summary of the owner experience for one of these new generation KTMs. I had similar experiences with my gen 2 SDR. Completely soured my love for KTMs. Great / honest review guys.

[@marscruz]

A tale of Two Michaels, the best of MCN in my opinion. The story of the break downs will give plenty of fodder for the orange haters but what an impressive bike. Too much for me but if I could have bought this bike 30 years ago it would have been in my garage and I'd have enjoyed its capabilities and character to the utmost. Great review of a one-of-a-kind two wheeled pachyderm.

[@OrangeGenerator]

Michael Guy (and Neeves lol just realised both Michaels) brings great energy and feedback needed for reviews/tests like this.

[@donnym2103]

There's an old saying. If you want to get somewhere fast buy a KTM, if you want to get there in comfort buy a BMW,if you actually want to get there buy a Yamaha or a Honda 😂

[@4tech69]

The 2nd one wasn't a break down, It was poor service techs.

[@rolan2dr]

After something fails or you notice a built quality problem, riding is not the same. Always in the back of your mind, is this going to break down? Every ride it’s on your mind.

[@MrD-moto]

Great review, collected mine Sept 2023 and relate to most of the comments made. Most riding (1500 miles) has been in the wet and really suprised how agile and confident you feel on the bike, I put it down to the amout of feel and feedback the big KTM gives you. 7 years on a GS with telelever you forget how good traditional forks feel. And the engine just makes you 🙂all day long

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

Killed it, when you mentioned reliability....

[@SuperEasy1337]

KTM owners be like "I've never had any problems with my KTM in all of the 1500 miles I've put on it!" Take that 'haters'! Or mofos will just straight up lie about not having any issues in tens of thousands of miles just to counteract the narrative, like in this comments section.

[@leanit5756]

Had one. Impressive power and riding dynamics. Unfortunately three things made me sell it. First, the switch gear was annoying beyond belief, constantly activating accidentally because it is placed too close the the handgrips, and it had what must be the absolute shittiest turn signal switch ever fitted to a modern motorcycle. Second, the exhaust interfered with my right heel - and I only wear a size 9 boot. And finally, all that power was really not very useful. On dirt either the traction control would intervene or the tire would simply spin up. On asphalt, even with the stock reasonably knobbed tire, it would do the same thing. Not much point in the weight penalty of a very powerful engine if it can't be readily used. Tried a 890 ADV-R next. It upheld KTM's reputation for "spotty" quality, had poor high speed stability, and had bad wind management and buffeting. Got a '24 Tenere 700 now and am really happy with it. I rode/ride predominantly dirt on these bikes and prefer the Tenere.

[@donnym2103]

Welcome to reliablity

[@sambagogo777]

So it broke down twice and also had faulty switchgear... to the surprise of nobody. If only KTM spent a little less on boastful marketing and a little more on fixing the well documented problems with their products.

[@MrPmunson123]

Agreed, 👍

[@genxgamerdad71]

Added spoked wheels to my SAS and ride quite a few fire roads. In Rally mode and suspension set to off-road, feels like I'm riding on a couch. 😄Soaks up the bumps so well. Whatever version you get, these bikes are a ton of fun.

[@clarkhess]

I love my 2017 KTM 1290 SAR... Best bike I have ever owned

[@averagebiker]

My left hand switch gear went after 3 years on my SDGT - common issue and ktm kindly replaced it out of warranty

[@kj385]

I’ve also had KTM replace parts out of warranty for known issues. Proper customer service in my opinion.

[@abymathew295]

KTMs are super fun bikes, but why on earth we need so much electronics on them....the only thing we need is ABS...thats all....They should know why T7 is selling them in truck loads.

[@mike569112]

These interviews and tests are great!

[@heinbotha1278]

Ya those fuel taps LOL I have the blue 1290 same bike, no problems, previous model 1290,….50 000 km no troubles either! Great bike 😎🍺

[@CurtisBrandt]

Great review. This seems like an outstanding machine and many riders would be surprised the range of which this thing is capable, given a certain rider skillset. I can empathize with the "downs", for sure, owning several other KTMs. But the ups are real - these (in general) are special bikes and tend to make me happy on every ride.

[@blinking137]

Great overview, luv these guys. Thx for making the review

[@pl1068]

The Honda Crosstourer has a V4 engine, shaft drive, 21 litre tank and stainless steel spokes on its 19” front and 17” rear, all it needs is suspension upgrade which Nitron have you covered for front and rear and maybe cruise control which McCruise make.

[@mehdimirza8777]

Excellent Explanation good service to Humanity and Riders Thanks

[@HelloJamesBond]

Great review guys…I think you nailed it at the end. These big adventure bikes are pretty pointless unless your Mick Extance or someone of that level. Does look cool but as you said, in the real world it’ll tire you out before you get chance to get going. 👍

[@drdoolittle5724]

Small World then, I was northbound on M6 and had a rear blowout on outside lane of a 'smart motorway, in the rain! Green Flag didn't want to pick me up as well!

[@danghita4386]

Why it's "subtitles/closed captions" not available on most (all?) of your videos? It's something you intentionaly have to set off when you publish a video on KZbin, the default being ON, but why do you do that?

[@shadowred1980]

Great stuff from both of you.

[@RicardoYeep]

1290 Best all round puncher in the pack by far for a big boy adv bike. Agreed its no fun on a wet muddy uk rutted singletrack for sure. But ACT stuff and long haul its just an amazing bike. Unfortunately the "Friday Night" bikes do let the team down a little. It is a shame as they need to shake this stigma (KTM keep taking money) and free dog with every purchase (So you don't walk home alone).. I have heard them all... However so far no issues on mine with same amount of mileage and ACT use :). Good review!

[@RoJo_moto]

Nice review fellas!

[@Hans_P]

Approaching 20,000 klm on mine. Brilliant bike but am always wondering when it will let me down. Never had that feeling on my Triumph Tiger XCx. Thinking of trading it in on a new Rally Pro.

[@brucekendall52]

I changed my 1290R for a 900RP.No regrets.

[@knaussgy]

Had numerous issues with bmw before my ktm, I’ve had to replace the switch gear expensive and annoying I had 3 replaced on the bmw luckily under warranty.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

The rally pro is what the super tenere should have been. Great bike, but i am somewhat triumph biased.

[@eyeon9331]

Interesting to hear that the UK dealers are as average as the Australian, fuel tap off or 1/2 on is a common issue, makes you question pre delivery!

[@bloffs3352]

Not my sorta bike but great review as is to be expected from MCN. I still cant get over how tall Neevsey is out from behind his desk.lol.Important point I know.

[@MacawAviculture]

Heavy 'adventure' bikes make no sense for serious off-road riding, but they do make sense for fast pavement rides to easy gravel/dirt off-road areas. I ride my 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F for the difficult technical trails and my 2017 KTM 1090R for the fast pavement/easy off-road adventures. I would never consider buying a new KTM 890/1290 motorcycle. Their complex computer ride modes and other electronic nonsense simply makes riding boring, potentially unreliable, and too complicated. I use a computer for photography/videography/music composition, I never want to use a computer while riding my motorcycle. I realize some riders enjoy all the complexity of the new generation of cars/trucks/motorcycles with keyless ignition and huge tablet sized monitors to play with, but I am not one of those people. At 72, and a rider for 50+ years, my preference is to ride based upon my skillset, not to ride based upon what a computer allows me to choose. The new KTM adventure bikes hold no interest for me at all; especially when I read about people and friends stuck hours away from home, because a computer malfunction will not allow them to start the engine and safely return home. Similar to the new EV cars/trucks/buses that enjoy exploding from their lithium battery dysfunction parameters, I prefer a simpler, safer, and reliable method of enjoying time in the wildness of the mountains and desert regions close to my home. Great video thanks for sharing, and for reminding me of the importance of simplicity.

[@natural9743]

Yes the KTM is just an adventure to the repair shop and not quite knowing how much it will cost. 😅

[@stewiemac4017]

How happy I was to sell on my 1290 SA-S after one year and 12k miles. Unreliable dog. The Gen 2 1290 GT that followed was even worse 😡

[@jpslaym0936]

Well since KTM has started outsourcing to Chinese mfg perhaps reliability will improve?

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Production hint: stand behind the bike, it enhances engagement with the audience.

[@percusski]

Why does Michael never sound check his mic position before pressing record 😂

[@SPENJERE]

Nice review.

[@simon1290r]

25k on my 2018 SAS with zero issues.

[@philipmillen4271]

All built in Austria on a Friday

[@Fluppatron]

200exc 300exc 450exc 500exc 620Lc4 690 EnduroR Not one breakdown in KTM ownership, maybe I just got lucky 6 times 🤷‍♂️

[@bseidem5112]

13:22 to 21:00. About 6min 48 sec or about 28% of the vid on complaints + the motorway guys did NOT help him move the bike (1/2 mile in the rain.) All because of a single O ring. Really KTM, your reliability rating is ruined due to a faulty O ring. Do you think the Yamaha Super Tenere is going to have this problem? Nooooooo.

[@avz7001]

KTM breaking down....Nooo, can't be. 😅

[@kn58]

1290 s is probably the best bike if you want proper fun and comfort in the uk. Agree with you guys

[@williambrown6080]

And this is why i never have and never will own a Ktm, even a main Ktm dealer told me to avoid them like the plague! Said they are difficult to get to honour warranty claims. Just pure shite🤷

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

beast

[@tomtraynor5384]

Lost me at "issues". KTM can't seem to get even o-rings and gaskets right--for starters. Had a bunch of them--before the seemingly electronic glitches, gaskets etc. Not anymore.

[@jamescurrie1285]

I have one a Good review I agree with the comments We will have a 1390 Adv soon 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Rlindagem]

If its that cold just go inside....

[@HartyBiker]

The "ultimate offroad adventure bike?" Come off it. I'm sure it's great for hard packed dirt trails and gravel, and for touring, but I'm not sure I'd want to take a heavy bike through some of those more gnarly, fun, rutted out trails, or the ones full of rocks or deep sand or all the variety you might experience while doing "offroad adventure." Power is nice and all, but 50 hp is enough to lose traction in a lot of offroad scenarios, so all that power would just give you more of a chance for losing the rear stupidly fast and scratching those pretty fairings. So basically I guess it probably is the ultimate offroad adventure bike, if you only ever ride on the kind of stuff it realistically is built for

[@joeblow5037]

KTM, change the 'Ready to Race' to......... 'Apart from the Breakdown' 😏

[@Steeps1969]

9 ish minutes in about the electronic suspension... Why? it can only act retrospectively. Adds cost to a bike that 98/100 people will never feel any benefit from. All this modern "tech" is why motorbikes are so ridiculously expensive and newer riders aren't coming on board.

[@garyandrews5352]

If some fool leaves a fuel tap closed and deprives the engine of fuel, that's hardly a breakdown. Just saying....

[@donnym2103]

Terrible reliability. Remember guys KTM stands for Known To Malfunction 😂

[@dirtydean1]

10 years ago i own KTM. Never again. Reliability issuses. But over that, an arrow.

[@kennedyracing7527]

Buy one now as they’re moving all production to China and India. No more real KTM bikes. They’re selling out 😢

[@stitchjones7134]

Too bloody heavy for anything serious offroad. Which is why i downsized to a 690 from a 1290.

[@Graz23]

tenere wr is better

[@paigntonbeach]

If you want a closer relationship with your dealer buy a KTM .

[@DBGE001]

Get rid of it before the warranty period ends.

[@simonfowler7561]

Avoid at all costs unless you get free use....

[@flyingdutchy01]

don't get fooled. these big bikes have no business going offroad. these giant bikes are way too big and heavy and you'll be miserable. just buy a 450 enduro or whatever

[@joeblow5037]

Just needs a pipe.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

What brand would you suggest?

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

​@@motorcyclenewsdotcomAkro. Just sounds deep without being too loud.

[@izom]

no... too big too heavy too much electronics too expensive...;-)

[@anthonyturner3238]

Way to heavy

[@BodybuildingSteve]

The last two ktm long term test reviews have had loads of problems, ktm is such giant heap of overpriced dogshit

[@Tec2Nut]

Keyless is a thief,s dream

[@aidan6557]

All this has confirmed to me is to never buy a ktm

[@AldredsquashUk]

Same old story with KTM....roll a dice to see if your going to get home or not.....not good enough KTM!!

[@kevinroark5815]

This was by far the most boring MCN video I have ever seen.

[@Dukeplhffd]

He is riding 5600miles vith adventure bike and give us review..... hahaha-hoby rider! 😂😂😂😂

[@petewatson9866]

More problems than likes😮