Mods and a long term review KTM 1190 Adv R

So what have I done to this bike, what have I changed, what have I broken, what have I fixed.... and would I buy it again?
Links from this video:
• Video
• A blocked breather?
• Rigid Industries SRQ2
• Have you ever cleaned ...
• How to: Switched 10A a...
If there was others, go find them yourself ;P

[@captainadv3290]

It's refreshing to hear good, honest real life reviews like these. Love your vids mate, keep up the good work.

[@Nerb1]

Thanks Cap!

[@RidingWithTom]

0:35 Nerb1 professional engineer

[@woweeoi11]

Always enjoy the Viddys Bud, everyone has priorities, looking forward to the next one, Cheers!

[@islanddreaming8591]

Thanks for these Maintenance vids .., planning to buy an SA this year and it's great to find out more about the builds of these bike .., and more importantly their quirks and what to look out for to sort em out :)

[@frednoskillz5079]

Thanks for the review and mods info. I am always looking forward to your vids. Cheers

[@Astonvanquishs]

great video as always Brendon!!! :D

[@Mechautoinsight]

Great video Nerb. And interesting insight into pros & cons.

[@Sum4Seb]

Great review! Love the ending 😀 That being said still looking forward to your next upload! *T4S*

[@MyRandomLife247]

Very good review dude, really enjoyed it and good to learn of its shortcomings which isn't that bad compared to what Tom had!

[@brokentrike1243]

I did the same to the rear shock....bent bolt,smashed plastic.Fixed it with a touratech shock....Took the plastic off the front around headlight.Strengthened headlight holder with ally bits....all good now.Home made high fender kit,2x 170 HID lightforce spots,2x led floods.Will be getting touratech front shock setup soon.Rottweiler o2 removal,sas delete.TC off everywere,sport mode in the bush is mad...lol

[@BikerBits]

Great stuff Brendan... very interesting to watch! :-) Cheers... Mark

[@TheDonInLondon]

Great video buddy! Just subbed you and am planning on buying this for my next bike. Not happy to hear it cant jump!!!

[@JONSMITHYOUTUBE]

yeah the t7 looks awesome, I am also waiting on that, the honda AT rally looks sick, but its going to be kinda expensive, nice video, cheers.

[@discojesus00]

Not sure what camera you have there, but some of the older dslr's can only record video for a certain amount of time before overheating. New models that are more video oriented have gotten a lot better though, enough so that it's become a feature. Edit: also, great video man, good to hear about these long term reliability reviews as someone looking to get into adventure bikes.

[@Nerb1]

Yes, its an older Nikon. Can only record 20minute chunks. I had just never seen it say it overheated before!

[@wildone2163]

excellent review!

[@1bikerdude]

This video and some others from your hand actually made my decision solid when buying the '18 1290 SA R. You make the flaws of the 1x90 series easy to understand and remedy. I also went ahead an bought a full UNI filter setup and a Touratech sidestand paw extension ;-) The airbox on the '18 model looks exactly like the flawed 2013-2015 issue, and I don't trust that unreliable and heat-warping setup for a second. Thanks for inspirational and educating videos. Cheers!

[@Nerb1]

Thanks so much! Im sure you will get many years of enjoyment out of the 1290.

[@1bikerdude]

Question: On my 1290 R the front OEM "gill" prefilters are already installed. The UNI package contains a prefilter on the filter itself. Since I already got the "gills", I won't need the snorkel prefilters, but do you reckon the filter-prefilter can be omitted? Reason: The full prefilter setup of the UNI package is dynotested to loose a lot of HP.

[@Nerb1]

I have not looked closely at the 1290 oem snorkel filters or if the uni kit does replace them. Of course, you dont have to have snorkel filters, but your main filter will take a lot more and will need cleaning more often. Two questions about the dyno testing... 1) What is it compared to? (ie, uni vs no filter or stock filter?).... and 2) do you race this bike? If a filter that works looses you 2hp, I would not be concerned. You dont use the full 148hp unless you are drag racing and you wouldnt notice it anyway. I understand if you are chasing hp (for drag races or braging rights), I was always chasing hp on my hayabusa and my gsxr750. A few hp either way hasnt bothered my on an adventure bike though.

[@1bikerdude]

I agree about the hp-frenzy. It's a friggin adventure bike. I don't race and couldn't care less about if I get the full KTM advertised 160hp. I bought this bike to enjoy gravel and dirt roads - and have a decent time on the bitumen to get there. In my mind, loosing 15 hp (or whatever) to have peace of mind concerning the airbox is no big deal. The OEM KTM DNA oiled cotton fabric filter is said to flow inlet air better than the UNI, and I might just test that to compare. Accounts on advrider have indicated the UNI setup looses some throttle response compared to the DNA and OEM paper filter. Suppose that's no biggie on the dirt and rural country lanes I seek ;-)

[@sellsn01]

Great video, new sub here. I just picked up the KTM 1190 adventure (non R model) there aren't many adventure R bike in my part of the US but I got this one for $13,200 out the door so I'm pretty happy with it. It's grey to see that they hold up over time.

[@Nerb1]

What is the normal rrp? I know you can get some pretty awesome deals at the moment on the runout stock. They are a great bike.

[@sellsn01]

I believe the bike is $14,000.00 before tax title an registration. So I believe I I got it for a $1,000.00 less than normal. It's still hard, at least for me to get them to knock a bunch of money off. I feel for the Australian guy, a 40% tax!!! That's straight up robbery. How can they justify that crap.

[@Nerb1]

yeah... mine was 23800. Which is about US$16600. But they went up the following year.

[@sellsn01]

That's not too bad at all. I like that the R model has the manually adjustable suspension vs my electronically controlled one. Plus you cant beat the colors on yours. But again I'm pretty happy with the one I got. For my skill level, its more than I'll ever need.

[@moto-mart7021]

Hay there,nerb,do you run the abs dongle that saves your settingsafter a restart?, love the vids,keep em coming,

[@Nerb1]

No I dont. If I stop for a short time, I just use the kill switch. That doesnt reset anything.

[@toby7504]

very cool bike you got there..even cooler with the 690 front fender.. good entertainment in your video history...

[@Nerb1]

Thanks Toby.

[@haldhefairi]

Hahahaha the last part was great about producing vids TYT with the vids man

[@fatbusaracing1347]

what are you swinging off at the start.. great video review of the 1190 mate

[@Nerb1]

A piece of pipe wedged in the crash bars with a length of threaded rod.... no bolts involved ;)

[@Melbournerider]

That frame

[@jimaltonen8879]

Thanks Nerb...any chance you kept drawings of the headlight stabilizer plates? I have similar issue caused from wheelies and jumps. So far no landing issues and only one minor front wheel dent. I wanted the standard because it is lower, front and rear tires are both 1” (25 mm) wider and I can set the suspension to heavier loads - perhaps the fatter tires on the standard help minimize the dented rims??? Anyhow, if you have an6 drawings of the stabilizer plates, I’d appreciate you saving me the reverse engineering. Thanks for all your vids!

[@Nerb1]

Yep! Email me or message me your email address and I'll send them to you.

[@jimaltonen8879]

Nerb1 much appreciated! [e-mail]. I spent all night watching your vids - I’m the planner for our group and I collect lots of GoPro video but never do dink with it. One of your comments inspired me to try and share the experience. With the kids, wife, job and selfish hobbies I’m not sure I’ll get to it - but I want to so I hope that counts for something! Thanks and a handshake.

[@JoeJoeMoto]

I'd love to have a ride of one of those beasts!!

[@Nerb1]

When Im in the neighborhood Joe.

[@blooskyy7]

Great video! Do you remember the make of the hand guards, I've couldn't find any called 'TKK' ? Thanks

[@Nerb1]

They are RHK wrap orange.

[@blooskyy7]

@@Nerb1 Thanks Nerb

[@rodjbosch]

Back in 14 when I bought the 1190 it was the best available. Mine has been ok.....airbox issues,electronic suspension issues,some other electronic stuff happening here n there...and yes the soft like butter front rim. But it is an awesome bike....but should be for the $$$ payed. I go thru rear tires like crazy.....no TC ever for me Fast forward 6 years tho and like you the smaller Adv bikes are beckoning. Sat on the T7,fired it up....love the smoothness of the engine,so much better than the clackity ktms. Lean test confirmed that yes indeed it is still a damn heavy bike....oh yeah the lean test on 790 confirmed the same.🤔 Yeah I wish both bikes were lighter....really they are only 50ish lbs lighter than the 1190. Like the simplicity of the T7....I never use TC....one button to disable abs. And its 3k Canadian cheaper. Stand up on the T7 felt very nice....actually better for me than the 790. The new Triumph Tigers will be interesting as well.... As I've gotten older the need for big power has diminished.....lighter weight,less power,more capability off road,I'm ok with that.

[@Nerb1]

I am right there with you brother! T7 is released here in a week. I will be riding one for sure. The 1190 is just a lot of work, but like you say, awesome. I just couldnt go back to a single though, so i guess no 150kg bikes for me ;)

[@oliverallen5324]

How do you like those MotoZ tires? I'm looking at Tractionator GPS myself.

[@Nerb1]

I really like the Motoz. I think they last well and grip well.... a rare combination.

[@Mighty-yi6fy]

I kind a missing the beard haha, I was like whos that guy and where is Nerb :O Also can I ask you what is the brand of name of the rear tyre and why this choice, mixed with the TKC 80 on front? Thanks

[@waynekerr8003]

Motoz adventure

[@petery3523]

Funny, clever, different 👍

[@TWPeeps]

Would u mind going out and test driving one for me? After testing please write me a full report on its pros and cons!

[@ToriMoto]

Looks good Nerb. Not a bad bike, I've seen you take it on some pretty cool terrain. Though, I think you'd be amazed the difference a light bike will make. Keep the 1190 as a touring/adv machine, and try something

[@JamesVarty]

>130kg*

[@ToriMoto]

Last I checked the symbol < means 'less than'. IE : I was trying to hint that he needs to get a bike that is light, like a proper enduro bike (4-stroke or 2-stroke).

[@Nerb1]

Yeah, a 90kg 450 would be magical! One day :)

[@remundo1131]

Hi Nerb1, Could you slide your handguards more to the outside of the handlebar without having to put them lower and without touching the edge of the brakepump? I have a Kaoko cruise control on mine with the original handguards and its a pain... the oem handguards can't be sled more to outside without bending them and putting them lower to not interferr with the brake lever. (i need 4-5cm clearance at the handlebar end to put my Kaoko between handlebar and guard.

[@remundo1131]

it looks like your handguards could be put more on the outside of the handlebar because the inner fitting is not on the conus of the handlebar but already on the 22mm section. but im not sure

[@Nerb1]

They do have a bit of adjustment in that sideways direction, but im not sure about 5cm.... that is a LOT. Look these ones up and look at some pics.... they are RHK MX handguards

[@Nerb1]

At 5:00 you can see the clamp. You couldnt move the clamp much further out.

[@tombarr6879]

Hi Nerb. Good job. Can you spell what tyres you put on - I can't get the back tyre u have Rgs. Tom

[@Nerb1]

Its the Motoz tractionator adventure.

[@leftysomething]

Hello, I am tossing between the 1190 and the new 1090. I mainly ride on the road and hoping to do off road 15% of the time. How is the reliability of 1190? I have a duke 690 which I sent for warranty 3 times for a crank bearing coming loose.

[@Nerb1]

Hey, (sometime I dont see these messages for ages)... The 690 motors certainly have some issues... I dont know anyone that hasnt had some issue. I think the big motors are pretty robust... still some ktm quirks though. The 1290s are having wierd electrical issues. I guess it depends on how fussy you are.

[@shielasimpleton7346]

How many miles do you have on it?

[@toby7504]

You have made me wanting one of thise bikes may have to go for 1090 as the 1190 costs about 31000AUS here...almost 40% is tax...dam cool looking bike

[@Nerb1]

31000! Ouch. I think the 1090 would be pretty damn good anyway if it is a lot cheaper.

[@toby7504]

Nerb1 I checked an..no..29000aus for 1090..then its no point to buy the small one...

[@pfzpayam]

Why you change your front motoroz to TKC80 ? Do you recon combination of motoroz on back and front TKC80 is better ? Thanks

[@Nerb1]

Ive had the TKC80 in the shed for a long time and needed to use it. Otherwise I would have bought another motoz. The tkc might have more bight in the dirt, but isnt as nice on the asphalt twisties.

[@pfzpayam]

Thanks for your quick reply.

[@CrankDr1]

Nice crocs mate

[@Nerb1]

Safety crocks?

[@islanddreaming8591]

Lets have review for the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

[@occyman]

G'day Nerb just wondering have you ridden the new 1090R?

[@Nerb1]

Nope. Hardly been out of my house. Sorry ;(

[@brendoncoss9589]

on your air box are you drill through it for the bolt in it and put the knot on top, I would make that a lock nut or put a lock washer with it or double nutted you know better safe than sorry

[@Nerb1]

Yes, I drilled through the flange and put in a bolt. Much more secure than those plastic screws.

[@maddogmcbainsmotorcycleadv3159]

DSLRs overheat. I have this problem often while filming in the Kimberley.

[@JDoubleOP]

And see how it'goes............ Kadeeeeeng :)

[@pfzpayam]

Great video Nerb, just you haven't mentioned how many km on the bike now ? Also would be great if you test drive a Africa twin and maybe see how it's stand beside the 1190R. Cheers mate

[@Nerb1]

50,000km. I have ridden the AT, but only quickly. I definately want to take one on a decent ride for a good comparison.

[@TimKreitzAdventures]

Hahaha! I don't even have this bike, but I stayed for the LOLs.

[@iSlanderEST]

Lighter bike would be a nice addition. SWM Super Dual for example. But lighter bikes don't have the power

[@JustTex]

I never knew KTM's had the brake lever on the left 7:00 and what are you doing with that drill?!

[@Nerb1]

Did I say brake... I meant clutch. Stop being so fussy! Drill was just to get a comment out of you ;)

[@JustTex]

haha well it worked a treat with the drill. Goodluck with your hotham adventure....Cheers

[@waynekerr8003]

Hey Mr Nerb, do u reckon your average gumby rider would be able to wrestle an 1190 around the bush or is it too much bike?

[@Nerb1]

If you can ride any bike around the bush without falling over, then the 1190 would be fine. Its only problem is picking it up! Balancing a bike is balancing a bike. The weight doesnt come into it until its half way over ;)

[@waynekerr8003]

@@Nerb1 note to self, don't let it tip past half way. 👍

[@waynekerr8003]

@@Nerb1 have you ridden the 790 motorcycling with Thomas has or had, if so whats your pick of the two?

[@Nerb1]

@@waynekerr8003 Yeah, I did a whole series of vids on the 790. I had one for a week. The 790 is a superior bike... lighter, better electronics and amazing suspension. But its expensive. If money is no object, the 790 is the go.

[@mototrailz]

i dont give a shit!!! love it! I am buying a bike Nerb which one would you go for please be honest: 701 Husky enduro or new 1090 Adventure R? Thanks man & ride one PS: i remember that video where you got stuck...looking forward to that new adventure

[@Nerb1]

Not so simple! How are you going to ride it? What will be the most type of riding and what will be the hardest?

[@mototrailz]

Probably 20% as some of my buddies have enduro bikes but also adv I also like you like to jump but can afford only one bike and since i do some roads to get to the playground i feel like the 1090 adv r will be the way to go...thanks for your help

[@Nerb1]

A 701 will take you anywhere and everywhere... but on long trips and if its loaded up it is just not a nice. The 1090 is a bit tougher in the rough stuff, but its soooo good everywhere else. Its a trade-off. A tough decision!

[@Hoobz01]

Hello Bren, First off, I enjoyed the vid immensely. Comments: I have a Motocell Li batt too, one of my fave buys...ever. 7.09 Reported for superfluous drill use. Was not even doing anything. Hilarious, I was laughing loud ---> "Everytime they recorded a jump...they broke something". hahahahaha Didn't know u got stuck, rescued, and had it in the news. LUL. hahaha Q's. (I'm lazy, don't wanna google it all) What model year is it? How long have you had it? How many k's? How much was it? I don't watch many bike vids lately, this one was great...got me thinking about one...

[@Nerb1]

Thanks Hoobz. Lol, added the drill for some controversy... the breaker bar at the start to. Was just a length of threaded rod onto a piece of pipe next to the bike! A's 2013 since 2013 just ticked over 50k 24,169 with the rad guard, bash plate and heated grips options.

[@Hoobz01]

Nerb1 very good Nerb. Keep making your vids, very entertaining. I have to take a break from bike buying for a little bit...still renovating. Otherwise I'd try join you on a trip or two. Gotta be responsible for once. LOL. Look forward to your next vid,

[@Nerb1]

Yeah, responsible sucks, but we all gotta do it sometimes. I should come visit you soon... check out these glorious reno's

[@MrAusadventure]

Love your mechanic skills sense of humour through this one. lol Pleez maek moor vidyos. 1 a weak iz nise.

[@Nerb1]

I'll try just for you......... NOT! Thanks mate. Looks like youve been out a lot lately! Good weather I suspect!

[@MrAusadventure]

HaHa! I don't blame you! Not as much as it seems. But this year is looking better than last year. Good weather? Heat and humidity are good?

[@JohnDoe-uc7et]

what production year is it?

[@Nerb1]

2013. One of the first batches.

[@Dark1Stranger]

Thanks Nerb, you are a good man. How many kms on the ole girl?

[@Nerb1]

50k

[@JohnDoe-uc7et]

Hi do you also have warm legs because of the engine heat?

[@Nerb1]

No, ive never had that issue. My Hayabusa used to burn my legs.

[@JohnDoe-uc7et]

@@Nerb1 maybe you experience heat differently. It seems to be a common complaint. Or do you have extra engine insulation?

[@Nerb1]

@@JohnDoe-uc7et No extra insulation. I have heard the complaint also, but I figured it was from people that had previously ridden air cooled bikes or bikes without radiators and fans. Once the fan switches on, all bikes blow hot air, but even in 40 degree C temps, ive never felt the 1190 as hot as some of the 4 cylinder sports bikes ive owned.

[@JohnDoe-uc7et]

@@Nerb1 thanks

[@brokentrike1243]

What were you trying to undo at the start of vid....?

[@Nerb1]

Nothing... it was just for comedic effect ;)

[@rhys3697]

Getting the suspension resprung for your weight and load and valved accordingly is around $1000 talk to Peter at Promecha makes a huge difference to every bike I've owned 👍

[@Nerb1]

May well have a chat to them as theyre only around the corner!

[@RobsRacingMotoVLOG]

heh "I don't give a shit." That is why your videos are so great. As far as other bikes are concerned: what are your thoughts on the Africa Twin?

[@Nerb1]

Its cheaper, sits lower and has a bit less power.... none of which im saying are negatives. Ive only had a quick 5 minute ride on one, so cant give a good comparison... but it certainly felt different to the 1190. One day i'll spend a bit more time on one. Definitely not a bad bike though.... but its hard to live upto the 1190 imo.

[@WeNeedASaga]

how many k's on her so far Nerb??

[@Nerb1]

50k. Not really that much per year now that i dont commute anymore.

[@scottharter1161]

Lol - "The reason is...I don't give a shit!" - I love that. Do what you do, man, right on!

[@Nerb1]

Here here!

[@Itchybite]

Nerb1 Classis wrap up! I love it!

[@Azazel518]

DO you have a trip planned case those nobbleys look rather new :-)...just sayin

[@Nerb1]

Just spent the weekend away. There is a few chunks out of them now!

[@D1cko888]

Re. your camera overheating, It looked like a DSLR, and they're know for heating the sensor when recording video so you have to stop the recording every so often. I'm told 20 minutes of straight recording is really hard work for them.

[@Nerb1]

I am now of the same understanding. I'd never heard of it until it happened to me... then I googled it and its mentioned a lot.

[@advsquared]

Say, how do I sign up for the Nerb School of Motorcycle Repair. I want to learn all of your special secret techniques ;) Don’t feel to bad about your overheating camera, my GoPros like to do that at the worst possible time. Now, I expect a new video next week. Right? Right!!!!

[@Nerb1]

Lol... If you want to learn how to snap a bolt head off, then break the easy-out in the thread.... I can teach that! New video...... one day ;)

[@robc1708]

@Nerb1 any chance I can buy your design for the head light assembly strengthening bracket? Mines getting flogged out too and I'd love to fix it.

[@Nerb1]

pm me your email and i'll send you my cad file and the photos and you can make one. Free for good people ;)

[@robc1708]

Nerb1 sent you a pm from Instagram, can't work out how to pm from KZbin 😳

[@Nerb1]

got it

[@robc1708]

Nerb1 Legend, thanks!

[@rockbiterhd]

How many Ks on the bike now

[@Nerb1]

50000km

[@timdudeney5072]

You should be able to re valve and spring the suspension for around / under a grand, shouldn't you? Wouldn't $6k be like Ohlins or Group A factory type prices?!!?

[@Nerb1]

You are spot on and thats what I eventually did. I got resprung and valves and the bike feels heaps better now. I was complaining about the price of replacing the suspension with the touratech outfit.

[@TWPeeps]

You ride the 1090 yet?

[@Nerb1]

Nope. I think it would be very similar. Could be a good buy.

[@mikefry6765]

How was the Wombat ? :-)

[@Nerb1]

He ran off, but im sure he was sore. They are pretty tuff.

[@PetreRodan]

I have a 1090 and broke the exact same mirror mount - it can be purchased from Magura - item 2700177 167 HYMEC at half the price then what my KTM dealer asked for

[@Germaingazm]

0:33 lost my shit hahahaha

[@TWPeeps]

Get you some Woody's rims in Denver, CO. Best in world. They will cost you!

[@Captndarty]

I enjoy your videos. I wish I had balls as big as yours to beat the ever living shit out of my $20,000 1190 🤦🏻‍♂️LOL

[@Nerb1]

"Its just a bike".... keep saying it... never look at a shiny part ;)

[@TWPeeps]

Woodys Wheel Works

[@MotorDanko]

You put like 250 lbs of torque on that bolt

[@Nerb1]

lol... dont panic... there was no bolt on the end of that bar!

[@waynekerr4141]

yo 1

[@TWPeeps]

Ha, just kidding. Cheers