New Bike Day - 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Quick intro to the new bike, picked it up November 2022. From BMW S1000XR to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. This video just runs through why I chose the KTM and what options I went for.

[@indiamelia639]

Congratulations! I picked up my gen2 1290 SAS in November and I absolutely love it. Sam Vincent has alot to answer for 😂

[@motocrad]

Yep, between Sam Vincent & Ricardo Yeep, I couldn't wait to get hold of one.

[@dorian2244]

Congrats mate

[@GeE98765]

Nice! I've ordered the (almost) exact same bike. Getting mine in march. Can't wait. I did order the arrow sonora exhaust with the panniers, we'll see how that fits. The windscreen is also getting replaced by the Puig touring screen. Coming from an older GS, test drove a new R1250Gs and wasn't convinced. Then did a test drive on the SAS. Went back and ordered it. It's much more fun, and that's the reason I ride a motorcycle.

[@motocrad]

Nice one, nothing wrong with the GS but the grin factor from the SAS is on another level. I've been torn between the MRA & Puig windscreen, both great choices.

[@GeE98765]

@@motocrad I've tested the Puig Touring screen. That was still not tall enough, so I ordered the Touring Plus. Hopefully not too much buffeting.

[@lasse9706]

@@GeE98765How did it pan out with the Touring Plus? And how tall are you? I’m 190 and have trouble with the standard screen.

[@kolanexus]

Congrats! Awesome machine!

[@scottieray]

I'm very impressed with the fuel economy on my '22 SAS. Mixed riding I usually get upper 40s and easily get 250 miles per tank.

[@houjous5131]

Did the bike tell you upper 40's? I've found my 890adv doesn't calculate right. Using my phone, miles/gallons gets me about 65-75mpg but the bike reports 50-55mpg.

[@scottieray]

@@houjous5131 It seems to be accurate on my 1290. Typical V-Twin in if you ride 'normal' it gets really great mpg...if you ride like the adverts, mileage drops into low 40s. Full 6 gallons I can get well over 250 miles of range.

[@stevenSmith-tz6iy]

Congratulations. I have the same colour, get yourself a headlight protector if you haven't already. Great bike it's such a hoot to ride. I did exactly the same booked a test ride, two hours later brought it back paid the deposit lol

[@motocrad]

Thanks, being a KTM sales person must be one of the easiest jobs ;) Great tip with the headlight protector, I can feel another purchase coming on.

[@stevenSmith-tz6iy]

@@motocrad yeah no hard sell. Just gave me the key and said see you in two hours

[@SamVBikes]

Congratulations!! Best bike in the world! Perfect choice of colour too 😉 great spec too. Don't listen to all the people saying KTMs have reliability issues. KTMs of old, sure, but these new bikes are no different to BMW, Triumph etc. Ride it regularly and look after it, and it will be fine! 22k miles on mine in 18 months! Thanks for the shout out too bud!

[@motocrad]

You're very welcome and thanks for the comment. It's the first KTM I've had so that is great to hear, riding it regularly shouldn't be a problem. Love the channel, all the best.

[@SamVBikes]

@MotoCrad My first KTM too and I wish I bought it sooner!! Keep up with the channel 👍🏼

[@DukeOfPain88]

@@SamVBikes only the R is better than this bike ;) hahah

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

When you go KTM (1290SAS), you don't turn back😂

[@elkruno]

I have the same, as well the same colour! Just in love, very capable bike for long distance! Cheers from BCN

[@motocrad]

Good choice :)

[@FastyRides]

Hey there. I test rode the same bike from the same show room last year. I loved it, great bike. like you (had) I have a BMW S1000XR but would something with more torque. I probably get a SAS as they seem a great bike and fun when you want them to be. Anyway keep the videos coming I will waiting eagerly for the next one. Fasty-Rides

[@motocrad]

I remember watching your video before biting the bullet last year, thank you ;)

[@FastyRides]

@@motocrad I am soooooo jealous. haha

[@christophereaves7108]

i really do love the look at this bike, i so nearly got one however my friend had a Super Duke GT and it was never out of the garage, in the end i thoguht id save my self 8 grand and get the Tracer 9Gt. beautiful bike you dont need to add anything on apart from a top box.. i will defo be looking at this bike again in the next few years.. ive subscribed and looking forward to more vids

[@motocrad]

Sorry to hear about your friends Super Duke GT, I hope you're enjoying the Tracer. Thanks for subscribing, pleased to have you along for the ride ;)

[@davehenderson3247]

I have the same bike, had it 3 weeks, although the dealer had it back for half that time as the quick shifter didn’t work. It’s the first bike I have ever bought without a test ride. Came from a 1250gs. Interested in your panniers as I am not sure which to get, but those do fit the closet 🤔 good luck with your bike 👍

[@motocrad]

Sorry to hear that, hopefully its trouble free now. I was thinking of doing a quick video on the panniers, I remember I couldn't find much on them before buying the bike. I went for these over the metal kind because I don't intend to use it for serious off-roading, I've got a CRF for that. I felt these looked a bit slicker for the road and when they're not on the bike you're not left with any scaffolding ;o)

[@davehenderson3247]

@@motocrad hopefully sorted, the bike was showing everything was fitted and turned on, but when it got back to the dealer and they plugged it in, it showed nothing. Shame they didn’t road test it before delivering it over 150 miles away 🤔 Looking forward to seeing some more videos from you on the bike. Looking forward to Spring as well 😎👍

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

Congrats mate. Having a blast with mine since June 2022.

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

Have added Hex EzCan to manage Denali S4, Adaptive Break lights and Split Sound Bomb without a need for additional switches on handle bar. Next addition will be Denali T3 lights and Tutoro Chain Oiler😅

[@motocrad]

@Capt. Nandha Kumar I was thinking about doing a video on the Hex EzCan and Denali lights, not so much a how to but more a review and why install them at all. Great to hear you're still enjoying the SAS 😀

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

It's easy mate. About the why..... HexEZCAN or Denali CANSmart 1. Avoid messy wiring under the seat, 2. Keep handle bars 'clean' and uncluttered without need for additional switches, 3. Ability to control power supply to each accessory, 4. Eliminating the need for relays, 5. The various configuration for the accessories and between the installed accessories e.g. spotlight off when using turn lights, strobe lights when using the sound bomb, etc... 6. A power distribution module (albeit more expensive than other models in the market) Denali S4 1.Very bright (so are various other models in the market). The D3,4 n 7 are obviously brighter but S4s are compact and sufficient for my needs. More so as DRL to be seen in the day than for night vision. I avoid riding in hours of darkness (tonight being an exception). 2. Light intensity can be done on the fly in conjunction with the HexEZCAN. Denali B6 Adaptive Brake lights 1. Very bright and intensity can be preset for various modes on initial setup via the HexEZCAN accessories menu. Ask fellow riders who are trailing for feedback, 2. Deceleration is quickly transmitted to warn vehicle on one's tail, 3. Acts as additional tail light in addition to bike fitted lights. Denali Split Sound Bomb 1. One has to be deaf or has impaired hearing not to hear it when a warning is given by this means to obstructing or any moving hazard on the road that could potentially get into the way. 2 . Can be paired to strobe light when horn is used. Thus providing audio and visual warning, 3. A pretty damn effective means when warning other vehicle users when they are on their mobiles (not hands free). Amusing to observe how quickly the phones are put away besides making the road safer for other road users .....this is the primary intention. Hope this gives you a start for the intended you tube video. Wish you well.

[@motocrad]

@Capt. Nandha Kumar wow, certainly does give me a start. I might just make a video and read all that out 😀. Super useful, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write it. Thank you 😊

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

@@motocrad No worries mate. Wouldn't utter a thing unless I am convinced myself. Bless you.

[@slasher4328]

Congratulations on your new motorcycle

[@michaelletford4786]

I bought an orange paint pen and painted the stitching when it faded it doesn’t take as long as you think it’s just a dab on each stictch you could try it on your pillion seat I have the 2018 super adventure

[@motocrad]

haha, i like it. I recently started taking my father on the odd trip out as a pillion, I'll have to make sure he doesn't wear white pants ;o)

[@markfromleeds]

lovely video bud, im looking forward to watching more of your content ........ subscribed 😀

[@motocrad]

great to have you along, I remember you from teapotone's channel, "Maaaark from Leeeeeds" ;o)

[@Ivan_1986]

Beautiful bike. Looking forward for getting mine. Want to go for the same cases, grey color… Enjoy the ride!

[@motocrad]

Thanks Ivan, great choice 👍

[@chrischristofis8501]

Fantastic bike, you said it all ‘sporty’ sums up a KTM ‘ready to race’ i agree about the BMW GS also a fantastic bike. If you like to twist the throttle a bit cant beat a, KTM though, Ducati, MGuzzi, Aprilla are trying hard

[@motocrad]

Certainly is fantastic, thankfully the brakes are also fantastic because corners come up really quick ;)

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@motocrad 75-year old rider here respectfully! Worked for a motorcycle touring company in Italy - taking folks riding all over the world - on all sorts of motorbikes. On and off-road. Don't buy a 1,300cc 160hp "missile" if you want to enjoy riding a little bit of off-road. Unless you just want to pose! And too tall, too big and too heavy. Pillion - forget about it. Manhandling these monsters for 2-weeks - turns it from an "Adventure" to a "Nightmare" for most riders. And if long distance touring on the road at high speed is what you want - there are many much better bikes than these hermaphrodites! Jack of all trades - master of none. There are very few riders in my experience that need a bike like this. Nice bike though.

[@Marty43ful]

Defo going to be my next bike. I’ve enjoyed my 2020 GT, but after a test ride on the SAS, I’m a convert. Just wish it had the single sided swing arm and that carbuncle of an exhaust will have to go!

[@motocrad]

Haha, I know what you mean about the exhaust, it does sound good though 👍

[@Banditmanuk]

This is a bike I always fancied as a replacement for my MT10. Something more suited to the longer tours me the Mrs do. Does look a great bike. After 7 trouble free years with the Yam, my biggest concern is buying something that's not going to be reliable. Had a nightmare with a Multistrada 1200S over decade ago thats really made me warey of too much tech. Not sure if I should test ride one, I might like it too much. Cheers and best wishes with the new bike.

[@motocrad]

I hear what you're saying, there does seem to be a stigma around KTM reliability, but so far so good. I've got friends that either had or have KTM's and they've never had any issues. Test ride it yourself at your own peril, it could end up being expensive, but the smiles and giggles fully justify it. Thanks for best wishes, all the best.

[@kj385]

Been riding some version of the LC8 Ktm for the last 5 years without a single issue. Super duke R, super duke GT and now super adventure. All had over 10k miles.

[@Banditmanuk]

@kj385 Good to hear. I guess you only really hear about the unhappy stories 👍

[@kj385]

@@Banditmanuk also have a Ktm sx atv. It lives a very demanding life as a dune only machine. And at WOT most of the time in 100 percent sand. Replaced the piston last year after a 100+ hrs (recommended service is 20hrs at pro level) because the piston will crack. But to be fair the oem piston out lasts any aftermarket one in that application. Bottom line is everything else in that motor still looked perfect. Didn’t even have to adjust the valves. So I am a believer in Ktm engineering.

[@yamyamyamaha]

Do yourself a favour and stick to Japanese bikes if you value reliability

[@dorian2244]

I rode my 2023 bought it the same day

[@motocrad]

Haha, I'm not surprised. Enjoy your new machine 😄

[@operationsoperations5515]

Congrats, super bike you just got yourself. As for the stitching of the pillion seat, take it to your local upholsterer and I am sure he will put in imitation stitching for peanuts and you wont know the difference.

[@motocrad]

Haha, thanks for the tip, I might just do that :)

[@philwoods2534]

from your display it doesnt seem like they have hooked up your heated seat...it should display next to your grips. Enjoy your ride, I certainly love mine.

[@motocrad]

I'm impressed you spotted that. I sorted it once I got home, it just needed enabling in the settings. You too, enjoy the ride 😉

[@raymanvonmetal8559]

Great video! Being in the states I get slight anxiety watching u drive on the left😂

[@motocrad]

haha, shame KZbin doesn't have a flip video mode to make you feel more at home ;o)

[@4tech69]

She's a beauty

[@abymathew295]

And a beast too

[@briansingstock164]

How is the engine heat coming off the rear cylinder? I hear the split radiator set up helps. Hoping it does. My test ride today was brilliant, but a cold day and short test. I couldn't tell how the heat was going to be. Thanks and enjoy.

[@motocrad]

I've honestly never noticed it so I'd say it is all good. Having said that I don't think it's been above 10ºC since I bought the bike in November ;o)

[@neilmalcolmreed]

Keep the battery charged, to prevent abs and MTC errors..... Awesome bikes tho..

[@motocrad]

it doesn't stay still enough to go flat ;o), great advice though, thank you

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

A slight voltage drop to 11.9V 'invites' irritating warning lights to appear.

[@wright_stuf]

HI, thanks for the vid. I too have a KTM 2022 1290SAS, but have always had 4 cylinder engines before (and I do miss the high revs), so was thinking of maybe swapping it for a S1000Xr, and I noticed you came from an S1000Xr so I am curious how you compare the bikes as you have owned both?

[@motocrad]

Hi, you're very welcome. The revs and power delivery is probably the biggest difference between the 2 bikes, suspension, brakes, geomotary all feel very similar. Get the S1000XR singing higher up the rev range and it is scary quick, I also love the induction noise on the XR. The only real negative of having the power so high up the revs relates to the speed, I found with the XR that when it was at it's best (power band) you're well untruly past the speed limit. At least with the big V-Twin having that power lower down makes it a bit more usable. The other thing I noticed recently, I think the XR was more comfortable at higher speeds, 90+ (on a track of course ;o). I did have the MRA screen with spoiler on the XR so I reserve judgement until I get a similar screen for the SAS. I think the reality is both the XR and SAS are awesome machines and I'd be happy with either, I just fancied a change after having the XR for 4 years. I was waiting on the new XR to get ShiftCam, but it doesn't look like that is going happen.

[@kevinperree7764]

134 subs, 7.1k views, 83 comments (now 84) hats off to ya. Soon be up there with TMF & LCR

[@motocrad]

thanks Kevin. TMF & LCR levels, could you imagine, being lent brand new bikes for a month to ride and review, that's the dream ;o)

[@DukeOfPain88]

have fun :)

[@hdjnfirnfnhdhdjjdkdk9349]

I wish u all the best but am I the only one who thinks that the new motorcycles are so extraordinary, so amazing, so high tech that they have lost their purpose of teaching us to be more independent, more free?!!

[@motocrad]

This bike is fully laden with tech, I think the only thing it is missing that is available on some others is blind spot monitoring. Personally I'd rather have all the tech and be able to turn it off than not have it at all. Having said that I totally hear what you're saying and have considered getting a classic like the Honda CBR954RR for that very reason. All the best :)

[@hdjnfirnfnhdhdjjdkdk9349]

@@motocrad i will search for a good 990 😁

[@chrigdichein]

Independance you want? With a KTM full of electronics you will be close to a workshop most of the time, when believing reviews on here. I hope I am wrong

[@arintraparial1999]

Don't know when this big bikes will arrive in India😔😔

[@Phatness19]

How did you find KD Motorcycles? Thinking of going up there in the next couple of weeks and test riding one. Swaying towards the super adv rather than the GT

[@motocrad]

I can recommend them, from arranging a test ride to ordering the bike it was all good. Felt like a smaller family run business, all motorcycle enthusiast so easy to gel with. Took 2 weeks from ordering to riding it away. The delay was with a couple of parts being sent from KTM otherwise I could have had the bike in a couple of days. Not sure if it's the same with all KTM dealerships but I got 20% off any Powerparts I added to the order :) I test rode the Super Duke GT a year back, loved it but found it a little bit too small. When I got back on my S1000XR at the time it felt nice and like I was back at home so that kinda told me the GT wasn't the right bike for me. It probably depends what you're coming from, if you're coming from a naked or sports bike then the GT would be a good option. If you're coming from a bigger adventure bike like a Tiger, GS etc then the SAS is probably a more suitable choice.

[@red.riot.2280]

Beautiful ride. I’ve been researching these like crazy. Let us know how you like it. Is the turn signal switch really garbage? Anything thst concerns you them? Can you compare to the XR? Ktm more exciting?

[@axelfiraxa]

I have my 2022 SAS since september. The turn signal switch is trash because it requires you to pay attention. The signals self cancel but it takes almost 300m which is too long.

[@axelfiraxa]

The grips and seat heating is good and easily accessible by custom button The navigation is weird because you basically need to start it on your phone and THEN turn on the bike otherwise it does not show up on the dash. Just weird.

[@axelfiraxa]

Suspension is also good and the sportier setting fits it best. Comfort makes it a boat which i dont like but it may have its use

[@axelfiraxa]

The akrapovich is an overpriced POS. Save the money. Just go ride.

[@motocrad]

So far so good, loving it. The turn signal switch is naff, although there is a technique to it which I've got used to and I don't think about it anymore. Be interesting to see if the recently revised 2023 version has tweaked it at all. The 2 biggest differences I first noticed between the XR & the SAS, power delivery and leg position. With the XR you need to have it at 6000rpm+ to really get it singing but don't get me wrong, when on song it's a rocket. With the SAS there is power pretty much anywhere in the rev range. I find the SAS is a little more comfortable on my legs, less acute at the knees. I'll give the comparison some more thought, might try and make a vid on it.

[@francescopaoletti8953]

L'ho posseduta anche io ma il modello 2019, poi sono passato alla GT. Per il semplice motivo che abito a Roma e destreggiarsi nella giungla del traffico era molto impegnativa! Ci sei mai stato a Roma? Col GT mi trovo bene quasi come quando avevo l'890 duke R. Dove la guidi te e' fin troppo facile, me la sarei tenuta anche io! 🤩🤩🤩 comunque intendiamoci gran bella moto!

[@motocrad]

Ah sì, la GT farebbe una scelta molto migliore per aggirare il traffico, la SAS è una bestia larga.

[@terrydugan5803]

I’ve had my 2022 1290 SAS for a little over a year and like it so much I sold my second bike, a 2020 Ducati Streetfighter. I’m also much more comfortable riding two up with the wife than on my old BMW R1250 RT which was just too heavy. My only quibble - at 45 mph, there is a wobble in the front end if you aren’t holding the bars firmly. Dealer can’t seem to fix it after two tries. Does anyone else have this? Might be a tire out of round but I’m wondering if it is a design thing. It’s not noticeable unless you really lighten up on the bars so doesn’t interfere with the fun of riding.

[@motocrad]

That's says a lot, selling a Ducati Streetfighter. I totally understand it though, my second bike is a gen 4 S1000RR and it's not getting much love since getting the SAS. Yes to the wobble, doesn't feel enough to cause an off but still a little off-putting at first. I've seen a few posts on it, I think it's just part of the bike's character 😉

[@TheKlimaUredzaj]

Hey there. Is the comfort seat realy comfortable as they say? As i found few infos that is realy good and much much better than the stock one.

[@motocrad]

Hi, it is more comfortable than stock, but not by much. I would still recommend it though, especially the heated one. The heated seat has 3 options, hot, very hot & christ something must be on fire ;)

[@TheKlimaUredzaj]

@@motocrad thank you. Im coming from a Tracer 9 first generation so every seat it's better haha. But yeah like you said it must be heated :) My lady will like the " must be on fire mode " :D

[@TheLudojay]

I had the previous version which I bought new. I won't have another KTM. It was unreliable & poorly finished (it started to look tatty long before it should have). The bike was a great to ride but the problems I had spoilt the ownership experience.

[@motocrad]

Sorry to hear that, just out of interest what did you replace it with?

[@TheLudojay]

@@motocrad 2022 MT10SP

[@francescopaoletti8953]

Non capisco perche' non l'hanno fatta altezza sella terra 80 cm come la ducati multistrada

[@motocrad]

Non lo so neanche io, il sedile ha 2 altezze, 849 mm e 869 mm. Ci sono altri posti PowerPart disponibili e penso che uno di questi sia inferiore.

[@jonasbaine3538]

If KTM and Ducati were same price what would you get?

[@motocrad]

that is a good question, I never test rode the Ducati, partly because I suspected I would have loved it. Money aside I don't think you could go wrong with either, sorry for the politician style reply ;o). Might be a silly idea but I was thinking of borrowing a Multistrada so I could do a comparison video.

[@jonasbaine3538]

@@motocrad yeah in my area a barely used multistrada is same price as a new 1290s... tempting!

[@motocrad]

@Jonas Baine hmm that is tempting, not sure how much it matters to you but the fuel consumption on the SAS is superb, especially given the power and weight. I average around 47-50mpg, I think the fuel consumption and range is the Multistrada's only downside.

[@francescopaoletti8953]

Questa è una bomba ma il GT ancora di piu' e secondo è piu' polivalente ci puoi fare tutto. Provalo!

[@motocrad]

Ho provato la GT ma l'ho trovata un po' troppo piccola. Se provenisse da una Super Duke o da un'altra moto nuda/sportiva, la GT avrebbe molto senso. Comunque è una bici fantastica.

[@T3-RIDER]

This bike will spend more time getting fixed than on the road 😂 god bless

[@motocrad]

I hope not, so far so good but if reliability does become an issue I'll be sure to share my experiences.

[@faidilah66]

why

[@tonebonetones]

@Simon L KTM have a very bad reliability reputation, unfortunately. It's a lottery when you buy one, so keeping my fingers crossed for this guy.

[@bobhill2057]

I've got a '19 GT with 30,000 mi. Only problem was a crank positioning sensor @ 22,000. Love the torque

[@chrischristofis8501]

I think this is some sort of wierd jealousy issue KTM statistically are equally if not more reliable than triumph or Ducati or most non Japanese manufacturers, my KTM has never had a problem, i did have skme probs with a Honda does that mean i should slate Honda or use my brain and realise i had a duff bike

[@houjous5131]

Nothing beats ktm in this market. The multistrada just bleeds money, bmw & triumph is more for old people, the Japanese don't make anything in this segment. H-D has made a good competitor but I refuse to wear their badge.

[@tonebonetones]

Much better choice than the, imo, highly overrated 1930's boxer engined GS barge. However, I wish you every luck with KTM's dire, niggly electrical fault reliability issues, and hope sincerely your bike stays away from the dealer.

[@motocrad]

Thanks, fingers crossed.