OFF-ROAD REVIEW & CRASH 2021 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R // Enduro Action Team

The new 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is just now hitting the dealerships and I have been lucky enough to ride one for a full day during the first Enduro Action Team event this year. I will give you my first impressions of this bike and compare the new R to my 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S which I have owned and ridden for 3 years and almost 50,000 km.
I will share my immediate impressions of riding the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in real off-road conditions during a "Pro Training" at the Enduro Action Team with their 80 ha Enduro Park. There has been a lot of marketing hype and detailed specification videos on the S model and some on the R model already. I will spare you all that and just focus on how feels to ride this bike.
Does the new tank design and the lower center of gravity actually make a difference? Would I buy the bike? See the video for anwsers to these questions.
I crashed the bike mulitple times during the training. A big thank you goes to Robert from the Enduro Action Team who let me ride this bike as it was my own and was very chill about the added scratches ;-) A big thanks goes to Diemo who was my intructor that day and did an amazing job in showing us a good time and teaching us well.
If you are interested in my long term review of my 2018 KTM Super Adventure S check out this video
• KTM 1290 Super Adventu...
Thumbnail Photo Credit:
Sandra Ehm
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[@bradleyalexander5821]

That was a lot of fun to watch. I think you’re getting much better off-roading. And you did publish your “unscheduled offs”, we like that. You’re inspiring me to work a bit more on my own self guided training. Thanks as always for the ride along. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much. It has been too long since I last got to play in the dirt. Hoping to do more of that again now 😎 I should do some self guided training too - need to find a place closer to home to do that 😉

[@enricocasari3455]

The best bike for your next italian offroad ride 💪🏻🔝✊🏻

[@MotoVibes]

Absolutely 😉

[@Anath525]

That training course was bad ass!!!

[@MotoVibes]

It was awesome - can only recommend such a training if you have not done any. Really helps with building skill and confidence

[@cgsufan1]

I have 2 dream bikes the ktm 1290 s and the tenere 700 rally edition today i got my tenere 700 rally edition delivered but damn your ktm looks amazing 😍😍😍😍

[@MotoVibes]

Congratulations to your new bike. I would love to the T700 for a ride one day. They definitely nailed the design on this one - really like it

[@davidbathe4108]

Your lucky biker We are talking one of my buddies into getting a Tenere He owns a 1250GSA But due to poor health it has become too heavy , So Tenere is the way to go Stay safe

[@MotoVibes]

@@davidbathe4108 I am still itching to ride the T700 as well as the 790/890 R. The T700 is certainly one of the best looking bikes out there in my opinion - the absolutely nailed it with the headlight design

[@cgsufan1]

@@davidbathe4108 i tested it and i was so speechless i just bought one my best friend who rides a mt07 for years rode my tenere for 10 minutes he's going to buy one to its that good its nothing fancy but its a good looking rallybike looking bike and also its simple and reliable it rides amazingly good i hope the bike can help your friend its a big difference in weight compared to a gs1250! Please stay safe and keep on riding!

[@davidbathe4108]

@@cgsufan1 thank you sir Stay safe brother 👻🏍

[@davidbathe4108]

Morning my German friend Happy Father’s Day Don’t know how many times I’ve watched your off road training video I enjoy that you include every thing Falls and knocks included 😵‍💫 Stay safe my friend And remember you are awesome 😎🏍🙏🏻🇩🇪

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much David - Happy Father's Day! (we had ours last month in Germany ;-) )

[@LifeofSmokey]

Got this bike from KTM for a couple week. Really thinking about trading my SD GT for it. It’s just so much fun! 😁👌

[@MotoVibes]

I can totally see why 😎 not that the SDGT is not fun but the SAR offers a greater range of things you can do with it

[@LifeofSmokey]

@@MotoVibes just took the highway to our harbour. Spend some time at night riding there , got home and took some mountainbike single tracks through the woods on the way home in pitch black. I’m really liking the range of things you can do with it indeed 😁👌.

[@stevedenny3547]

Wow you had me thinking you’d gone for the 21 SAR instead of the 20 model.What an outstanding off-road experience ,something ive never considered before…the manual adjustable suspension sounds brilliant. My old 950 Supermoto i had back in 2006 had that same feel and connectionand and when you made an adjustment you really felt it,my new 2021 SAS just doesn’t have that 'analog ‘feel which i miss. Anyway awesome video and looking forward to seeing your new R.

[@MotoVibes]

It’s not out of the question that I will own one some day but I am looking forward to the 2020 R. still very much like this bike.

[@TR850]

I am really curious on your comparison between the 21 vs 20 model years. Seems risky to me to test the 21 when you got the 20. 😉 Also interesting to hear that someone actually sees drawbacks with the rally footpegs! Looking forward to your next vid with your own 20 SAR model.

[@MotoVibes]

Me too - cannot wait to take the 2020 R to the Endro Action Team - I had an event lined up that was just cancelled due to Corona restrictions. I do not have a plan B yet. I have the 2020 R now and the seat height feels a lot higher than on the 2021 - on paper it is just 1 cm but the narrower seat on the 2021 helps to get the feet planted on the ground - feels like 2-3cm lower than the old R. That is significantly better for me. I was surprised about the rallye pegs too - I was just about to roder a pair but maybe I will look for something in between the width of the stock and the rallye pegs now. Maybe you get used to it after a while but in a day of riding I did not warm up to the rallye pegs

[@anroluni]

Sehr ausführlich und gut erklärt! Sicher ein tolles Teil. Schöne Grüße aus Kärnten 👍🏍🇦🇹🙋‍♂️

[@MotoVibes]

Vielen Dank Andeas - Grüße zurück ins wunderschöne Kärnten ;-)

[@sudhinkumars7940]

The one vdo we waited...superb

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you ;-)

[@Motorradbummler]

Hey sag mal Olli, du musst doch schon Mengenrabatt beim Enduro Action Team haben 😜😜 Dein Englisch ist so schnell, ich hab Schwierigkeiten mitzukommen.. Du es gibt zwei Möglichkeiten, erstens ich lerne englisch oder zweitens du machst deutsche Untertitel rein.. ich plädiere für zweitens :-) ..

[@MotoVibes]

Na, noch nicht ganz 😂 machen mal bald ne Tour zusammen und reden dann einfach nur Englisch und tanzen vor den Ortsschildern 😂😂

[@Motorradbummler]

@@MotoVibes 😂 😂.. Ich mach heute ne Tour, weiß nur noch nicht wohin... 🤪... Werd am Mittwoch operiert (O-Beine für nen besseren Sitz bei langen Touren und den Affentanz 🤪), da will ich vorher noch ein paar Aufnahmen haben

[@MotoVibes]

@@Motorradbummler Heute wird es wohl nichts - ich hoffe, dass ich noch ein bisschen basteln kann an der neuen, wenn es nicht regnet. Ich hoffe, Du bist nicht zu lange out of order nach der OP - wir suchen uns mal einen netten Tag aus und drehen eine Runde - mal schauen ob Lars auch Lust hat

[@FamousROCKY]

It‘s a little bit offtopic, but i like this Meltewitz Enduropark a lot. But usually i ride it on a 2-stroke KTM 😅

[@MotoVibes]

Would love to try riding the park on a lighter bike. 🤙

[@tobiashuber2910]

Thank you for this video. So good!!! Next week my 1290 SAR will be delivered. I'm so happy. I traded in my 1290 SAS (built in 2017) because of the better balance of this new model and because of the colours. I love the look of this R version.

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much Tobias! Congratulations to your new 1290 SAR! You will love the new bike! Will you ride it off-road too?

[@tobiashuber2910]

@@MotoVibes Yes, I will take it offroad, too. Even with street tires. I will try out how far I can go with this monster. I ordered it with street tires and in summer I will ride the bike even on a race track for a weekend but after that I might change the tires and go even more offroad with the 1290 SAR. I sometimes went offroad with street tires with my 1290 SAS. It was possible for a short time, when the terrain was not too diffucult. Downhill was always scary though. I always felt that the bike was not so well balanced and now I'm looking forward to the new model. I also own the Yamaha Tenere 700 and with this lighter bike going offroad is a lot easier. My Tenere so far had the Scorpion tire but I ordered offroad tires and will get them hopefully, soon. The 1290 SAR will be for street and lighter offroad use. The Tenere for street use and a bit longer offroad trips. And for real difficult offroad stuff I'm glad to say that I can use the bike of a friend, a Suzuki DR400 (built 2003) or a KTM 350.

[@MotoVibes]

@@tobiashuber2910 that is the way to do it - just get right bike for the each purpose ;-) I will see where this journey will take me now but I am interested in trying out lighter bikes at some point. As I can justifiy owning only 1 bike for now it will be the big 1290 ;-)

[@tobiashuber2910]

@@MotoVibes The best choice you can make! :-)

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Excellent review. Virtually all the other reviews of this bike eulogise about its excellent on-road abilities which is hardly surprising news. Watching somebody working that huge bike (and picking it up) in some slightly tricky dirt conditions much, much more informative.

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much - glad that you liked the video - thank you for watching ;-)

[@AndrzejNowak1975]

Cool movie! Really informative and well captured as always. I will think about changing my 790 ADV R to this one next season. Surprisingly it looks more nible and seat is lower too, so I guess no big issue with the weight.

[@MotoVibes]

The lower seat is a huge improvement over the predecessor. It was especially obvious when I picked up my 2020 R this week

[@delk5024]

Great video. Looked like good fun but hard work on such a big bike. Sounds like you might regret not getting the 2021 model... Soft sand riding is no joke and takes real commitment. If you ever go on holiday to Dubai do yourself a favour and go riding in the dunes with an organised company. By the end if the day you will be much more confident and its super good fun.

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much! That is the danger of trying the latest and greatest. I am looking forward to the 2020 R - there is much to like about this model - it looks awesome in black (you will see) ! It sounds better and I am expecting a custom seat to bring the experience closer to the 2021 modell. I would love to rides dunes for a a day or two. Riding in the desert in general is a bucket list item for me - possibly on a more suitable lighter bike too -- one of these days maybe ;-)

[@foggydutch7412]

If you want to protect your bike with A crash bar but also do not want to scratches the crash bars with first drop you should or could use isolation tape (for example as they also use on tennis racket or a on a steer of a tour de france bike (do not know the UK translation for it 😜). Works awesome

[@MotoVibes]

You know what - that is a great idea! What I have done now is use nylon straps (that are used to tie down luggage etc but can also be used to tow a bike) to wrap around the crash bars. The isolation tape would likely stick better to the crash bars.

[@fredrikbengtsson4050]

Just got mine today! Traded in the 2020S Tomorrow I hit the woods!

[@MotoVibes]

Excellent- congratulations 😉

[@Ozzy41618]

I hate regret, find a way to pay the extra. All the best, keep smiling.

[@MotoVibes]

No regrets yet. I am looking forward to the adventures with the 2020 R for now 😎

[@0321ReconMan]

The "crash" is why I am staying with the S Model I have no need to take a 500 + lbs bike powered by 160 HP engine off road, most I will ever do is dirt roads on mine. I have a dirtbike for technical, fun, and fast off road riding!

[@MotoVibes]

As much fun as it is with these big bikes it is a big compromise. I would love to try out a lighter bike some day -

[@mattiasnordvik4753]

Brilliant vid 😎 Unfortunately it doesn’t make my thoughts on replacing my 17 1290 S with this to go away 😏 What neck brace are you using btw?

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much - I know what you mean 😏 I was going back and forth for 6 months and then I pulled the trigger on the changing the S to an R model ;-) The neckbrace is a LEATT 3.5 - cheers

[@flarecz]

Can you share what gloves are you using? I couldn't find a link in your description :-) Thanks man! Again, a great video!

[@MotoVibes]

They are KTM Gravity FX Gloves shara.li/c/j8873UY4B6 hope this helps

[@flarecz]

@@MotoVibes Thanks! I have some KTM gloves, mixed quality unfortunately. Despite the fact they are re-branded Alpinestars 🤦‍♂️

[@MotoVibes]

@@flarecz this is my second pair too - the first lasted 6 months 😬

[@eharbiya7191]

lovely review, thank you. i am sure the R is much more off-road capable bike than S ,, how was it on the road?

[@MotoVibes]

Honestly, we did not spent enough time on pavement so I can give a comprehensive assessment. I would and will (on my new R) set the suspension to "sport" setting - I like a firm setting on the road and it works well for the off-road stuff - as a default setting - then start tweaking it from there but I am the beginning of that part of the journey ;-) One thing that is noticably different to the S models semi-active suspension is the "nose dive" when braking hard - most riders will hardly notice the semi-active suspension do its work (me included) but you will notice that the semi-active suspension keeps the front fork "locked" during agressive braking.

[@sergiopenaranda9491]

Saludos desde Colombia

[@MotoVibes]

Greetings to you too ;-)

[@fabiena1787]

Interesting. I could tell that you had your doubts about the 2021 evolution when you reviewed its 'paper specs' a few days ago. But they seem to make sense, in the end (geometry and all...) and that's a good thing, because I ordered the S model ;-) Is there a reason for removing the handguards on the R you tried? That is a bit counter intuitive for me.

[@MotoVibes]

It’s hard to see what’s actually an improvement and what is just marketing talk until you get to try it for yourself 😉 not sure why the hand guards were removed either 😉 I am sure you will really like the S 👍

[@emperorkhan9941]

Hey "MotoVibes". Thanks for sharing. Really like the Super Adv R. Would like to have one, but i think I'm too skinny for a heavy bike like it. I do ride a 2009 Yamaha WR250F enduro bike. Maybe i might be able to handle it if don't challenge my self too much in hard terrain and keep my self in tarmac and light gravel? I tried the 890 Adventure R Rally, and it was nice but a bit heavy as well. Any who, i wish to ask about your neck brace, i have one as well from Leatt. And yours seems to fit very well on your shoulders. May i ask how you have fitted it? I can't seem to find any straps going around you arms, which i don't like to have. Is it mounted with your backpack or do you just have it rested on you shoulders as is? Thanks in advance, kind regards.

[@MotoVibes]

The big R is heavy for sure and I don’t know how many times I would like to pick it up in a row by myself 😂 As for the neck brace. I bought the LEATT Airfit body protector which comes with “loops” to attach the neck brace - also I bought this LEATT jacket/vest which you see in this video which also comes with these loops- in both cases you do not need to use the extra strap to fix the neck brace on your shoulders. The back pack does nothing to keep the neck brace in place - hope this helps

[@emperorkhan9941]

@@MotoVibesThanks for the reply. Indeed, i agree, i would not like to pick up the R too many times in a row, by my self. Maybe 890 R/Rally would be a better choice? Found the jacket.

[@MotoVibes]

@@emperorkhan9941 it’s the GPX 5.5 jacket 😉

[@josegallego7787]

Hi, many thanks for your new video, I hope you has de opportunity to do the same with the new 1290 s comparing with the 2017-20 King regards.

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you very much- I hoping to try out the S too soon. 😉

[@pierreschmale]

Klasse 💪😎👍 Wie kommt es das du da einen Heidenau k60 scout drauf hast? Serie ist doch eigentlich Bridgestone. Wie war dein Vergleich zum Mitas e07 + ? Gruß Pierre

[@MotoVibes]

Heidenau ist ein Partner vom Enduro Action Team - alle Leihmaschinen werden mit Heidenau K60 Reifen ausgestattet so weit ich weiß. Um ehrlich zu sein - in den allermeisten Fällen hat es bei diesem Training kaum ein Unterschied - an zwei Stellen allerdings schon - Anfahren am Berg und beim Splitthang. Der Mittelsteg des K60 ist zwar gut für die Haltbarkeit des Reifens aber gibt dafür auch Null Grip auf losem Untergrund. Der Mitas ist da schon um einiges besser und der hält auch recht lange, wenn man es nicht übertreibt. Ein durchlaufender Mittelsteg mach bei einem Reifen der offroadtauglich sein soll für mich keinen Sinn - da muss man nicht mal ein Reifenexperte sein, um zu sehen warum das nicht funktionieren kann ;-)

[@pierreschmale]

@@MotoVibes ok also hält der Mitas ähnlich lange🤔 Macht also keinen Sinn einen Heidenau zu bevorzugen 👍

[@MotoVibes]

@@pierreschmale Naja, der Heidenau wird schon länger halten - alleine aufgrund des Mittelstegs. Ich war jedoch erstaunt wie wenig sich der Mitas sich abnutzt. Wie gesagt, alles abhängig davon wie stark man am Kabel zieht. Der Mitas hält auf jeden Fall deutlich länger als z.B. ein Anakee Wild - sehr hat zum einen deutlich mehr Profil & eine weichere Gummimischung (ähnlich dem TKC 80). Bei Offroadreifen ist das ja alles nur ein Kompromiss. Für unser Westalpen Offroadtour war der Mitas jedenfall perfekt, da ich auch einen ordentlichen Anteil an Asphalt dabei hatte und es Offroad die meiste Zeit trocken blieb.

[@terrypereira3622]

Nice vídeo, thanks 🤙🤙🤙

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you 👍

[@reynaldopagan3766]

Hi, what helmet your using? Looks great

[@MotoVibes]

It is this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHuqdHaQaZpgoac

[@1xplorer]

Nice helmet 🪖!!!!

[@MotoVibes]

Thanks! 😁

[@viniciusmbs]

Qual A marca e modelo da câmera de seu capacete ? What is the make and model of your helmet camera?

[@MotoVibes]

It is this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqrIc4d5fNmSgdU

[@markullrich2216]

Da war ich auch schon. Was war das für ein Training ?? Fortgeschrittene oder Profi ?

[@MotoVibes]

Das war das 1 Tages Profi Training - Video dazu kommt auch noch irgendwann. Für mich das erste Profi Training beim EAT ;-)

[@enricocasari3455]

Ktm 🔝 bike 😉 very best upgrade the R model for your offroad ride 💪🏻

[@MotoVibes]

Thank you 😉

[@roytong1908]

I m struggling buy a KTM sar(new model) or BMW s1000xr M..... Bucoz in Canada we hv to wait unless Q3. But s1000xr I can take home right the way no need to wait....is new SAR worth to wait? Pls advice....tks. I m ktm 990 adv and 1190adv r background

[@MotoVibes]

Hey Roy, both are completely different motorcycles - the XR compares more to the 1290 SD GT - meaning it is a pure road bike - despite its cross over looks that make you think this could be an adventure bike it is not! I suggest you give the XR a test ride - not just for an hour - ride it for a day. If all of your riding is on the road, you like the engine and seating position then maybe that is your bike. The new 1290 SAR will be very close to your 1190 in seating position, power and strong off-road capabilities - basically the latest state of the art iteration of the big R. Ideally you get to ride the new 1290 SAR too but as you are familiar with this line up of bikes you would not have too. I hope that helps a little - please let me know what you choose ;-)

[@roytong1908]

@@MotoVibestkank u spent the time to answer my question i feel highly appreciated。。。。 make it sample u will choose KTM right？😁

[@MotoVibes]

@@roytong1908 hands down the KTM for me! It was fun to ride the XR and I am glad I got to do it but this is not a motorcycle I would buy. The whole concept with the funny seat and the 4-cylinder engine in that frame does not work for me. I would rather go for something like the S1000R instead if that was my thing - personally like the look of the S1000R much better too. The XR has lots of fans and sells well, so I am not saying it is a bad bike - just isn't for me. An adventure bike like 1290 SAR/SAS, or the R1250 GS with lots of low end torque, good suspension, long distance capabilities and still powerful enough to chase down most sports bikes in the Alps fits my preferences better right now ;-)

[@roytong1908]

@@MotoVibes ur suggestions are so helpful I wait 4 the KTM。👍🏼

[@bogdanrosca6343]

what helmet is that? im looking for a more off road one that works with a sena.

[@MotoVibes]

The helmet is a Touratech Aventuro Carbon - for more information please check these review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpibg6GcgNpmi7M and kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHuqdHaQaZpgoac

[@SWFlowseeker]

The big question GS 1250 or KTM1290S??? I can’t decide 😤

[@MotoVibes]

It’s tough. Have you ridden them both? Ride them each for a day and then your gut will point you in the right direction. Also - this is not a life long decision either. Ride one for year - sell it and get the other one for the second year 😉

[@SWFlowseeker]

@@MotoVibes Thx. Unfortunately I can’t get ahold of either one. Where I live there are very few bikes in the showroom.

[@MotoVibes]

@@SWFlowseeker it’s hard to make a decision on paper only - I rented the KTM at the time to ride it for a day. Not sure where you live but I assume your season of riding is coming to an end. Maybe you can try one next year as only riding it will give you certainty - it’s a lot of money for each of the bikes. On the other hand you cannot really go wrong with either - they are both fantastic bikes at the pinnacle of their development 😉

[@SWFlowseeker]

@@MotoVibes Ty sir. Safe riding out there

[@eddale5557]

How good is it against the Honda African Twin?

[@MotoVibes]

I have not had the chance to the ride the Africa Twin yet. I hope I will soon 😉

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

Great fun 👍

[@MotoVibes]

Thanks for the visit 😎

[@andreasschulz9798]

Top Video... Bin am überlegen ob es die S oder R wird.... 🤔🤣

[@MotoVibes]

Vielen Dank Andreas- Hard Choice - für mich wäre es die R 😎

[@sudhinkumars7940]

Should do exhaust changing vdeo

[@MotoVibes]

Well - this was a rental bike but I will have my Akrapovic on my new R - the stock exhaust does not sound very nice

[@jibinraj6058]

What is the min speed you can go in 6 th gear with out engine knocking

[@MotoVibes]

Honestly, I did not go past 4-5 on the road and I stayed between 1-3 off-road.

[@hornyboy6982]

Hey is it better than gs on off-road?

[@MotoVibes]

The slow stuff will be easier on a GS but the KTM will be better going faster

[@jackyrussell1]

What new bike are you thinking of buying?

[@MotoVibes]

Oh - I did buy the 2020 1290 Super Adventure R before I shot this video. I just did not have it yet - just picked it up from the dealer a few days ago. For more details on this check out the previous video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnfCqZiMqa6beNk

[@montaego]

One of the best bikes in the world matched with arguably the absolute worst tires.

[@MotoVibes]

yeah - the Heidenau K60 would not be my first choice either. It is OK for what you do at the Enduro Action Team but there are better options like the Mitas E-07+ with similar longevity but a bit more grip on the rear wheel.

[@black_metallic_fxdls]

@@MotoVibes Try the Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires. Once I took off the TKC80s the bike behaved much better on road and there was no noticeable difference off-road. I’m hearing reports of 10K miles on a rear.

[@MotoVibes]

@@black_metallic_fxdls That is good to know - thank you for the tip! that is a fairly new tire from Dunlop - isn't it? How long have you had this tire?

[@black_metallic_fxdls]

@@MotoVibes Six months or so. Also did a 2500 mile round trip almost entirely on highway and there was no wear to speak of on the rear. Fully loaded 1290SAR. Here in the States a set should cost around $300 USD. Hope this helps.

[@joaotino2252]

Driving a forza 125cc but I want to sell it and buy this 1290 r Will that be q suicide move ? I mean, I do respect the limits, plus I’m not a crazy driver. Love the model itself But I never done off road But in my opinion, if I need to invest in something, might aswell be the best. Is this a good model for touring ?

[@MotoVibes]

Now, a reasonable person would suggest to go to a mid-size adventure bike first but if you love this bike I would say: Get it and learn how to ride it! 😎 This is one of the most accessible (easy to ride) KTMs of this size class. You will be able to ride and tour quickly. What I do recommend is that you do a series of riding training - don't skip the simple rider's safety training (I still do one EVERY year!), do some corning training etc. Once you are comfortable enough I would highly recommend to get some training for off-road stuff - it is quite different from onroad riding and I found it very helpful to good instructors give me advice. As for touring - this is absolutely an excellent bike for touring - in a way its main purpose is touring. They called these adventure bikes as this sells better 😂 (and you can take them on some off-road tracks) hope this helps!

[@joaotino2252]

@@MotoVibes I have just a small issue, I measure 178cm, when I get on one I get on my tip toes, I wanted to know if, in the case that I decide to lower it just a bit, so I can support my foot a little better, will that decrease the performance of the bike it self since will lower the suspension ?

[@joaotino2252]

@@MotoVibes oh, I didn’t know that they were touring bikes, honestly though they were like, mostly for off road. I want a bike like this because I want to be able to to anything. Not going to climb rocks or anything like that, but beeing able to explore more than just pavement. And doing that with confidence

[@MotoVibes]

@@joaotino2252 I was kidding about the "touring" bike - of course these bike will take you a lot further than most regular touring bikes. In this weight class the 1290 SAR is one of the most capable bikes. However, if you have a strong off-road focus in mind indeed a mid-size adventure bike like 790/890 Adventure, T700 etc. may be the better option. They will allow you to go place where the big adventure bikes are too big. However, if you still ride many kilometers on pavement (touring!) you cannot beat the comfort and long range capabilities of the larger adventure bikes like the 1290 SAS & SAR. The 2021 have really improved with their seat height to allow riders smaller than 180 cm to still get their feet down. That is very much personal preference I highly suggest you try to ride one of these first before you buy. The S model is about 3 cm smaller than the R (and that is a lot!) The S can still take you on gravel roads - for anything more serious spoked wheels would be good (like the R comes with standard) - that is what I did with my previous S model for all of last year! For the money it costs to lower the supension I would consider the S model with a spoked wheels set if the R model is too high. Lowering the suspension is always an option but it should be very very last thing you even think about. Lower the R suspension takes away the very thing that it makes it so special in the first place. hope this helps.

[@joaotino2252]

@@MotoVibes well it helped but at same time, here in Portugal, if u buy the S and add the spoked wheels, with that extra by itself will overcome the price of the 1290R

[@jamesfelber3947]

Are heated grips an option?

[@MotoVibes]

Yes. Absolutely 👍

[@MrWheely1]

I am very curious how you will experience the suspension of your 2020 model compared to the new Apex on the 2021 that you have now ridden ... and yes wonderfully like a 21 inch front wheel cuts through the sand compared to the 19 inch that immediately stuck in the sand .... when will you have the 2020 R at home .... that 2021 R is the max .... shouldn't you have saved up for a while .. aahahaha

[@MotoVibes]

Same here - I am curious to see how the 2020 R suspension compares - my KTM dealer said it will be pretty much the same. I picked up the R a couple of days ago but only got to ride from the dealer home. Still need to mount all the accessories and it will get "old" tank panels etc. I always liked the black S colors the best and they are already scratched ;-) I have a graphics kit on the way that I may use to changed the look a bit. There is still much to like about the 2020 R - side by side I still like the old design much better - it looks much sleeker - the new design just works better and is more practical for better balancing. It is not out of the question to switch to the 2021 model at some point ;-)

[@MrWheely1]

@@MotoVibes I am curious .... according to my dealer, the APEX system is better than the old one, but we also have to test it because to experience I am curious how your bike will look ... and indeed the old black is the most beautiful ... but I haven't got it back yet ...

[@MotoVibes]

@@MrWheely1 I was looking forward to this month Enduro Action Team events - but the main event (FEAR Event) was just cancelled due to the Corona restriction - this would have been a great opportunity to test out the 2020 R model and have comparision to the 2021 modell. Really sad about that. I am not sure if I will be able to tell a difference with regards to the suspension - it was not like we were pushing it to its limit - far from it ;-) BUT is worlds better (for off-road riding) than the S suspension that is very easy to tell

[@mmckenna2802]

Where are the hand guards? Don't they come stock with the bike? Oh - its a rental... OK

[@MotoVibes]

They do come stock - they are even flimsier than on the predecessor. They are basically just wind guards now. If they did not already break them right from the get go the Enduro Action Team probably just removed them - I noticed right away too btw. once I sat on the bike

[@toddwmac]

Thanks....but maybe get on some real trails if you are showcasing the R.

[@MotoVibes]

Well, that is as good as I could do - I live in the middle of Germany 😂

[@toddwmac]

@@MotoVibes sorry...in re-reading my note it did sound a bit snotty. Thanks again for your content.

[@MotoVibes]

@@toddwmac haha - no worries - thanks for watching and commenting ;-)

[@youtubeaccount9058]

10:27 you're waiting for delivery on a 2020 R you just bought, but you're out on a 2021? Risky move!

[@MotoVibes]

Yeah - not always a good idea to try the latest and greatest 😂 I am very excited about my 2020 R - the suspension should be as good as the 2021 (at least to a degree that I will be able to tell a difference). The lower seat height is a significant issue but a custom seat for my 2020 R is beeing built right now - increased comfort and lower seat height - let's see ;-)

[@adventure_rider_uk]

No offence but this is not the way you should pick your bike. You can damage your back easily.

[@MotoVibes]

None taken 😉. I have the occasional back issue that is why I am very careful when lifting heavy thing. This lift was with a straight back from a deep squat position - there are other (better) ways to lift a bike

[@tancakar8987]

and then you go and bought a gen2 r after riding this :D lol

[@MotoVibes]

The most important thing would indeed be the lower seat height on the new model. The better balancing is great but I can manage on the predecessor. I am getting a custom seat for the 2020 - it promises a similar seat height to the 2021 - but I do not have it yet.

[@hectorraguero5920]

Falta filmar de afuera la moto , esas imágenes son aburridas

[@carllindqvist8636]

I'm so sorry for that your left arm is so fucked up.