Retro vs Modern - 2004 KTM 950 vs 2019 KTM 790 ADV R

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The KTM 950 Adventure is a cult icon. Most people that have ridden one have the fondest of fond memories of that bike. Early in 2019 KTM released their newest, greatest adventure bike and it's taken the market by storm.
In the context of all-road capability, the 790 is being lauded as one of the best ever, so what two better bike to compare.
We rode them back to back for two days and came to some interesting conclusions.
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📹Llewelyn Pavey
🎬Jade Evans & Llewelyn Pavey
🏍Llewelyn Pavey, Chris Northover & Carl Searles
Brake Magazine - www.brake-magazine.com

[@bdraidian6280]

I bought the standard 790 about 3 months ago. I was scared as I’m mainly a Harley Davidson owner. Best decision I ever made was going from a cruiser style bike to an adventure bike. In 3 months time I put more miles on my KTM than I did on my Harley all year..... love this bike(well NoN-R version).

[@xtcrider8270]

glad you got out of the cult

[@kingbee1971]

Welcome to the new cult

[@ilbicchieredellastaffa345]

After 10 years of riding 950 Adv S this summer I moved to 790... I feel really happy with it and I appreciate your reviews on how and where are the where are the differences. But...damn... that engine... that sound of LC8 still drive me crazy!

[@MrSelfra]

Tried both of the bikes. You said the 950 got a nervous feel of itself compared to the 790. Well.. that depends on the driver. If you grow on the bike, the 950 is a beast you can do almost everything with. It's also way more cool looking and the sound is fantastic. 790 is great for starters, because you get more electronic help. 950 is my choice

[@r1deftone]

I completely disagree. The 790 chassis is way more stable and it has a factory steering damper. I owned a 950, great bike but the 790 is on another level.

[@CCitis]

Bit of a stretch to call it Retro!... 2004 is still Modern to me! BUT I really like this format... Keep it up.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Depends on how old you are 😏

[@samharper242]

@@BrakeMagazine Not really, It definitely isn't retro. They never went out of fashion in the first place

[@gdscheiwe01]

Maybe retro is the wrong word. Maybe old school is more accurate. Cable throttle, carbs, no ABS if I remember. So really one of the last “stone axe” ADV bikes. Don’t get me wrong I drooled over them every year and would buy one in a second if I could find a low mileage example. Peace!

[@tolga1cool]

They literally manufactured the 950/990, allbeit with fuel injection till 5/6 years ago. Since when did that become retro?

[@aukanmeister]

It was conceived 20 years ago. The new ones are more refined by an enormous margin. I like the new ones. I love the old one.

[@awcharnock]

Having owned a 2008 990 and now a 790 adv (both standard models) I’d say this review is spot on. The biggest difference in the bikes is that the 790 is lighter but also feels so much lighter due to the weight being lower. It is very confidence Inspiring and I couldn’t agree more that the 790 does everything a little bit better which it should being a newer bike. Another big difference is the fuel economy, 990 would average 35-40 mpg (maybe 45 mpg if I really tried but that’s no fun) while the 790 is around 45-50 mpg which when traveling in developing countries fuel is your largest daily expense. I mostly ride hard enduro dirt bikes so I appreciate a competent adv bike in the dirt but another thing I’m noticing is the 790 is much better at stop and go city rinding as that is what happens on travels sometimes. The 990 was terrible at riding slow at stop and go as the bike wold get really hot with the loud fan on all the time,it would require a lot of attention to ride while the 790 is better suited but still not great as it is a ktm which are made more for the dirt than the city. The 990 was a flawless bike mechanically for me as I mostly did long trips with it such as 7 weeks in Mexico , I hope the 790 can do the same but all of the electronics make me a little nervous but so far so great!!

[@dexio85]

I got 790R in March this year. It had some small issues like almost any KTM does but boy, I've never had so much fun offroad on a big bike like I have with the 790R.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Same! It's pretty awesome.

[@thecomebackkid4440]

The 790 is not a big bike so it would be more fun off road, a 690 would be even more fun, and so on.

[@therealturbofanisme]

@@thecomebackkid4440 it absolutely IS a big bike. Not the biggest, but still a big twin.

[@rajasimanta]

I'm thinking of buying one soon. What kind of issues are you facing?

[@Angry-Lynx]

Theu got some teething issues, like oil leaks etc. Imo their looks are bigger issue with em ;

[@niallmatthews2801]

Great idea, love the comparison! the 'retro' bikes are the ones in my budget! great to see a decent review of an older bike, nice job

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it Niall!

[@cybertrophic]

Best thing about a 950 - you can pretty much rebuild it with the toolkit under the saddle. It can be fixed in the middle of nowhere, which matters if you ride them in the conditions the 950 was designed for.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It's defo nice!

[@madstoppie]

Back in 2008 I had a 2005.5 KTM 950 Adventure S for a little while and it was enough to forever love it....I need to get another one!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Great bike!

[@str8shooter2]

Can't comment on the 790 as never ridden one but the 03 950 I own is a great ride,plus the sound and power is awesome which is why I still own it The 950 isn't perfect but the positives far outweigh the negatives.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you like the bike!

[@manybikes]

Fantastic Episode. I ride a 2009 KTM 950r Super Enduro and yeah... I think it is still to date the best adventure bike made - JUST 10 years before its time. Weighs the same as the 790, sports 100 hp and has 3" more travel! LOVE that bike... I was going to purchase a 790 Adv R... but after riding it (other than suspension and fuel injection) there just was not "that much of a difference" to push me over the edge. I mean... I'm never selling the 950se so there is not need for a 790 in the garage as it's stuffed full with the 450exc, 950se and 1190 Adv R...

[@AdventureYeti31]

I’ve got a 1090r I absolutely love and just picked up a 950 Adventure. I want a 950se but I couldn’t bring myself to pay more for it than I did the 1090 😂 This 950 is gonna be the race bike. 1090 will go back to dual sport and adv duties but the SE would’ve been the perfect pick. Got the adventure for $3800 and it’s pretty mint so I guess I can’t complain

[@manybikes]

@@AdventureYeti31 I hear you!!! Where are you located?

[@AdventureYeti31]

@@manybikes I’m just outside Huntsville, Alabama

[@dc5189]

I think you bastards have the best motorcycle KZbin channel on KZbin. Seriously nobody's doing this. Thank you.

[@jasperduncan6633]

Massive weight saving on 990 when AKRAPOVIČ silencers installed

[@andrewbird9938]

Have to agree with you about the 950s off road ability, but having owned it for 14 years I'm very comfortable with it's road manners and love it

[@BrakeMagazine]

I can see that. I think once you get a better understanding and worked it a little bit you could get it to do a lot!

[@andrewbird9938]

950 is great for touring, fantastic on hairpins, and overtaking is a breeze

[@scottmctag]

Ditto 14 years and still love everything about it

[@davee9211]

Only bike I’ve ever kept for over 10 years and I’m not planning on selling it. Brilliant bike.

[@jackdaniels4888]

Thanks for a great review. I have a 950 SE which is the same weight as the 790r but has more suspension travel and ground clearance. Having ridden the 790r I found the seat to peg ratio very cramped and I'm only 6'1 ft. The 950 eng is awesome and I think the build design of the bike is better as well. Your right the 790r feels better on the road.. I'll keep my 950se.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I'm about the same height and would agree. You can fit it with a slightly taller seat that will solve the issue :) I think if you've got a 950 and like it, it's worth keeping!

[@nimrod6603]

You do tests so well!!!😄👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I love how you go in detail about why it is some bikes ride the way they do and how it feels to ride them. Nobody does it better😄

[@dnzrdm]

you and ryan are the benchmark for adv bike reviews.

[@davereinhart9933]

I love this series!!! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next. I am hoping for a GS comparison. Thank you for doing these!

[@BrakeMagazine]

There will be a GS one, and a Yamaha one 😏

[@miradockal9795]

What an amazing review. 👍 Thanks so much. But still not convinced to swap my modified 950 adventure s to a 790 😆 The thrill I get from my 950, no other bike has delivered..., just yet 😉

[@twowheelpilot]

I'm with you. I'll keep my 990 ADV.

[@graemeholden1305]

I recently got back into riding after a few years off, my previous bike was a Honda CRM 250 which I used for green laneing. I sooooo wanted a KTM 990 and had done for years, had my eye on a 2013 model which was absolutely mint but then went to see a 2013 KTM 1190 which was up for the same money and ended up with this instead, an absolutely cracking bike and feels so much more advanced than the 990 with electronic everything! I still love the look of the 990 but so glad I opted for the 1190 instead.

[@ToddtheLoneDroner]

I'm just now looking to get A KTM as I am currently driving a Suzuki TS 400.. I'm thinking the 950 adventure might be a little big and heavy as I will be driving yet in traffic I think I should test drive that and the 790.. As I am not too familiar with KTM

[@mver]

Great format for this review, it shows KTM is true to its pedigree of being a leader in off road machines. I have only had my 790R for 3 months and must agree with the video and other comments below, the fun factor is off the chart for a "big dirt bike". There are times when heading off road that I leave my trusty DRZ 400 at home and take the 790R, it's never been a problem keeping up with my buddies on 450's and 650's. On the flipside those same buddies will take their BMW 1200's thru Yosemite and down Highway 395 to Death Valley for an 800 mile 3 day adventure ride, I of course take the 790R again. The road manners of this bike are top notch, Love the KTM 790R !

[@BrakeMagazine]

It's a great bike all round!

[@jamesrogers5382]

Excellent review. I think you described the 950 character very accurately, and having ridden both these bikes your summary was excellent. Keep up the good work!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks James! Appreciate it :)

[@Angry-Lynx]

I have rather opposite feeling regarding off road - bikes feeling better and better the more you push it and faster you go, like theres no limit for it :D but i agree on technical stuff, lc8 feels better at speed.

[@anxiousappliance]

Thanks for another great analysis. As someone who has never ridden a 21" front wheel and had reservations, your description was clear and very informative. Nice!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!

[@BrapBang]

I love my 950 Super Enduro and its hard to upgrade to a 790 when it will cost so much money for small improvements.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean, it shows what good job KTM did back in the day right?

[@BrapBang]

@@BrakeMagazine Thank you for doing a good SUBSTANTIVE comparison with dudes who actually know how to ride in the dirt.

[@Snowhite808]

Time has it´s effect though. But after taking apart both of them, after seeing them come back from travels of customers - yes. The price level is actually not really justified for the R. If I could have kept the 950. I would def say it´s a keeper.

[@BrapBang]

@@Snowhite808 My 950 Super Enduro has over 50,000 miles now and it shows its age. But everything that wares out I can repair/replace at home.

[@banditleu1342]

@@BrapBang they r very hard to come by ..I wanted one and found a 950smr that I went with..don't sell it u will regret it..I love my smr ..will never get rid of it ..was thinking of turning into an enduro..

[@n.v.b.3616]

Woohoo. You did the test i've asked for. In the comments of the first episode. Nice! 950 is an awesome bike to ride and watch!

[@xzistpo]

I've been riding all my life and I've never had as much fun on any other machine than a KTM. There are tons of GREAT bikes out there, but nothing makes me grin like the orange ones.

[@BrakeMagazine]

They're packed with smiles!

[@Angry-Lynx]

This! So much!

[@duncanshepherd2119]

Fantastic. Really makes me want to swap the 640 for a nice cheap 950 and just sort out the suspension a bit. Prices are definitely coming down now everyone wants the 790. Thanks for the continued excellent reporting. You are the only place I can trust to not try and flat foot an off road bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂 That's the best comment we've had on this video so far. Appreciate it! If you get the 950 with the suspension tuned by someone like Konflict it'll make a pretty big difference.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Or if youre after gnarly stuff 690 may be better choice. But im always off put but their prices, holding value like crazy!

[@r1deftone]

My 950 suspension was tuned by Super Plush, it was amazing.

[@stonethecrows5334]

Great review mate, You are SPOT ON, Ive owned a 950 an 1190R now a 790 R, all great bikes in there own right but if you want to go real fast offroad the 790R is in another league. I live in Australia and ride mountains mostly. The 790 R feels more like my 690 than my 1190 on fire trails. Keep up the great work.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It does right!

[@kunalchabria1989]

Your camera work and product details are spot on and really give you the feeling of what it would be like to ride one. What you lack is blending them both in together, like when u speak about brakes you need to cut to the part of you braking, when you talk about acceleration same thing, when you go over the details of the bike portray it. It keep your viewers with you to the end of the video, for me I was getting bored in between and losing focus. Just my 2 cents. You guys do a good job otherwise, keep it up.

[@RadRaven]

Awesome comparison! Keep up the great job guys!!! Looking forward to the next one! ; )~ PS - Simply can't understand why someone would give a thumbs down to people who clearly care for what they're doing and are doing a better job then the vast majority. Oh well...

[@glinleyt]

Yeah, well done on these reviews. Great insights that you’ll never get from the shop floor!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!

[@pete1973x]

Great vid Llel. I owned a 950 for 10 years and bought a 790 when they first came out in 2019. I agree with you on all your points 100% - especially "the 950 is great off road until it isn't"!!! I got caught out, at speed, several times on the 950 and the results were ugly. The 790 is so confidence inspiring and the traction control is mind blowing if used correctly. Off-road ABS is also a game changer. I imagine David Knight and Chris Burch don't need it but for the rest of us mortals it makes the bike so much more manageable and enjoyable. The main difference for me is in the way they're built. The 950 was built as a race bike then adapted to to road bike. As a result it's easy to work on. The 790 on the other hand... just getting that headlight off means you have to remove about 100 bolts - that's really annoying!

[@jembcowboy]

Hi Llel Your vids are great, I've watched almost all of them. I find that the thorough way you assess bikes is very interesting and is helpful in making future choices. Mini-tip Monday is an awesome idea, please make more 🤙🏽

[@r1deftone]

I had an '04 950, amazing bike. It really was good off road for a big bike. I sold it for an 1190S, because I needed it for commuting. But I'd love to have another 950/990.

[@Angry-Lynx]

950 is true badboy and really pushes you to hoon it all the time. Its like teen that always scream do a wheelie! Have fun, go WOT!! Go faster! Lol :D I always feel like im wasting its potential when riding easily with cosntant speed, like when you travel from city to city.

[@AlexM-db2og]

As someone looking to buy a 950/990, couldnt you commute in those?

[@r1deftone]

@@AlexM-db2og yea, for sure. I actually did commute on my 950. But I started looking for a 990 for the F.I., and found the 1190s for not much more than the 990's. Since I mostly commuted on it at the time, I went for the 1190s. I still have the 1190. In short, IMHO the 1190s makes a better street bike, but the 950 is better in the dirt. Funny this just came up because we test rode a 790s for my wife yesterday. We loved it. She will probably buy it today.

[@marthinusvorster]

I'm addicted to Retro vs Today. Back to the future..."don't we need more road? Road, where we going we don't need roads. Keep it pinned.

[@muugmuug4501]

Hi, since 2008 I've got a 2005 950 for about 100.000km. What a very nice review! Your description how it behaves off-road is bang on. I've never read or heard such an accurate and complete description of its offroad capabilities, it's flaws ands strengths. When all is well it's a superb and very well balanced bike, but indeed there is always the danger of overloading the front and then you'll feel the kilo's!!! You've got to be aware and prepared, indeed!!! But onroad I've never ever had the idea that the 21" front wheel isn't planted, or makes me go wide, or that I can't trust it. It's not nervous either, on the contrary it's dead calm! And no it doesn't drop into corners, but that's perhaps because I love to use the back brake while turning in, up to the apex. I can really use the throttle very subtly to change my line midcorner to suit my needs: a bit tighter or a bit wider, it's all possible tuning the throttle. So, in a way, what you feel onroad with the 790 is what I feel with the 950 onroad. :-) For info: I've never ridden a 790.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think those 950 traits show up when you compare them to a 790, and probably less so in isolation. The 790 is fantastic on-road.

[@Kimsand520]

The 790R is great, but not much beat the sound of that 950/990 exhaust sound!

[@therealturbofanisme]

Open up the exhaust on the 790 and it sounds almost the same, thankfully.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Leo vince, and akraps FTW. Definitely best sounding bike, its like v8 of bike engines.

[@skipole09]

Great video. One thing worth mentioning is I'm guessing their 950 was bone stock..once you get the suspension done, put a rottweiler airbox in it, have it dyno tuned and put some akropovic pipes on it, that bike will absolutely come ALIVE and you may have different opinions on it...No question the 790 is a better stock platform for offroad, has a better turning radius and a shorter wheel base (making it more nimble) but the 950/990 was designed to be a dakar rally bike - its meant to be ridden hard and fast on more open dirt and will keep up with the 790 there any day.

[@boudix5737]

Mmmm I agree that they could be in used in rally raid situations, but I think the 790/890 Adv would troost the 950 Adventure any time if it is ridden reeeeealy to the limit. KTM would never release a bike if it wasn’t a better version.

[@tcskibike]

Am I the stereotypical 950 owner? Heck ya best bike ever! I do agree with you on the edge where it reminds you how big it is. Heavier springs and a higher oil height help that considerably.. Thanks for the review, upgrading to the 790 is tempting.

[@scottmc3693]

I've watched a LOT of motorcycle reviews and this guy is hands down, by far, the best.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks Scott!

[@calin7017]

And definetely the most articulate!

[@Jajeweet]

The 950 just felt more "dirtbike-ish" to me

[@GutoFontana]

21 inch wheels are great for on road you just need to feel it.

[@Geroy_Asphalta]

Guys, you are great. The format is definitely cool! Please make a video comparison of 1100 and 1250 (1200) BMW GS

[@kymstock1852]

I loved my ride on a 990 KTM when off highway. It felt very dirt bike like. Back on the highway I wanted my Tiger 800 XCx back pronto. Compromise! If it gets really difficult terrain, even 189 kg is too heavy. I have a modded DRZ400 for that trip.

[@petersneddon9898]

Fantastic review/comparison. Awesome footage. Thank you!

[@dmritchie3]

The front feels nervous on knobbies only when it isn't walking the ass end out and around the corner, people say it's 'front heavy' I agree, but it's exaggerated by it's weak sprung forks, a spring swap makes a night and day difference. Also with all that front weight it makes kicking the rear around a breaze and very easy to upright if it wanders off to far on you

[@manutdfan931207]

I am not a KTM boy, but i can confirm, that these modern electronic throttles dont really give you the feedback that you get on a cable actuated one. I always feel like there is a delay in throttle response.

[@sadigov]

me too. tested a 890 adv. nah. Keeping my 990 adv

[@therealturbofanisme]

Great review, nice level-headed assessment I think. It's quite surprising how incremental the progress is since 2004. 40 pounds is pretty huge, and lots better fuel economy, but they're still pretty close. For me, the 950 is simply too large. The 790 is so much more maneuverable. I went to look at a gorgeous 950 to buy and struggled severely, didn't even ride it. I've now put 4500 miles on my 790 and love it. Thanks again, and ignore the folks that just seem to complain about everything...

[@Angry-Lynx]

Yeah its size can be overwhelming, give you that... You should be at least 180cm to ride it comfortably in technical stuff. Didnt realise the 790 is that.much smaller ?

[@bogdandanailescu]

You said it in the video, you have to respect the bike and the characteristics of it (for the 950/990) to have offroad experience, on the other hand the 790 is made for people with no experience offroad who rely on electronics to get them out of trouble. I've ridden both and I own a 950. An old school bike makes you a better rider in my opinion, because you learn the basics and you can choose to use the electronics or not.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Yes, 990r with abs would be perfect imo

[@neelchat594]

Love your reviews, loving this series as well!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!

[@boomcity4942]

These retro videos are a great addition to your channel. Great idea! 😊

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

I so enjoy your unique and insightful commentary on products, bikes and better riding techniques - as well your ride & drone footage - in any case, much thanks for all you do!

[@drady8541]

Like your videos :) will love to see T700 vs 660 old tenere :)

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think it'll be the original Super Tenere so that it's a twin cylinder vs twin cylinder test :)

[@o0Bananaphone0o]

@@BrakeMagazine please do that! But you never really got any of the Tenere's in the US, right?

[@BrakeMagazine]

@@o0Bananaphone0o We live in the UK.

[@casperi2]

This was really well done and thought out.

[@Boudi-xy9by]

Nice comparison, I skipped the little flows of the 790 and bough the 890 adv R, and that bike is even more refined, and miles ahead of the competition.

[@jasperduncan6633]

An intelligent review, fuel consumption a big plus on 790.

[@orange3203]

No. The 950/990 is way better at fuel consumption

[@jasperduncan6633]

@@orange3203 Really

[@orange3203]

@@jasperduncan6633 😂

[@rommelr12]

Great inputs... 950/990 still rules

[@Angry-Lynx]

Good condition 990r are still holding value like crazy, and thats not without a reason. Gonna get it someday, but still, my 950 isnt lacking much.

[@2smoking.and.4stroking]

In 5 years no one will remember the 790. 20 years later the 950 is still a classic. Change my mind..

[@ferdurista]

I always enjoy watching your videos, somehow this made me write a short comment. Really cool in-depth review and very nice photography. I love my Xchallenge but I always think about adding a KTM ...

[@artsteale3443]

The 950 is a great bike, but it is unfinished. It needs more dampening in the fork and a lighter spring in the back. You need to get rid of the canister or risk getting sprayed with gas if you open the caps when it is hot. It needs bigger gas tanks, a better windsheild to reduce buffeting. Once you do all those things you have an awsome bike.

[@sgtunix]

Great comparison. I would like to see a KTM 690 vs KTM 640 adventure.... Who else would like to see that?

[@BrakeMagazine]

The 690 KTM rides like an over grown enduro bike. 😂

[@alphonsvanmaanen]

Hey Mr Pavey Jnr, your reviews are great! Poise. Have had a 640Adv boneshaker since 2004... A 2nd hand 2004 950Adv since 2008, much modified... Now a 2019 790R. I totally concur with your comment that KTM have refined the old beast. If only they could replicate the feel of a throttle cable in the ride by wire on the new Unicorn. The 950 is so analogue and visceral, the 790 feels softer and less raucous unless in RallyMode, TC1... Both will spit you off in the blink of an eye... Or quicker. Keep up the great Work!!!!

[@Angry-Lynx]

Nice, what mods on 950 if you dont mind?

[@martiniv8924]

I have owned 3 , 950SE , 950 Adventure, and a 990 Adventure R in the Deserts of the UAE and Oman, and the UK 👌🏻😎

[@ChrisShaferKTM]

I absolutely love my KTM 950, I recently got a 1290 SAR and I feel very similar to what you said about the 790. The 1290 SAR is a natural evolution in the other direction than the 790. That being said having ridden them back to back the 1290SAR is better than my 950 everywhere even on the trail.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Interesting. 🤔🤔🤔 That surprises me. I do really like the 1290 though. That engine 😍😍

[@ChrisShaferKTM]

@@BrakeMagazine I think people think it's so much bigger but in reality, the chassis hides it's weight as well or better than the 950. I feel like it doesn't want to bite you when you push it hard like the 950 does. Everything on the 950 is super awesome right up until it's not.

[@martinfisker7438]

I rode a 21" inch front wheel bike for years before i got a proper road bike. I have never gotten used to how it doesnt tip into corners... i like the nimbleness of my dual sport

[@tolga1cool]

Yeah. Same here. I find that even sportbikes are less fun on twisty roads because they aren't as "tippy"

[@TheTelian]

Do a super tenere 750 vs the new tenere 700 video!

[@thecomebackkid4440]

I don't hear anyone mention the "Hot Rod / Cool Factor" of the 950. I am not going to show up to hang out with the Hot Rod guys in a V6, but that is just me.

[@Angry-Lynx]

What!?

[@saschakalweit7843]

You can really feel that you love to ride! Keep up this great work!

[@Advcrazy]

Loved it! Thanks for the great comparison. Unfortunately my life would have been a lot easier if you’d told me the 950/990 was just about as good as the 790...but even after this review I still want a 990. 😂 I think I just love the look...and the memories. Any idea what it was about the 790 that made it feel like it gives better feed back on the road? Is it suspension internals or is it a matter of geometry perhaps? Rake/steering head angle?

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think it's a combination of more sensitive suspension, better weight distribution, lower weight and better chassis flex.

[@Advcrazy]

mld how so? I though it was just the engine (efi) and abs...? Oh and more power on the later model 990s

[@tkinney80]

Get the 950/90 and have the suspension gone through by a competent tuner. It still might not be quite as good but it'll have more soul!

[@corecass]

990 solves loads of those problems.. well i dont even dare call em problems.. id rather replace it with challanges

[@vincenthneo3863]

It is amazing to note that after 20 years new bikes still haven't managed a better balance "power-weight-ground clearance-suspension travel". Proof that racing is a better breeding ground then a marketing department....

[@BrakeMagazine]

I'm not sure I quite agree. 20 years has seen some pretty biflgnleaps forward and lots of the ideas in the 790 are from the race department. If 20 years has taught us anything, it's that specs sheets don't mean a lot and the 790 vs 990 battle is proof of that.

[@zippy441]

Would love to see your comparison of the 990r vs the 790r Llel !! 👍

[@khakimzhanmiras]

The 790r is the unicorn bike most adventure riders are seeking. However, the 990r is an incredibly intuitive machine to ride off-road: easy to steer with the throttle, zero reluctancy to drop into a corner and overall a very communicative chassis. Ruggedly handsome too. But I never rode a stock one and am a pretty shit rider compared to Pavey so I never reached “the edge” of it’s capabilities. Ps: the 990 had the fuel economy of a wrx sti

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂😂 That last bit 😂

[@950boy2]

Ive had many lc8s and fuel economy was good on all of them like 50mpg

[@markchenvoiceover9689]

Great comparo! For a bit of a laugh, how about a Cagiva Elefant (650 for maximum effect) vs Ducati Multistrada Enduro? To be more fair, maybe the 900 Elefant vs Multistrada 950?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you liked is mike. The Multi vs Cagiva is on our list! Finding one is a little tricky but when we do, it'll be filmed :D

[@Ddbll94]

Really awesome job articulating the feel of these bikes!

[@PRL1290]

Great review, I know it's like for like but, if you guys can find a 950 Super Enduro and compare it with the 790 that would be awesome. They're closer to each other in weight.

[@Angry-Lynx]

SE are super rare and have only 10l fuel tank. They dont really have any competition, no other company had balls to do something as crazy.

[@desidius2003]

Have owned more than a dozen bikes for the past 30 years, and there’s only one bike I regret selling. My KTM 950SE

[@BrakeMagazine]

I understand why.

[@dominiqueroumieh9260]

Hats off. Very good review Lel!!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!

[@banditleu1342]

Love my 950 SMR...it does need a windshield though..

[@Angry-Lynx]

Adv Atw ;

[@dougiep8464]

The 950 has character/ soul, the 790 is just another adventure bike. Yes I own a 2004 950 adv s.

[@aukanmeister]

I feel that I have to remind everyone how good the 950 adventure is. Sorry. Maybe it's finally time to look at something new?

[@tolga1cool]

The real question is if the 950 is better then the 990... 🤔

[@aukanmeister]

@@tolga1cool I replaced my worn out 950 engine with a 990. Used the carbs and cams from the 950. 990 had a few updates for reliability. Only small, but significant. I like carbs because I understand them a little bit better than FI. But there is no doubt FI is better in every single way. The new ones are really good though.

[@tolga1cool]

@@aukanmeister What was wrong with your engine? And how many km did you have on it

[@aukanmeister]

@@tolga1cool Headstuds on the 2005 was weak, and stretched quite badly. Which resulted in cylinders lifting from the block. In addition, I had a whoopsie in the gearbox at the same time. Cheaper to buy a used 990 engine than the parts I needed for the 950. Made the switch at 92000km. Now done about 130k.

[@Angry-Lynx]

I got 2004 version with 64k on clock. Should I worry?

[@meseeandthepalmtree]

really great videos you are making...bravo

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!

[@miradockal9795]

Finally someone who has described the difference!!! Well done mate... Please put new AT 110 vs 790 😃adventure r😋 Take care 👍

[@carlosmurgelcddr.1418]

Great video! I have a 990 2011 and love the bike, but would love to have a 790 or 890 as well. Cheers from Brasil.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@stuarttownsend2868]

Realy enjoying this format, great presentation and camera work. Yamaha tenere 700 and xtz750/xt600z? Thanks for making the vids

[@BrakeMagazine]

XTZ 750. Because it's iconic.

[@Ammiraglioant]

Complimenti bel Video 😊 . Comparativa molto interessante.

[@DomMcCarthy]

Thanks for making this video! I have a 990 and 790r - getting rid of one of them would be like Sophie's Choice, only the Nazis would be replaced by the good denizens of Craigslist. Things I appreciate about the 790r: cruise control (optional $$ extra), auto blipper up and down (optional $$ extra), electronic safety net so I can ride sports-bike-fast with offroad tires on my commute, lane splitting in Southern California traffic, low centre of gravity, raw power (4th gear is jaw-droppingly amazing). Things I appreciate about the 990: comfy stock seat, raw power. I've had them both down to Baja at different times and they both excel - the 990 on the fast gravel tracks, the 790 on those, as well as some more technical terrain. Both are great slabbing it for miles and miles of freeway; unlike LLew - I do not feel the windshield to be a problem on the 790 (I'm 6' / 1.8m, 180lbs) - but there is an upper windscreen position which the review bike may or may not have been taking advantage of in this case. Downside to the 990 - service intervals and complexity of oil changes; downside to the 790 - the native KTM navigation app which shows up on the screen (guess what, optional $ extra on your smartphone) can be a bit, well, I think the technical term is "shit." Overall - fantastic to see this video and a lot of what the reviewer said meshes with my personal experience of (almost - 990 not 950) these bikes. 10/10 would watch/ride again.

[@dougster2k]

Dom McCarthy thanks, i think that’s really useful information 👍

[@Angry-Lynx]

You forgot.990 much better.looks! Sexiest bike ever ; especially R version

[@eetu8655]

950 adventure looks better, sounds better and its more authentic. I would go for 950. On the other hand 790 is more modern and more develop.

[@jasonr1150gs]

Do 1100/1150gs vs the new one. Pretty please!

[@kevinkeating9076]

replace the rear spring from the standard 150nm/ to 125 nm. Softer , better easier on and off road . Drop the front triple cramps 3 mm. It all adds up to a better bike all round. Kev Australia.

[@arminbodner_com]

The Sound! Come on the Sound of the 790 cannot be compared to 950s.

[@hokukamaaina9734]

Good stuf....the 950 on Dakar with Fabrizio Meoni....was born in a desert.....

[@insights15243]

The one clear regression is the design - the 790 is soooo ugly while the 950 is beautiful

[@rajasimanta]

It's bout perception

[@kevinkeating9076]

Definitely the 950 looks styled and smooth , it is beautiful , European , elegant . The 790 looks Japanese , bolted on components , clunky , chunky , nothing to define any type of beauty of design , more functional and narrow purposed.

[@camilocarvajal373]

Awesome review, really in depth on the riding experience 👍👍💪 great work

[@adamsjoberrg]

I've got a '04 950 Adv, and it's funny you call it retro but it's after all the last of a dying breed. No ABS, Traction control or injection. It's basically a dirtbike on steroids, and it was designed with a single purpose: To win the Dakar Rally. It's heavy and awkward in some spots but after all it was made to blast over sand dunes as fast as you possibly could go, if you are up to the challenge!

[@africarie]

Just discovered your channel and glad I did❗On topic : as a former ADV990 Rider I had my best ADV motortrip so far in my life around Iceland in 2014: it took me everywhere I wanted to go and enjoyed the ride thoroughly... so much that I got bored riding in NL afterward and took a break from motoring around in the woods and occasional service or unpaved road in the north of NL. Untill I hired a 890R in spring 2021 and caught the ADV virus again. That bike was or arguably is the perfect ADV bike on the market. But to expensive for my biking budget so I found a very nice XT660Z instead of which I improved the saddle and suspension and it works for me. Why not an 690? They are pricy over here and reliability is an issue with used KTM's... Yamaha Ténéré is like a Toyota in the sense that They are bullit proof imho. Cheers from Groningen (NL)

[@duke7888]

Fantastic review!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thank you!

[@istanbulianb]

@@BrakeMagazine Your comments on the 950 are spot on; loved riding my 2005 950S to Ulaanbataar . Fantastic long-distance off-road potential but it did burst the rear suspension after a particularly heavy landing and the front rim was made of cheese!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I had one for three days short of two years, then some pillock of an Essex boy pulled out in front of me: written off, but I recovered Great bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

That's shit.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@BrakeMagazine It was. But my decision not to renew my insurance until the last day was a good one as I was on crutches for almost five months, so I would have wasted it. As soon as I was off crutches, I jumped on my reserve bike, an old R1100GS and rode to Portugal.

[@insights15243]

one thing the 790 does really well is to answer the question "how ugly can a bike look". The 950 has beautiful coherent slick lines while the 790 looks like god vomited pieces of plastic in random shapes and they were glued together.

[@kevinkeating9076]

As a 990 owner I feel that the real advantage is the ability to tour ling distances , more comfortable with more steel underneath you . Only professional riders could get the better out of the 990 inn the dirt . 99% of us are weekend warriors . So the 990 will fill both worlds .. KEV AUSTRALIA.