Should I have bought one? 2024 KTM 890 SMT review

[@wetspecs]

Thanks Tim. I agree with your comments about 'sticky' tyres and being a fun machine. 2 hour test ride convinced me it's worth buying one. I needed some fun after 2 years of reliable sane 1250GS. After all I am only 75 so need to keep the adrenaline going! Now waiting until the 1st (73 plate) to collect it. Fitted with all R & G stuff as bike was used as template. Might be worth fitting Remus exhaust after 600 mile service.

[@timrodierides]

Excellent! Hope you enjoy it, and I hope I'm still riding fun bikes at 75

[@mattmutane5502]

@@timrodierides Me too!! I plan to have a damn good go at it - I have a mate who is 80 and still doing track days... ;) :D

[@fizzhogg23]

Defo get the remus exhaust. I have it on mine it's smaller and sounds better

[@wetspecs]

So now I've done 1600 miles, had Remus exhaust fitted. I'm amazed at how comfortable it is. 2 hours on the seat is no problem so 'touring ' part of smt is accurate. I shall keep to road setting until spring as sport mode makes the throttle response too sensitive for wet muddy lanes. All good so far.

[@snakeoil2182]

Thanks for the update. It's nice to hear real world feedback!​@@wetspecs

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

I’m holding out for a 990 R SMT, hope they make one for spring 2024.

[@andrewpreen341]

Same here mate

[@Steve-motorcycles]

KTM do make the most fun bikes 🎉

[@timrodierides]

Hard pressed to disagree with that, they’re consistently a giggle

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Certainly the ugliest

[@ojoimages]

I can totally confirm that the 790 is punchier than the 890 low down in the rev range. I had a duke 790 (new Chinese one) as a demo whilst my duke 890 was being serviced and was a bit shocked with the low down punch. Felt like it had lost a front tooth!

[@churchofbrap876]

Gotta believe my 690 SMCR would work this thing through the Twisties! And the Duc Hyper 950 is soooo much nicer looking, with similar performance!

[@timrodierides]

The Hyper 950 is noticeably punchier low in the revs and more aggressive in its power delivery, I used to own one!

[@churchofbrap876]

@@timrodierides ya the Hyper is a bad ass bike, definitely on my short list!

[@FadilKarim]

Neither of those options would be as comfortable as this SMT. Just depends how far from the twisty roads you live.

[@banditleu1342]

Kinda reminds me of my 07 ktm 950 sm-r ...has.. itg intake , jet kit.., araka exhaust ..very fun ride..call her the dragon..spits flames out the exhaust...👍👍👍 7:03

[@gkanai1400]

Reminds me of the Yamaha TDM850- parallel twin, 5 valves/cylinder, upright position.

[@JakeThePeg83]

‘Teflon iceberg on a rubber ring of lurpack’. This is what I’m here for, sod the bikes. 😂

[@Unclefacts]

the one to get is the inevitable R version. love your enthusiasm though, one of the best channels on here for bikes and such

[@ajmf-hy8qt]

grate bike

[@eraserone1]

i love your “reviews” haha it’s kinda like i’m out on ride with you lol

[@timrodierides]

Thank you! Complete with crappy audio haha

[@ZeeBri]

Half considering chopping my Moto2 in for one of these. Seem like it'll do everything but you'll be having fun at all times... Also considering an S1000XR but will test ride both

[@Dan-56]

I have a friend who couldn’t understand why I kept a SuperMoto bike stuffed in the garage……until he took one for a ride…..now he owns one 😆😆🤪👍!

[@LambChopRides]

Brilliant Tim isnt it, I still want one but think I want a 1290R more... oh decisions decisions.. 😂

[@timrodierides]

Oh definitely... just make sure you get a cracking deal on the 1290 before the 1390 comes out next year!

[@mattmutane5502]

Tim, great review as per usual, thx! :) Seeing as nobody else does, can you also please think about trying to describe how it "feels" lent over/how well the suspension works at lean, and side/edge grip type stuff? I suspect you'd be good at articulating this stuff, and take your tech analysis to another level.. ;) :) Just wonderin' as that would differentiate you further from the (not very articulate) crowd... ;) Also, for 12k, surely you'd pick the MT10 though, no? ;) (I'd personally like an 890R, 890 SMT AND and MT10!! ;) :D )

[@disekjoumoer]

I'm keeping my 990 SMT at least until they bring out a new 990 SMT.

[@miatika]

What year do you have? I’m considering buying a 2012

[@disekjoumoer]

@@miatika I've got the 2011 model. Makes me feel like a hero hooligan every time I ride it.

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@Mtthwpez]

Reliability and dealer/KTM service issues make them un-buyable proposition for me sadly. Looks great, though!

[@timrodierides]

I've had zero problems with my KTM in the 18 months I've had one really. Dealer near me (P&H) have been great too - far cheaper to service than my Ducatis

[@Mtthwpez]

@@timrodierides If you have a good dealer like P&H, then that is half the battle. Glad you haven't had problems with your bike.

[@grenphelps7455]

Tim, it's not a adventure bike, it's a super moto with a different suit on, that's it plain and simple.... KTM did the same thing with the 990 SMT, it was a 990 SM, I used to have a 950SM great bike, made you feel like a riding god 😂😂 but I'd not change my mt10 for one.... for back road blasting that mt10 is a very naughty bike....

[@timrodierides]

Well technically it’s an 890 adventure with a different front wheel, it’s not derived from a supermoto… (unless I missed an 890 supermoto in the range)

[@grenphelps7455]

@@timrodierides it's a super moto, KTM twisting the naming process, it'll have more in common with their SM range than any adventure bike... the original 990 SMT was a 990 SM, with slightly shorter suspension, I bet if you dug a bit deeper, you'll find that they have altered the head stock angle and a few other things....touring supermoto.... 😅😅

[@fizzhogg23]

The 890 smt has longer suspension than the 890 adventure to compensate for the smaller wheel

[@jasonwood6100]

Not sure on how much difference there is between them but the Duke 890R actually uses Powercup 2 tyres which are classed as a more track type Tyre, not Power GP. Nice vid by the way.

[@timrodierides]

Oops my bad

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Is it a bit expensive for what it is? I'm sure it's great fun. I don't like the white mudguard, or the looks generally. Orange isn't the new black, IMO and, although I'm sure it's not the case, KTMs ooze cheapness - I've only ridden the 790 Duke, however. Fun. But was like riding a collection of reclaimed baked beans cans (not Heinz).

[@billyellieswift420]

Question. I have the 1290 SDR,1290 SAR,890 Adventure S. The Dukes are to small for me really. I find myself going the the 890 Adv S. It’s just shorter and easier to get on and off. Now I’m torn between this 890 SMT and a 1290 duke GT. I really like the idea of this. SMT but it’s not released in the United States yet here’s the question. 1290 GT or 89O SMT???

[@DC_Cha_Cha_Cha]

Amazing video. So is the closest comparison bike to this the Ducati Hypermotard?

[@timrodierides]

Probably, it's kinda in a class of its own. Hypermotard is a lot more aggressive and focussed - you wouldn't want to do really big rides on it, while the SMT is all-day comfy.

[@forestrytreecare7037]

How does this compare to the 890 adv? I live close to jeep trails and canyons but have a full purpose trail bike for real off road. My question is, is the smt better enough for spirited canyon riding that I should skip the versatility of the adventure? Thanks, love your content

[@MrBiggles]

Haha love your channel of motorbike nonsense (it’s actually not nonsense it’s great 👍🏻)

[@iivanforchune9666]

What are differences between the DUKE 890R and the 890 SMT?

[@hauptmann25]

Da Glotzade hot'n Wheelie verkackt!

[@markc6030]

If you get chance Tim see if you can get a ride on a 950sm , one of the best bikes I've owned.

[@rjmockett]

Agreed one of the best bikes ever loved mine in 2005

[@timrodierides]

I'd love a go on one! They're really affordable at the moment. I just need space for more than one bike...

[@markc6030]

@@timrodierides See if you can get a tie in with Superbike Factory, new series on your fun bikes of last ten years 😉

[@_N222]

Not sure about the hypothetical R version being more powerful, like the duke R. I heard other people saying this. The 990 SMT and SMT R versions had same power. Why would they make it differently now?

[@timrodierides]

I dunno, I reckon they're sandbagging… 120hp R version on the way ;) Seriously though, KTM have essentially confirmed there's a 990 coming in 2024 to replace the 890 engine next year. So maybe they'll bring out a 990SMT and just bring out the R version then...

[@MrBecksy2]

Very flickable, but how is its stability carving fast through long corners, or dealing with UK's pothole covered roads etc. I find myself frequently looking at the KMT website and looking at Super Adventure etc. but never gone further due to scarcity of dealers combined with some not so great rep on reliability. Which may be unfair...also put off by that 19" front.

[@timrodierides]

I know a guy with a 2021 Super Adventure S for sale. Though I rode it this morning and am tempted to not sell it… it's a hoot! Stability on the 890 felt great in the longer corners. It won't soak up bumps as well as a longer-travel adv bike.

[@jonathanr72]

It's 25kg heavier than an 890 Duke and I can't see any real advantage for carrying all that extra weight.

[@dumbazz83]

more comfort and better touring abilitys and still be able to be on even ground with the most duke riders in twisties

[@iivanforchune9666]

Less power and heavier?

[@gerryryan2302]

Now people buy the adventure and put road tyres on , how many are gonna buy this and want off road tyres 🤔

[@timrodierides]

😂

[@flexywing]

Das Vorderrad wurde von einem Glatzkopf mit der Kupplung in der Luft verpfuscht

[@timrodierides]

Genau, danke

[@elvisthewart670]

Reliability issues have allways put me off ktm such a big risk buying one.

[@DontPanicDear]

Motorcycle ignoramus here. I though fork angle was important, but had no idea a smaller front wheel made a bike more pointy. What makes wheel size so influential?

[@jmacknet2]

Rotational inertia. A big wheel takes more effort to change direction due to gyroscopic forces.

[@DontPanicDear]

@@jmacknet2 Cheers, that makes sense 👍🏻

[@mattmutane5502]

Not just fork angle, trail also plays a big part in steering feel and speed of steering! I need to compare the 890R vs SMT vs ADV fork length/height, steering angle AND trail to understand which are the same and which are not... I'd like to think/hope the R and SMT these things are all indeed the same, but I suspect they are not identical... Any idea, Tim? :) The geometry also has a bearing on weight distribution and CoG as well, which can also affect rear grip as well and millimetre changes can make a massive difference! This motorcycle design thing is way more complicated than many people realise! ;)

[@DontPanicDear]

@@mattmutane5502 Well that opens up a can of worms 😂 So trail can be adjusted by rake, or fork offset, or a combination. So it’s wheel size and weight, tyre profile / width, rake, fork offset, seat height and wheelbase that have a large effect on steering speed and feel 🤓 I know a bit about cars, but I realise that bike set up can be even more nuanced, as each part and adjustment is a greater part of the whole (mass) So in theory, you can have fast geometry, with a larger front wheel taking the edge off. You might get slower initial turn in, but then a more stable bike once a line is taken? Or is that rubbish?

[@mattmutane5502]

@@DontPanicDearNo, that's not rubbish! :) Also, on a bike, weight transfer during braking is another dynamic that has to be taken into account (how the engine pivots around the head/CoG during braking as the forks dive (fork setup is yet another variable for this one too... ;) ) I hate a mate who has designed a hub-centre steered bike where you can separate out steering head angle/rake and trail... but that's a pretty special edge case... ;) :D

[@judd-sv-galileo]

Botched up wheelie is Aussie Slang is (Knobache) LOL

[@timrodierides]

😂😂

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

So, Did you buy one yet Tim???

[@timrodierides]

I bought an MT-10 SP instead… because it was the same price 😂

[@ronr6605]

Wow, KTM finally built an alike ugly 750GS with adjustable suspension. :D

[@h34p]

yeah, you should've.

[@markreynolds8630]

So, how does it compare to your Hypermotard?

[@timrodierides]

I sold the Hypermotard 2 years ago, but the power delivery is softer and less aggressive, the seat on the KTM is way, way more comfy and the KTM turns in quicker and holds a line more nicely. The 950 SP on Ohlins was pretty firm

[@markreynolds8630]

The power delivery on the Ducati was softer and less aggressive? So the KTM SMT is a better bike?

[@timrodierides]

@@markreynolds8630 Sorry my comment was deeply illiterate! Power delivery is softer and less aggressive on the KTM! The Ducati is more aggressive :)

[@helgejohan3604]

@@timrodieridessupersport 950 Are softer and slower then Duke 890? I dont understand that Hypermotard are faster

[@Icem4n84]

The real question is whether to switch my SDR for an SMT...

[@timrodierides]

I wouldn't... depends what generation SDR you have possibly

[@BIGGGESTAL]

Why has it only got 105bhp not 120. Not worth the money IMHO

[@mattmutane5502]

Torque, and how/when it's delivered, is more important TBH...! ;)

[@markanstey2654]

I don't get why people are so obsessed with bhp figures - it's all about torque on a bike. Around 100bhp is the sweet spot for a road bike anyway imo...

[@mattmutane5502]

@@markanstey2654 I (mostly ;) ) agree with you - torque and it's delivery is king and most people rarely deploy most of the power they have available to them anyway (except perhaps in a boring straight line). I think the "adequate" figure is around 120, though... ;) :D Deffo wouldn't say no to one of these, though! :)

[@fizzhogg23]

I traded my 1290 sas for this 105 hp is perfect imo The extra 15hp people think it needs won't be used by 99% of people

[@dumbazz83]

and also the intake of the duke r engine did NOT fit in the smt/adventure frame, that was the biggest reason for the 105 hp engine, but with its torque curve its fine anyway :)

[@AyoHues]

Ride a 990SMT (never mind a 990SMR) and realise this is bullshit KTM recession fodder rather than an actual proper new model. It’s a cheapo stop gap between the Duke R and the 890Adv not a superb all rounder, commuter, B-road scratcher with proper mile-munching, continent-crossing abilities.

[@timrodierides]

You lose points for swearing

[@ayohughes]

@@timrodierides Fair point. 🙊 Mea culpa. Will do better in future.🙏🏽

[@ayohughes]

Nevertheless, IMHO it *is* cynical of KTM. I'd put this on a par with the plastic subframe they introduced on their dirt bikes a few years ago. Perfectly good idea in principle, just completely under-developed and in reality nothing more than a cost saving exercise.

[@ralfbauer9534]

You have to testride the 890 smt before makeing such statements. I own one for 5.500 km now and its my ninth ktm in my life and its the best one. No power missing, real torky machine, brilliant chassis and comfortable as well, you can ride it easy or hard it does everything you want and it´s great fun, i fuckin love it. So do yourself a favour and enjoy a testride…

[@fizzhogg23]

​@ralfbauer9534 I also own one best bike I've owned. I traded in a 1290 sas for it, so I was thinking it might need a bigger screen but surprisingly it doesn't

[@hamburger4622]

Is it built under license in China by CF?, ironically if it is, it may be more reliable?!

[@timrodierides]

It’s not, the 790s are

[@sambagogo777]

"Should I have bought one?" It's a KTM so your local bike mechanic would likely be happy if you did!

[@timrodierides]

Someone’s new here…

[@sambagogo777]

@@timrodierides lol

[@cjmwhitehead462]

Too heavy, too ugly and with completely the wrong engine. 890R engine yes, the 890 adventure, no. you can stick those tyres on anything., what a fudge by KTM.

[@korma9732]

SMT/R inevitable.......

[@neilrichardson3986]

Extra for comfy seat💩

[@lestersmyth692]

FUBAR

[@neilbenton1152]

Why can't ktm make a good looking bike ? And the build quality looks bloody awful ! I don't care how fantastic it rides 😂