The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

[@scwlw2169]

Bought my 22 sas two weeks ago and we had a warmup yesterday. I can only tell you what I think after 200 miles, I’ll compare it to my gen1 sdr decat,sas gone, map etc. allright this bike carries the weight low, ktm did a great job lowering the seat.I’m 5’7” and can touch down. This bike is geared shorter and does low rpm’s!! With my sdr I use 4th for everything from 40 to 100 mph and while that gen 1 would let me know when rpm’s got to low this euro 5 version feels good at 2k in the first 4 gears. This had as much range as my old speed triple, but more power. Acceleration might feel more aggressive than the sdr because of the relaxed seating position. Semiactive suspension is sublime and fully (I think) adjustable and changing msr on the fly on dirt and gravel is sweet. I spent nearly a year deciding what bike I wanted to add and this one will get me the 650 miles to the mountains and be just as fun once I’m there.

[@stevenbown5752]

I bought one a couple of months ago and love it. The power delivery is crazy and sooo much fun. I've found the screen to be spot on but I'm under 6ft tall, even with the other half on the back she's not bothered by the wind so....I've put an air seat pad on and it's made a hell of a difference. The only thing I've really not liked are the OEM tyres, they're not great when it's cold and/or wet so they'll have to be swapped.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Yeah I think it becomes and issue from 6ft onwards! I found the tires okay, but it was a warm day. I'd definitely put something more road oriented on though.

[@wojciechsochon382]

Poduszkę powietrzną do siedzenia?

[@DukeOfTwist]

Hello... just as well its only a loaner. ;-) We are loosing too many corners chasers to the dark (adventure) side. Only positive would be handling the rough stuff in cutting through all those road closures lol

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Loaner's often turn into my own!🤣

[@garytaylor7611]

This bike will keep up with anything in the corners. Bonkers fast too . Been ducati last 10 years n this is the only bike I've ridden to give me a bigger grin factor 😄

[@thelikeablerider8800]

It's a lot of fun isn't it😜🤦‍♂️

[@DukeOfTwist]

@@garytaylor7611 I don't disagree, but we still want pure naked sports bikes as for 1 adv bikes are too tall for me as I'm vertically challenged & folicaly impaired.

[@troppo4872]

I went the other way…from GS and XR to SDGT and then the same bike as yours. I also test rode the S. Agree re the screen…crap. The seat was uncomfortable, but everything else was very good. Would I buy one? No. I would keep the SD and buy another GS.

[@scottieray]

I think the buffet ting depends on the style of helmet. However, I get buffet ting regardless of setting. I'll be buying an extension.

[@davidcarroll1152]

Hi Shaun,I did see your review on your Rukka jacket.....I cant remember the Model name? can you refresh the old brain please.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Hi David It's the Shield R👍

[@BiglumpADV]

I swapped over to adventure bikes, namely a Yamaha Super Tenere because I commute 70 miles a day and prefer to be on two wheels. For me shaft drive was a must for low maintenance, and also given how appalling our UK roads are now days I can cover ground on the big Super Ten way more easily that my Gixer 600. Still keeping the Gixer for the Sunday blasts though!

[@SWFlowseeker]

Ty for the vid. My next bike…just can’t decide S or R 😩

[@gijsberthoek1797]

Great to see you ripping that thing. Would like to see you doing that more often with your super duke 😋

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Noted😜

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

Good review, and good to see you gave it some pasty from the off

[@thelikeablerider8800]

There is much pasty to be had with the thing!✌😜

[@milesdavis8665]

Great video. Trying to see if I want this bike or a 2017 superduke gt leftover at the dealership in Manila. Besides the zx14r I used to own ktm's put a big smile in my face. Thanks and keep the videos coming

[@MrInsanityPants]

Knocking on the door of 40? 🤣🤣 49 and on an RSV4 but I’m adding a SDR, that’s my “comfortable” bike haha

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Fair play to you👍🤣

[@pistonhead31]

It's not in few years time you know I know its just a more usable then superduke! You will have it till end of next year mak my words 😂👌😁❤️

[@sd5458]

You actually can't put in whatever settings menu you want into the favorites button. For whatever reason the suspension settings are not available for the quick settings. Annoying as hell.

[@Duff025]

😂 nicely put and I do feel your pain ”knocking on the door of 40”

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Considered older than Moses these days🤣

[@mattmutane5502]

@@thelikeablerider8800 I've got shoes older than you! :P :D

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Give over! The shoe hadn't been invented back in your day, 476 BC I believe!

[@Brian-ov1rj]

You look better on this bike than your current one.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Oh dam, don't sat that!!🤣🤣

[@ianbrowne9636]

Decent! How does the power and handling it compare with the old XR beemer?

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Handling wise fairly similar, but power delivery is very different. On the XR the power band is much higher up, and slightly lacking in character. You'll get far more joy from a thumpy Vtwin👍😜

[@ianbrowne9636]

@@thelikeablerider8800 Thank you. I think I'll book in TR on one and compare it with the new Multistrada. I've got on XR and love it, but I might have a change up at the end of the year. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Keep up the good work kid. Love the vids - deffo helping in keeping me sane in this ever increasingly mad world!

[@marcjohnson7734]

Can you use 6th gear as you would normally on a bike? Say happily at 60 mph/100k My GT had to have a 16t front sprocket because unless you were doing warp factor 3 6th was irrelevant

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Yes 6th is much more useable on this bike, my GT was the same, barely used 6th gear!

[@battsonbikes1919]

So tempted by this bike. Booked a test ride but had to cancel it. I will have to rebook it ;)

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Its definitely worth a look m8👍😜

[@52yamahar1]

Would you think the 2018 sas is still a good bike if i couldnt afford this? Or worth saving and getting this model?

[@thelikeablerider8800]

They're fairly similar with regards to spec, and it's still the same engine, just with a slightly different tune. Still a great bike👌😜

[@perryburns6515]

Top review! But let's cut to the chase. 20hp down on the SDR but off the line, to 60mph about the same? SDR still takes it?

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Slightly difficult to compare as it's a completely different experience! But yes there's not much in it off the line.

[@supercomp7078]

Knocking on the door of fourty, you poor old man, it's almost over for you, time to hang up the keys

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Okay might have jumped the gun with that comment🤣

[@MyMotorcycleObsession]

Nice review! How tall are you? It's always good to know that on any bike review. How's the heat coming off the engine? I test rode a 2022 Triumph 900 Tiger GT and it was like there were five blow dryers on high blowing on each leg, almost unbearable. I also have heard that the leg heat from the super duke is way more than this bike. I wish you wouldn't have blanked out the speedometer, I wanted to see how much wind and vibration you had at 120 kph, which is the highway speed limit over here in the USA, wonder how that would be driving for hours at that speed. Good to know about the wind screen noise, I've seen people upgrade to a bigger one as soon as they buy the bike. This may be my next bike!

[@thelikeablerider8800]

I'm 6ft2, and no heat issues coming from the engine, which has also been improved on the SDR. On my SDGT there was more heat coming up through the engine.

[@davidwinfield-bennett7071]

Good review, good to see Rukka gear quality 👌

[@curnobullen]

Great video. I really do like the KTM SAS, the only issue for me is the dealer network in the UK. I currently ride a 1250GS and had some issues with it too , but BMW after care is fantastic. I test rode the bike and love it but the dealer network scares me.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Yes that is definitely somethin to think about, bad dealers can ruin ownership!

[@scottyuk]

Not long to wait to see if the new GT gets the sweet spot between the SDR and the SAS.👍

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Yes that will be worth a look👍😜

[@simonrobinson7536]

Not seen a bad review on this bike yet Shaun, but my question is why is taking them 2 days to service your Superduke, had my GT done 3 hours

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Think it's become pretty standard at the dealers here, first you can't get an appointment for weeks, then it takes a couple days. Not too bothered though Simon, means I get to test ride other bikes👍😜

[@alfiethefeline3311]

i think it needs shorter screen not longer.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Agreed! For my height a shorter screen seems to work better👍

[@mustdriveslower]

The "Doris" mention had me laughing - that is defo a SW England and maybe specifically Somerset term! Concerning the bike how was the testicular heating? At the KTM stand at the recent ABR festival KM were going on about the dual radiators sorting out the old KTM rear cylinder testicle heating issues - but did you notice it was cooler riding the bike, you know, down there...

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Yes very much improved, felt no heat at all! My SDGT was pretty warm in plums area, again no issue on the SDR either👍

[@mattmutane5502]

Deffo not a SW England only phrase - AFAIK, it also has no negative connotations, it's just a generic term... :)

[@mustdriveslower]

@@mattmutane5502 That is good to know. It is used locally a lot here. TLR is from the same town as me hence the Somerset bonding. I love colloquial words and often wonder where or why they originated. I used to live in the USA and once got into embarrassing trouble when I asked for "where are the rubbers?" in a general store. Poor assistant ( young part-time school-aged girl) went bright red until my friend translated "he is English and he means eraser". Then it was my turn to be embarrassed.

[@after75]

Hi Shaun, comparing your old SD GT and this one, how would you rate the fun factor , rider position and wind protection? Thank you!

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Its a strange one! The SAS has more wind protection, but it's much much louder, borderline annoying! The GT has obviously less wind protection but less noisey. My SDR without any type of screen is the quietest of the lot! Unfortunately the more screen and wind protection you have, the louder the wind noise🤷‍♂️

[@after75]

@@thelikeablerider8800 Thank you! Fun factor? Is the SAS now comparable to the touring supernaked?

[@thelikeablerider8800]

They're all fun to ride, SAS is a different experience, completely different position, wind protection etc. And probably the easiest to ride out of the three! The SDR and GT are easier to compare as their not worlds apart. Comparing an adventure bike to a Super Naked and Super sports tourer is not really possible.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

I suppose the deciding factor is personal, how many miles you ride, how much comfort do you want etc. From performance they're all exception. Can you handle riding longer miles on a sportier bike, physically. If yes then SDR or GT. If you want more comfort then SAS, bare in mind you can strap enough luggage to all of them👍

[@IanTed]

Great bike like most KTMs but the electrical gremlins are a mare, dealer support is very iffy too, shame as it could dominate the market. Do we really need 160bhp for the road, no, the GS will still outsell it as the balance is better. Ex racer here who at 60+ favours comfort over marketing hype. I’d go for the GT, too much buffeting of the helmet🤪

[@Captndarty]

Beside the GS fanboy fare outselling the rest, You’re so wrong…

[@hermannschmidt9788]

So, it still has a noisy screen. The one in the older model was unbearable from 80km/h upwards. I don't want to stuff my ears all the time and not hear anything from the machine anymore. I guess the short screen from the R model could be the solution. I'm really tempted to get one of those adventure rockets.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Very tempted myself! Yes I think a stumpy screen would be better. It's a small niggle but an annoying one. Not to take anything away from otherwise an amazing bike!

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@thelikeablerider8800 Yup, felt the same during a 2 day test ride on a 2019 model. I could eat hundreds of km a day with this thing and every minute of it would be fun. My ears would be wrecked though.

[@glennollerenshaw8466]

just fun fun fun keep up the good work

[@johanstrampraat1684]

Why did you not filmed it when you park it, like a walk around?

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Because I was late with this review, I felt it not necessary! Thinking that if people were interested in this bike, that they'd have already seen plenty of walk rounds👍

[@motorbiketoureruk]

Great review Shaun, haven’t tried this yet, have loved my Superadventure S although I missed the 17” front wheel and stickier choice of tyres, superduke GT incoming as the price was too 😊

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Yes the dual tires would have to go for something more road oriented, although was still able to give plenty of pasty😜

[@mattmutane5502]

@@thelikeablerider8800 Shaun, trust me, stick a set of Conti Trial Attacks on for the road (19" front of the "S", not the 21" of the "R"), and they are better than you, as I have to work damn hard to keep up with my mate on that bike/tyre combo in the twisties!! :D

[@motorbiketoureruk]

@@thelikeablerider8800 it’s amazing how much of twat you can ride these

[@emak4558]

I can confirm trail attack 3. I took those price point Mitas tires off before it left the show room. Conti trail attack 3, good to go - although not very good off road , of course. I am not a believer in one tire does it all. You want an off road tire, get one. But I believe when you mix the duty you end up with a tire that is crap in both services.

[@emak4558]

This SAS would be so much more useful than a super naked. Just much more flexibility. And you would be giving up very very little.

[@abdulrahman_albutti]

فلوق جميل ktm

[@leeh6816]

Great video as ever 👍

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Many Danke schön's😜

[@grahamoakley11]

Great review and enjoy your videos. i know exactly where you’re coming from, i was also hooked on an adventure bike, but I still wanted the hooligans naked bike, so not wanting a SDR and a Adventure S, as they’re to alike, I was lucky enough to sell the wife and have an adventure S for my touring of Europe and traded the SDR for a Tuono for my hooligan fix……I’ve died and gone to heaven. Cheers 🍻

[@thelikeablerider8800]

The two bikes would be the best combo.....still waiting on that lottery win!

[@markmurphy1995]

Just wondering Shaun, was it the 1200 GS or 1250 that you rode? I’ve owned both and the 1250 wouldn’t embarrass speed wise! You’ll have to stop slagging off the Adventure bike community, probably a good share of your subscribers! 😉😂

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Was the 1200GS, yet to chuck a leg over the 1250. At what point did I slag anyone off?

[@markmurphy1995]

@@thelikeablerider8800 Well you said if you were going to go adventure bike orientated and were old and knackered! Not taking any offense obviously! 😂 👍🏻😁

[@gsd32i]

Nice vid 👍

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Thank you m8👍😜

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great video it’s a beast alright lol 👍👍👍

[@emak4558]

Weak rear brake (price point Brembo - who make many “levels” of brakes) and price point tires. Poor stock screen. And not as good as it could be stock seat. That is about it for the big weak points. I like the adjustable shift lever and rear brake lever. The handling on good tires is crazy. And the engine is just ridiculous.

[@ColinMichael-Artist]

Cheers a lot great review as normal. I have been thinking about another bike and will get a test ride after watching this. Its this s against the Ducatti multi stradder and triumph Tiger...mmm and the wife.....

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Bike shopping is always enjoyable, make sure you give them all a test ride. Would love a shot on the Multistrada myself👍😜

[@ColinMichael-Artist]

@@thelikeablerider8800 will definitely do this...cheers again

[@bombercountybiker2990]

I’ve ridden both and honestly the KTM is better.. before you even consider the massive price difference

[@emak4558]

Geez, you shifted out of 2nd around half tach. This is the same guy that complained about wheelie control? No, not at 2500 rpm it won’t . .. so 90 kph in 3rd gear - that is like , cruising zone. You have not begun to tap this engine.

[@motodruid4327]

My 2020 has an absolutely abysmal screen too. I haven't read or watched many reviews that call that out - compared to my S1000XR which was almost silent even with a peaked ADV helmet, the KTM's are horrible.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Its possibly the worst screen I've ever experienced 🤦‍♂️ probably be better off without one at all!

[@blackiesmisadventures3413]

🤔 Ugliest looking bike on the market, and I here the Ktm,s are still having problems with there Electronics! You on the other hand a star ⭐️ keep up the good work Shaun 👍

[@thelikeablerider8800]

KTM road bikes have always been Marmite bikes, fortunately I like both👍😜 Thank you Chris!

[@motorbiketoureruk]

I’ve never had a decent screen on a adventure bike, I find them all too loud, I generally put the shortest screen available on

[@marksimpson5218]

Yes they all seem to be loud, even with earplugs in. I’ve Been thinking about going back to a naked bike.

[@motorbiketoureruk]

@@marksimpson5218 when I ride nakeds I never worry about wind noise or buffeting. They’re better for me as well

[@thelikeablerider8800]

I was a tad annoying with regards to the screen. I agree, youd need to go even smaller than the stock at it lowest setting.

[@IanTed]

Solved the issue by buying a Puig screen, smooth airflow…

[@leeevery1325]

A 2 to 3 day service that’s not very good,

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Possibly my doing! I generally take my bikes in late afternoon, as it can be difficult with work, and pickup is then generally the next day. This also means I get to try other bikes.

[@mattmutane5502]

So, Shaun, about Dorris smashing you in the helmet - what does your wife think about that and is it a service you have to pay for? ;) :D

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Think if you're away from home, then it would come at a cost, otherwise it's just a bag of Maltesers!

[@tommymonaghan8547]

If I was to get old and knackered! If I was to go all soppy I’d buy one! 🤣🤣🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Just a wee joke, there's nothing about that bike that would suggest it's for the soppies🤣🤣🤣

[@tommymonaghan8547]

@@thelikeablerider8800 ah I know it was just funny 😆 I had a KTM 990SM few years ago and it was the best fun bike I ever had when it wasn’t broken 😂 the torque was amazing, could just pop the front up off the throttle coming out of a corner so can only imagine what the 1290 engine is like. I was really sorry after I sold it, but I was getting more into my track bike and started racing so was just sitting in the shed not getting used, been off the road with bikes since, but really looking forward to getting the new XR out whenever it arrives 😎

[@onahi2002]

Loved the dumb and dumber quote " I like it alot" Wished youd done a walk around.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Thought it not so necessary as I was slightly late than others getting this video out.

[@Japster-rg5cs]

The Problem with this bike is there is just too much electronics on this bike that can go wrong, and as we all know KTM electronics do Shit they're Pants with alarming regularity. Love mine but definitely won't be buying another as there after sales and customer service is Pants. Whenever you have a problem they tell you we haven't had that issue before, you check the bike forums and it's littered with folk who've had the same issue, when paying the premiums we pay for these machines you'd expect a premium product.

[@thelikeablerider8800]

That's true! My front wheel has to be sent off to KTM for tolerance testing! I'm getting a slight shudder under braking. Again it's a known problem that no one tells you about. Nothing serious, can still ride it, so will do it over winter🤦‍♂️

[@thelikeablerider8800]

I've had nothing serious with both KTM'S I've had, its just a massive inconvenience having it in the work shops for weeks on end. The bike will be there for 3/4 weeks and KTM will give you a loaner only for 5 days under warranty. That's a real no brainer!

[@Japster-rg5cs]

@@thelikeablerider8800 my GT was in for service 3 wks ago, mechanic informed me that the chain tension locking bolt was really tight when trying to loosen it, it's torqued to 70NM as per workshop manual, he got it nipped up to hold chain tension, rode home from dealer around 75 miles, took the bike for a thrash on Friday chain has lost tension, slapping about, nurse it home call KTM, oh haven't experienced this B4, it needs to come in for investigation, my mates an engineer, gave him a call, it's corroded in the swingarm, after copious amounts of penetrating oil and gentle rocking the bolt back and forward movement, got it out, bolt has stripped around 8 threads at tip of bolt, and damaged internal threads in swingarm, ordered a new bolt and s M16 Tap 1.5mm thread pitch, hopefully works or its a Helicoil job. It's a shit design under the swingarm open to the elements, it's a recipe for disaster.

[@emak4558]

Yes, the screen is stupid. You have to wonder if they actually engineered that crap. Or maybe , more likely, KTM only hires very short engineers.