The best big adventure motorcycle? 1290 Super Adventure R Review

After 2 days on the Africa twin, what does this bike feel like and how does it ride? Here's the ADV Noobie opinion.
A big shout out to
www.johndeaconracing.co.uk/
for their kind loan of the bike.

[@daveo9844]

Great review. Agree re indicator switch (as i own SDR 1290). You’ve got me going for a test ride this week 😎🍻

[@ljuborajictt]

Great video and nice ADV 💪😃👍 thank you and many greetings 🖐

[@cliftonsr]

Everything positive you said about this bike is the reason I own this 2022 1290 SAR beast of a masterpiece two wheel machine. My problem is the handlebars need bar risers so there wont be any problems once I install them because I have a 32 inch inseam so when I go to standing on the pegs I feel like I'm trying get up from sitting on a bucket. If they could make the position relationship of the pegs and the seat and the handlebars like the aprilia Tuareg 660 that I also own that would set this 1290 SAR to be the best bike in the world as an adventure bike.............

[@bartdecroo5823]

@ADV Noobie the indicator switch has a kind of slope, You are supposed to press that slope and push it slightly downwards to cancel instead of pushing on the pointy end of it inwards. I don't know if it makes sense, but once you try it it'll be clear.

[@theowerle1638]

I loved your video! First, with the SAR you need to seat down and tweek your suspension settings to your riding style, the OEM settings sucks. Second I do use the bike 50/50 (time wise, on and off road) and the tires will not square, third and not least, learn your Rally mode and slip settings, makes a world of difference. When I took the bike off the showroom I almost return it, now after 4 months even if they pay me what I paid I would not give it back!!! I love the bike (could be a little lower, agreed, but with the ergo seats and SIDI Adv 2 Boots my 5”9’ fits well) FYI I had a 2021 BMW GSA and that thing was a PiG in comparison, the ktm is miles away in the fun factor category and off road capability, at 100mph the SAR is SOLID as a rock, the GSA had zero fell at any speed

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks for the feedback Theo. Hopefully collect mine on Saturday! I’ve learned a lot from having an 890R and do plan to take the 1290 off road, though no on some of the scratchier nasty lanes.

[@bigdaddy2955]

I own this bike, and the turn signal was vexing to me until I learned how to push down and in then it made sense. I agree it's not ideal to form yourself to it's function, but it does work once you get the hang of it. Otherwise a really good review.

[@kwizikle65]

Great review. Wife has crf1000l and Crf300l. I’m just about to change my 1290 s for an R after 9 bent rims. I also own 690r for the lighter stuff. I feel 1290r for big trips and mild off-road and 690r for single track and serious off-road with a bit of road riding to get to those places. Ridden 790/890r’s but think they are too much of a compromise. Fantastic video. 100% agree with your feelings about the bike. Rode a 1250gS. Soooo boring in comparison. 👍👍👍thank you again!

[@advnoobie6061]

My aim this year is to get familiar with the 1290R off road. Thanks for watching.

[@skydart60]

Great video. Just upgraded to an 890 and I am loving it. I might try to bag a 1290 test ride as I know the local dealer well. I love the 890 already. Keep up the good work your vids have been excellent.

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks Nick and enjoy the 890. There’s just something about the KTM spirit that I love.

[@skydart60]

@@advnoobie6061 where are you in Devon? I used to live in North Devon. Of course the opportunity for off-road as well as spectacular scenery is massive in comparison to where I am in Worcestershire. This is the main reason I decided on the standard 890 not the R too.

[@volvot5turbo]

@@skydart60 small-ish world - Evesham here looking at 890R, 1290R or Super Duke 1290R 👍

[@skydart60]

@@volvot5turbo Ah right so you are thinking of a change maybe to an 890 from the 1290? Is that because of the weight? Is that a change or an additional bike?

[@volvot5turbo]

@@skydart60 hey Nick. No. No bikes yet. 20 since I've ridden. I like the 1290R but feel it may be to cumbersome if taken off road. The 890R seems to tick all boxes in this regards, short of 90mph wheelies lol. But my ideal setup is 1991 Harley Davidson fat boy, 890R adventure and 1290R super duke. I think.....not in the next few weeks though. Perhaps I should try them all.

[@MrRambo50]

Great video.I am the same size you are nice to no to get a lower seat so my feet can touch the ground.

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks for watching. It’s still a little tall for me even with the lower seat but you get used to it quickly.

[@lukeyd7776]

I have owned the bike (s model) now for 2 weeks and it awesome! I will say however that everyone who reviews this bike talks about the C1 and C2 customizable switch like you can do program anything you want with it, in reality it’s very limited what you can do with this switch. It’s basically just a shortcut to a menu. It won’t even let me shortcut to the suspension settings! It does short cut to ride mode (but then you still have to choose mode with right hand switch gear) and a handful of other things.

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Luke and great point which I do t think I made clear in the film. I used the custom switch on the 1290 SAS I had and you are totally correct in that it’s only a short cut to menu screens. Appreciate the comments and thanks for watching.

[@lukeyd7776]

@@advnoobie6061 Oh ok sorry I must of not heard you mention that, I must of just heard you mention the custom switch and then started thinking about it without listening to what you had to say 🤣🤣 may bad 😄

[@advnoobie6061]

@@lukeyd7776 no- I meant you were right and that I didn’t explain it very well 👍😎

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings Fantastic detailed video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸 How is the v twin vibration?? Keep producing more videos

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks for watching. I love the V twin and find it super smooth. The vibration from the standard AX41 rear tyre is the main one.

[@robgreaves2633]

Pretty spot on review tbh - I have had a 790 R since 2020 which I use for on/off road stuff and its a great bike for that but I also swopped my GSA for one of the new 1290 SAR when they came out last year and it is in my view a far better bike than the GSA - more character and def certainly brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. Interestingly enough KTM put the A41 tyres on the SAR's last year and changed to the AX41 tyres this and whilst they are no good off road they are a great on road tyre and my rear has lasted 2500 miles so far without squaring off and I am starting to think what tyres I'll put on next. The indicator on the 1290 is certainly a very much discussed object - I have found that it works great with a kind of diagonal down press rather than trying to press it in on a horizontal plane - not sure why they have done it like that at all but you do certainly do get used to it and they are self cancelling anyways. Ill be interested to see your Africa Twin off road review - I did their course and decided that as nice a bike as it is the 790/890 was far more suitable for me as I am 5'8" with a 29" inside leg and the AT is just to heavy a bike and the KTM in my view is a far more capable off road bike - I'll change the 790 next year and it'll be one of the current 890's despite the new 990 that is coming. Moly doesn't get any 1290's at Sweet Lamb just the 890's and a couple of 390's but there was a couple at the last Baja and they go very well but there was a lot of 790'890's. I know what you mean regarding the 'mechanical' noise of the 790/890 compared to the 1290 engine which is super smooth - the 790/890 runs in quite a high state of tune from the factory but despite that my 790 is still running spot on. I doubt I will ever seriously take my 1290 off road as the 790 does that so well (and I have smaller capacity bike for more serious stuff) but for touring (and two up) and the option to run it off road it is a superb machine. Anyways rambling on and thank you for the review.

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Rob and thanks so much for the really comprehensive response- not rambling at all and I enjoyed your comments. Looks like I'm going to have the same collection as you- just said yes to buying the actual bike I rode!! I'm not getting any younger and reckon my other half can ride the 890 if she goes ahead with her bike license. The Africa Twin film is nearly finished and due for publishing this Friday. I'm back at Sweet Lamb early August and rally looking forward to what it feels like now after my 9 month off road learning curve.

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Jay- what's been the issue finding tyres? Can you expand? Thanks. Alex

[@advnoobie6061]

@@JaySalvoUK amazing. Thanks Jay.

[@robgreaves2633]

@@advnoobie6061 I think the equation for the optimum number of bikes is N plus 1. Where N equals the number of bikes you already have 🤔😂

[@advnoobie6061]

@@robgreaves2633 haha. I’ve managed to ignore that equation for a long time but the logic has become unavoidable now!!

[@michalcaganek8287]

Do you think the reason why it feels lighter than the S model is the suspension set up? Thanks mate great video!

[@advnoobie6061]

Could be, though I tried all the suspension settings on the S.

[@allanrilling6990]

Had the opportunity to test the same bike last week and, like you, I have the 890R. The 1290R was all you said; smooth, powerful, and fast. I found it compact for myself with knees forced in higher position (I am taller). Would be fantastic for long rides and if off-road limited to gravel or a bit more. The bike can handle anything offroad, I am certain, but it is a big bike in tight or difficult situations. I think too much for myself in offroad where 890R shines. Just note that the offroad setting for 1290 will lower power available from near 160HP to near 110HP to tame the beast ! Cheers.

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks for the great comments and agree about the sheer size in tight spaces. The 890 is more than enough in some of the narrow places I ride.

[@adventureundone]

Your vids have been such great help, but I have a question if you could help out. - Is the 1290R much easier to handle than the Africa Twin, on and off road. I had a twin, sold it due to a hand full to handle in all situations. I purchased and 890 and this this is so easy, but it feels so small and un complete from the Africa Twin. So would you say the 1290 is easy to move around, like is you need to do a u-turn off road, or walk around? Thanks in advance!

[@advnoobie6061]

Sorry for the late reply- the 1290SAR feels much more stable and nimble compared to the top heavy Africa Twin. I probably do 80% on road with the SAR compared to 50/50 on my 890, however the 1290 is much better than expected off road due to the low down weight. It's just a mind game with the sheer size and weight, but you don't really notice the weight when riding off road and I actually think it feels smoother than the 890

[@terrystratford1235]

I'm looking at this bike or the African twin 1100. I'm new to byroads on a bike. I'm used to powerful sports bikes! I'm leaning towards the Honda, but 160hp is tempting! Which would you prefer to go off road? Or maybe recommend another bike? Brill vid!

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Terry. So, I have just plucked up the courage to take the 1290 off road- usually stick to my 890. It's great, and I would prefer the 1290 as it's just a really fun all round bike and a real blast on the road. Having ridden both on and off road the KTM has way more personality than the Africa Twin, but I am a bit biassed towards KTM.

[@terrystratford1235]

@@advnoobie6061 nice to hear! The Africa is a very pretty bike, and I'm sure very capable! After watching reviews on the ktm, I may bite the bullet, dig deep and get a 2021 model! Very impressive machine! I just worry that the electronics could be trouble in the future!? I've no idea about the history or reliability of ktm! That said, like yourself, riders really really highly rate the 2021 model!

[@Throttle.Monkey]

Considering one of these or an 890, I think the 1290 would be more suited to me as I like to tour Scotland which is a big road ride from Manchester before we touch any dirt.

[@advnoobie6061]

Agree. I just need to get my confidence up on the bigger bike off road. Thanks for watching.

[@davidhardstaff8110]

What dirt are you riding in Scotland please. I live here I can't find any.

[@ktmtravels3727]

There is none! I think we have 3 Forest Drives (if you count Kielder). There are hundreds of miles of tracks but not legal on a motorized vehicle. I travel to England to do the TET.

[@Throttle.Monkey]

@@ktmtravels3727 yup you are right. Crazy considering how much land there is in Scotland! I guess you would need to find somewhere vast privately owned with their permission.

[@magnusb6311]

Is the Adventure R teller seat height than the Adventure S?

[@michaelletford4786]

I’m booking a course at sweet lamb for 2024

[@DevinOrr]

Curious. How does the seat compare from the ADV S to the ADV R?

[@advnoobie6061]

The R has a bench seat and the S has a two part seat. I didn't notice any difference in comfort personally.

[@ryanmalone2681]

1 bike? How about 4 bikes? That seems like a good number. Track bike, road touring bike, big ADV, and a dual sport. That’s what I’ve settled on. Can do anything with that combo.

[@advnoobie6061]

Haha- love that response! I’d love that but need a garage first!

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@advnoobie6061 well this is in America…next to my gun safe, SUV, and DIY repair shop. Simples

[@advnoobie6061]

@@ryanmalone2681 you have a bit more space in the US. I’d love to ride there.

[@ryanmalone2681]

Gun safe (complete with machine gun 😁)? Yes. SUV? No. Wife needs to park hers outside. E63 AMG gets the inside treatment. DIY? Nah, I’d break more than I’d fix so I just take them to the shop. Pretty spot on though with your stereotypes!

[@kjonasson10]

I have a 21, 1290SAR and it´s no way just an 80/20 bike. Had a 990 Adv (S) with a 265mm suspension and its just as capable, in my hands at least for riding conditions in Iceland. Open flowy highland roads and rocky rough lava trails. Not much of muds and ruts. Thus, It´s 50/50 just like the 890 IMO. I also did the Dave Thorpe Adv course in April and loved the Honda. They are both fantastic bikes and just as capable off road but the KTM can be pushed a bit harder out of the box due to a better suspension. And that power is just plain nonsense! :) even though the AT1100 is not lacking at all.

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks for the comments Jiddik- I'd love to ride Iceland- been there a few times but not on a bike, just two legs! I'm a bit nervous to try too much off road on my 1290 yet as it's all narrow, rutted and muddy lanes around here. It's also my pride and joy, unlike the 890 which I bought to learn on, drop and generally abuse. Thanks for watching

[@C_R_O_M________]

Hi, how is your SAR fairing? Is it still with you? I too owned a 990 R with the 265mm suspension and I really miss that bike. Is the 1290R comparable off road? Still hold the same opinion as in your last comment? Also, I test rode the AT (with a DCT) and it felt ... boring. It certainly has nice torque but there's something lacking with that engine. That specific one had front and back Ohlins and it was like a magic carpet riding it but the engine was a bit of a disappointment. Having said that I am used riding a GTR1400 and a 500EXC which are both torque monsters in their own niche. Maybe that's why. I want to trade my GTR for an SAR as I'm very tall and quite heavy and I do miss a do-it-all motorcycle. Lastly what, in your opinion, are the weak points of the bike (reliability-wise)? Thanks in advance for your time. P.S. Hope, that volcano of yours, calms down.

[@philwoods2534]

The narrower tyre sizes make the R feel more nimble than the SAS. Would still prefer my SAS over the R, but both bike mile munchers with addictive power......

[@ryanmalone2681]

That lack of wind pro though….

[@lori8176]

Hi I have to ride the African Twin from 2017 to 2022, 42000km, and not happy. The 5th gear slipped out. When turning back into 2nd gear, what the 890 can do in 3 gear. The bench too soft and more ... Now have a 890 KTM and happy.

[@advnoobie6061]

Nice. Bikes are so personal and I’ve pleased you’ve found one that feels good for you.

[@guypaterson1268]

GS will be a better all rounder! 😮 I had a KTM 1190r adv great bike but the GS is so much nicer to ride on road. 21” front is a massive compromise unless you are off-road 50% of the time in which case stick to the 890. Just my 2 pence. The 1290 super adventure is very sexy. I wish there offered the SAS with 19/17” spoked wheels, hate the look of the cast wheels.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

I had a 2016 BMW 1200 GS/A and now have a 2018 KTM 1290 SA/R and I much prefer the KTM. With a touring screen and upgraded seat it has less wind buffeting than the BMW and is more comfortable on road and is much lighter. The KTM can do serious off road work where the BMW's suspension and mass let it down. The KTM is also easier to work on yourself.

[@ktmtravels3727]

Never had any issues with a 21" front, just my 2c.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@ktmtravels3727 The 21 just turns slower than the 19 but, I agree, I am as fast on 21s as I'm on 19s. Some people exaggerate a lot of what they think they sense from the front. A blend of parroting and confirmation bias imho.

[@volvot5turbo]

I love the front. Like a wasp. I really like this bike but worried about the weight for any off-roading etc...

[@volvot5turbo]

yeah watched all the vid now - if I get lucky in crypto, then Harley Fat Boy 1991, 890R & Super Duke 1290R 😎

[@advnoobie6061]

It is heavy for off road and I’m a bit nervous of trying too much on it. Done some gentle stuff and it was great. I’ll stick to the 890 for most off road.

[@expatbiker6598]

if you like a fast adventure bike. ktm 1290 SA is the way

[@advnoobie6061]

👍👍I know. Picked my SAR up today! Had the 1290SAS for a while.

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

The only people that think a quick shifter is a gimmick are the people that dont have one 😂

[@volvot5turbo]

pop some wheelies next time like all the other 1290R vids lol

[@advnoobie6061]

Haha. I wish!! Thanks for watching.

[@Roberta_Esposito]

Here’s the thing about big, powerful adventure bikes that makes me bang my head against the wall… In order to use big power off road you need the right tires and you cannot use those tires on the street with 165 hp. sure you can dial the horsepower back off road, but you cannot change the tires immediately on the pavement

[@advnoobie6061]

Agree and disagree. I took the 1290 to the ABR festival and did the TRF trail. I now have the Dunlop trail max missions on the bike and I was sceptical to say the least. You’re right about the road- I keep it in rally mode 9 and the traction control light is on a LOT! But, it’s pretty good but not like a road tyre. The missions were way better than expected off road and surprised me. 18psi on the rear and 26 on the front. They worked. My way forwards is to put some good off road tyres on one set of wheels and a road biased set on the other, then interchange between the 890 and 1290. Thanks for watching and appreciate your feedback.