KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs R - differences you need to know about

[@johanballin6601]

One of the very few truly useful and comprehensive reviews. Most reviews are garbage. This guy is diligent and very knowledgeable. Excellent work!

[@benkelly2190]

Love my SAS! Mostly because I can’t lose it in a car park full of GS’s! And the indicator works just fine!🤷🏼‍♂️

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ah yes, this can be a plus. My stats on the indicator switch show that it should be 100% not OK but perhaps trying 2 bikes isn't enough to call it a 100% reliable research.

[@hermannschmidt9788]

Nobody tells you (nor does the user's manual) that the adaptive cruise control also has a kind of break assistant built in. When the ACC is switched on, even without a speed set, it constantly monitors the traffic ahead. Once it senses a tight situation the breaks will be sharpened. The lever then reacts quick with more pressure. This surprised me a few times as I had assessed the situation as less urgent than the KTM did :-) Besides, I love that feature on busy roads around town where I prefer to swim with traffic and not monkey around. So relaxing! The active damping of the S is quite stiff, even in offroad mode. Rocky gravel roads work ok, but you get shaken quite a bit, especially in the front. The fork is not the most sensitive. I would not enjoy that much for longer distances. The 19-inch wheel might have its limits, too.

[@AnonymousWonder]

I got the 2023 SAR a month ago, and I love it! I agree about the lower speed handling. It surprised me as well. First thing I did was put a Wings exhaust on it. Sounds amazing!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Aftermarket exhaust? My man! Thank you as this bike needs it. All the best with your R!

[@SYKOK1LLER]

How much is that thing?

[@felixlechat1780]

@@SYKOK1LLERask to google

[@OuterHeavenNET]

This is what I needed to hear because i’m strongly considering the R as both a pavement princess and an off roader

[@QuickShiftMoto1]

THere is one issue that you didn't mention which might only be relevant for US customers. In the US all KTM "R" models receive only 1 year factory warranty, while all other non-"R" models receive 2 years warranty. Another shitty move from KTM just like the tech pack racket ... and with the risk of KTM's reliability and the cost of KTM service and repair this is a huge issue for US customers!

[@kurtismotif]

Interesting about the maneuverability of the R. I do like that.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yes, it's super well-balanced, so it's easy to do with it what you want. I really enjoy that a lot. Helps in tight spaces.

[@mabsbry1318]

Tightening the headstock bearing would definitely make the S turning feel more resistance. It would have made a very big difference. These bearing screws always need attending to on KTM’s….

[@misfitfarm1937]

I am not sure why folks are so concerned with ANI- DIVE. The other name for it is weight transfer and it is extremely effective in front wheel braking. I get if forks are set up wrong it could be an issue. Maybe BMW has magic pixies that can make up for it.

[@leuterisminousis663]

Excellent presentation my friend as always. I believe that the companies have exaggerated in adventure bikes. I don't think that on a dirt track you will be able to do what you want with any motorcycle over 200 kg. That's my opinion. However, on this part I am waiting to hear your opinion and the presentation on your channel Aprilia Tuareg 660. Quite a good mid-range motorcycle. What impressed me is its price, all its electronics and also you can upgrade it to a superpower of 100 horses, it has the same motor as Tuono. Just imagine!!!!!!! You are always fine. And one last question what bike do you ride? And what is your favorite adventure? Thanks

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I totally, totally agree with your point of view. I wouldn't take any of those huge, heavy and expensive bikes for real offroading. The sheer vision of what could happen scares me. There are specific enduro bikes for real offroading. Adventure bikes will do fine on a gravel road as they're an equivalent to an SUV. You may take it for heavy offroading but nothing good will come out of that. As for the Tuareg - this may be something in between that could work better if you're more focused on offroad adventures and still need something that will handle tarmac OK. Today I'd be choosing between one of those KTMs and BMW R1250GS myself. Let me not reveal my ride for now though, but it's none of those.

[@krzysztofpiotrowski1268]

I have 2018 SAR and this bike is the best bike so far in terms of riding confidence.. I have tried the Sas but I dibnt feel the same as on my r . Shame the Ktm still has issues with variety things , apart of that is freaking awesome bike !!!

[@sd5458]

There is a lot in the computer that should be standard equipment. I hate this thing that manufacturers are doing read: Tesla - whereby many of the great features are hidden behind software unlocks. BS if you ask me.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yeah, it's a pretty nasty way of forcing you to pay. I also really dislike this strategy. Bar PR for those that implement it too. Let's hope they listen.

[@Nisotovski]

Great video! I enjoy this content and i will check your channel for more reviews. Thank

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That's nice to hear - thanks and I'm glad that you like the content. Cheers!

[@8tavian999]

I would choose the Good ol' reliable V Strom 1050 XT in yellow, best package, cheap, good looking, low running cost, confy, powerful enough, good sound, simple and so on.... Went to a testdrive with 1290 SA S in august 2021, the bike was amazing in 98% of the areas, but what sticked with me was the seat that was similar to my old Husaberg fe 550 enduro bike narrow and hard, the second thing was a wobble starting around 120 kmh and loosing stability and poise, other than that i remeber the bike beeing flawless, i liked a lot the tall seating, made me feel riding USS Nimitz. I would buy one only if i won the lottery over gs1250, but not over Multistrada v4s .

[@jayb4384]

All the big ktms need a fair bit of suspension tweaking

[@VToldsMotoShow]

The V-Strom is a "kind" alternative. If only it looked differently then I'd be the first to say that it's a more gentle version of KTM. About the wobble - KTM seems to be aware and they are experimenting with tightening certain bolts etc. That results in other issues though like a handlebar becoming harder to move. The seat... oh dear, it it bad for my butt too. But that's an easy fix with something aftermarket. Thanks for sharing and how in the world can you remember your KZbin profile name?! Damn!

[@dgomes265]

Improper Steering head bearing adjustment must have made the S awkward.

[@luisFhoyos75]

Great information. Please do the same between the ktm 890s 2023...

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and I'm having the standard version booked in 1,5 weeks. Maybe later this year they will have an R, so then I'd be able to proceed with the same sort of video for it. Thanks for suggesting!

[@johnnybgood9731]

After 9 years with the 1190 ADV I want to buy the 2023 1290 Adv r! what worries me is the low saddle resulting in a large knee angle! So for long distances it won't be comfortable! my height is 190cm! what do you think?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

You're significantly taller than I am but I feel that your thoughts are on point in regard to the knee angle. The bike itself is quite tall but the foot pegs are weirdly high for some reason too and you can feel it. You may still work on getting a taller seat though. Or perhaps there is some kit for lowering the pegs available. But it's a tough one to solve, I've got to give you that. Cannot see any other reliable way of making sure rather than taking an R for a 2-3 hour tour before deciding to buy it. I personally would be OK with that as I don't do long trips but if I were, I'd be wondering about it too.

[@johnnybgood9731]

@@VToldsMotoShow thanks... I found some solvents but I need to drive for more than 3 hours to see what happened

[@Captndarty]

Excellent comparison. You touched on the tire size and suspension as it relates to geometry but most people don’t think about tire size as it relates to gearing. At least, as of the last generation 1290’s KTM does not change the transmission or final drive between the two models. The S having a smaller diameter rear tire will give it much more low, end, torque and shorter overall gearing. Also, I believe the kickstands are the same rendering of the R leaning over much more than the S.

[@Tom.aS-D]

Nice review 👍 It would be nice to see also a comparison of 1290 SAR with Tiger 1200 Rally Pro.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

There’s a similar one coming with 1290 SAS and Tiger 1200 GT. I believe that a Tiger 1200 Rally is much more like a BMW R 1250 GS, so a kitchen on wheels for swallowing hundreds of kilometers on a highway. So a bike like KTM SAR that’s for very different things, might not be a close match.

[@Tom.aS-D]

@V-Told's Moto Show I'm thinking of buying one of those. Not sure which one would suit me better. And I feel like I could have a bit more fun one these bikes rather than GS. I haven't ridden any of them yet. Currently put out my SD GT for sale.

[@wojciechsochon382]

Jeździłem oba motocyklami i ktm daje wiecej emocji i do terenu jest lepiej ponieważ nie ma napędu za pomocą Wału kardana. W triumph sa 3 cylindry a w ktm 2 cylindry inna charakterystyka motocykla. Ktm ma bardziej responsywna manetke więcej emocji. Triumph bardziej na szosę i to taki crossover do szosy. Wybrałem ktm. 🍊

[@pierrekawa76]

Hello ,sur mon 1290’ADV R 2023.,j ai pris l’essentiel ,le pack rally ,le silencieux Arrow titane ,et quelques pièces anodisé,couronne bi color ,axe anodisé,la selle rally ,très confortable ,comme elle est souple elle s’écrase ,elle est plus étroite ,ont est pas plus haut finalement,je roule tout le temps en mode rally ,j adore ce mode sur le couple 5000 t ça suffit sur routes de montagne,Top cette moto ;les roues de 21 et 18! ne sont pas un handicap ,au contraire,très véloce ,c’est génial

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'm glad you're happy with your R! All the best with it.

[@jaybourbon8608]

I just came across a 1290 adventure T model? Is that the sw as the S model?

[@Fernando90054]

Hi V-Told! I’m simply done with KTM bikes for now. My BMW S 1000 XR is well and becoming spicier as it is with more or less 3.000kms on the odometer. Whenever I want some real motorcycle action, I take her out for a ride and after, I feel light as a feather 😅 I also improved my garage with a BMW R Nine T Scrambler 2023 model, it’s the mascot of the place now. So, after a long journey of trying and experiencing other bikes and other brands I think that I can rest for the moment. All BMW’s in my garage for the time being 🙌

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Hi, I see that you're really into the brand! Yet I totally get it and there's something about BMW motorcycles (actually... cars too) that's very appealing. One might say that it's like with Apple that there's simply this pull no matter what product they release. In BMW's case, the hype is mor justified though. I'm glad that you're enjoying both bikes and damn, that's quite a garage you've got yourself there! :) Nice! Let's wait for the new big GS and I'm curious how you'll approach it ;)

[@Fernando90054]

@@VToldsMotoShow thanks for your compliments on the bikes !🤙 The new Big GS will be quite a quandrom. But after it’s release to the Market I think I’ll wait a year or maybe two, to see what happens, unless they make me take the plunge after an aggressive commercial proposal . Let’s wait and see. I steel feel some regret for letting go my GS bikes. When I can ride one, that feeling is strong. The bike rolls over everything with grace, there are very few bikes in the market than can beat that or even match that. It’s nice to ear from you. I m a fan of your channel as you know and lately didn’t watch much . But your approach to the subject is sharp and objective. That’s important when we are on the verge of spending serious money on a bike 😎 Now I’m curious about testing the Ducati Diavel V4. The bike as recently been launched on the Market. They say it’s better than the precedent model and better than the Triumph Rocket III. I’m curious to see that two bikes on a comparison back to back. Will you do it for us? Hope that you’re thinking about it. Take care and be well 👍🏻🤗

[@pierrekawa76]

Bonjour ,j ai acheter la 1290 ADV R 2023,tu m’a convaincu ,je vais l avoir bientôt 😃

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It's a totally awesome motorcycle! All the best with it! ;)

[@pierrekawa76]

@@VToldsMotoShow hello ,à tu essayer la selle enduro orange et noir,plus confortable ou non ?

[@pierrekawa76]

Hello tu imagines avec les 180ch de la Superduke R 😅👍

[@pierrekawa76]

J ai acheter la selle enduro ,c est plus moelleux et confortable,ont est pas plus haut comme elle s’enfonce ,j en suis content,je remarque que beaucoup la monte😃

[@traviscarter9300]

The indicator works fine. I don't know why people keep saying it doesn't work?? Do you really think they would produce a bike that the indicators wouldn't work. Come on man. It works great once you learn the press. In and down. No big deal. SMH

[@VToldsMotoShow]

No, it doesn’t on ‘22. Talk to any KTM dealer asking about it and they will admit like they did to me already that owners are pissed about it. They may say that as the switch has been redesigned for ‘23 now with a properly working system with a “click” when switching the indicators off. It’s also quite clear in my R and S videos when the ‘22 malfunctions.

[@pierrekawa76]

Hello ,si j ai bien compris,vous préféra R ,même pour une utilisation 90%de route ,je préfère aussi la R ,plus exotique,plus rare,😊

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yes, yes, I do prefer the R for city riding - by a lot! On the highway the S feels better and more agile though.

[@pierrekawa76]

Tu peux avoir la R en monter les roues à rayons de la S en 19 et 17 au catalogue Power Part ,mais il faut pouvoir regler le compteur pour la vitesse et le kilométrage,c est possible🤔?😅

[@maccas44]

Thank you great compassion

[@VToldsMotoShow]

My pleasure, hope it's helpful.

[@maccas44]

@@VToldsMotoShow have you done a video on current model Africa Twin ?

[@pierrekawa76]

Hello wheels in 19 and 17 for the R, it will be better for the road 🤔😄

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Interesting idea, especially about the front one swap from 21" to 19".

[@pierrekawa76]

Bonjour est ce que ça serai une bonne idée si on fait 90% de route de monter les roues à rayon de la S en 19 et 17 ,ou d’acheter la S

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Too complicated in French even with Google Translate ;)

[@coboisarapatanas]

I hate chain auto lub. The rear wheel is always slimy from the chain oil. I rather lub the chain myself

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It is dirty anyway, just this way lives longer and for you it's almost maintenance-free.

[@jpiotrowsky]

Co to za osłona lampy z przodu w SAS ?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

O ile pamietam, zdaje się, że to oryginalne akcesorium z katalogu KTM. Warto tam sprawdzić w pierwszej kolejności.

[@martyn_g]

Easy. More road - buy the S. More off road, buy the R. Compressed your video into a four sentences 😂

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Well... it's actually not my point of view though ;)

[@pierrekawa76]

Salut ,ce qui serait très intéressant c est que tu puisse essayer les roues de la S sur la R ,pour savoir si ca serait mieux pour un usage routier ,et si le compteur fonctionnerait normalement et toutes les assistances,pour avoir une moto différente et personnalisé,ont voit trop de S😅ont pourrait acheter soit à bâton ou à rayon ,plus stylé 😅

[@Joshuax_CZ]

That turn indicator switch should be pressed down, not forward as usual :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Tried that - not much success. It's shown in some other video, I guess with a full SAS review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2HFYYurj7WeZq8 or perhaps here where I address this specific trouble along with some others in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faOti56PiZyIr5o. KTM's user's manual states that it should be pressed in but yes, some rides report that pressing down works for them. I believe that it's it's so, then because it takes longer and the system is more likely to record the cancel command. Thanks for the hint though!

[@roytong1908]

I bought r and s at same time in different places。 these two are No big different for me . i like r suspension more.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for the feedback on this. It's interesting to hear about such cases of close and likely more long-term comparisons.

[@roytong1908]

@@VToldsMotoShow if u go more highway S , the acc more for the longway travel.u can follow ur friend in front of u without brain riding. the bike will help u track the vehicles on highway。 if more city or mountain riding choose the R. and also I love the orange frame it tells people I m a（R）

[@bravo20ghost27]

KTM have sorted that indicator switch on all the current platforms that use the 1290 switch gear.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That’s right - from 2023 MY and on its all good now. I’m glad that they listen and improve.

[@bravo20ghost27]

@@VToldsMotoShow it's one of the things that I like about KTM, always making small changes every year to improve, and it seems based on customer feedback.

[@Spartan9567]

In Australia the R is close to 10% more in price than the S and offers less the radar is awesome in the S and it's frustrating you can't spec it for the R. I think it's cheaper to just get the S and swap the wheels for offroad. Any keen offroader isn't riding knobbys on the road for commuting and keeps a second set anyways.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Interesting. It's not only the wheels though but if you're not super tall and don't need that extra wheel travel in the front and rear, and ground clearance, then perhaps changing the wheels on the S can really be the way to go. Thanks for sharing!