Forget the bike reviews, the renewal quote and service I was offered by Bennetts this year was appalling and an absolute disgrace. I was offered better cover at less than half the price, so I’ve moved on. The rep on the phone was not interested at all. So after being on two wheels for over 45 years, my tip for fellow bikers is don’t use Bennetts!
Thank you Mr Mann for an honest review and pointing out the areas that KTM could’ve improved or don’t work. A lot of journalists review new bikes to please the manufactures but this was brilliant. Plus I like reviews in this format.
They ride through a village called Inkpen....which if you add a P at the start of the road sign and an IS at the end it gives school boys endless laughs. Don't ask me how I know....
Brilliant review. I test rode one yesterday. The overal bike is fantastic!!! Much, much better than the previous one. Smooth but aggressive when you want it. Cruising at motorway speeds is very comfortable. One big thing that put me off though is the rubbish switch gear. Its like they blew the whole budget on everything else and then realised they had forgotten the buttons. So cheap and flimsy and almost impossible to tell if you have pushed them with gloves on especially the indicator. The sales person also said there is already a known issue where the seat wont stay in its higher setting, not good for a brand new bike. If it wasn't for the switchgear I would have put a deposit down yesterday.
If you found the QS notchy I suspect it may not be activated?? - in my experience KTM QS's are buttery smooth at any speed or revs at least it is on my previous iteration of the 1290 - the QS is amazing. Also the QS doesn't need fitting it just needs activation.
Interesting point Bruce, thanks for getting in touch. The position of the gear lever is adjustable thankfully because I had to take my foot off the peg to change down. It's a decent enough system at speed but there's still too much of a 'cut' when changing up. Cheers, MM
Hi thanks for the video, enjoyed It Is the KTM orange a mat black? Also I'm recovering a leg injury and looking at the KTM 1290s or the Ducati MS V4s not ridden either yet but will be doing when lock down permits. Or i may well end up back on a BMW 1250 but really fancy a change Have you ride the V4s ?
What is the security like on it? No one ever seems to mention these boring but very necessary details in bike reviews. Steering lock? Key locking / disabling electronics? (Perhaps similar to the Honda HISS) Alarm? Datatag? Any other security features?
Good point James and something I missed out, not deliberately though. This bike features ARA (Anti Relay Attack) which needs to be activated before starting the ignition (so long as you have the key in the relevant proximity then that's fine). There is a 10 minute window between activation and ignition, allowing enough time for final preparation before hopping on, like putting your gloves on or finding you phone. If the bike isn't fired-up in that time then the ARA deactivates and so do the keyless functions. A 5 minute ‘suspend mode’ comes into play when the bike is stopped during a ride allowing time for refuelling or a traffic issue before ARA needs to be disengaged once more through a button press on the transponder. The ARA system can also be completely disengaged. Yes, there's an electronic steering lock but I'll ask about the other features. Stand by. Michael
Great review. Does the twin radiator system now solve the heat issues roasting your arse and whats the wind protection/buffeting like at motorway speeds? Bit sly that you only get the extended warranty if you buy the bike through their finance and if its anything like the previous KTM's you are going to need that warranty...
Thanks Del. The radiators make a noticeable difference. Even on that super hot day when we rode, I didn't feel unnecessarily uncomfortable when sitting at that train gates for an eternity. I thought the screen was nothing more than 'ok'. It's a smart design and would be good in the rain I think, plus it's dead easy to operate. I'm 6ft tall and felt most comfortable with it in its lowest setting. Cheers, MM
Funny to hear what you say about the quickshifter because in all reviews of both the previous model, which I have, and not the least this new model, I have just heard very very positive words and that it's better than both BMW GS's and other. I think it works superb on my 2019 model. Have you checked in the TFT settings so the quickshifter is activated?? I hope you don't change the throttle position when changing gear just by old habit? 😉
I am on my second KTM, but will not buy another, the things you have to pay extra for are already on the bike, but you have to pay to unlock them. Especially if they are a safety feature.
Same with my 2017 sdr, oh you want quickshift and heated grips ? pay up son, oh you want to pop wheelies well ur gonna have to buy the track pack more $ please
@@Nekminute Really on the wheelie thing - they charge $$ to remove the restriction they put extra hardware on the bike to impose in the first place? That is so messed up
I don't know for the UK price, but in France it is still (way) cheaper than the 1250 GS with the same bells and whistles. And you can buy it used and add the quickshifter that the previous owner didn't pay for (it's exactly what I did).
Hi Stuart, thanks for your questions. Here's the response from KTM: "the tanks are a plastic composite material that have been tested according to fuel differences around the world. I know that there’s a lot being made of the new fuels being introduced in the UK but they’ve been in use for a while in Europe with no consequence."
No idea how you had a problem with the seat, I found it a bit fiddly to remove and adjust but once you know how it's simple, and it stays in place. I can only think you didn't have it adjusted/mounted correctly. I came from a 2019 GS Adventure (my 4th) and this bike does everything the GS does but it's sooooo much lighter, more powerful and it's alive. Way better in my opinion.
Hmm, I can't believe the QS on this is clunkier than the old model which is definitely not agricultural/needing a lot of effort. They usually work best when you don't put in much affort, let them do their thing. Strange.
having owned many ktm's including a brand new GT in my garage. What gets me are these tech pack add on's. you've paid £15K for a bike with everything on. its all there. Then they want an extra £2K to plug a computer in and switch it on. If they can price a bike at £15K with it on. It should be working.
Yeah, its marketing saying it's £15K.. the quick shifter is a software addon.. I mean wtf... It clearly is just to get the base sale price down to something that gets your interest.. and then you add a comfy seat, shifter etc and before you know it you're £20K I did a comparison with the KTM and the GS1250A - they're the same price fully kitted... but the BMW is noted to do everything very well, but hasn't the same power in the engine.
The key phrase there is 'your own money' because the proper spec on the MTS V4 is the S with the Radar which is around £21k and that's £5k more than the specced KTM. Big difference but other than the tank range on the Ducati, it's a superb bike, really refined. MM
@@bennettsbikesocial great review though. I know what you mean about KTM quality having had my 2019 1290 back for a few warranty jobs all minor. The thing is though it’s such a raw beast with that LC8 that I can forgive it almost anything. I nearly went back to a 1250GSA but in the end I could not bring myself to do it (they come with their own issues of finish - rusty subframes and stands and poor power coating of swinging arm and final drive)
new model has absolutely no key at all? I like at least having a key to remove the rear seat to get to the battery or other electrical parts. That means if your keyless fails, your basically calling a towtruck, thats no bueno KTM. Recently went on a test ride of the new multi V4, at least Ducati has a pin system if you forget or lose your key, again your screwed if this happens on the KTM.
As an American it drives me rather batty to have oncoming traffic on the right. I know it's British tradition. But I much rather ride in Germany. More like here.
PS now that your written review is out, I found it excellent www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/ktm/1290-super-adventure-s-2021 Nothing replaces some quality writing, for me. Thank you for doing both.
You can't make a thin kevlar belt capable of handling that horsepower and torque. Chain just makes more sense. Plus when you break a belt you usually have a lot more work to replace it than a chain.
@@umpatas5468 many Harleys r belt drive today , BMWs r shaft drive . Just because they don’t have the part doesn’t mean they can’t make one . That’s what they have R&D departments and companies that r subbed work for manufacturing by the bike companies. . My brother in Arizona has a Harley Drag bike that puts out more power than the KTM and it run on a belt . Idk the exact power rating but I believe he’s using a Gates belt 👍
@@marklloyd4153 I know but they are very wide belts. These are adventure bikes with high horsepower. They're designed to be repaired in the bush. The belt system isn't. And i don't trust shafts off road either.
@@umpatas5468 I know no one that rides 600 lb bikes in the bush they r great touring highway bikes some people do go off road in varying degrees but I’d bet at least 90% never c more than a trail but do mostly highway. I had a GS with highway tires . It never saw an dirt . It was such a highway muncher . But the GS kind of makes my point . Direct competitor to the KTM and its shaft drive . I am riding a rt now . I go back and forth . But back to the KTM they make a touring sporty highway oriented version and another version that is more adventurey . I would never take it off road . I have a Honda cf250 . It’s light and more fun and less exhausting than dragging a big adventure bike . They make 2 versions of that bike do one chain for off-road and shaft for highway . I’ve ridden the sport version it’s great I will never own one because it’s chain
Too heavy for true offroad. Too expensive to push hard and bruise up. Too many gizmos to leave you stranded. Too complex too diagnose and fix in a remote corner of the world. Its also ugly. These are touring road bikes with adventure makeup.
@@youtubeaccount9058 ya but at the weight of the bike you are talking a minor improvement. There is a massive difference offroad when it comes to weight.
agree on the off road part. although, the R version is a monster off road. just needs capable hands and a deep pocket each time you drop it (and you will drop a big adventure bike A LOT when off roading). but i disagree about the gismos. with the exception of the radar, everything else on this bike, was already on the 1190 and 1290 since 2013. and they are still working fine. they are no longer "new technology" on bikes. they are applied technology which works. if you worry about the gismos failing, why not also worry about the ABS, the injection system and the ECU? they are all electronics.
I think that everybody could agree with your point, and KTM puts this bike in its Travel range (go check on their website). That's clear enough. To me (I own the previous one), it's a sport tourer with the (very well thought) added capability for light off-road. And it comes with the added bonus of a great engine, and an quite incredible handling on tight and bumpy roads. In my case, those light off-road capabilities has proven very useful when I found myself on very narrow trails, covered with gravel (I don't want to go anywhere near highways when I travel). Most of the time, one could argue that a lightweight bike (even a very road oriented one) could have done the same and that is quite true. But with this bike, I could do it safely, fully loaded, in comfort and at 80 kph. On dust and gravel. Now, maybe it isn't enough for everybody, and certainly not for you and your project (congrats on that), but I think that you miss the point of this bike. Yes, it's written Adventure on it. But you don't use a Suzuki 'Katana' to cut sausages, nor a Honda 'Fireblade' to cauterize wounds.
Forget the bike reviews, the renewal quote and service I was offered by Bennetts this year was appalling and an absolute disgrace. I was offered better cover at less than half the price, so I’ve moved on. The rep on the phone was not interested at all. So after being on two wheels for over 45 years, my tip for fellow bikers is don’t use Bennetts!
Thank you Mr Mann for an honest review and pointing out the areas that KTM could’ve improved or don’t work. A lot of journalists review new bikes to please the manufactures but this was brilliant. Plus I like reviews in this format.
They ride through a village called Inkpen....which if you add a P at the start of the road sign and an IS at the end it gives school boys endless laughs. Don't ask me how I know....
Brilliant review. I test rode one yesterday. The overal bike is fantastic!!! Much, much better than the previous one. Smooth but aggressive when you want it. Cruising at motorway speeds is very comfortable. One big thing that put me off though is the rubbish switch gear. Its like they blew the whole budget on everything else and then realised they had forgotten the buttons. So cheap and flimsy and almost impossible to tell if you have pushed them with gloves on especially the indicator. The sales person also said there is already a known issue where the seat wont stay in its higher setting, not good for a brand new bike. If it wasn't for the switchgear I would have put a deposit down yesterday.
An awesome machine of this and the R
If you found the QS notchy I suspect it may not be activated?? - in my experience KTM QS's are buttery smooth at any speed or revs at least it is on my previous iteration of the 1290 - the QS is amazing. Also the QS doesn't need fitting it just needs activation.
Interesting point Bruce, thanks for getting in touch. The position of the gear lever is adjustable thankfully because I had to take my foot off the peg to change down. It's a decent enough system at speed but there's still too much of a 'cut' when changing up.
Cheers, MM
Hi thanks for the video, enjoyed It Is the KTM orange a mat black? Also I'm recovering a leg injury and looking at the KTM 1290s or the Ducati MS V4s not ridden either yet but will be doing when lock down permits. Or i may well end up back on a BMW 1250 but really fancy a change
Have you ride the V4s ?
I have a 2019 model and I love it, but my question is.
Is this bike so much better than the previous model and is it worth the upgrade
What is the security like on it? No one ever seems to mention these boring but very necessary details in bike reviews.
Steering lock?
Key locking / disabling electronics? (Perhaps similar to the Honda HISS)
Alarm?
Datatag?
Any other security features?
Good point James and something I missed out, not deliberately though. This bike features ARA (Anti Relay Attack) which needs to be activated before starting the ignition (so long as you have the key in the relevant proximity then that's fine). There is a 10 minute window between activation and ignition, allowing
enough time for final preparation before hopping on, like putting your gloves on or finding you phone. If the bike isn't fired-up in that time then the ARA deactivates and so do the
keyless functions. A 5 minute
‘suspend mode’ comes into play when the bike is stopped during a ride
allowing time for refuelling or a traffic issue before ARA needs to be disengaged
once more through a button press on the transponder. The ARA system can also be completely
disengaged.
Yes, there's an electronic steering lock but I'll ask about the other features. Stand by.
Michael
How does the handling compare to the Multstrada V4? Which is more agile?
We're not gonna miss it because an engine like this will be available for as long as we're all alive
At least on second hand bikes!
Great review. Does the twin radiator system now solve the heat issues roasting your arse and whats the wind protection/buffeting like at motorway speeds? Bit sly that you only get the extended warranty if you buy the bike through their finance and if its anything like the previous KTM's you are going to need that warranty...
Thanks Del. The radiators make a noticeable difference. Even on that super hot day when we rode, I didn't feel unnecessarily uncomfortable when sitting at that train gates for an eternity. I thought the screen was nothing more than 'ok'. It's a smart design and would be good in the rain I think, plus it's dead easy to operate. I'm 6ft tall and felt most comfortable with it in its lowest setting.
Cheers, MM
Funny to hear what you say about the quickshifter because in all reviews of both the previous model, which I have, and not the least this new model, I have just heard very very positive words and that it's better than both BMW GS's and other. I think it works superb on my 2019 model. Have you checked in the TFT settings so the quickshifter is activated?? I hope you don't change the throttle position when changing gear just by old habit? 😉
I am on my second KTM, but will not buy another, the things you have to pay extra for are already on the bike, but you have to pay to unlock them.
Especially if they are a safety feature.
Crazy aye !!!
Same with my 2017 sdr, oh you want quickshift and heated grips ? pay up son, oh you want to pop wheelies well ur gonna have to buy the track pack more $ please
Agree - but the starting price is cheaper and the GS is just the same regarding extras have owned both
@@Nekminute Really on the wheelie thing - they charge $$ to remove the restriction they put extra hardware on the bike to impose in the first place? That is so messed up
I don't know for the UK price, but in France it is still (way) cheaper than the 1250 GS with the same bells and whistles. And you can buy it used and add the quickshifter that the previous owner didn't pay for (it's exactly what I did).
Does this have plastic tanks at the side of the motorcycle and, if so, do they expand due to ethanol in the fuel?
Hi Stuart, thanks for your questions. Here's the response from KTM: "the tanks are a plastic composite material that have been tested according to fuel differences around the world. I know that there’s a lot being made of the new fuels being introduced in the UK but they’ve been in use for a while in Europe with no consequence."
No idea how you had a problem with the seat, I found it a bit fiddly to remove and adjust but once you know how it's simple, and it stays in place. I can only think you didn't have it adjusted/mounted correctly.
I came from a 2019 GS Adventure (my 4th) and this bike does everything the GS does but it's sooooo much lighter, more powerful and it's alive. Way better in my opinion.
All three of us on the launch experienced the same issue but somebody else we knew rode it a week later and the issue had been fixed apparently.
Thank you, Michael, thorough as per. Enjoyed the ride out!
Great work Michael. Enjoyable watch mate. Also good job by the editors too on this one. Hope you are keeping well. Best from n. Ireland.
Thanks very much, glad you liked. I need to be riding in NI this year, I hear there's some beautiful roads and scenery.
Cheers, MM
So "ready to race" KTM chose 30mph village roads for UK launch of Super Adventure to highlight it's capabilities. April fool's day was a week ago.
Multistrada.
My thoughts exactly. What a waste .
Hmm, I can't believe the QS on this is clunkier than the old model which is definitely not agricultural/needing a lot of effort. They usually work best when you don't put in much affort, let them do their thing. Strange.
Actually, there are now only only 2 seats :-/
Is it only available keyless or a normal keyed ignition is also available?
It's keyless, that goes for the ignition, steering lock, petrol cap and even seat removal. There's no ignition barrel for a key.
@@bennettsbikesocial but is there an option from KTM to have a key, similar to BMW (has keyed or keyless)?
It looks much better than Ducati Multistrada 1260 V4. Kudos to KTM design team.
Nice film, shame about the need to put music over the pass by shots..much rather hear the sound of the bike/
Hopefully they'll be sold in the US in 2022 .
I'm still thinking the Harley will be more comfortable and reliable.
@@umpatas5468 That is a possibility, KTMs can have reliable issues.
having owned many ktm's including a brand new GT in my garage. What gets me are these tech pack add on's. you've paid £15K for a bike with everything on. its all there. Then they want an extra £2K to plug a computer in and switch it on. If they can price a bike at £15K with it on. It should be working.
Yeah, its marketing saying it's £15K.. the quick shifter is a software addon.. I mean wtf...
It clearly is just to get the base sale price down to something that gets your interest.. and then you add a comfy seat, shifter etc and before you know it you're £20K
I did a comparison with the KTM and the GS1250A - they're the same price fully kitted... but the BMW is noted to do everything very well, but hasn't the same power in the engine.
So which would you buy with your own money 💰 multistrada v4 or the super adventure 1290 s ??
1250 GSA
Ducati has a poor range and the BMW has a droning boring flat twin - big V all the way!
The key phrase there is 'your own money' because the proper spec on the MTS V4 is the S with the Radar which is around £21k and that's £5k more than the specced KTM. Big difference but other than the tank range on the Ducati, it's a superb bike, really refined.
MM
@@brucecutts8841 nice to know that a bmw boxer twin will easily do 200,000kms without no issues can’t say that about the ktm/duc
@@ur2slob724 🤔 don’t mean too rain on your parade but have you been on GS forums 😬
Perfect Amazing Fantastic Exelent Magical ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You say it no longer has a trellis frame.....it does.
I meant the subframe is not longer trellis but forged aluminium instead.
@@bennettsbikesocial great review though. I know what you mean about KTM quality having had my 2019 1290 back for a few warranty jobs all minor. The thing is though it’s such a raw beast with that LC8 that I can forgive it almost anything. I nearly went back to a 1250GSA but in the end I could not bring myself to do it (they come with their own issues of finish - rusty subframes and stands and poor power coating of swinging arm and final drive)
@@brucecutts8841 I hear what you're saying about the LC8 engine - it's got so much soul compared to the relatively placid Boxer.
Motorcycle reviews these days: Some riding, an hour lecture on how to set up a computer.
new model has absolutely no key at all? I like at least having a key to remove the rear seat to get to the battery or other electrical parts. That means if your keyless fails, your basically calling a towtruck, thats no bueno KTM. Recently went on a test ride of the new multi V4, at least Ducati has a pin system if you forget or lose your key, again your screwed if this happens on the KTM.
There is a manual pull behind one of the side panels for use in this scenario
What was your thoughts on the Ducati v4s
As an American it drives me rather batty to have oncoming traffic on the right. I know it's British tradition. But I much rather ride in Germany. More like here.
What a faff to change riding modes :/
My older model has a quick menu option so 2 button presses
@@stevepovey2489 Also has a favourites quick mode on this one - good for heated grips - rider mode etc
I'm sure there will be a shot-cut route as on the out going model
This unscripted "narrate while riding" doesn't work for me.
Anything that takes as long to watch as it did to produce is too unfocused.
PS now that your written review is out, I found it excellent
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/ktm/1290-super-adventure-s-2021
Nothing replaces some quality writing, for me.
Thank you for doing both.
toss out the radar and u ve got a good bike
Keyless but it still has a chain
You can't make a thin kevlar belt capable of handling that horsepower and torque. Chain just makes more sense. Plus when you break a belt you usually have a lot more work to replace it than a chain.
@@umpatas5468 many Harleys r belt drive today , BMWs r shaft drive . Just because they don’t have the part doesn’t mean they can’t make one . That’s what they have R&D departments and companies that r subbed work for manufacturing by the bike companies. . My brother in Arizona has a Harley Drag bike that puts out more power than the KTM and it run on a belt . Idk the exact power rating but I believe he’s using a Gates belt 👍
@@marklloyd4153 I know but they are very wide belts. These are adventure bikes with high horsepower. They're designed to be repaired in the bush. The belt system isn't. And i don't trust shafts off road either.
@@umpatas5468 I know no one that rides 600 lb bikes in the bush they r great touring highway bikes some people do go off road in varying degrees but I’d bet at least 90% never c more than a trail but do mostly highway. I had a GS with highway tires . It never saw an dirt . It was such a highway muncher . But the GS kind of makes my point . Direct competitor to the KTM and its shaft drive . I am riding a rt now . I go back and forth . But back to the KTM they make a touring sporty highway oriented version and another version that is more adventurey . I would never take it off road . I have a Honda cf250 . It’s light and more fun and less exhausting than dragging a big adventure bike . They make 2 versions of that bike do one chain for off-road and shaft for highway . I’ve ridden the sport version it’s great I will never own one because it’s chain
Too heavy for true offroad. Too expensive to push hard and bruise up. Too many gizmos to leave you stranded. Too complex too diagnose and fix in a remote corner of the world. Its also ugly. These are touring road bikes with adventure makeup.
No, the ground clearance and suspension definitely give it more capability than a touring road bike.
@@youtubeaccount9058 ya but at the weight of the bike you are talking a minor improvement. There is a massive difference offroad when it comes to weight.
agree on the off road part. although, the R version is a monster off road. just needs capable hands and a deep pocket each time you drop it (and you will drop a big adventure bike A LOT when off roading).
but i disagree about the gismos. with the exception of the radar, everything else on this bike, was already on the 1190 and 1290 since 2013. and they are still working fine.
they are no longer "new technology" on bikes. they are applied technology which works.
if you worry about the gismos failing, why not also worry about the ABS, the injection system and the ECU? they are all electronics.
@@dimosk7389 lol, I do worry. I am building out a bike for cross continent travel and its got a carb and kick start, ecu is two bolt swap.
I think that everybody could agree with your point, and KTM puts this bike in its Travel range (go check on their website). That's clear enough. To me (I own the previous one), it's a sport tourer with the (very well thought) added capability for light off-road. And it comes with the added bonus of a great engine, and an quite incredible handling on tight and bumpy roads. In my case, those light off-road capabilities has proven very useful when I found myself on very narrow trails, covered with gravel (I don't want to go anywhere near highways when I travel). Most of the time, one could argue that a lightweight bike (even a very road oriented one) could have done the same and that is quite true. But with this bike, I could do it safely, fully loaded, in comfort and at 80 kph. On dust and gravel. Now, maybe it isn't enough for everybody, and certainly not for you and your project (congrats on that), but I think that you miss the point of this bike. Yes, it's written Adventure on it. But you don't use a Suzuki 'Katana' to cut sausages, nor a Honda 'Fireblade' to cauterize wounds.
Sorry still hate the front view of the bike, looked at this and gs! Got the gs !