You obviously haven't seen any of my other videos on KTMs. 390/790/1290 Adventure, 390/790/890/1290 Duke, 690/890 SMT, 1290 GT - which I loved so much I almost bought it and I did buy the 1290SDR - lots of videos about that too - all positive loved them all. So I am very familiar with KTM, and I make one video to where I criticize the on-road performance of a off-road biased KTM, I get a comment like this...laughable at best...I'm still grinning from ear to ear as I type this. Edit: Oh, I did the same test/video for the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid which is arguably the best competition against this bike, and it did a lot better! They are adventure bikes, the "do-all bike" and if one is doing better in one area than another, I point that out. Simple, unbiased, videos, that's what I do. Also, I state in the Title "no off-road", so, it still amazes me to see un-informed emotional comments like this. 🤣🤣🤣
Doesn't amaze me Scott, you obviously offended him by having the temerity to have a different opinion. There seems to be a lot of people like that these days. Anyway, keep making these great videos.
@@dragoclarke9497 Thank you. Yea, some guys can't handle the truth by someone that has ridden all the bikes in this category and has no emotional attachment to their "baby". 🤦♂🤦♂
Interesting review. I agree there's not much to motivate upgrading to the newer design. It's funny what bothers different people. I have a 2022 890R and think it's fantastic, both off road and on. I did a 2k mile tour on it this summer and had no complaints, but I do have a bit taller Puig windshield on it. I think the brakes are great, and couldn't care less about the brand (try a T7 and you'll have something to complain about!). This motor is so much fun, and you really need to watch your license in rally mode. Anyone buying one of these should negotiate the tech package into the purchase price, otherwise you have no leverage trying to buy it later when your demo expires. Thanks for the review.
Agreed, we are all different and different ages/stages in our lives. I owned a 1290SDR, loved it, but once I got into my 50s all the things that I originally bought for, started to irritate me. If I was still in my younger days, I probably (would have kept my 1290SDR) & would have loved this bike, it is a great bike and does everything well. take care, Scott
for those reasons you mentioned I am ditching my KTM and switching to Desert X or new 900 GS(have to wait for some reviews but for now Desert X is the one specially because of on road performance..... agreed with your review 100% spot on, thnx V!
I've got a 790R. I agree it not particularly comfortable at 80+ mph, but I can can easily take long spells at that speed - even at 6'2. You just get used to it. The seat is awful after an hour or so though, so it's a good job standing up is so easy on it! Fuel economy is fantastic too - generally 65mpg combined (and that's real world). Handling is superb on and off road. I can keep up with my mates on their sports bikes and hustle it in the twist's with them on Karoo 4's! The bike is phenomenal on 'B' roads. The handling and capability of these bikes is hard to believe. I've literally hit a sheep at 50mph or so on my bike - gone over it and somehow stayed upright! The sheep did not survive - which is fortunate for it I guess. My KTM has had it's share of issues though - electrical and coolant leaks, but all sorted by warranty. Those almost made me get rid of it. The issue is there are very few bikes that won't have issues of some sort nowadays, as the engines are constantly tweaked to push out more power, causing other things to fail. The consumer who buys the latest incarnation of the model becomes the guinea pig! Anyway, mine is still with me and will be for the foreseeable future, as I'm not willing to change it for the newer model for what is marginal improvements with the newer models.
Thanks for the fine review, Scott! A little too hardcore for my taste. I'd prefer the standard 890 if I would consider a KTM. But I'll keep up with my 850GS anyway.
Great job. Wondering about the 890 engine buzzy/vibes at higher speeds. I test rode the similar Norden, but didn't have it maxed out. Tires can always be a factor, but I'm not looking for hand numbing experience. Cheers!
Solid honest review here thanks Scott, I don't really like the departure from the brimbo brakes that I'm use to on my 500 exc-f and 690 R, but I'm still buying one! lol
Thank you. Yea, that was a cost save by KTM, although J. Juan brakes are good, I have no real complaint about them, but they are not Brembo. WP are the best off-road suspension money can buy, imho, so why wouldn't you match that with Brembo, that is my question to KTM, especially for an adventure bike to where it's 50/50. The tires, suspension, are 50/50 but the brakes are road focused, does not make sense to me, unless you want to save a buck. take care, Scott
It doesn't have any competition for fast offroading except the Ducati Desert X. For every other type of ridning there is plenty of competition and superior quality.
How does this compare to the 890 smt? 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
Thank you. Well, adventure bikes do both and anytime you have this, it's a compromise. The main difference between the two bikes is the front wheel 17" vs 21", rear 17" vs 18" and also a little more weight. And YES, you will notice the difference. Can you do "spirited canyon" riding with this, yes, no problem but the 21" wheel is the limiting factor and you will feel it right away, also the tire tread pattern will matter too. Take care, Scott
@@4tech69 it isn't available yet so I'll guess nobody has tried it so your comment doesn't make sense. .. Also, what 'old 900' are you talking about?, there has never been a F900GS before, it's replacing the 850GS... ...
🤣 Why so many was sell ? The ratio expensive/quality is not good for you (there is sometime discount as you know), to tall for you (and me), screen not good of course in night color the day. I don't like orange color at all but I have choose a 790 Adv R in 2020 after waiting for the t7 or other bikes this type to replace about 20 years of 1150, 1200 GS, 600 Ténéré, Dr650, gsxr 1100, ZX6R etc... To compare in 2020 the t7 as bullshit suspension, no cruise control, 4 liters tank less, far less power, no protection at all (handgards, enginegards etc...), no luggage rack and take is weight far up no electronics to play with and she was less than 10KG lighter, the 790R without 4 liters (-3KG), without luggage rack (-1,5KG), and the T7 with some protection to go offroad (+5kg) etc... she weight the same. Something i agree is protection, turbulence with short or the high screen of S model but nobody bought this type of bike expecting had a Goldwing protection. After 25 years of motorcycle I think the best tool to go "adventure" is a 4x4 car, not a motorcycle.😁 And I really love motorcycle. This bikes are toys and you have to decide in what play area you want to play with. I Deutschland you can not go in forest at all, in other country you can. I don't buy a Goldwing or a 500exc and I know why. I think you put too much of your personal opinion on this test, that this bike is not suitable for your use that's not a problem. But to be honest compare to other bikes on the market for same use in 2020 or in 2023 I don't find an other bike to replace mine. T7 no, GS no, 800DE sure not, Desert X no, the only one is perhaps AJP PR7 but for 35KG less I loose many advantage of mine. With this bike you can ride with a pillion sometimes and spatzieren alone where the wind carries you, that the adventure spirit for many.😉
I'm in the market for a new bike. KTM made it to the top 3 list.. then I found out about the software upgrades for things like quick shifter. Not only did this drop from top 3, but causes me to boycott the brand. I honestly think it's the biggest most money grabbing way of value add. Software engineering/development/research all cost money for the addons - I get it.. However, when you are paying for hardware to support these software features, I think it's ludicrous. I view it as the same as buying a car, and the dealership says that (although you've paid for an AC compressor and hosing) you need to pay extra for the software to allow you to use it. Anyway.. I'll not be spending my money with them.. .and also, I've a BMW owner - so I know what a dealer who likes to 'stick the arm in' is like.. Awful.
@@cummomoto Bought EV in April. Test drove both Model 3 and Y. We didn't buy one for many reasons.. but I assume the £10k software update is being mentioned? :)
According to my information, all parallel twins come from CF Motors. The 890 ADV are (still) assembled in Austria. But the Engine / Gearbox also comes from China. That's why it's "half-Chinese" @@NothingToProve
You obviously dont like ktm ,you must be perfect
You obviously haven't seen any of my other videos on KTMs. 390/790/1290 Adventure, 390/790/890/1290 Duke, 690/890 SMT, 1290 GT - which I loved so much I almost bought it and I did buy the 1290SDR - lots of videos about that too - all positive loved them all. So I am very familiar with KTM, and I make one video to where I criticize the on-road performance of a off-road biased KTM, I get a comment like this...laughable at best...I'm still grinning from ear to ear as I type this.
Edit: Oh, I did the same test/video for the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid which is arguably the best competition against this bike, and it did a lot better! They are adventure bikes, the "do-all bike" and if one is doing better in one area than another, I point that out. Simple, unbiased, videos, that's what I do. Also, I state in the Title "no off-road", so, it still amazes me to see un-informed emotional comments like this. 🤣🤣🤣
Doesn't amaze me Scott, you obviously offended him by having the temerity to have a different opinion. There seems to be a lot of people like that these days.
Anyway, keep making these great videos.
@@dragoclarke9497 Thank you. Yea, some guys can't handle the truth by someone that has ridden all the bikes in this category and has no emotional attachment to their "baby". 🤦♂🤦♂
I appreciate your 30 mph snatchy throttle test. A real world metric that matters to me.
Hey, Scott, another unbiased review. Keep them coming.
Honest real world test as always. Thanks 👍
This is the best review channel. Love the content and the way you present the bikes.
Interesting review. I agree there's not much to motivate upgrading to the newer design. It's funny what bothers different people. I have a 2022 890R and think it's fantastic, both off road and on. I did a 2k mile tour on it this summer and had no complaints, but I do have a bit taller Puig windshield on it. I think the brakes are great, and couldn't care less about the brand (try a T7 and you'll have something to complain about!). This motor is so much fun, and you really need to watch your license in rally mode. Anyone buying one of these should negotiate the tech package into the purchase price, otherwise you have no leverage trying to buy it later when your demo expires. Thanks for the review.
Agreed, we are all different and different ages/stages in our lives. I owned a 1290SDR, loved it, but once I got into my 50s all the things that I originally bought for, started to irritate me. If I was still in my younger days, I probably (would have kept my 1290SDR) & would have loved this bike, it is a great bike and does everything well.
take care,
Scott
Thanks for a very good review, it confirms that the KTM does not make this v85tt owner jealous.
😂
for those reasons you mentioned I am ditching my KTM and switching to Desert X or new 900 GS(have to wait for some reviews but for now Desert X is the one specially because of on road performance..... agreed with your review 100% spot on, thnx V!
I demod a desertx. Its fantastic.
thanks again for a sincere review...
I strongly considered this bike, ended up with the Husky Norden…love it on and off road
Yea, I'd take the Husky over this too 👍👍
The standard 890 would be better for me.......but the R is so cool looking !😄
I've got a 790R. I agree it not particularly comfortable at 80+ mph, but I can can easily take long spells at that speed - even at 6'2. You just get used to it. The seat is awful after an hour or so though, so it's a good job standing up is so easy on it!
Fuel economy is fantastic too - generally 65mpg combined (and that's real world).
Handling is superb on and off road. I can keep up with my mates on their sports bikes and hustle it in the twist's with them on Karoo 4's! The bike is phenomenal on 'B' roads. The handling and capability of these bikes is hard to believe. I've literally hit a sheep at 50mph or so on my bike - gone over it and somehow stayed upright! The sheep did not survive - which is fortunate for it I guess.
My KTM has had it's share of issues though - electrical and coolant leaks, but all sorted by warranty. Those almost made me get rid of it. The issue is there are very few bikes that won't have issues of some sort nowadays, as the engines are constantly tweaked to push out more power, causing other things to fail. The consumer who buys the latest incarnation of the model becomes the guinea pig!
Anyway, mine is still with me and will be for the foreseeable future, as I'm not willing to change it for the newer model for what is marginal improvements with the newer models.
Thanks for the fine review, Scott! A little too hardcore for my taste. I'd prefer the standard 890 if I would consider a KTM. But I'll keep up with my 850GS anyway.
Great job. Wondering about the 890 engine buzzy/vibes at higher speeds. I test rode the similar Norden, but didn't have it maxed out. Tires can always be a factor, but I'm not looking for hand numbing experience. Cheers!
BMW gs is the princes of off-road bikes but it’s very heavy
Solid honest review here thanks Scott, I don't really like the departure from the brimbo brakes that I'm use to on my 500 exc-f and 690 R, but I'm still buying one! lol
Thank you. Yea, that was a cost save by KTM, although J. Juan brakes are good, I have no real complaint about them, but they are not Brembo. WP are the best off-road suspension money can buy, imho, so why wouldn't you match that with Brembo, that is my question to KTM, especially for an adventure bike to where it's 50/50. The tires, suspension, are 50/50 but the brakes are road focused, does not make sense to me, unless you want to save a buck.
take care,
Scott
I put 80/20 tires on mine and ride it all over on the streets. I you want to go anywhere, most of the time you are going to be on the road
It doesn't have any competition for fast offroading except the Ducati Desert X. For every other type of ridning there is plenty of competition and superior quality.
Nice video as usual ❤❤❤❤
I love this bike 🥰😍💪
How does this compare to the
890 smt? 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
Thank you.
Well, adventure bikes do both and anytime you have this, it's a compromise. The main difference between the two bikes is the front wheel 17" vs 21", rear 17" vs 18" and also a little more weight. And YES, you will notice the difference. Can you do "spirited canyon" riding with this, yes, no problem but the 21" wheel is the limiting factor and you will feel it right away, also the tire tread pattern will matter too.
Take care,
Scott
KTM living on past glory. Defo not for me at that price. Great review Scott. 👍
Thanks 👍
Pls let me know the brand and type of your jeans. Tks
The new F900GS (Adventure) would be a good rival...
Not in the same league. It a great improvement though over the old 900.
@@4tech69 it isn't available yet so I'll guess nobody has tried it so your comment doesn't make sense. .. Also, what 'old 900' are you talking about?, there has never been a F900GS before, it's replacing the 850GS...
...
🤣
Why so many was sell ?
The ratio expensive/quality is not good for you (there is sometime discount as you know), to tall for you (and me), screen not good of course in night color the day.
I don't like orange color at all but I have choose a 790 Adv R in 2020 after waiting for the t7 or other bikes this type to replace about 20 years of 1150, 1200 GS, 600 Ténéré, Dr650, gsxr 1100, ZX6R etc...
To compare in 2020 the t7 as bullshit suspension, no cruise control, 4 liters tank less, far less power, no protection at all (handgards, enginegards etc...), no luggage rack and take is weight far up no electronics to play with and she was less than 10KG lighter, the 790R without 4 liters (-3KG), without luggage rack (-1,5KG), and the T7 with some protection to go offroad (+5kg) etc... she weight the same.
Something i agree is protection, turbulence with short or the high screen of S model but nobody bought this type of bike expecting had a Goldwing protection.
After 25 years of motorcycle I think the best tool to go "adventure" is a 4x4 car, not a motorcycle.😁 And I really love motorcycle.
This bikes are toys and you have to decide in what play area you want to play with.
I Deutschland you can not go in forest at all, in other country you can.
I don't buy a Goldwing or a 500exc and I know why.
I think you put too much of your personal opinion on this test, that this bike is not suitable for your use that's not a problem.
But to be honest compare to other bikes on the market for same use in 2020 or in 2023 I don't find an other bike to replace mine.
T7 no, GS no, 800DE sure not, Desert X no, the only one is perhaps AJP PR7 but for 35KG less I loose many advantage of mine.
With this bike you can ride with a pillion sometimes and spatzieren alone where the wind carries you, that the adventure spirit for many.😉
They are not selling, that is why 2023 is the last year for this, if it was selling like you say, KTM would keep selling them in 2024.
Forgot the Pan American. Good review though. I've always been rather iffy about Ktm personally.
The Pan American is in my heavyweight ADV chart, this is middle.
@@NothingToProve Ah, I missed that fact. Sorry about that.
As soon as you said my butt hurts i decided not to buy 😂
I'll pass
I'm in the market for a new bike. KTM made it to the top 3 list.. then I found out about the software upgrades for things like quick shifter.
Not only did this drop from top 3, but causes me to boycott the brand.
I honestly think it's the biggest most money grabbing way of value add.
Software engineering/development/research all cost money for the addons - I get it.. However, when you are paying for hardware to support these software features, I think it's ludicrous.
I view it as the same as buying a car, and the dealership says that (although you've paid for an AC compressor and hosing) you need to pay extra for the software to allow you to use it.
Anyway.. I'll not be spending my money with them.. .and also, I've a BMW owner - so I know what a dealer who likes to 'stick the arm in' is like..
Awful.
Ever owned a Tesla?
@@cummomoto Bought EV in April. Test drove both Model 3 and Y. We didn't buy one for many reasons.. but I assume the £10k software update is being mentioned? :)
Meh....
Half Chinese, but a European prize. Then there's the blackmail with the software, and this strange look. Not for me.
I think you are talking about the 790 Adventure, that is made by CFMoto in China. This is made in Austria at the KTM facility.
take care,
Scott
Blackmail. Yes, I was looking for that word.
According to my information, all parallel twins come from CF Motors. The 890 ADV are (still) assembled in Austria. But the Engine / Gearbox also comes from China. That's why it's "half-Chinese" @@NothingToProve
Yes, both the 790 & 890 KTM motors are made/assembled at the CFMoto plant in China.
@@NothingToProve- Everything I have read states the 890 is built in Austria. Have you found otherwise?