As a lot of comments about KTM, they are unfortunately plagued by reliability issues. So for peace of mind, and no matter how good the KTM may be, I’d always opt for the motorcycle that is more reliable. Therefore the MT09 for my money.
At the moment there's a lot of news about the 790 and 890 camshaft wear... The 890 was developed out of the 790... The 990 out of the 890... Does it still have the same problem ? The Duke 890R was and is on the top of my list as a most fun bike to ride. Not gonna buy it, I do want a reliable bike. Had a 790 before I knew about this issue and I did know that KTM was not known for reliability, I took that risk. But now there's actually a known problem. I'm gonna skip KTM for now, regretfully because they're awesome. By the way, me and my son rode ktm motocross bikes for more than 10 years, never had any serious problem. Rock solid bikes. So they seem to be able to build quality stuff.
Had a 2022 1290SDR for 6 months. Had more issues in that short period of ownership than the entire 40 years riding previously on more bikes than i care to remember. Some owners shout from the rooftops "Oh ive done 100, 000KM trouble free" This is the entire essance of KTM. Some are trouble free and some are nightmares. They should all be trouble free. NEVER AGAIN
yeah I had a SD 1290 without issues, its like the Ducati of old, you had a fanbase that never had issues and other people who hated the experience. The 990 super duke is a bike I would buy but not new! its to expensive compared to the mt09 SP. I'll rather wait for the 990 R as a 2nd hand bike.
@@tubejorrit That's the Ducati of now, too. My 2016 Multistrada blew a rod bearing at 29k miles. $8k repair (luckily I had an extended service contract). Now the engine is consuming oil and I'm riding it until it decides to blow up again and I sell it for scrap. $22k for a disposable vehicle. Next bike will be a Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Yamaha.
I'm glad that people are voicing their issues with their bikes. Such a bummer that some of these issues keep popping up as KTM and Ducati design such compelling motorcycles. At least the KTM engine problems seemed to be mostly oiling so in theory should be easily rectified with the 990
I test rode.the MT-09 SP with a full Akra system last week and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's on the fence. The thing is a giggle factory. built to last. I was constanly shifting up and down, not even using the QS down, much more fun with the clutch and the noise and looks with the Akra just perfect. Loved that bike. Great video, I need to move closer to those roads 😍
The 990 Duke, my dream bike, and probably my new bike in the near future. And for everyone scared of reliability I never had problems with my KTM’s, I ride them for years now.
Which ones? Cuz ive never had big issues with the V twins or single cylinder, but these CF Moto parallel twins are terrible. Im keeping my 1290 but never getting a parallel twin from ktm
@@jasperMT09how many km's are on your 890's? My experience 10k cracked display because of the sun, 12k valve cover gasket, 17k new cam chain tensioner and new thermostat because of leaking, 32k finger follower broke because of worn cam lobes and at 36k 2 gearbox bearings gone on the input side
The MT09 with an aftermarket exhaust and flash would make the bike top notch. I had the 2016 XSR900 and the engine is one of the best. Thank you for the video, ride safe!
You two make an incredible team. You seem like you are really good friends and your camaraderie works very well on these videos. I really look forward to them.
Great video. Greg never tried the steering lock on the MT09😂 Just an observation, when you flash up the bike stats it's sometimes quite difficult to see the white text, maybe consider yellow instead 👍
Superb video chaps as always. Your energy and enthusiasm for riding is contagious. It'd be the Yamaha over the KTM for me due to reliability, and the fact the MT09 looks nicer (that Duke's a bit meh IMO).
As a brief owner as an 890R, putting on less than 2k on it, before it chucked itself down the road and into the shadow realm; the only issues I had were a rattly engine (cam chain tensioner) and it developed an odd micro surge when shifting gear on the QS. Build quality wise - it was pretty poor! For a bike that only had a couple of k on the clock when I got it, there were spots of rust all over the bike! Granted, the previous keeper could have been a bit lax with the upkeep, but you wouldn't expect such corrosion on such a low milage bike (it was 3 years old mind). Off the top of my head - the Galfer (presumed OEM) front discs were corroded, the fork stanchions were badly pitted (I sanded them back to smooth), the water pump paint was flaking off, the engine paint near the bottom of the exhaust was peeling off... the rear shock was all pitted and had many paint chips, as did the swing arm. The orange frame also had rust spots in various places around the foot hangers too. Much as I loved the bike, there was always a nagging doubt about it's longevity - prior to getting one, I had read many reviews from outlets and owners, videos reviews, and forum posts on the bikes (790 & 890). This is the real issue, if your mind is already worried - it's hard to change that and you may never gel with the bike. Also, the WP Apex not having preload adjustment in the front forks, seems mental! Though in current KTM fashion, you can pony up about a grand for the Pro forks, that offer it (and other adjustments of course). So, for me, the KTM experience is done and dusted - I'm back off to Triumph and a 1050 Speed Triple RS; after watching the old Chops video dozens of times lol Loving that RS tubby too!
As a fellow Speed Triple 1050 RS owner who chose said bike over the 890r due to reliability issues you pointed out, how do you find the two compare? Anything you particularly miss from the ktm?
@@chickensoupfortheloser8515 I'm picking her up today, though it's pissing down, and I have a broken collar bone from coming off the KTM - what could go wrong lol I've had three Trumpets now - 675 Daytona (gen 1), and a gen 1 and 2 765 RS, all were faultless in ownership and build quality. So I am hoping (expecting) the Speed to be on par, if not better than the 765 RS. The extra trinkets as standard were also a bonus, as declaring mods certainly upped my premium now I'm 'a risk' 😂
@@TheScortUK Oh I see! Sorry to hear you're still recovering from the ktm mishap! I've also owned a 675 Daytona gen 1 and 765 R gen 2, and honestly i find that the Speedie covers all the shortcomings that the 765 had, namely the low down grunt that allowed pesky twins to pull away from me out of corners! Better still i honestly dont think the extra 20 kg (mine also has a low pipe) can be felt on the road even in the tighter stuff, for me it's been an upgrade on all fronts! Also Cruise control is such a blessing, since the street loved putting my throttle hand to sleep on the straight stuff
I had an 890 Duke R from new and it was the worst ownership experience ever. It went back to the dealer with issues at least 8 times in my 12 months of ownership. Can't fault my dealer but the reliability and build quality was shocking. Final straw was my clutch cable assembly completely disintegrating during a ride and leaving me stranded... Yamaha over KTM any day of the week. Reliability and peace of mind is worth a lot!
@@chickensoupfortheloser8515 many thanks, I'll be reet in a month I reckon, didn't opt for an operation this time. Got back with the Speedy and my goodness, what a bike! I chucked it in Rain mode, as a psychological decision, what with new bike (to me), chucking it down, and carrying a very broken bone lol. Feels great - so planted, and the grunt just felt so much more than an S1000R I had. I can't tell, that once I tweak the suspension, this is going to be a cracking bike!
As a new owner of a 24 XSR900, I'd have to say it's the closer comparison to the KTM. The XSR seems to have a more agressive rider position than the MT and sure feels like a scalpel to me! I sat on the 990 Duke, but the retro looks of the XSR vs the plasticky look/feel of the KTM won the day. The Duke is probably the better track weapon, but the giggle-factor of the XSR around down is tough to beat!
Like the vid but you both seem to enjoy riding the 990 duke on those roads more. Can I just say that the bike is not made in china and the tech packs are free with your purchase of the bike. People seem to always complain about the same thing. I absolutely love the 990 so much so I chopped in my 2nd gen super duke. If it’s all about the costs then I wouldn’t ride at all. I guess we like what we like and it would be a pretty boring place to live if we all liked the same things.
Exactly I got bad comments on my comment saying the 990 Duke is my dream bike and never had issues on my current and past KTM’s, I dont understand why people are telling me Im basically stupid to maybe buying one and having an opinion on it. Take care of your own life am I right?
Makes sense to me I've come to the realization that (especially in the states) if practicality was the driving factor for vehicle purchase it would rule out most all motorcycles. I was sizing up the 890smt just a few months ago before the 990 was released. Been riding Suzuki's trouble free but it's mostly for budgetary reasons.. when finances permit I'll be enjoying something else :)
On KTM's reliability, from reading the comments, there are those with no issues and lots who've experienced problems, which doesn't appear to be the case for the MT-09. I had a 1st Gen 1290SDR, which was brilliant for the first year and then the electrical gremlins started and I lost all faith in it. I now only buy Japanese, which is sad in a way because by design there are some brilliant bikes by other manufacturers, but, I buy a bike to use and enjoy all the time, not just occasionally.
Great reviews, Good sum up . Be a tough choice between the 2 . 990 would suit me better than the 1290 I have . The didn’t make them I bought the gen3 .
Great video - as Greg mentions a few times "Playful" is a great word which sums up the MT-09 SP. When I test rode the 2022 model, at first I felt quite compact and very upright and didn't know if that position would excite me - but give it half hour round some twisties and you soon come to realise what it's all about! Awesome bike👍
Awesome trip, great bikes. Interesting comments and final thoughts. I will leave make judgment after a test ride myself !. It’s such a close one . Well done both of you on a great long ride comparison 👍.
Another solid video for downing a brew to. If your looking in this niche for a bike these are great bikes which seem to be reasonably priced for new. However when you consider what you can get used for similar money opens up a whole host of options which isn't always useful haha. I know most want a new bike for warranty but most end up voiding it anyway as soon as they do the typical mods to it. Keep at it LC
Yamaha over KTM any day. I’ve heard the KTM’s coming out of China are more reliable than the European manufactured bike, but Yamaha’s are basically bulletproof. I opted for the MT-10SP over the 09SP but they are both great bikes.
I test drove de MT three times and the Duke twice. One time back to back. The MT does not have the same punch at low/mid revs as the Duke. Very noticable difference. The Duke just made me smile much more. More character, more fun, more hooligan. I have been riding Japenese bikes for 25 years without problems and was a bit afraid of buying a KTM (camshafts, electronics, etc). For a change I chose with my heart and not my head. I picked my Duke 990 up last friday and couldn't be happier. Awesome bike. And untill now: 500km, no issues :-) Techpack was included for free. EUR 15.600 in the Netherlands including the 1.000km service.
Another interesting vid Chaps. I'm still most definitely in the MT09 camp out of the two. Although I think I prefer the Street Triple & probably the Ducati Monster as well to either of these.
Im about your age and I owned 2 RS Turbos when I was younger as well as many other 80s hot hatches and whenever I see a tidy one now they bring back so many memories. As for the bikes I think id take the STRS over either of these it just looks so much better.
Lovin' your work as ever chaps - glad you came to the right conclusion in the end, I love that MT09SP - the KTM I'm sure rides well but the looks, cost and reliability all don't work for me....
That is why you drive a BMW GS Andy… and when you have a special bike (Street 676 in Black Gold / Panigale) you pass them on… not everyone goes for the “safest” / “most dull” options in life. Let everyone make their own choices on the information available!
You surely have a point here - your original test of the gen2 SP in 2018 made buy one in 2020 - still going strong after nearly 70'000 fuss-free, fun-filled kms 😊🏁
I must say having had a 1290r Superduke which I did really enjoy, I would myself go with the MT09 just because of the build quality and the better customer support. If you have a problem with a KTM there is nobody you can call apart from your dealership. All KTM have as contact is an e-Mail address which you never get a reply from. Such a shame KTM are not more customer focussed.
Great review. How was the ABS intrusiveness on the Yami and have they fixed the front indicator mounting system where the old ones would fall down with the slightest knock or bump?
I remember over twenty years ago not buying a KTM supermoto and ending up with a less powerful bike over KTM's crappy reliability, crazy how a couple of decades later they still haven't got their shit together. Combine that with their propensity to absolutely rip the piss out of the customer shelling out even more £££ to unlock features ALREADY BUILT INTO THE BIKE you already paid over the odds for compared to bikes by other manufacturers, and it just blows my mind how people are still buying KTM's.
Another great video chaps! Personally i didnt like the gearbox on the ktm and the display too close so you have to physically have to drop yr head to read it although it felt good. MT09 for me!
Hi Chops and Greg. You say only seen adventure bikes but beginning of August I was in Wales on my z1000sx. Lovely roads. Good weather. And good food from Owls nest tea room. You passed it in Llandovery.
MT09. I agree about the exhaust! Get back me after 20k with the KTM. I don’t need to check with the Yam as they’re pretty much trouble free in my experience. I’m sure I’d absolutely love the KTM but I’m nervous about dipping my toe into KTM ownership after friends experiences.
Im in a tough position, I know KTMs are generally un reliable, but when it comes to pure fun on the road, nothing comes close to the KTM, sacrificing fun for the Reliability seems so bad...
Interesting comments between the two. Have you adjusted the suspension on each to be as close to each other when it comes to pre-load, compression and rebound? Or are both still in their factory settings. Great job!
Great review lads, thanks for sharing. I think the overall consensus (beyond your video) is the Yamaha MT-09 SP has it. An excellent bike for the money; why have any other sporting steed?
I had a 890 Duke, now I have a MT10 and my brother has a MT 09. For someone who loves to drive stupid fast in twisties, I dont like the mt 09 and my brother also doesn't like his mt 09. Even the heavier MT 10 is more fun to drive in corners for me. Now i tried the new 990 Duke and i will absolutly get the 990. I dont care about reliability issues because of waranty. And an MT 09 doesn't come close to the fun in my Perspective.
It comes down to this - For my own money, reliability and cost of ownership, followed by comfort (I'm 71), I could never justify buying the KTM. And, here in North America, a pipe and complete reflash of the ECU at Moore Mafia, and that Yamaha would be worlds different to ride, with up to 1/3 more mid-range power and 10hp more on top. Which bike has a higher percentage of resale value in 2 years?
Being in Japan the KTM for 13k including the software unlocking or the yamaha mt 09 sp for 7k ? Due to reliabilty, parts availabilty and electrical issues ill take the mt-09 sp. 99% of my riding are road and twisty mountains, also, i may be biased cause i have a tracer mt-09, but i also have a 1390 SdGt. I like the ktm engine pulling power, but love the yamaha value for money and reliability... Choices choices 😅
Had quite a few KTM's with no major reliability issues. However my super duke GT electronics spat me off big time. Honestly wasn't being daft, but it got itself really upset and really hurt me with no warning. After 100K miles on them, I'm done with them and that's before you mention tech pack.
Not really a big/tall guy, but I am slightly above avg with a long torso and am similarly conscious of dwarfing the bike. I had a Nuda 900R and was surprised when I saw myself in a picture on it.
My ideal bike would be an Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100, but then I came to my senses! Due to being knackered, I'm looking at the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT in SP trim.
@@LambChopRides Deffo! I've got an SV650 which I love, but at 6' 2" I cramp up after about an hour. Plus, I've got mobility problems these days, and the clutch and shifting gears are old school on the SV650, so the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT looks perfect for me. I'm just wondering how you feather the clutch if you haven't got one! I'm sure the electronics will sort the low speed handling out, though.
Roads are great through wales until you get to the bigger towns and the old industrial mining valley’s then they are appalling 😢🏴 went past the Baffle Haus yesterday local to me ,another enjoyable video been chuckling to myself 😅🏴,
My sort of soft criticism for some of those reviews is that you would have maybe very different conclusion, if you rode on real highway, real miles on real highway, here in America for example in the west, you can not go to any area on single double lane small roads, you need to do some highway miles first, in that case I think you would find the MT09 totally too small on a real highway around trucks and heavy winds... and the Duke likely much better at this, wonder if you would agree or disagree?
They are both nakeds with upright riding positions. Cant see how they would differ on your freeways… that’s why they make baggers and goldwings isn’t it, blasting along in a largely straight line.
I picked up a CBR600RR last weekend to go with my 1290 Duke. Ideally I'll move the Duke on next spring and look at a test ride on the Yam. Just a thought, you can still pick up new 1290 Dukes for £500 more than the 990. 😉
Hopefully KTM have addressed the cam problems that are inherent on the 790/890 engines. Or are they just like GoPro and instead of fixing issues they just keep releasing “new and improved” models? For the added reliability that comes with a Yamaha my money would go to the Japanese bike with a lower handle bar.
Sadly I don’t think lower handlebars will work. I’ve looked into it, and much as I’d like to try the same mod, they would foul the top of the fuel tank on full lock
Flat bars aren’t necessarily lower and can actually assist with the handling without compromising any tank ingress as the main thing is eliminating the angle back to the rider so it’s actually the opposite when you think about it.
i test ride both and the 990 was really agressive on the throttle even in street mode i know it's ready to race but sometime on the road we want to chill ktm.... 890r was the perfect spot for me, blipper is good (not as good as the mt09) but up shift was really jurky at low and mid rpm perfect bike would be the 990 chassis with cp3 engine and stylema caliper off course did you do some roll on between the two off camera ?
Unfortunately neither of them are lookers. I personally could not own a buy with the way they are styled. I would go with the XSR 900 with a Velocity Moto RD500LC body kit fitted. Sorted.
It's lack of availability of exhausts on the Yamaha at the moment. though they are starting to come through. Seems that the Euro 7000 or whatever it is now has held up development a bit.
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve not for the UK/EU version with two lambda sensors, unless you want a check engine light every few miles. Arrow, spark, Akra, so far, and as of yesterday, Racefit - but I like having functioning ears.
Good day, I'm in a dilemma, can you give me some advice? I'm from Russia) and here they sell KTM 990 with a warranty cheaper than MT09 non-SP, considering Yamaha has no warranty, KTM looks very attractive to me, but I haven't ridden a KTM before and their reliability scares me, what would you recommend buying, maybe you could suggest a completely different motorcycle?
KTM is very good but it’s too early to judge the reliability of the 990 as it’s still too new. Some other options could be a Triumph Street Triple RS or the latest Ducati Monster. Hope that helps
As a lot of comments about KTM, they are unfortunately plagued by reliability issues. So for peace of mind, and no matter how good the KTM may be, I’d always opt for the motorcycle that is more reliable. Therefore the MT09 for my money.
At the moment there's a lot of news about the 790 and 890 camshaft wear... The 890 was developed out of the 790... The 990 out of the 890...
Does it still have the same problem ? The Duke 890R was and is on the top of my list as a most fun bike to ride. Not gonna buy it, I do want a reliable bike.
Had a 790 before I knew about this issue and I did know that KTM was not known for reliability, I took that risk. But now there's actually a known problem.
I'm gonna skip KTM for now, regretfully because they're awesome.
By the way, me and my son rode ktm motocross bikes for more than 10 years, never had any serious problem. Rock solid bikes. So they seem to be able to build quality stuff.
@@wernerxldata KTM off-road race bikes are strangely much better build and more reliable than their road bikes, ever the 4 strokes ones.
@@valebliz Yup, we had 250's, 350's and 450's for years, never any real problem.
Had a 2022 1290SDR for 6 months. Had more issues in that short period of ownership than the entire 40 years riding previously on more bikes than i care to remember. Some owners shout from the rooftops "Oh ive done 100, 000KM trouble free" This is the entire essance of KTM. Some are trouble free and some are nightmares. They should all be trouble free. NEVER AGAIN
yeah I had a SD 1290 without issues, its like the Ducati of old, you had a fanbase that never had issues and other people who hated the experience. The 990 super duke is a bike I would buy but not new! its to expensive compared to the mt09 SP. I'll rather wait for the 990 R as a 2nd hand bike.
@@tubejorrit That's the Ducati of now, too. My 2016 Multistrada blew a rod bearing at 29k miles. $8k repair (luckily I had an extended service contract). Now the engine is consuming oil and I'm riding it until it decides to blow up again and I sell it for scrap. $22k for a disposable vehicle. Next bike will be a Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Yamaha.
I'm glad that people are voicing their issues with their bikes. Such a bummer that some of these issues keep popping up as KTM and Ducati design such compelling motorcycles.
At least the KTM engine problems seemed to be mostly oiling so in theory should be easily rectified with the 990
Mine is trouble free but always has random warnings that shut off later
This type of bike ain't my thing but these guys keep it entertaining and interesting. Good banter between them.
Thanks buddy 👍
I test rode.the MT-09 SP with a full Akra system last week and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's on the fence.
The thing is a giggle factory. built to last. I was constanly shifting up and down, not even using the QS down, much more fun with the clutch and the noise and looks with the Akra just perfect.
Loved that bike.
Great video, I need to move closer to those roads 😍
The 990 Duke, my dream bike, and probably my new bike in the near future. And for everyone scared of reliability I never had problems with my KTM’s, I ride them for years now.
Which ones? Cuz ive never had big issues with the V twins or single cylinder, but these CF Moto parallel twins are terrible. Im keeping my 1290 but never getting a parallel twin from ktm
@@Driftuner 890 Duke and SMT and I started on rc390.
@@jasperMT09 well, i hope you dont run into any issues. My brother used to work at a ktm dealer and the failure rate of the 7/890s engines are scary
@@Driftuner Well ofcourse I hope I dont get issues but will see, luckily we can’t predict the future haha.
@@jasperMT09how many km's are on your 890's?
My experience 10k cracked display because of the sun, 12k valve cover gasket, 17k new cam chain tensioner and new thermostat because of leaking, 32k finger follower broke because of worn cam lobes and at 36k 2 gearbox bearings gone on the input side
The MT09 with an aftermarket exhaust and flash would make the bike top notch. I had the 2016 XSR900 and the engine is one of the best. Thank you for the video, ride safe!
The collab videos with Greg are always great 👍🏻
You two make an incredible team. You seem like you are really good friends and your camaraderie works very well on these videos. I really look forward to them.
If I’m watching a 25 min review/comparison this is how I expect it to be…great job guys 🙌🏽
Thanks Ash 👍
The problem is the duke is a KTM, too many reliability issues
They solved alot of issues now.
@@jasperMT09 doesn't matter. they gouge you 1k usd for software unlocks
@@celzolsen8988which is preferred to an all inclusive price.
Why should I pay for something I don't want?
@@celzolsen8988 thats true, but if you really like the bike you calculate it in.
Main problem with 990 is the price! £13k for the base model, the R model will be £14k+. So it’s competition like 765RS / MT09 SP are 2k+ cheaper
Great video. Greg never tried the steering lock on the MT09😂 Just an observation, when you flash up the bike stats it's sometimes quite difficult to see the white text, maybe consider yellow instead 👍
Superb video chaps as always. Your energy and enthusiasm for riding is contagious.
It'd be the Yamaha over the KTM for me due to reliability, and the fact the MT09 looks nicer (that Duke's a bit meh IMO).
As a brief owner as an 890R, putting on less than 2k on it, before it chucked itself down the road and into the shadow realm; the only issues I had were a rattly engine (cam chain tensioner) and it developed an odd micro surge when shifting gear on the QS.
Build quality wise - it was pretty poor! For a bike that only had a couple of k on the clock when I got it, there were spots of rust all over the bike! Granted, the previous keeper could have been a bit lax with the upkeep, but you wouldn't expect such corrosion on such a low milage bike (it was 3 years old mind).
Off the top of my head - the Galfer (presumed OEM) front discs were corroded, the fork stanchions were badly pitted (I sanded them back to smooth), the water pump paint was flaking off, the engine paint near the bottom of the exhaust was peeling off... the rear shock was all pitted and had many paint chips, as did the swing arm. The orange frame also had rust spots in various places around the foot hangers too.
Much as I loved the bike, there was always a nagging doubt about it's longevity - prior to getting one, I had read many reviews from outlets and owners, videos reviews, and forum posts on the bikes (790 & 890). This is the real issue, if your mind is already worried - it's hard to change that and you may never gel with the bike. Also, the WP Apex not having preload adjustment in the front forks, seems mental! Though in current KTM fashion, you can pony up about a grand for the Pro forks, that offer it (and other adjustments of course).
So, for me, the KTM experience is done and dusted - I'm back off to Triumph and a 1050 Speed Triple RS; after watching the old Chops video dozens of times lol
Loving that RS tubby too!
As a fellow Speed Triple 1050 RS owner who chose said bike over the 890r due to reliability issues you pointed out, how do you find the two compare? Anything you particularly miss from the ktm?
@@chickensoupfortheloser8515 I'm picking her up today, though it's pissing down, and I have a broken collar bone from coming off the KTM - what could go wrong lol
I've had three Trumpets now - 675 Daytona (gen 1), and a gen 1 and 2 765 RS, all were faultless in ownership and build quality. So I am hoping (expecting) the Speed to be on par, if not better than the 765 RS. The extra trinkets as standard were also a bonus, as declaring mods certainly upped my premium now I'm 'a risk' 😂
@@TheScortUK Oh I see! Sorry to hear you're still recovering from the ktm mishap!
I've also owned a 675 Daytona gen 1 and 765 R gen 2, and honestly i find that the Speedie covers all the shortcomings that the 765 had, namely the low down grunt that allowed pesky twins to pull away from me out of corners! Better still i honestly dont think the extra 20 kg (mine also has a low pipe) can be felt on the road even in the tighter stuff, for me it's been an upgrade on all fronts! Also Cruise control is such a blessing, since the street loved putting my throttle hand to sleep on the straight stuff
I had an 890 Duke R from new and it was the worst ownership experience ever. It went back to the dealer with issues at least 8 times in my 12 months of ownership. Can't fault my dealer but the reliability and build quality was shocking. Final straw was my clutch cable assembly completely disintegrating during a ride and leaving me stranded... Yamaha over KTM any day of the week. Reliability and peace of mind is worth a lot!
@@chickensoupfortheloser8515 many thanks, I'll be reet in a month I reckon, didn't opt for an operation this time.
Got back with the Speedy and my goodness, what a bike! I chucked it in Rain mode, as a psychological decision, what with new bike (to me), chucking it down, and carrying a very broken bone lol.
Feels great - so planted, and the grunt just felt so much more than an S1000R I had. I can't tell, that once I tweak the suspension, this is going to be a cracking bike!
Leaving us hanging about the flat bars 😂
As a new owner of a 24 XSR900, I'd have to say it's the closer comparison to the KTM. The XSR seems to have a more agressive rider position than the MT and sure feels like a scalpel to me! I sat on the 990 Duke, but the retro looks of the XSR vs the plasticky look/feel of the KTM won the day. The Duke is probably the better track weapon, but the giggle-factor of the XSR around down is tough to beat!
MT for me. Looks lovely in the SP trim (ignoring the exhaust)
Like the vid but you both seem to enjoy riding the 990 duke on those roads more. Can I just say that the bike is not made in china and the tech packs are free with your purchase of the bike. People seem to always complain about the same thing. I absolutely love the 990 so much so I chopped in my 2nd gen super duke. If it’s all about the costs then I wouldn’t ride at all. I guess we like what we like and it would be a pretty boring place to live if we all liked the same things.
Exactly I got bad comments on my comment saying the 990 Duke is my dream bike and never had issues on my current and past KTM’s, I dont understand why people are telling me Im basically stupid to maybe buying one and having an opinion on it. Take care of your own life am I right?
Makes sense to me I've come to the realization that (especially in the states) if practicality was the driving factor for vehicle purchase it would rule out most all motorcycles. I was sizing up the 890smt just a few months ago before the 990 was released. Been riding Suzuki's trouble free but it's mostly for budgetary reasons.. when finances permit I'll be enjoying something else :)
Lovely roads! Great video - makes me want an MT09SP again…
Great comparison review guys, many thanks for another excellent video.
Great vid again chops! Even better part 1&2 seeing the roads I use on my SP to hoon about on 😎👍🏻
Smashing review guys! I should have my SP in about 2 weeks. Can't wait!!
21:40 smashing burgers
Miss my 21 mt09, just an experience to ride, low down power, noise and just plain fun to be on!
What did your replace it with?
I changed to gsxr1000, really enjoying it to be fair but you can only use about 40% on the irish roads 😀
On KTM's reliability, from reading the comments, there are those with no issues and lots who've experienced problems, which doesn't appear to be the case for the MT-09. I had a 1st Gen 1290SDR, which was brilliant for the first year and then the electrical gremlins started and I lost all faith in it. I now only buy Japanese, which is sad in a way because by design there are some brilliant bikes by other manufacturers, but, I buy a bike to use and enjoy all the time, not just occasionally.
Great reviews, Good sum up . Be a tough choice between the 2 . 990 would suit me better than the 1290 I have . The didn’t make them I bought the gen3 .
Ohlins - use the clickers.
I like the sound of the duke - but I like what you get with the SP.
Great video - as Greg mentions a few times "Playful" is a great word which sums up the MT-09 SP. When I test rode the 2022 model, at first I felt quite compact and very upright and didn't know if that position would excite me - but give it half hour round some twisties and you soon come to realise what it's all about! Awesome bike👍
Awesome trip, great bikes. Interesting comments and final thoughts. I will leave make judgment after a test ride myself !. It’s such a close one . Well done both of you on a great long ride comparison 👍.
Thanks Alan 👍
Another solid video for downing a brew to. If your looking in this niche for a bike these are great bikes which seem to be reasonably priced for new. However when you consider what you can get used for similar money opens up a whole host of options which isn't always useful haha. I know most want a new bike for warranty but most end up voiding it anyway as soon as they do the typical mods to it. Keep at it LC
MT more reliable too more than likely
and you don't have to pay 1000 bucks for software unlocks. fuck KTM
Making my wait a little more anxious for the MT-09 SP collecting the bike on September 7th nearly there.
CP3 with a racefit system sounds brilliant.
You’ll love it 💯
Great videos lads. Again! Keep it up
Fantastic video! And i hope you enjoyed smashing that burger 🙂
Yamaha over KTM any day. I’ve heard the KTM’s coming out of China are more reliable than the European manufactured bike, but Yamaha’s are basically bulletproof. I opted for the MT-10SP over the 09SP but they are both great bikes.
I test drove de MT three times and the Duke twice. One time back to back.
The MT does not have the same punch at low/mid revs as the Duke. Very noticable difference. The Duke just made me smile much more. More character, more fun, more hooligan.
I have been riding Japenese bikes for 25 years without problems and was a bit afraid of buying a KTM (camshafts, electronics, etc).
For a change I chose with my heart and not my head. I picked my Duke 990 up last friday and couldn't be happier. Awesome bike. And untill now: 500km, no issues :-)
Techpack was included for free. EUR 15.600 in the Netherlands including the 1.000km service.
Another interesting vid Chaps. I'm still most definitely in the MT09 camp out of the two. Although I think I prefer the Street Triple & probably the Ducati Monster as well to either of these.
That was a wicked s2 rs turbo, had 4 of them back in the day.
Im about your age and I owned 2 RS Turbos when I was younger as well as many other 80s hot hatches and whenever I see a tidy one now they bring back so many memories. As for the bikes I think id take the STRS over either of these it just looks so much better.
Great review guys.. I had an RS turbo exactly the same back in the day amazing car wish I had it now 😊 Pete 👍👍
Lovin' your work as ever chaps - glad you came to the right conclusion in the end, I love that MT09SP - the KTM I'm sure rides well but the looks, cost and reliability all don't work for me....
Thanks Andy 👍
That is why you drive a BMW GS Andy… and when you have a special bike (Street 676 in Black Gold / Panigale) you pass them on… not everyone goes for the “safest” / “most dull” options in life. Let everyone make their own choices on the information available!
You surely have a point here - your original test of the gen2 SP in 2018 made buy one in 2020 - still going strong after nearly 70'000 fuss-free, fun-filled kms 😊🏁
I must say having had a 1290r Superduke which I did really enjoy, I would myself go with the MT09 just because of the build quality and the better customer support. If you have a problem with a KTM there is nobody you can call apart from your dealership. All KTM have as contact is an e-Mail address which you never get a reply from. Such a shame KTM are not more customer focussed.
Great review gents, always entertaining. 😊
People in the comments talking about ktm reliability, i wont buy it just for the looks alone
Excellent review.Another winner,thks.
To all those who've had KTM 790/890's and never had a problem - My grandfather smoked 20 a day and lived till 93. Never had a problem.
Where was the side by side best gear for the speed, roll on race ? 😊
Great review. How was the ABS intrusiveness on the Yami and have they fixed the front indicator mounting system where the old ones would fall down with the slightest knock or bump?
I remember over twenty years ago not buying a KTM supermoto and ending up with a less powerful bike over KTM's crappy reliability, crazy how a couple of decades later they still haven't got their shit together. Combine that with their propensity to absolutely rip the piss out of the customer shelling out even more £££ to unlock features ALREADY BUILT INTO THE BIKE you already paid over the odds for compared to bikes by other manufacturers, and it just blows my mind how people are still buying KTM's.
Another great video chaps! Personally i didnt like the gearbox on the ktm and the display too close so you have to physically have to drop yr head to read it although it felt good. MT09 for me!
The small tank on the KTM is a deal breaker never mind the reliability issues.
Great vid as always guys , dis you actually test the turning of the MT 😂😂
Smash them burgers gregorio 🤪🤪
We did and it is tight, maybe OK but it's hard to tell
Hi Chops and Greg. You say only seen adventure bikes but beginning of August I was in Wales on my z1000sx. Lovely roads. Good weather. And good food from Owls nest tea room. You passed it in Llandovery.
I didn’t say that, only chops did and I knew he was wrong when he said it…! 😅
Great couple of videos, if you could do the same test on the tracer 9 GT and the KTM 890 SMT I would be very grateful!!
MT09. I agree about the exhaust! Get back me after 20k with the KTM. I don’t need to check with the Yam as they’re pretty much trouble free in my experience. I’m sure I’d absolutely love the KTM but I’m nervous about dipping my toe into KTM ownership after friends experiences.
Im in a tough position, I know KTMs are generally un reliable, but when it comes to pure fun on the road, nothing comes close to the KTM, sacrificing fun for the Reliability seems so bad...
The problem is people don't REALISE KTM need riding, alot alot and more than that 😅
Interesting comments between the two. Have you adjusted the suspension on each to be as close to each other when it comes to pre-load, compression and rebound? Or are both still in their factory settings. Great job!
Great review lads, thanks for sharing. I think the overall consensus (beyond your video) is the Yamaha MT-09 SP has it. An excellent bike for the money; why have any other sporting steed?
Love watching your content, but when displaying comparison specs can you make them clearer to read cheers Chopsy.
I had a 890 Duke, now I have a MT10 and my brother has a MT 09. For someone who loves to drive stupid fast in twisties, I dont like the mt 09 and my brother also doesn't like his mt 09. Even the heavier MT 10 is more fun to drive in corners for me. Now i tried the new 990 Duke and i will absolutly get the 990. I dont care about reliability issues because of waranty. And an MT 09 doesn't come close to the fun in my Perspective.
Another fab V's 🙌
The MT09 is from £1,200 to £2,000 less expensive than the 990 but next to eachother it looks like a way more expensive machine.
Waiting to see if Yamaha update the XSR900 with all this tech, and maybe slightly better looks.
KTM all day but the reliability niggles will always be in your mind, currently have a gen 3 Duke.
Same,had 2new Dukes,no probs.
Imagine if Yamaha make a better looking and lighter MT10, it would sell like hot cakes!
Well done men, another great review. Could I ask that you don’t post them in the morning? You make me late for work 😊
Haha sorry 😄👍
Mt09 SP, that Yamaha reliability is a lovely thing
It comes down to this - For my own money, reliability and cost of ownership, followed by comfort (I'm 71), I could never justify buying the KTM. And, here in North America, a pipe and complete reflash of the ECU at Moore Mafia, and that Yamaha would be worlds different to ride, with up to 1/3 more mid-range power and 10hp more on top. Which bike has a higher percentage of resale value in 2 years?
but what about the steering lock on the MT09 for flat bars ??
Yeah it's quite tight... might be possible but large switch gear doesn't help
I bought a new Escort RS Turbo in 87. (Mercury Grey). Great car. I was hoping you might have had a chat with him, about it. 🤦🏻
Being in Japan the KTM for 13k including the software unlocking or the yamaha mt 09 sp for 7k ? Due to reliabilty, parts availabilty and electrical issues ill take the mt-09 sp. 99% of my riding are road and twisty mountains, also, i may be biased cause i have a tracer mt-09, but i also have a 1390 SdGt. I like the ktm engine pulling power, but love the yamaha value for money and reliability... Choices choices 😅
They roads look amazing. Should all be like that
Just been on your Promo Codes. Looked at a Helmet at £220 applied your code got £4.50 not 35 quid am I doing something wrong.
I guess next year KTM will release 990R, with better brakes and suspension. Then I would pick the KTM any day of the week!
Had quite a few KTM's with no major reliability issues. However my super duke GT electronics spat me off big time. Honestly wasn't being daft, but it got itself really upset and really hurt me with no warning. After 100K miles on them, I'm done with them and that's before you mention tech pack.
A like Greg he seems a nice guy
Not really a big/tall guy, but I am slightly above avg with a long torso and am similarly conscious of dwarfing the bike. I had a Nuda 900R and was surprised when I saw myself in a picture on it.
My ideal bike would be an Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100, but then I came to my senses! Due to being knackered, I'm looking at the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT in SP trim.
I'm actually testing the auto transmission on the launch in September so watch this space 👍
@@LambChopRides Deffo! I've got an SV650 which I love, but at 6' 2" I cramp up after about an hour. Plus, I've got mobility problems these days, and the clutch and shifting gears are old school on the SV650, so the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT looks perfect for me. I'm just wondering how you feather the clutch if you haven't got one! I'm sure the electronics will sort the low speed handling out, though.
First electric bikes, now automatic transmissions. Shoot me now
@@LambChopRidesWhat’s the word on the R-9 ?
Hello guys! Will be great to make same video with old bikes, if possible . The new bikes are very similar in some ways.
Roads are great through wales until you get to the bigger towns and the old industrial mining valley’s then they are appalling 😢🏴 went past the Baffle Haus yesterday local to me ,another enjoyable video been chuckling to myself 😅🏴,
My sort of soft criticism for some of those reviews is that you would have maybe very different conclusion, if you rode on real highway, real miles on real highway, here in America for example in the west, you can not go to any area on single double lane small roads, you need to do some highway miles first, in that case I think you would find the MT09 totally too small on a real highway around trucks and heavy winds... and the Duke likely much better at this, wonder if you would agree or disagree?
They are both nakeds with upright riding positions. Cant see how they would differ on your freeways… that’s why they make baggers and goldwings isn’t it, blasting along in a largely straight line.
I picked up a CBR600RR last weekend to go with my 1290 Duke. Ideally I'll move the Duke on next spring and look at a test ride on the Yam.
Just a thought, you can still pick up new 1290 Dukes for £500 more than the 990. 😉
Hopefully KTM have addressed the cam problems that are inherent on the 790/890 engines. Or are they just like GoPro and instead of fixing issues they just keep releasing “new and improved” models? For the added reliability that comes with a Yamaha my money would go to the Japanese bike with a lower handle bar.
Sadly I don’t think lower handlebars will work.
I’ve looked into it, and much as I’d like to try the same mod, they would foul the top of the fuel tank on full lock
Flat bars aren’t necessarily lower and can actually assist with the handling without compromising any tank ingress as the main thing is eliminating the angle back to the rider so it’s actually the opposite when you think about it.
KTM 990 R coming. How’s reliability on these 990 motors?
Suzuki GSX8R vs Triumph Daytona would like to see a comparison of those two 👍
OK 👍
Mt09 great bike. I don't like the on off switch. That's the only thing that feels cheap. It's like a oven switch..
So true! I'm a white goods engineer... if I ever find out that it is indeed off an oven, I'll report back here. 😂
Series 2 rs turbo. Had one in mercury gray. F reg. Supped up to 260bhp. Blew gearboxes every month. Coulsnt get a gearbox to take the power 😅😅
i test ride both and the 990 was really agressive on the throttle even in street mode i know it's ready to race but sometime on the road we want to chill ktm.... 890r was the perfect spot for me, blipper is good (not as good as the mt09) but up shift was really jurky at low and mid rpm
perfect bike would be the 990 chassis with cp3 engine and stylema caliper off course
did you do some roll on between the two off camera ?
Unfortunately neither of them are lookers. I personally could not own a buy with the way they are styled. I would go with the XSR 900 with a Velocity Moto RD500LC body kit fitted. Sorted.
Great vid
What is the ride on the 990 loke compared to the original 990 super duke.
Which were the suspension settings on the duke 990? The standard?
Another good vid as well as blanked out speedo why don’t you use radar detectors?
How does the KTM compare to the Monster SP 937
Chopsy, how come every bike you test these days has a piece of black electric tape stuck to the dash, just where the speedo is, strange that?
Yeah I know.. Faulty dashes a real shame 😅
I know they are both naked but did 1 of them fair better on wind protection than the other?
It's lack of availability of exhausts on the Yamaha at the moment. though they are starting to come through. Seems that the Euro 7000 or whatever it is now has held up development a bit.
There are plenty of choices for exhaust systems out there 🤣🤣
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve not for the UK/EU version with two lambda sensors, unless you want a check engine light every few miles.
Arrow, spark, Akra, so far, and as of yesterday, Racefit - but I like having functioning ears.
They're well matched ride wise huh 😬👍
16:45 says it all.
Good day, I'm in a dilemma, can you give me some advice?
I'm from Russia) and here they sell KTM 990 with a warranty cheaper than MT09 non-SP, considering Yamaha has no warranty, KTM looks very attractive to me, but I haven't ridden a KTM before and their reliability scares me, what would you recommend buying, maybe you could suggest a completely different motorcycle?
KTM is very good but it’s too early to judge the reliability of the 990 as it’s still too new. Some other options could be a Triumph Street Triple RS or the latest Ducati Monster. Hope that helps
How does the 990 compare to the 890R?