Wow, two KTMs at the top for the time being. I never would've called it but you've convinced me! I'm too in love with my Striple RS to consider this but I would consider the SMT for touring.
Personally would love to hear your thoughts on the 990 duke as well, I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say the 1390 is way out of my skill and price range and the 990 seems like a great alternative.
Maybe you didn't touch on it, but is the 1390 worth buying as a current gen 1 1290 owner? I like the rawness of the gen 1, the lack of a lot of electronics, but wish it had cruise control and a quick shifter. I've put almost 42,000 miles on my gen 1 and have considered it the best bike ever made, for all types of riding. but the extra $8000 for the 1390 seems not worth those couple things.
The dirt section for road bike reviews has always been hilariously nuts to watch. I was just sitting and waiting to see if you would consider a twilight zone episode when mentioning the launch control option. Sigh!
But then they'll release an "Ultra" variant. Or End Stage capitalism will kick in, Pierer Mobility AG will be gobbled up by Apple, and they'll just call it a "Pro Ultra Max X".
Will throw in some food for thought with the Ktms. I’ve got a 2023 Duke 890r, and it is a blast to ride. However, it has been in the shop 3 times for issues, including oil leaks, and this last time it went in, they discovered wear on the cams at 3700 miles and requires a new top end. It’s been approved under warranty, however, parts are back ordered until August, so I’ve got no ride all summer! The parts being back ordered indicates that more of those are starting to fail, and I’m really not looking forward to what the future holds for this first new bike I’ve ever bought! Leaving a bad taste in my mouth for KTM, so not sure if I’ll be purchasing another one. Can’t beat the power and handling, but none of that matters when it’s not on the road!
@Edwordless I hear this all the time about how KTMs seem to have these issues with quality control and parts that don't meet spec. Electronic gremlins also get mentioned quite often. Other owners say that their bikes are trouble free and totally reliable. You better have a good dealer who will take care of you and fight for your warranty work because there are plenty who don't. "Ready to Race" sounds nice and all until you are waiting for parts from Austria. Same can be said of BMW and all Euro bikes. The Japanese bike makers seem to have better reputations for quality and parts availability. I've owned both and been lucky so far.
The only weak point with KTM is sometimes the reliability, and those ridiculous charges to unlock rider modes and the quickshifter. Wish they hadn't moved production of most of their bikes to China as well.
Zach - you're everything I want to become as a rider. I'm only 7:50 in, but already you've did a casual wave, just to make space. And then, effortlessly continue to ride though traffic WHILE COMMENTING. You and Ari need to find some pasture, 'cause you're the GOATs.
"It does accidental power wheelies in 3rd AND 4TH gear" 😍😍😍 I need it!!! Edit: Schwarzenegger! Now every time i see it, I'll hear "get to zee choppa!" In my mind. Thanks. 😂
These are the only longer-form UA-cam videos I watch without even noticing the length. Really good content. Personally I love the newer "killer robot from space" KTM designs.
After purchasing a new KTM 690 SMC R. that is amazing, I'm seriously impressed with KTM. I might have to get this new SDR next and feel that "stump pounding torque."
@@mithrandirthegrey7644 if I don't like what I'm riding, I won't ride it. If the engine came in a GSXR skin, I would buy it. But you look like some half assed cyborg riding that thing
So, you can’t get rider modes unless you pay $500+ more and can’t even get a quick shifter unless you pay $300+ more? For a $20K+ bike, that is insane. There are way cheaper options that include all of those things.
The Japanese alternatives are really good, and they cost less, and generally are more reliable. KTM is basically the Euro Harley Davidson. People are willing to pay more for the name, and they become attached to the brand. There's nothing wrong with that. If you have the money and think it's cool, by all means, get a KTM.
I referred to my '14 1290 as 'The Velvet Hammer'. Fun bike, but so much (maybe too much?) for the street. I eventually sold it as I was worried about my driver's license.
Always a good time with you Zack, giggles, serious feedback, honnest and fun. Totally cracked me up with your message to haters. 🤣 Also, I'm now about to switch from a Street Triple 765 (which I still love and is in many aspects a better bike) for a 890 SMT because my commute will be longer and I feel the appeal of travelling more while being able to have fun. I've never considered KTM or a trail-ish bike as an option but as I'm watching all daily riders, even about bikes that I'm not interested in, it openned my mind to new kinds of bikes, I realized that it might perfectly fit my use as a daily ride. So I tried it at a big motorbikes festival here in France and had a blast with it. Now I'm looking for an used 2023 one, and I think it's thanks to you that I've discovered and enjoyed this bike. Althought I also tried a Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 which is way more fun, because it's compact, light, punchy, perfect in narrow twisties and my heart goes to it. But as a daily ride the SMT is a solid good compromise for my use.
I've been waiting for this video. Not because I was curious about it, but because I want everyone to know how awesome my new bike is. Haha Hold on, I'm getting a text on my phone.... yeah buddy, I know your kickstand is down. 😆
A more complicated engine from KTM... that's never a good thing. I think the slightly shorter gearing in 5 and 6 is a good thing. 6th was geared so tall in the 1290 that you didn't want to be in it unless going at least 75 mph and was still not turning many revs in the low 80s. The slightly lower gearing should put the engine in the sweet spot for cruising interstate at 75-80.
Note that the KTM and the Honda have variable valve timing AND lift, whereas e.g. the Ducati DVT is timing only. Timing alone is a lot more common than variable valve lift
I love watching these videos and cataloging away the bikes I'm going to look for in 10 years when someone is selling a garage Queen with under 10,000 miles for a third the price. Yes! Come live in my garage please.
890 SMT #1, 1390 SDR #2, I think my decision to wait for the 2025 13/1490 SMT to replace my 2021 1290 SDR is looking like I know what I'm doing!! 😊 Excellent job once again Zach! Keep up the good work!
I was looking forward to this review. I will probably never be a fan of the design, but I do love the single-sided swingarm and boy, would I love to take this bike out for a spin one day. Great job as always, Zack. 👍
Can you please put the specs (such as weight and seat height) in metric too, even if it's just as a text caption on the video. Over 95% of the world uses metric.
Having owned 7 KTM's now over the years, I can say that especially everything Euro4, 5 and plus... is severely restricted by emissions regulations and stock exhausts. ( as probably any recent bike ). An 690 single, 890 twin or 1290, 1390 in particular, do change a lot when a full system + powercommander are installed. And I'm not talking about peak HP, just the direct throttle response, torque, every day riding really shows the potential of these engines. A lot of these online 1390 reviews are based on a stock configuration. With my friends' most recent 690 SMC R test in mind, which was driving like crap from factory, please do a follow up video when you get to ride one with full system. There's more to them ... thx.
I'm sure you're right but at the end of the day so many people just won't make the conversion and the bike has to be reviewed for what it is, not what it could be.
Fueldongles make a big difference to counter the Euro4-5-6 "mapping" in low rpm from the 02 sensors . Easy and cheap mod. Done it on my 690 and 990. Totalty new bikes to ride vs stock.
Was in the riding for me too. I went S1000r but I'd love to have one of these in the stable too. Just cant get past that extra charge to unlock software already in the bike.
@laingadaing I agree with you. It should be included, especially in that price. The tech is already there. It's a bunch of hooey to have to do a software upgrade just to get the full potential of your bike that you already paid for.
I assure you those would turn up the mortality rate by 10 times. As is we can hardly make decisions as to who's turn is next when all corners are packed with STOPPED vehicles. Imagine now VEHICLES NOT STOPPING (because roundabouts) and the amount of traffic laws ignorance and entitlement we carry about daily and trying to make roundabouts work with now one getting shot or crashing it's nearly impossible.
@@GIGABACHI Yeah you guys need to get proper driver training. It seems you get your licenses in cereal boxes with the state of the driving in the US 😂😂
@@GIGABACHI What I would say though is that it should be very clear who has right of way on a roundabout rather than a Mexican standoff letting people go at a stop. But I suppose this is American intelligence at play so who knows
In the stratosphere of naked bikes it's tough to choose. KTM, BMW, Aprilia, Ducati. The definition of 1st world problems. Streetfighter v4s, no, Tuono v4 factory, no, Superduke. ehhhhh ...... 😬
Always look forward to your videos... thank you. Regarding the gearing, I agree. I liked the previous setup with the tall 5th and 6th. The first 4 gears are up to any kind of acceleration you need, or want. With Godzilla torque the bike had no problem handling the "overdrive" top gears. Bought a '17 in Dallas and had to get home to L.A. quickly, so did it in a day. I had planned a bunch of fuel stops, but that sucker was giving me 50 or more mpg all the way home... only my butt stopped me from 220+ mile fill-ups. That was on interstates running 70-80 (depending on the state) including some pretty good headwinds. Crazy mileage numbers for a bike with this kind of power! Hope they didn't shorten those gears too much on this one.
Hey Zach, WTH, my Livewire Del Mar S2 has Super duke mirrors and it will blow it out of the water from 0 to 70 mph, why is it last? Lol I’m serious I have raced R1, super dukes, H2, and all kinds of muscle cars/trucks, even some teslas and they can’t touch me, I have also owned 2 super dukes, a 2015 and a 2019, best naked out there
My only beef with my SD 1290 is the gearing.. it's annoying to have to shift at 40 to second and before 70 having to shift again, yet the 6th is useless unless you are going 85+ Makes no sense to me. They claim sub 3second 0-60 but considering you have to shift to get there makes me wonder how accurate it is, never tried to clock it but I think it's probably more.. anyway the point is it would just be more enjoyable if you didn't have to shift so much sub 75mph and taste that torque and HP more
Cable Clutch/Throttle: Some are Great.. some not so much. My problem is precise control during lock to lock parking lot maneuvers. I can usually adjust the spring return tension and slack to work, but sometimes the cables are NOT routed in the least Bendy way or need lube. A bending cable often diddles the clutch/throttle.
Hi Zack, would like to express my gratitude fir the amazing videos you are producing. Question: are you planning to to test for kawasaki zx14r? Yes, no? Why? Thank you
When Zach was looking at previous year's leaderboards, it made me want an all-stars episode. Look at the top three for each list and put them on the All Stars list. A top three to rule them all! (When Zach wants a vacation, make a clips episode where all he has to shoot is the placement on the all stars leaderboard.
I don't know a world where orange and matte black don't look good together on a motorcycle. My Trident has that colourway. You never get bored, orange gets the glances. The KTM look is marmite, I'm not too sure, the front looks unfinished. However, .........
I still just can not stand the whole “single R” moniker. I’ve never seen “single R” on a bike. I thought they were just R, that’s what I read anyway. I guess society overall is just going downhill….shrug
A bit disappointing that you got the standard exhaust instead of the upgraded exhaust from Akrapovic. I'm a bit of a KTM fanboy. I still ride my first bike on a daily basis and it's a KTM 1050 Adventure. Amazing bikes. I've also ridden a 1300GS and prefer my 1050 by quite a margin.
I am too lazy to read all the comments... Just look at the aesthetics. This poor bike with tentacles for a fairing just stretching with every last inch to grab that over-raked fork. The Kraken beak yelping " Please don't leave me , I promise not to do any more dank nooners and bend me forks any further away from thee." I swear, I will never, ever wheelie again😅. Then, cometh the Austrian swingarm stretching device and thus renders our futile sky seeking worship relagated to 1/4 " time slips. Good thinking K.T.M.
Corporations gave up on styling a DARN HEADLIGHT a long time ago. How hard could it be? I guess just as hard as it seems to be to make mirrors that work, rear fenders that don't look like cow afterbirth, and signals that don't flap around like a poodles ears. Hey companies, why don't you try making crap out of metal again?
Fuel maps and ECU are locked, so you can't even tune it to run properly if you get an aftermarket exhaust. The only other map available is the KTM upgrade map, which locks out the lighting because it's "for track only". What a waste.
Not a lot of bikes scare me, this would. Not because of the specs, but because of my lack of restraint. My 100 hp sweet spot allows me to go plenty fast, while winding it out. I wouldn’t even know what to do with this lol. But I would love to try one!
KTM makes great bikes as long as you don't absolutely need to make it home (this mostly applies to their multi cylinder bikes, the thumpers are mostly solid).
Read more about the Super Duke on Common Tread: rvz.la/45QOYU9
Check out all of the newest motorcycle gear available: rvz.la/4cm4LNe
I don't see anything on the otherside of this link re 1390SDR. Am I missing something.... esides the obvious 😮
@@Superdukedotnetyes the article seems to be missing.
@RevZilla guys please do a review on a crf 450 l
I prefered the non Fish eye lense camera of the old videos.
@@Superdukedotnet Zack's review went up on Common Tread today! The updated link will take you there. Enjoy!
I hear that when you turn off all rider aids it's a very good last bike.
Tf is a rider aid?
An autoimmune disease @@Quantum-
@@Quantum- something that aids the riders
@@royaltyallen1162 nice. Glad that my bike doesn't have any.
@@Quantum- yep, that's exactly what I said when I rode my buddy's Grom
for a daily rider? hmm. 190 HP at 470lbs...? that'll work.
For that price I would rather have the Kawasaki H2 SE. I have had FAR better luck with Kawi than KTM.
Why not?
No reason you can't daily ride a bike with 180-190 HP
My bike has 150hp and 500lbs and it’s already fast enough for me. This thing is an animal
Works for me, the 2018 model has been my daily so far.
it is actually surprisingly comfortable, I'd happily use it on a daily basis
I have loved the big vtwin sport bikes since the TL1000R and the Badass RC51
Both 90 degree twins, this isn't
@@Andriig75 yea I know I said those were the two that started my love for big vtwin sport bikes
Wow, two KTMs at the top for the time being. I never would've called it but you've convinced me! I'm too in love with my Striple RS to consider this but I would consider the SMT for touring.
Don’t forget about the Yamaha zuma 125.. also has vva
Yeah I was shopping this bike but now I better go cross shop a zuma before I pull the trigger 😂
@@pryme2013 yup once vtech kicks in they are pretty much the same bike
ktm 890 smt still #1! Whoo hoo!
I'm surprised you have never reviewed the CB 1000 R on the daily rider.
Personally would love to hear your thoughts on the 990 duke as well, I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say the 1390 is way out of my skill and price range and the 990 seems like a great alternative.
Maybe you didn't touch on it, but is the 1390 worth buying as a current gen 1 1290 owner? I like the rawness of the gen 1, the lack of a lot of electronics, but wish it had cruise control and a quick shifter. I've put almost 42,000 miles on my gen 1 and have considered it the best bike ever made, for all types of riding. but the extra $8000 for the 1390 seems not worth those couple things.
I would really love ot shop at the Revzilla shop. But there sadly isnt a dealership in Europe.
The dirt section for road bike reviews has always been hilariously nuts to watch. I was just sitting and waiting to see if you would consider a twilight zone episode when mentioning the launch control option. Sigh!
Great First and Last bike.
Can we see Dave race against others please...
KTM: "Superbikes are too dangerous for public roads"
Also KTM: makes a 190 bhp 145 Nm naked unicycle
tbh the lack of wind protection on a naked bike does urge you to slow down at high speed.
Their logic is absolutely stupid.
The front tire is just for parking lots and slippery conditions.
"Unicycle" 😊
@@chucksherron don't forget school zones
I am holding out for the 2490 Super Duke Evo IV GT Extra
@@zyzzyx3160 And it will still be a V2! 👌
But then they'll release an "Ultra" variant. Or End Stage capitalism will kick in, Pierer Mobility AG will be gobbled up by Apple, and they'll just call it a "Pro Ultra Max X".
Waiting for the 2890 Super RR Duke Evo RS Pro Ultra X
That one will only allow you to use the right turn signal and one of the cylinders and only 17 horsepower from it, unless you pay extra.
Premium Platinum Pro Plus
Zack is, by far, the best moto journalist around. Always enjoyable to watch.
Well that's, like, your opinion, man.
Will throw in some food for thought with the Ktms. I’ve got a 2023 Duke 890r, and it is a blast to ride. However, it has been in the shop 3 times for issues, including oil leaks, and this last time it went in, they discovered wear on the cams at 3700 miles and requires a new top end. It’s been approved under warranty, however, parts are back ordered until August, so I’ve got no ride all summer! The parts being back ordered indicates that more of those are starting to fail, and I’m really not looking forward to what the future holds for this first new bike I’ve ever bought! Leaving a bad taste in my mouth for KTM, so not sure if I’ll be purchasing another one. Can’t beat the power and handling, but none of that matters when it’s not on the road!
Everyone needs a Honda Kawasaki or Yamaha to ride while their non-Honda/non-Kawasaki/non-Yamaha is in the shop.
"ready to race" (to the parts department)
@Edwordless
I hear this all the time about how KTMs seem to have these issues with quality control and parts that don't meet spec. Electronic gremlins also get mentioned quite often. Other owners say that their bikes are trouble free and totally reliable. You better have a good dealer who will take care of you and fight for your warranty work because there are plenty who don't. "Ready to Race" sounds nice and all until you are waiting for parts from Austria. Same can be said of BMW and all Euro bikes. The Japanese bike makers seem to have better reputations for quality and parts availability. I've owned both and been lucky so far.
It's funny you say Can't beat the power and handling. But that's just it. You could have on a MT09, and ran that to 100,000 miles easily.
I wouldn't judge all their bikes by the 790/890/901.
That thing is a problem child.
This would make a great first bike.
Not enough power and torque.
its not a busa sister....
LOL!
Definitely. As they always say, it’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast. So keep the throttle wide open for a good time!
Yes, after I fit it with NOS.
When Zack told the keyboard warriors to "SHUT UP" that just made me laugh.
“A finger sandwich of fun” made me giggle like Zac on a 1390SD
oMg zAcK is sHiLling fOr kTm!!!!111!!!
The only weak point with KTM is sometimes the reliability, and those ridiculous charges to unlock rider modes and the quickshifter. Wish they hadn't moved production of most of their bikes to China as well.
You can tell how good a bike is by Zack's laugh.
My thought exactly! His giggle factor was noticeably higher on this ride!
Agreed. These videos could be Cliff Noted with a single "Giggle Score"
They should actually make a list at tye end of the year of what bike cause the more giggles, the giggle leaderboard
Zach - you're everything I want to become as a rider. I'm only 7:50 in, but already you've did a casual wave, just to make space. And then, effortlessly continue to ride though traffic WHILE COMMENTING. You and Ari need to find some pasture, 'cause you're the GOATs.
I think I saw that headlight design in health class in 6th grade...
Lol
Plastic lightsaber vag..😂😂😂
Comment of the year!
Oh thats y I like it 😜
I can tell that you're as old as I am because you were taught sex Ed in 5th-6th grade haha
I love Zach's unhinged Joker laugh.
I just realised….”buckle up everybody, we’ve got a lot to talk about”…..could apply to every single vehicle….except a motorbike.
You don't buckle up your helmet?
"It does accidental power wheelies in 3rd AND 4TH gear"
😍😍😍
I need it!!!
Edit: Schwarzenegger! Now every time i see it, I'll hear "get to zee choppa!" In my mind.
Thanks. 😂
or... "Owl be BOK!"
These are the only longer-form UA-cam videos I watch without even noticing the length. Really good content. Personally I love the newer "killer robot from space" KTM designs.
After purchasing a new KTM 690 SMC R. that is amazing, I'm seriously impressed with KTM. I might have to get this new SDR next and feel that "stump pounding torque."
I'm just not sure this bike has enough power or torque for my daily needs. I'll wait for the 1490
For a beginner bike, maybe. Any seasoned vet is waiting for the 1690
Ktm did it again. They managed to make an ugly bike even uglier. Love the engine though
The longer I ride the less I care about the looks. Only the feel of the bike matters to me at this point.
@@mithrandirthegrey7644 if I don't like what I'm riding, I won't ride it. If the engine came in a GSXR skin, I would buy it. But you look like some half assed cyborg riding that thing
So, you can’t get rider modes unless you pay $500+ more and can’t even get a quick shifter unless you pay $300+ more? For a $20K+ bike, that is insane. There are way cheaper options that include all of those things.
KTM is not the budget brand. They've always charged more for their bikes.
I'm holding out for the cfmoto 1290/1300 version of the last generation engine for probably $15,000 with all the tech no subscription required.
@@Friscorockhead yeah because ktm thinks apparently they are elite only austrian made collectors like ducatti... ...
You don't own one, do you? I paid for all of it on my 1290GT, and it was worth it... Sorry you don't agree...
The Japanese alternatives are really good, and they cost less, and generally are more reliable. KTM is basically the Euro Harley Davidson. People are willing to pay more for the name, and they become attached to the brand. There's nothing wrong with that. If you have the money and think it's cool, by all means, get a KTM.
Team Orange 🧡
Please do a 2021-2024 KTM 1290 Super ADV S next
I referred to my '14 1290 as 'The Velvet Hammer'. Fun bike, but so much (maybe too much?) for the street. I eventually sold it as I was worried about my driver's license.
Variable valve timing made by KTM... What could go wrong?
Well it ain't a 790/890 so it's probably fine.
I’ve been waiting for this!!!!! ❤
love a well placed, “shut up”
Always a good time with you Zack, giggles, serious feedback, honnest and fun. Totally cracked me up with your message to haters. 🤣
Also, I'm now about to switch from a Street Triple 765 (which I still love and is in many aspects a better bike) for a 890 SMT because my commute will be longer and I feel the appeal of travelling more while being able to have fun. I've never considered KTM or a trail-ish bike as an option but as I'm watching all daily riders, even about bikes that I'm not interested in, it openned my mind to new kinds of bikes, I realized that it might perfectly fit my use as a daily ride. So I tried it at a big motorbikes festival here in France and had a blast with it. Now I'm looking for an used 2023 one, and I think it's thanks to you that I've discovered and enjoyed this bike.
Althought I also tried a Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 which is way more fun, because it's compact, light, punchy, perfect in narrow twisties and my heart goes to it. But as a daily ride the SMT is a solid good compromise for my use.
This is the perfect bike for your buddy who loves power and also forgets to put his kick stand up.
I've been waiting for this video. Not because I was curious about it, but because I want everyone to know how awesome my new bike is. Haha
Hold on, I'm getting a text on my phone.... yeah buddy, I know your kickstand is down. 😆
just recently driven the duke r Evo, it's stupidly dumb that it's so f#@$king amazing 😂
i really think my current bike is missing that kickstand presence.
the flat out dry delivery of that line was pure gold. 35:47
A more complicated engine from KTM... that's never a good thing.
I think the slightly shorter gearing in 5 and 6 is a good thing. 6th was geared so tall in the 1290 that you didn't want to be in it unless going at least 75 mph and was still not turning many revs in the low 80s. The slightly lower gearing should put the engine in the sweet spot for cruising interstate at 75-80.
Moto Guzzi Stelvio soon?
The ending clip lmao “here you go have a snack”
*tame little quiet wheelie*
but how often will you actually get to ride it?... how many months out of the year will it be sitting in the shop waiting for parts?
Note that the KTM and the Honda have variable valve timing AND lift, whereas e.g. the Ducati DVT is timing only. Timing alone is a lot more common than variable valve lift
2990 RR SUPERDUKE.....
450HP AT 1300 RPM
I was afraid when he talked about the most famous Austrian
I love watching these videos and cataloging away the bikes I'm going to look for in 10 years when someone is selling a garage Queen with under 10,000 miles for a third the price. Yes! Come live in my garage please.
890 SMT #1, 1390 SDR #2, I think my decision to wait for the 2025 13/1490 SMT to replace my 2021 1290 SDR is looking like I know what I'm doing!! 😊
Excellent job once again Zach! Keep up the good work!
4:37 W T F HAHAHAHAHHA Aliexpress Headlight
469 pounds for a bike with that much displacement is wild!
I'd love to see a review of a proper Goldwing
TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 SHOULD BE 3 LITRE
33:45 for a second i thought he was going to say hitler
I was looking forward to this review. I will probably never be a fan of the design, but I do love the single-sided swingarm and boy, would I love to take this bike out for a spin one day.
Great job as always, Zack. 👍
If Husqvarna ever do a Vitpilen verson of this, I may have to sell a kidney!
It would be perfect to see how the 990 stacks up on the daily rider leaderboard
Can you please put the specs (such as weight and seat height) in metric too, even if it's just as a text caption on the video. Over 95% of the world uses metric.
Would this be a suitable beginner bike ?
By all means, it could be the 1st and last bike one would ever own !
Only a biker knows how satisfying are those giggles 🤣
Cant wait to buy this is 15 years when it depreciates into my orice range
I'm glad you went with Arnie as the "most famous Austrian" rather than the one I immediately thought of!😂
The S1000R is a better value proposition, but you can't deny the huge fun factor on this bike; I'd love to own one!
You don't buy these bikes for value. Buy what talks to you.
I only need 189 hp
Mellowship slinky in B major !! Saturday mornings , coffee , French toast and daily rider !! These are just a few of my favorite things !!!
Having owned 7 KTM's now over the years, I can say that especially everything Euro4, 5 and plus... is severely restricted by emissions regulations and stock exhausts. ( as probably any recent bike ). An 690 single, 890 twin or 1290, 1390 in particular, do change a lot when a full system + powercommander are installed. And I'm not talking about peak HP, just the direct throttle response, torque, every day riding really shows the potential of these engines. A lot of these online 1390 reviews are based on a stock configuration. With my friends' most recent 690 SMC R test in mind, which was driving like crap from factory, please do a follow up video when you get to ride one with full system. There's more to them ... thx.
I'm sure you're right but at the end of the day so many people just won't make the conversion and the bike has to be reviewed for what it is, not what it could be.
Fueldongles make a big difference
to counter the Euro4-5-6 "mapping" in low rpm from the 02 sensors . Easy and cheap mod. Done it on my 690 and 990. Totalty new bikes to ride vs stock.
The kickstand is down. The kickstand is down. THE... KICKSTAND... IS... DOWN. ZACK, ZACK, ZACK...
heh.
I’ll never buy one of these but I’ll watch this whole video and any others in this series
This bike is in the running for me. Im looking to get a Hyper - naked for my next horse in the stable. Sooo much good stuff to choose from
Was in the riding for me too. I went S1000r but I'd love to have one of these in the stable too. Just cant get past that extra charge to unlock software already in the bike.
@laingadaing I agree with you. It should be included, especially in that price. The tech is already there. It's a bunch of hooey to have to do a software upgrade just to get the full potential of your bike that you already paid for.
$20,000+ performance motorcycle and you don't even get to see the actual coolant temp, nor does it come with all the DLC installed..
The headlight looks like a sentinel from Halo.
Does it still take the cost of a left nut for purchase? Then a right nut to unlock software for hardware already on the bike?
Your kidneys will suffice 😂, you'll need your balls for going full throttle... 😅
You americans need more roundabouts... The amount of stop signs is ridiculous!
I assure you those would turn up the mortality rate by 10 times.
As is we can hardly make decisions as to who's turn is next when all corners are packed with STOPPED vehicles.
Imagine now VEHICLES NOT STOPPING (because roundabouts) and the amount of traffic laws ignorance and entitlement we carry about daily and trying to make roundabouts work with now one getting shot or crashing it's nearly impossible.
@@GIGABACHI Yeah you guys need to get proper driver training. It seems you get your licenses in cereal boxes with the state of the driving in the US 😂😂
@@GIGABACHI What I would say though is that it should be very clear who has right of way on a roundabout rather than a Mexican standoff letting people go at a stop. But I suppose this is American intelligence at play so who knows
Over 21 thousand dollars and the brake reservoir rattles like it's about to come off. Unreal.
The giggles tell you this is a special machine. Also, based on the state of that rear tire, I want to see what Zack did with this thing on the track.
In the stratosphere of naked bikes it's tough to choose.
KTM, BMW, Aprilia, Ducati.
The definition of 1st world problems.
Streetfighter v4s, no, Tuono v4 factory, no, Superduke. ehhhhh ...... 😬
Always look forward to your videos... thank you. Regarding the gearing, I agree. I liked the previous setup with the tall 5th and 6th. The first 4 gears are up to any kind of acceleration you need, or want. With Godzilla torque the bike had no problem handling the "overdrive" top gears. Bought a '17 in Dallas and had to get home to L.A. quickly, so did it in a day. I had planned a bunch of fuel stops, but that sucker was giving me 50 or more mpg all the way home... only my butt stopped me from 220+ mile fill-ups. That was on interstates running 70-80 (depending on the state) including some pretty good headwinds. Crazy mileage numbers for a bike with this kind of power! Hope they didn't shorten those gears too much on this one.
Hey Zach, WTH, my Livewire Del Mar S2 has Super duke mirrors and it will blow it out of the water from 0 to 70 mph, why is it last? Lol I’m serious I have raced R1, super dukes, H2, and all kinds of muscle cars/trucks, even some teslas and they can’t touch me, I have also owned 2 super dukes, a 2015 and a 2019, best naked out there
KTM is crap Chinese and Indian bikes. All plastic, cheap components. Super unreliable
My only beef with my SD 1290 is the gearing.. it's annoying to have to shift at 40 to second and before 70 having to shift again, yet the 6th is useless unless you are going 85+
Makes no sense to me. They claim sub 3second 0-60 but considering you have to shift to get there makes me wonder how accurate it is, never tried to clock it but I think it's probably more.. anyway the point is it would just be more enjoyable if you didn't have to shift so much sub 75mph and taste that torque and HP more
Unbelievable ugly... the attitude of just making the design as huuurrrr duuuurrrrr aggressive duuuuurrrrr as possible is insanely repelling.
Cable Clutch/Throttle: Some are Great.. some not so much. My problem is precise control during lock to lock parking lot maneuvers. I can usually adjust the spring return tension and slack to work, but sometimes the cables are NOT routed in the least Bendy way or need lube. A bending cable often diddles the clutch/throttle.
Hi Zack, would like to express my gratitude fir the amazing videos you are producing.
Question: are you planning to to test for kawasaki zx14r? Yes, no? Why? Thank you
When Zach was looking at previous year's leaderboards, it made me want an all-stars episode. Look at the top three for each list and put them on the All Stars list. A top three to rule them all! (When Zach wants a vacation, make a clips episode where all he has to shoot is the placement on the all stars leaderboard.
Right? Because even if you're buying new, you'd want to compare all current models, not just the ones that first came out this year.
38:02 lololol 🤣 you got me LMAO here.
I don't know a world where orange and matte black don't look good together on a motorcycle.
My Trident has that colourway. You never get bored, orange gets the glances.
The KTM look is marmite, I'm not too sure, the front looks unfinished. However, .........
Not the bike for Dodgers fans.
Like a sawsall, it has great power, versatility and force to cut through a lot with precision sometimes but mind your fingers
I still just can not stand the whole “single R” moniker. I’ve never seen “single R” on a bike. I thought they were just R, that’s what I read anyway. I guess society overall is just going downhill….shrug
A bit disappointing that you got the standard exhaust instead of the upgraded exhaust from Akrapovic.
I'm a bit of a KTM fanboy. I still ride my first bike on a daily basis and it's a KTM 1050 Adventure.
Amazing bikes. I've also ridden a 1300GS and prefer my 1050 by quite a margin.
People who dislike the headlight have zero artist capacity. They probably can't draw very well.
I am too lazy to read all the comments... Just look at the aesthetics. This poor bike with tentacles for a fairing just stretching with every last inch to grab that over-raked fork. The Kraken beak yelping
" Please don't leave me , I promise not to do any more dank nooners and bend me forks any further away from thee." I swear, I will never, ever wheelie again😅.
Then, cometh the Austrian swingarm stretching device and thus renders our futile sky seeking worship relagated to 1/4 " time slips. Good thinking K.T.M.
Corporations gave up on styling a DARN HEADLIGHT a long time ago. How hard could it be? I guess just as hard as it seems to be to make mirrors that work, rear fenders that don't look like cow afterbirth, and signals that don't flap around like a poodles ears. Hey companies, why don't you try making crap out of metal again?
I'm just waiting for the GT to come out. And I'll be the first in line. Will keep riding my old one until then
Fuel maps and ECU are locked, so you can't even tune it to run properly if you get an aftermarket exhaust. The only other map available is the KTM upgrade map, which locks out the lighting because it's "for track only". What a waste.
Jeez KTM thanks for telling me the side stand is down. I know I just rode here
Not a lot of bikes scare me, this would. Not because of the specs, but because of my lack of restraint. My 100 hp sweet spot allows me to go plenty fast, while winding it out. I wouldn’t even know what to do with this lol. But I would love to try one!
KTM makes great bikes as long as you don't absolutely need to make it home (this mostly applies to their multi cylinder bikes, the thumpers are mostly solid).