Is this THE BEST Adventure Bike? KTM 790 Adventure R Review.
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- KTM have set the benchmark for all Adventure Motorbikes with the incredible 790 Adventure R.
We review this spectacular motorcycle on and off road.
This is THE best, standard off-road Adventure Bike money can buy.
Please watch the video to find out everything you need to know, and don't forget to leave a thumbs up, subscribe, and comment.
teespring.com/stores/mr-darcy... - Авто та транспорт
That’s the most accurate review of this bike I’ve heard. After too many UA-cam wormholes this winter, I bought a 790R. Yes, it is focused on & the best off-road ADV on the market, but I was surprised how this thing handles & goes on street! This is my 2nd bike(still have a HD) & I think I like to jump the lights or lay it down in the corner more than off-road it, making me a KTM fan.
Pros:
Bike geometry creates engaged riding position
WP suspension is amazing on & off-road
Power is linear
Tech allows you to push it. Recommend Rally “mode” w/ throttle set to Street so u can adjust TC on the fly
Cons:
Karoos r surprisingly good on street, but loose off. Next set will be Dunlop Trail Mission or Mitas E-07
Stock engine sounds like a sewing machine, recommend exhaust, I threw on a Yoshimura & it’s subtle at idle but good when pushed
Mike Thanks Mike! I agree with your points too. I loved it! And it’s so much fun on the road, as you say.
Is it reliable, Mike?
1990 a few thousand miles in, & 0 issues so far. It’s taken some decent off-road hits, has been laid down going up a hill, & I tach it out every time I’m on street so it is definitely not babied, time will tell. Seen the comments about “Reliabilty” in general for KTM on other threads, wonder how much is about how capable these bikes r meaning they are pushed. I’m in the US, so here my concern is more about the lack of dealer network. I have 5 Harley dealers within 45 miles of my house, I have to drive over an hour & a 1/2 to service my KTM
I have a 2020 790R. I love this bike, I live in Northern Wisconsin and ride mostly off road. The Karoo tires are not good off road, especially bad in mud. I purchased a set of Motoz Tractionator Rallz - these tires are awesome - best dual sport tire I have ever had - highly recommend them. I did have a few issues with mine. 1. the clutch failed at 200 miles and it failed just as I was approaching a huge mud washout and I went to use it to throttle up and raise the front end as I approached it and had nothing - i thought i bumped it into neutral and looked down at the display and hit the mud washout and dumped the bike. I did some damage to the plastic, picked it up and had not clutch and had to trailer the bike out of the woods. Turns out, there is an oil jet screw in the middle of the clutch plates and it was clogged with locktite from the factory, so the clutch was getting no lubrication. KTM not only replaced the clutch, but also repaired the damage from the crash at no cost to me. The other two issues i had were minor - a small leak in coolant from a hose clamp that need to be tightened and the quick shifter on/off vanished from the TFT display - they just reset it and it has been fine since. The rally mode is, for me, overkill off road - too quick and hard of a throttle response, and for my experience level - it could get me in trouble real quick. I ride in the off road throttle setting all the time - it is perfect, plenty of power, but not too quick of a response, so that if you hit a bump or something and inadvertently hit the throttle, you have time to respond before flying into a tree or something. A lot of guys are saying that the plastic handguards are not good enough - I disagree, i have dropped the bike a few times and they work just fine. I would recommend the AXP racing skip plate - it is awesome and reinforces the footpeg mounts that bolt into the engine block. anyhow - i am rambling - but I love this bike and the tires - those Motoz made a HUGE difference in how this bike handles off road - i would go so far as to say night and day, especially in muddy slippery conditions.
Thanks for your comments! It's always nice to hear from someone whoo has the bike. I'm sure KTM's aftercare is second to none. I agree about the tyres for off road; the standard ones have to be a compromise. Ride safe!
Great post, SV.
Just picked up my 2020 790 Adventure R last night, ended up having to ride it home in the rain on a 30-mile trip, but WOW what a very nice bike. I've had many bikes over the years and this bike impressed me! That mid-range punch of power is just phenomenal. The suspension is a little stiff but still feels very compliant on the road. Well worth the coin, and I'd gladly give my 2018 1200RT, and my brand new Honda CRF450L for this thing, though I still have the other two.
Brian Schott Awesome! You’re going to love it! Let us know how you get on with it 👍🏼👍🏼
Best review I’ve seen - short but full information, fantastic image quality. I truly love the bike
MIKROBI219 Thank you 👍🏼
I own the S version. I love it. I have some knobbies to mount up for the winter riding season and am looking forward to Forrest roads and desert riding. Its no enduro but for what I'm going to do with it its just about perfect. 850 miles so far.
Ron Hunter excellent! Good tyres make a massive difference! Have fun 👊🏼
I own a 2020 KTM790S Adventure that I bought new in December 2020 for $9,999.00 USD (price included tax and tags). I love the motorcycle ! My favorite all around ride of the 4 bikes I own. IMO it os a perfect blend pf a sport/adenture/touring motorcycle. As alwaus a great review. God bless
Those are my ageing goals right there. Riding all day long and then settling in for a Jack Daniel's with Metallica playing in the background.
Sushrut Dongargaonkar That sounds pretty good!
Hands down best review of 790 ADV R. Would really like to spend an afternoon talking to this man. wish I had the coin for this bike.
Thanks buddy! Much appreciated 👍🏼
Great review, great video. Hard to get all those shots without a cameraman! Keep the videos coming. I agree about the 790R, so much so, I just bought one to go along with my 1200GS and 500EXC! It's the most capable all around ADV ever made, in my opinion. Not without a few faults, which I will be covering in my future ownership videos. Again, great review, your presentation style is perfect for this.
Thanks buddy! Yes on this occasion I was solo (no camera man) so well spotted. I’ll look out for your videos on it! It’s a great bike 👍🏼
Big Rock Moto - key reasons you picked the 790 over the Yamaha T7?
Paul Van Hout In the video I was referring to older/current Tenere’s not the T7. We shall have to see about that one!
I’ve had the 790 Adventure S for about a year, I traded it in for the R two weeks ago as I was disappointed with its performance off-road. The difference with the R off-road is night and day with the S, it almost feels as capable as my ktm 350 exc-f
Excellent. Yes the R has way more suspension travel etc. Have fun with it 👍🏼
I've not watched many reviews on new bikes of late. Must say you really give a good and very honest opinion. KTM is known for performance right? Super 👍
Thanks a ton! Yes KTM are up there with the best!
When I grow old I wanna look like this MAN
Thank you!
Lol I was looking for that comment.
He doesn't look old to me. Middle aged
@@tomcat6933 he looks like a hunk of a man to me
Great video with honest and useful opinions. That's no doubt the bike I want to get soon.
Thanks buddy! Best adventure bike out there!
Very good review well explained!
I have the same bike having upgraded from the Suzuki DR 650 I find it a fantastic motorcycle just as good off-road but much better on-road when having to ride some distance to get to the trails.
Iwan Evans Thanks Iwan! What a cracking bike! 💯
Very specific review of this KTM 790. I must go and perform test ride as its launched in India too. Great work sir 👍
Mohammed Irfan thank you! Yes you must! It is a very good bike indeed! It would be awesome in India!
Phenomenal review as always!
Biceps&Bikinis thanks my friend 👊🏼
Love my KTM 790! 🇨🇦
Very good Review, thank you!!
Marko Vujic Thanks Marko 👍🏼
As usual, brilliant review 👌
Antony jose george 92 Thanks Antony! Much appreciated 👍🏼
very genuine review...you took no assistance while shooting the vlog 😁 all recordings were done by u alone 😉
Triple Ace thanks! Yes on this occasion it was just me. My son couldn’t make it that day
Must dig out my ZZ top album......
Go for it!
Thanks for the review, I wish they were this simplified and honest...
As a 1290 Super Adv owner, I know how cumbersome and top heavy the 1290 LC8 Adv series are when tackling anything serious off road.
One day, in late 2018,, when my 1290 SA was in for a service, the dealer loaned me a 790 Duke, which I gladly accepted for the day
The 790 Duke's engine impressed me so much and I recall Posting in a Facebook 1290 Group that if KTM shoehorned this lump into an Adv chassis, I may have found my next bike
Well they did, and I recall all the static over the press release photos, some positive, but mostly negative comments, mainly from 9x0 Adv and 1x90 Adv LC8 V purists and of course those who ride other marques
A buddy and I did a tesst ride in April 2019 in Baden Wurttemberg , Germany. We both paid 50% holding deposits after the test rides
My 790 Adv R arrived on 1st August 2019. I opted for QuickShifter+ and cruise control, as I live in France too and the roads are worse than the UK when it comes to "cash cams" or safety cameras...
My friend and I skipped the Akro exhaust, it's a rip off at the price, the argument for most is "weight saving", which I achieved by removing rear foot rests and those hideous passenger grab handles.
It's been an incredible bike, by far the best suspension on a non-race orientated bike I've ever owned, and I've owned my fair share of bikes over the decades
2 weeka back I rode the 790 R from France to Holland, 670KM of tarmac each way, she cruised like a boss, the temperatures were 34ºC+, it felt just as good as any road orientated Adv bike and my average cruising speed was 130-150KM/H
When in Holland, I hooked up with a buddy and we did over 100Km of the Dutch TET, and this is where the 790 Adv R shows its true potential, as you said, not a "woods" or "enduro" bike, but one hell of a capable Adv bike.
The WP suspension is surreal, best suspension I've ever experienced on a non-race orientated bike, the RallyMode electronics are the game changer and it certainly helped with the Metzler Karroo-3's tyres limitations in the muddy sections..
As for the rumours of 790 Advs being made in Communist China, that crap has been debunked, and some are confusing the new KTM Philippines assembly facilities where the 790 Adv and others arrive in KDF (Knockdown Format) and are assembled over there and, of course, KTM's agreement with Communist China's CF Moto who are producing KTM engines under license for the CF Moto brand
A major issue for most is reliability. Mine and many, many others have had zero issues with ours, but some believe that the 790 Adv R is an enduro bike and ride them like they are, often resulting in rider induced damage and misleadingly being reported as "design flaws"
I've added an "Ian Chappel" (UK Made) 5mm alloy skid plate as I am not overly content with KTM mounting their skid plate on a bracket that attaches to the sump, I replaced the tiny little composite plastic luggage rack with a Perun Moto unit, added the TripleClamp Moto "Headstraight" reinforcement bracket for the headlight tower, the Camel Adv heat shield to keep the heat from catalytic converter off the rear shock and lastly, the Rottweiler Performance rear brake spigot guard and fuel pump guard.
I still have my 1290 Super Adv, because I believe I still justify the need for a 250KM/H+ Adv bike for the autobahns and longer hauls, but all I can say is the 790 Adv R certainly ticks all the boxes for me..
Thanks for the great video review and I am now stalking, oops, I mean following you on YT!
raymondavalon Thanks for your very interesting points and feedback! We are certainly on the same page regarding the bike. And thanks for stalking!
We’re reviewing a couple more KTM’s in a weeks time, so stay tuned for that 👍💯
Great video, cool bike and loved the cows 🐄 in it too 👍
Thanks! Yes the cows are sweet!
I owned a 790 adv last summer. After having it for only 3 weeks, I was hit by a truck while stopped at an intersection. The bike and truck were totaled but I survived. I was not satisfied with that standard model because of the suspension and lack of sufficient torque at low rpm. I'm used to my 500exc, 690 enduro r and tiger 800xc. I finally received my 890 adv r. It's snowy and icy in Nw Indiana so I haven't ridden the 890 very much yet. But, I can already feel that the suspension and low rpm are much better. This 890 adv r is just what I was hoping the 790 would be.
That’s a lucky escape! Great that the new bike feels better
Very good review! I'm considering this 790ktm from a BMW GS and Tenere. I'm 5'7" in height and was wondering if this would suit me. Thanks 👍
Thanks buddy! Yes I’d say it would be OK. Try and get on one. The KTM is lighter, and better off road than the two you mention and we rate it very highly
Excellent review, no bull. I had forgotten how green England is.
Enjoy.
Thanks buddy. It’s not all as green as this!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Greener than Australia is.
I like the very straightforward and extremely informative presentation (better than many of the other reviews of this increasingly iconic bike).
1:29 15,000 mile service intervals would be utterly astounding but even with the correct figure listed at the end of the video, 15,000 kilometres/9,300 miles is surely still asking an awful lot of that oil.
Some say that complex KTMs are not a wise choice if crossing less developed and less well served countries/continents. My suggestion: make sure you THOROUGHLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY test your bike on a tour or tours across Europe and/or America/Canada where dealer support is comparatively easy; get to know your machine intimately and THEN tackle more challenging continental routes like central Africa or the east Asian steppes.
Let's face it; if you're wealthy enough to buy (and equip) one of these exquisite machines, you've probably got enough money to plan ahead and maybe carry some critical/crucial spare components.
Keyboard Dancers Thanks for the compliment buddy! Yes km (getting too old to remember more than one thing at a time)!. Great advice too 👊🏼
Now in the process of trading my adventure 1090r for a 790r. Had the 1090r for nearly 3 years and have loved owning it, but just found it top heavy when green laning. Also being on the tall side 6' 4 I was concerned about if it would fit me. But your review has answered alot of questions.
Great 👍🏼👍🏼
A very nice review. I enjoyed testing it. A couple of minor points though: service intervals are every 15k 'kilometers' or 9k miles. KTM dropped the 'white' reference from WP some time ago, to be more PC. And the Yamaha is pronounced ten-er-ray (a desert).
Yes I know km is what I meant yo say. Other points noted bro 👍🏼
Perfect review for a great bike.
Thank you! What a bike!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan what a bike. What a great rider.
Interesting review. Would love to see a comparison with the Tenere 700.
Thanks and yes hopefully we can get one sorted
Have you reviewed BMW 850 GS Adventure?
It would be amazing to get your thoughts and compare it to this KTM and also the Africa Twin!
Ny next bike will most likely be an "adventure" style bike and that makes me consider Africa Twin, BMW 850GSA, KTM 790 and Suzuki V-strom 1000. They all have apx 100 hp.
Driving on asfalt, short and long trips (to the alps) with wife and panniers...
I'm 188cm (6''2?) and need to have the knee close to 90 deg angle, but higher seat can probably solve that.
Not yet but we are going to be doing more BMW’s soon! Hopefully this will be in the lineup
Beautiful cows. Nice video. Hope to order mine tomorrow.
Awesome 👍🏼
Great review I was looking at the smaller brother the 390 adventure would be great if you are able to review that one there’s not a lot of Uk reviews out there
Owen Cobb thanks Owen. We hope to review all the KTM’s as soon as possible. 👍
Just came back from inaugural off-road mountain trip w/ my 790R & my brothers 390 ADV. He had to upgrade to TKC tires(390 stock were mostly street) but otherwise stock. We both agreed after swapping, 790R is an off-road monster, the 390 did well on trails, had enough power to get around & had less suspension but enough for fire roads, wouldn’t push it on single track, clearance is a limitation. He did get frustrated when we all road street between trails(also had a 1090 w/), the 390 needed to be pushed to stay up w/ us & struggled on highway, full throttle top gear would get 83mph & it slowed going uphill, & the dirt tires we put on comprised his ability to lean on heavy curves.
If you just want a really light ADV that can get you to the trail legally & is ok off-road, 390 is a good value but you need new tread. If you want to truly hit both surfaces & push the extremes of street & trail, 790R is exceptional at both
Mike Spot on Mike. Thanks for your contribution. There are very few places in England to ride off road (Wales is the usual go-to). Inevitably, someone will moan at you as well!
This may be apples to oranges here but I’d appreciate your input!... I saw you did a review on the husky 701 enduro LR. I’m planning on doing a round the world type trip for a year or two, and I’m heavily off-road focused (want to spend as much time as possible off highways and main roads) I also come from more of a dirt bike background.
Was considering the 690 adventure r, the 701 and the T7 tenere for the task. Everyone raves about how the 790 handles off-road, but for a true off-road centrec experience, how does it stack up to narrower, more dirt like bikes like the 701 & T7. Is this as capable as the husky off-road? And if I’d like to tackle single tracks whenever I can, is the giant dirt bike the way to go? Thanks!!
Evan Macleod Sound like fun! I’d say the Husky 701 LR is better off road; it feels more like a proper dirtbike, whereas the 790 you have to pick your way more carefully; it’s very good for an adventure bike, but the Husky is a dirt bike with long range ability. I hope that answers your question.
MrDarcy & the Ol'Man appreciate it, great review as allways!!
Evan Macleod thanks bro 👍🏼
Legendary Beard 👍
Thanks buddy 👍🏼
This is the best one on paper, but KTM is not know for reliability. I can't have my bike brake down in the middle of nowhere. That is why I choose the t700.
The T700 looks pretty good though. I had a Yamaha YZ426F a few years back and it was 100% reliable
There hasn’t been anything wrong with KTM reliability for around the last 7 years now. With any manufacturer though, I avoid buying any new models for the first couple of years while they sort the teething problems out.
It does look good. The best-looking adventure bike in the 800 / 900 class. Are they going to bring out an 890 one? The 790 would do me, and I'd love one ... but are they reliable? Tubeless tyres?
I like your style, Ol'Man. From another Ol'Man.
Yes we love it! Have a read through the comments; one guy has said just how reliable his is and explains why some people may have issues.
I have owned my KTM 790 Adventure R since May and it's the best bike I've ever owned by far after 20 years of riding numerous brands including Japanese and American bikes. I just had the quick shifter added over the weekend. it's smooth and a game-changer on and off-road.
I agree with your review, I did a ton of research and looked at other brands. There are several sites that accurately capture limited reported issues vs. your occasional squeaky wheel making noise for one-offs. All brands have issues, there just seem to be brand loyal riders that like to bash other brands without experiencing them. I've had zero issues thus far. Plenty of reviews out there with owners that have put significant miles on this bike without issue and the verdict is often similar to yours, one of the best if not the best Adventure bike out there.
I can also vouch for the electronics that have made my riding experience better and safer. I'm experienced on-road but fairly new to off-road so this bike helps build confidence while building my skills. I'm tackling obstacles now that I would have never thought of several weeks ago, it just takes the hits and keeps you moving. No need to change anything on this bike, it's ready to go right out of the showroom. Agree with the sound of the engine, muffler upgrades can make a difference. Thanks for the good video.
M Alvarez Thank you for your comments! It’s nice to hear how much you like it. I thought it was fabulous 💯
Nicht zu vergessen...die einstellbare Traktionskontrolle im Rally-Mode. (1-9) Ich fahre zur Zeit in Stufe 5 und bin sehr zufrieden. Ich traue mir mit der 790R Offroad mehr zu als mit der 690E. Mit den passenden Reifen auch auf der Straße sehr zügig zu bewegen.
Ja! Sie können es so einrichten, wie es Ihnen gefällt. Haben Sie es sehr weit gefahren?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Ich habe sie am 01.05. gekauft...jetzt 3000 km... immernoch begeistert. Nur das Windschild mußte ich tauschen... zu laute Windgeräusche.
@@soistesundsobleibts5369 Okay, das ist gut!
I enjoyed that review, thank you. I’m seriously tempted to buy one. My 1290 SAR is good off road, but it’s a bit of a mission when the inevitable happens and it has to be picked up!👍
Thank you 👍🏼 Yes that’s the trouble with the bigger adventure bikes! And most videos I’ve seen of them involve someone wrestling one off the ground
Such a badass bike
Yes isn’t it!
I wish I could ride mine. It has been at the dealer for 6 weeks due to the rear brake light being stuck on. KTM and the dealer have been in communication several times going over possible solutions, one of which was replacing the brake switch, which was done to no avail. The forums point to the ABS sensors at the module under the tank as the fix for most people that have had this issue but KTM seems to want to try other solutions BUT replacing those. I'm getting pissed at this point. I don't think they want to admit that those sensors can be faulty, which is a safety issue, which would then require a recall. Love the bike...pissed at KTM!
That's a shame; we didn't know about this issue but I'm sure it will be resolved. I hope you can get it back soon and get to enjoy it, because it is a cracking bike!
Mine also was in the shop for several weeks with a stuck brake light seems a pressure switch on the ABS unit is what actuates the brake light and the switch gets stuck! Mine got stuck within one week of purchase!
james deano Fingers crossed it stays fixed!
Awesome bike cheers 👌🏻
claretbuck1882 Thanks! Yes it’s fabulous!
This is so weird.I have been checking out and getting more and more into adventure bikes and now you also have a review of an adventure bike..I mean since I subscribe to you hehe
Been looking into the Yamaha Tenere 700..Looks like an great adv bike
Haha yes we’re covering all types of bikes now. The KTM is exceptional for sure. Did you see our Husqvarna Enduro LR review?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan That's a plus.And really good. Possibilities of more views on the channel :-) I have never liked the looks of the Husqvarna or KTM. But more into the looks of Crossrunner and Crosstourer but when I saw T7 I was like hmm that looks nice. On road and off road bike and not too heavy.
Cruiser John Fingers crossed! Yes the t7 looks amazing!! The Tenere 700’s are very nice but the bigger capacity versions would be too heavy for fun off roading (unless you want to cross Africa)!
Beard check @ 9.25 complete 👍👍👍👍
Haha yeah 👍🏼
To me the F800GS TROPHY 2017 is the best. On and Off road. The best is the one that's make you happy and this makes me happy. If the T7 makes you happy thats the best for you. If is the KTM just waiting for parts will make you miserable... on my own experience... unless you're living next door to the factory 😁
Yes I get your point. 👊🏼
The best adventure bike depends on the person. The 790 wasn't for me. I didn't want fancy stuff. It was more money than I wanted to spend. The 790 felt too under powered for my needs. The 1290 was too much power. So, my goldilocks bike is the 1090. It's perfect for me and my needs. And yes, we ride through some rough stuff. It's the best for me.
great! Have fun
The bike is a blast, you did a great job in reviewing it. I just can‘t get used to the KTM headlights. It looks like an insect is passing you by.
Thanks buddy! Yes I think it would look better with an enduro style headlight or a simple retro round one.
MrDarcy & the Ol'Man I fully agree to that.
Wait, wait, WAIT ... hold the phone! What's this? Looks as if you are abandoning the _Thor_ look and moving up to the _Odin_ option?
Great review, I'm thinking about the 390 or the Himalayan.
Yes I choose my gods wisely 💪🏻 Interesting shortlist! Have you looked at the Honda CRF250 L or Rally?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan We will definitely put the CRF250L/Rally on the list. The Honda shop is much closer than the KTM/Royal Enfield dealers are. The bike is primarily for 'er on three wheels. She wants to go _adventuring_ on two wheels for the first time. Thanks for the response.
S Defiel no problem 👍🏼
Hi Mr Darcy! I'm 6 ft 6 inches tall. I was thinking between this ADV and Africa twin. Which could suit me better. I love the lightweight nature of the KTM. However i dont wish to look like a bear on a tricycle. Would love to hear your thoughts on it!
The Honda is bigger and very capable on and off road. This is better off road and lighter too. If you changed the handlebars for some taller and wider ones that would add room. If you can testride or at leas =t sit on both, that would give you a good impression.
go for the f800gs.. 50 lbs lighter than the africa with identical 0-60 and top speeds.. as well as cheaper.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan thank you so much!!
@@0xsergy oh sure! will put that on the list!
Cool bike !!
Martin Rosti The best adventure bike
The cows seem interested.
They loved it!
What is the engine configuration on this KTM?
www.ktm.com/en-gb/models/travel/ktm-790-adventurer2020.html
Aye ... I had the same opinion as you re - 790r all roses & buttercups...till it went “bang”... the engine has a fundamental oil lubrication issue that KTM are fully aware of but are seriously struggling to resolve so they have decided to play the numbers game and denying that the fault exists, shame on KTM... there loyal fan base are leaving in droves because of KTM’s very poor customer care....
Oops!
Very professionally made video., I hope you are one of the lucky ones that escape the engine problem👍
Bill Cairns That’s a shame! The bike isn’t actually mine but I hope KTM will resolve the issue
MrDarcy & the Ol'Man
Thanks🙈
KTM don’t want to know - wrote to dealer, , KTM Uk and Austria...No reply.. was going legal with them then decided at 60 life’s to short for the stress win or lose... been a loyal KTM fan for 10yrs spent over £60k on there bikes...so sad, I was was more KTM loyal than there dealer.. that upset me more..
Bill Cairns Yes that really is a shame. Sorry to hear that
Best 790 video yet thanks
Thanks bro! Much appreciated.
My younger brother has a 2016 KTM 1290. I think I could give him a hard time on one of these with a set of sticky road tyres in the twisting.
Andrew Hoffman Yes definitely; it’s nice to flick about in the corners!
Awesome bike
1965 Beto yes it’s honestly the only adventure bike I’d consider
Can you get a lower seat for ‘shorties’? I’m 5’8. Pipe sounds okay - stick with it?
I’m not sure about the seat. It doesn’t look like there’s much room underneath it but maybe you could search for one. The pipe is muffled and OK of you don’t want to draw attention. I’d stick on a louder, more free flowing end can personally.
MrDarcy & the Ol'Man In the end they make bikes for money, so I’m sure there’s a solution for shorties like lowering front fork stancons, less padded seat. Always a solution to these things. Like watching kids riding over sized bicycles as they are the only ones available.
Andrew Hoffman yes I’m sure you’re right.
Seat Concepts make a seat that will lower by an inch, and is reputedly more comfortable too. There's also a suspension lowering kit. Depends on you inside leg, but the lower seat option may be enough for 5'8". The other option would be to look at the 790 adventure "S", which doesn't have adjustable suspension, and is lower (also cheaper).
Ronald Reid thanks for the info Ronald 👊🏼
Concerned about the low fuel tank that could potentially be hit by rocks in technical trails.. other than that it’s a great bike indeed!
I guess so. At least it keeps the centre of gravity lower 👍🏼
I don’t know...I’m still torn between this and the Hawk 250
Worlds apart! That’s like the difference between a Mazda MX5 and a McLaren F1
Haha! Noname.
I looked at this bike and the T7, comparing them to the 690 Enduro (I went with the 690). These bigger bikes make me nervous. It's a lot of weight to manage offroad. The question isn't whether or not it can be used offroad. The question is how fun it would be. It depends on your idea of "fun". It might be a little more comfortable on the road than a big bore dual sport but 450+ lbs is a lot to be dealing with in technical terrain. The 790 still appeals to me as a 90% street bike. Pack some luggage and go on a long adventure. I can see myself doing that one day when I get old and arthritis kicks in.
Yes weight is your enemy off road. Most adventure bike videos on UA-cam involve lots of straining to pick them of the ground
Heart to Orange but mind to T7.. And there are no two hearts in one body..!
Yes the t7 looks nice but I still think the KTM will be the better off road
@@MrDarcy-OlMan yes, the 790 is no doubt better off,..T7 looks more reliable in long term bcoz if it's simplicity..bith are great, 790 is premium..
Did you see our Husqvarna Enduro LR review? That’s another option.
Think a 690 is all i need for comuting and green lanes at the weekend.
If I was spending my own money, I'd get a 450
can't way a comparison with tenere rally raid edition!
Yes that would be good. We’ll see what we can do 🤞
Great review. I'd give you 8 out of 10 cows! 😎🐄👍
Ronin Around That’s a good cow rating! 👌
Enough for a cow pie for Desperate Dan!😍
Keyboard Dancers lol
I'm 6'3" too and the riding position looks a tad cramped for long touring duties. But then again the standard tiger 900 also feels a bit cramped.
The thing about the Tiger is it has that ridiculous scooped seat, forcing you into a set riding position. The KTM gives you freedom of movement, is higher, lighter and has more suspension travel
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I'm really holding off on the 901 Norden. Maybe hoping to find a deal on some leftover 790's if its too pricey.
toltod Yes definitely worth a look at! Although it may well share the same dimensions as the KTM, but I don’t know for sure
I am 6'2" and have adjusted my handlebar perfectly. There are 6 positions between forward/up and backwards/down and you can rotate the handlebar upwards.
bernard_hossmoto Thats true. Or you can always get different bars if necessary
Wow! It has rear foot pegs and mirrors? Amazing!
Best adv bike that you can get eh..... Well well, let's compare the in built factory faults to those of the t7.....
That looks one hell of a crack, but as I have no off road riding experience, I'd probably crack my back trying.
I wonder if I'd also crack that low exposed fuel tank when I fell off on a hard rock. How much punishment in the terrain could that low fuel tank take? Old sailing ships running aground on rocks come to mind. Could it be one hell of a splitter if the bike got jammed at 20 mph? Low fuel is a good idea, but it's usually under the seat, like Honda's NC 750 X, which of course is no comparable bike the the KTM, at least on paper, but I have ridden neither.
Maybe there is an off road riding school somewhere where I could learn.
David Margetts Yes totally fun. I’m sure KTM would have tested that possibility.
I don’t know if KTM have an off road school but Honda do. You should find a link to it on Honda UK’s website. It’s run by Dave Thorpe )ex motocross champion).
en now the 890 R and S ! For travel with my wife is beter r of s ?
The S is lower but the R has more suspension travel. Depends on your usage really
@@MrDarcy-OlMan for street
@@jeanmarchendrickx5698 The S probably then. 👍🏼
Have you ridden a Tenere 700 on greenlanes?
Yes buddy
How do the two compare?
@@dannythomas1283 I have ridden both, I bought the Ténéré as it's a better road bike and more forgiving off road. And £2000 cheaper as all it's got is abs on/off 👍
I’ll take the 490 Adventure R
We shall have to wait and see 🤞
I yesterday sat on the standard version and the seat was as hard as wood, the 1290 had a better seatinpg position but is a huge bike , it is a pity that ktm thinks their bike need to be ridden standing😂😂😂
it's much better to sit on than T700, or Africa, but KTM rips off with Quickshifter for just enabling it £350, cruise control £180 + £80 knob + labor, activating 9 ride modes another £180.
Why 690 enduro or 701 husky, 790 duke comes with free quick shifter?
Fair points 👍🏼 I don’t know the answer.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan like KTM says: "Why we did it? Because we can" :)
When you listed all the goodies it comes with as standard you forgot to mention the bits that fall off from factory, the steaming up dashes some of which have been replaced several times, the blowing shocks, broken swing arms, the engine oil leaks etc. etc. No end to it. All well documented on line. The best best feature is the built in adventure if you make it home or not!
I do not agree with your comment on the riding position. Good on road but the bars are far too low off road. Yes I tried it. You have to bend over the bars too much which then puts the controls in the wrong position. Good luck with the clutch there! The transition from seating to standing position is a bit labouring. KTM should know better with their heritage.
Although the engine is VERY powerful it is a pig when revs drop too much off road. It just wants to go or nothing. Not for weekend off roaders. Using the clutch then is a pig because the lever is in the wrong place.
Also have you noticed the swaying when you are heading 80+ on the road? Not stable enough for a bike of that power. Might be tyres but other adv bikes don't do it.
This could be a phenomenal adventure bike but it seem that KTM rushed it out into production to beat the Tenere to it. They did that but neglected the reliability, a long standing weak point of all KTMs.
For close to 11K I would expect a bit better than that.
Mupp Dog Thanks for your comments. Do you own one out of interest? I did say the bars are a bit low. If you like to ride off road standing up, it is possible to adjust the position of the controls to suit. See what you think of the Husqvarna review I’m posting this evening. Don’t forget to subscribe! 👍
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Hi, and I do not own one. But I test rode one last year. Too many reports of issues about the KTM came out just after. So gave it a miss as I use my bikes for traveling.
Sorry, I missed your comment about the bars! The issue with adjusting the levers is that they do not fit the on road position anymore.
I went for the Tenere instead without testing that. Luckily a good choice, for me anyways, although not without her own (Suspension is not! one of them!!). Off road plenty of power but a bit lacking on road. Could have been a bit closer to the KTM.
Mupp Dog Glad you found something that suits! I had a Yamaha MX bike and it was top notch!
@@muppdog390 f800gs would be closer to the ktm powerwise. 15 hp over the tenere at the rear tire stock, same wet weight, and a motor that's pretty dang reliable by all accounts and I say that as a BMW hater
@@0xsergy true, maybe. But they look like all BMWs, boring, and are completely bland bikes with no character at all. Yes, I tried it. The KTM has at least a bit of that. Looking at the reliability charts worldwide BMW are actually way down, last as it is. Doesn't say if its the boxers or the others causing that.
The last Cowboy
You should see my horse!
The specs are what the 390 Adventure should have aimed for.. But the 390 Adventure is just a disappointment off road
Yes it’s a completely different animal
What's your height sir coz I'm 5.8ft indian n wating for this bike badly ❤️
I’m 6’3” and its a bit small for me but it will be perfect for your height 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan really appreciate it sir on 2021 it's launching in india ❤️
No problem - that’s great! 🇮🇳
I am going to buy one but it does sound like a chainsaw.
William Hudson haha a bit! It’s a fabulous bike! You can very easily swap the end can and then it will growl
It is a great bike indeed, but I would still go for tenere 700.
Yes both great bikes!
I didn't see the video but, answer is no. :-)
oknevals OK. What is the best off road adventure bike?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan It depends on what you are going to do off-road and how you are gonna get there. There is no best adventure motorcycle as they are all compromises. Everybody and their dog is reviewing bikes and claiming best. Yeah, maybe ktm 790 is best for $14k but, maybe DR650 is best for $7k and KLX250 for $5k. The best one is the one that most people can afford. For pros, those with means and skills, the expensive machines are best. It all depends on criteria but, I'm kind of getting tired of youtube spoon feeding me with these reviews of the best :-)
oknevals OK but this is the best off road because of its suspension, geometry, weight etc
@@MrDarcy-OlMan It only compares with BMW850GS and Tenere 700 that I know of. First cost more, second less. KTM has lots of reports of reliability issues.
oknevals Have a look through our other videos! Theres lots of bikes that aren’t the best 👍🏼
Your 6”3
Yes 👍🏼
2 bad its so ugly...
Really! I think it’s better looking than pretty much any other adventure bike 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan im a ktm rider but honestly the 700 tenere looks nice- but guess its liike with girls...!? some prefer blonde- some black...;-)
Izom haha yes that’s true. The new Tenere 700 does look pretty!
I like its looks
Just an advertising spiel . . . . no critical analysis here.
Lucky Larrikin No advertising here. If there’s nothing to criticise then it’s positive.
It is just so dam ugly though.
Do you think do? I actually liked it (apart from the headlights)
MrDarcy & the Ol'Man I love the look of all other KTM’s and have had many but I hate the look of this bike. I hate the tank and that might be the whole problem and I want to down size from my 1200GS just can not get a mid size ADV bike to sing to to me
Stephen Mitchum Really I thought it had a nice look. It really works better than having a fat tank stuck on top; trust me! It’s an exceptional motorcycle. Have you seen our Husqvarna 701 LR review? That’s a very good alternative
Evaluating an adventure bike in a leather jacket that looks to be stolen from the wardrobe department of the movie, “The Wild Bunch,” weakens your credibility somewhat.
When test riding 3 bikes in 1 day 2 of which are super dukes. It’s rather hard to take your entire biking wardrobe with you on the back of the bike!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan You’re a busy guy!
@@gcprost yep!