I'm not a KTM man but when you do the reviews on a KTM, you make me want to buy one. You've got to be my favorite bike reviewer, Chris. You are bonkers! Keep those reviews coming!
I think you summed KTM perfectly Chris, having owned a few now (950SM, 450EXC) and now an 1290SDR (Gen 3) they are all mental, focused but smiles for miles bikes
Well, I thought I was uncharacteristically excited about picking my new one up next week, after this review I’m practically 6 years old again on Xmas eve 😃
I subscribed just to support you Chris. You're like a thousand miles ahead all the other reviewers I've seen. So natural, funny and just beautiful. Thank you.
Bloody entertaining as usual mate. You are the best, and thats a fact. Will definitely test one out when we get them in 'Straayaa". May have to re-think the GS option!
Yet another stonking review. As others have said, so cool to see someone ride these bikes how they should be tested. Modern bikes are getting pretty bloody special at how broad a capability and application they can have. The Super Adv S is definitely on my dream bike list now! 👊😎
I'm loving these reviews. I'm so glad you told me how the bike actually felt to ride rather than prattle on about specs all day. I'm very glad you didn't talk about the stupid radar cruise.
Exactly. I've been thinking why the other reviewers don't realize that everyone is listing the same technical facts and as you watch many reviews of the same bike, they become really pointless after the first video.
Came here to hear about the differences between the '18 I have and the new one. The opening 3 minutes had me cracking up, you really sum up the beast perfectly ... it's such a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Honestly one of the best reviewers I think I’ve ever found... is there anymore videos of Chris on another channel? I could watch Chris rode and review all day. I completely respect his skills and opinion... I need more! Also I saw a clip of a R1150GS off-road?!? Where is this video?
Chris is the main presenter on Bike World, loads more stuff with him on our channel and loads more to come. We're loading the Adventure R vid tomorrow morning.
I do love Chris's reviews - especially on the KTM S and R... really helpful with my decision of what suits me best, coming from riding KTM's 2014 1190 dual sport for a couple of years now, and finding it extremely capable off road - I rode half of the Vermont BDR on it and dumped a few times, came out with blown fork seals and a newly adjustable mirror, but otherwise the big fatty that it is , gave me everything I could handle, and I found it agile and stable from super slow riding, to really ripping through those backwoods trails. In real life though, I live in Boston and ride all year, commuting and riding the motorcycle more than my CRV dad-mobile. I've watched his reviews of the S and R, and he really doesn't make it easy! I'll never be the kind of outback rider he is, but I sure do like the idea of the R as an apocalypse machine for the ultimate bug out, and the S offers continent crossing comfort and superb power when needed. The R feels like the answer, but the S, for my skill levels, offers more than enough of everything... why is this such a dilemma for me!!?? It says a lot about my indecisive nature, and fear of commitment, I suppose😂. The only thing I would disagree with Chris on his review of the S, is his appraisal of it's aesthetics... pig ugly!?? I think it's quite a beauty😊.
Spot on,articulate review which stands head and shoulders above most of the wank you've got to trawl through before you find a skilled rider loving the bike. I've got one and as you say it's brilliant.
Subbed, another great review, my type of rider... you appreciate a bike that can scare you a bit. I have a 1190R which was an upgrade from a 990 so I am always wondering if an upgrade is worth it. I now only ride road (living in Netherlands) so the S model makes more sense.
I love my Super Adventure S 2019. Having ridden the 1200GS and Tiger 900 those bikes are nowhere near to this IMO, the fun factor when you are in the saddle of a KTM is over the roof. The 2021 model will be my next bike surely. Btw, I honestly wish I can ride my SAS just 30% as good as you did in this video, unreal man. Respect
Great review. It's so versatile fueling is excellent, well balanced with new tank pods easy access to the new air filter makes me laugh every time I crack the throttle and I don't have to break the sound barrier to have fun.
I've had my 2021 S for two weeks now and put on about 1800 km on local roads. I think it's a good do everything pretty well motorcycle for former sports bike riders (such as myself at age 67). The bike is comfortable on the autopisa, inspires confidence on twisty roads, feels like a big hand is shoving you forward at full throttle when it hits the torque peak and gets decent gas economy. What's not to like? I've not gone off pavement yet but plan to do so.
Just found your channel and Chris! excellent review and bike looking to exchange my BMW Urban GS for one of these next year and just got my tickets for the NEC bike show in December, also the 9 thumbs down must be from other journalists who are jealous of your abilities ;-)
Easily the best bike review of the 1290. Other reviewers talk for days about adaptive cruise control blah blah blah. You tell us what we need to know, what it Is like to ride the darn thing.
Not a bit interested in that motorcycle, but I like the reviewer. He manages more to say in under 9 minutes as other people are capable in half an hour. Well done.
How can you be so precise?? Every single comment is correct. I have this bike and i cant stop smiling every time i ride it! Thats the most strict judge about bikes
Why would anyone think KTM made a nice dull sensible comfy touring bike? Nobody that has had a heartbeat and something resembling a brain for the past 20+ years would say that. :D Very much entertaining review once again.
Hi Chris and Bike World, great job!!! One question, I’ve been riding my hypermotard for 4 years and I would like to change to a new bike similar to it but maybe more comfortable. I was thinking about other naked bike, but when you said that it’s like a super moto but more comfortable, it changed my mind, could it be a reasonable jump?? Or will it be too heavy and difficult to ride?? Another option is the new hypermotard 950 SP. I won’t do off-road.
From the R review it seems that's the better bike for those doing serious offroad things (obviously). But if you're a rider who's pleased with the level of off pavement riding displayed in this video, long distance and even track days. Am i right in assuming the S is better adapted? Thanks in advance and cheers from Sweden! Great content! 🙂
I have a 990 SMT and up until now it's the best bike I've ever ridden. Spyshots of 890 SMT and SMC prototypes were posted online two years ago, but nothing has been heard since.
Finally someone who really want to help you choose the best bike for you instead of the ones who just LOVE to hear their own voice and spewing out statistics.
3:05 Chris I believe the standard Mag wheels on the SAS have to do with speed wobble issues on the front end. This issue has been going on since the 2013 1190 adventure S model which I own. They had legal cases on the very nervous and unstable front end at high speeds, so I suppose putting standard mag wheels (without spoke tension issues, and easier to balance) was a way to try to avoid more cases. and its also cheaper to make, lets KTM put a 1.000 EUR option for spoke wheels and allows them also to sell more new mag wheels to rider that've bent them riding off road
I bought one. 200 miles the suspension packed in. 380 miles the electrical systems started shutting down one at a time. Just managed to crawl to the motorway services before it completely gave up. Three hours for KTM rescue to organise recovery. Got the dealer to collect it from my home. They called me two days later to inform me the wiring loom was faulty! Brand new bike with a break in the wiring loom! Now they have to strip it apart to replace the loom and I'm still waiting for KTM in Austria to send the damn parts! As well as the options I ordered with the bike over two months ago still haven't arrived from KTM either. Bash plate, crash bars and top box still outstanding. One of the panniers didn't latch shut properly and I know they must have noticed that at the dealer because it was covered in WD40 around the keyhole. So compared to my 1290 Super Adventure S (which was faultless over 14k) this new one has irritated me beyond belief.
Can you please ask KTM or better, demand KTM to build an “SMT 1290” on this base??? Or an Super Adventure with an full street setup?? 17/17. Becaus 50% of the buyers will stay on the road. And want This. But with a proper street tire choise.... I am a SMT 990 owner.. And Yes, it realy commes close to it. But the SMT feels more playfull...
You forgot some stuff. What about engine vibrations? What about engine heat on the rider? What about wind noise around the head at highway speeds? What about cruising fuel economy?
Man, you're not the only one salivating at the thought of an 890 SMT/C. I've been trolling KTM on their Facebook page complaining about the lack of news but they always delete my posts.
Another good review mate. I confess to being a KTM convert.Once you ignore all the warnings and get a test ride the bikes are perfect for the classes they are aimed at, you just need the confidence to use them. The one thing that a lot of reviewers miss, and I guess you are asked not to pass this on by ktm, buy one in late October, November massive discounts are available then. For instance, my fully loaded sdgt 14k as opposed to 17.
I not sure very many SAS owners are doing a lot of off roading with them. I have a 2014 1190 S, and the attraction for me was it's a very roomy cockpit for tall riders. It seems like the newer models aren't as tall friendly. KTM didn't bring the 2021 SAS to the U.S. this year, so that was disappointing.
i am thinking of switching my GSA 1250 for a 1290 SA-R but i heard about of lots of electrical issues with the 2021 1290 so not sure how to do.. I had the 2017 1290 SA-S and that also had issues with the electric... :(
I find the 1290 Super Adventure just as comfortable the as the GS, has less wind buffeting, and is lighter. It's also much faster and the suspension on the R model is better.
Still looking for a modern replacement for my SMT. Nothing in the KTM range, Ducati discontinued the Hyperstrada. This looks too heavy, is it? Wish they would bring out a 890, or even a 990 modern smt, with all the rider aids etc.
Maybe the allegedly new Superduke GT V.3 coming in spring. I have owned all KTMs. SMT was one of my favorites. GT does that job ON ROAD with no issues and at 7/8ths this bike's size/weight.
As a KTM 1090r and 500 exc owner I do agree it is not the most attractive bike out there. Mine included. I must say,,, The GS and the AT don't hold a candle to the smile factor. KTM is like Dodge, can we fit a Hellcat motor in it?
![2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S sound [RAW Onboard]](/img/n.gif)
You know you can rely on Chris all day long. No BS with interesting and fun review. Good lad.
it's good to find a reviewer who can really ride the thing like it was designed
I'm not a KTM man but when you do the reviews on a KTM, you make me want to buy one. You've got to be my favorite bike reviewer, Chris. You are bonkers! Keep those reviews coming!
Who's here after watching the review for Super Adv R ?? I am. And I am glued to this channel now. Top Job !!!
This guy has become my buying guide for motorcycles, planning on getting the 890 Duke once I get my big boy license :)
I think you summed KTM perfectly Chris, having owned a few now (950SM, 450EXC) and now an 1290SDR (Gen 3) they are all mental, focused but smiles for miles bikes
Well, I thought I was uncharacteristically excited about picking my new one up next week, after this review I’m practically 6 years old again on Xmas eve 😃
The amount of content and coverage this ppl are churning out is exceptional!
I subscribed just to support you Chris. You're like a thousand miles ahead all the other reviewers I've seen. So natural, funny and just beautiful. Thank you.
Just found this channel and Chris as a reviewer, am totally hooked! Amazing content and great reviews. You make me want to buy so many bikes! 🤑
Really good review. Chris proves if you are a good rider you can ride anythning and still enjoy it. Good job
dude I think your the only one who really reviewed the truth about the Ktm sa1290
When I heard about this bike, I wanted it.
When I saw the press release, I wanted it.
I watch this, and now I have to have it!
Great vid! Thanks!
Love your reviews.
Your choice of words are great.
You make a valuable review thank you
Bloody entertaining as usual mate. You are the best, and thats a fact. Will definitely test one out when we get them in 'Straayaa". May have to re-think the GS option!
Chris, you are the best. 👊🏼
Really great to see reviews from riders who can Really ride!
Hey Chris 🖤
Yet another stonking review. As others have said, so cool to see someone ride these bikes how they should be tested. Modern bikes are getting pretty bloody special at how broad a capability and application they can have. The Super Adv S is definitely on my dream bike list now! 👊😎
Top review chris, I’ve got the “old” one and it’s a great do it all bike, just need to take it to a trackday this year
Quite a good review, objective as always. Thanks !!
Great review there - looking even more to the R version review !
I'm loving these reviews. I'm so glad you told me how the bike actually felt to ride rather than prattle on about specs all day. I'm very glad you didn't talk about the stupid radar cruise.
Amen, if there was an option to remove that i’d tick it
Exactly. I've been thinking why the other reviewers don't realize that everyone is listing the same technical facts and as you watch many reviews of the same bike, they become really pointless after the first video.
Agree... top review as always.
Another awesome review from Chris...... Love from India.
Came here to hear about the differences between the '18 I have and the new one. The opening 3 minutes had me cracking up, you really sum up the beast perfectly ... it's such a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Great review thank you
Another cracking review, you Sir are my favourite reviewer.
Appears the Super Adventure S can fill a lot of roles - maybe an excuse to consolidate my garage inventory😗
Every review, bang on.
What a great review. Looking at an Africa Twin but will definitely test ride one of these first.
I cannot agree more. Fantastic motorbike.
The Beast, Good job Maestro! Greetings from Germany.
great review on a great bike
I bought my 890r after watching your review and you were spot on. Now i'm seriously thinking of this bonkers thing! I'll be back......
Honestly one of the best reviewers I think I’ve ever found... is there anymore videos of Chris on another channel? I could watch Chris rode and review all day. I completely respect his skills and opinion... I need more!
Also I saw a clip of a R1150GS off-road?!? Where is this video?
Chris is the main presenter on Bike World, loads more stuff with him on our channel and loads more to come. We're loading the Adventure R vid tomorrow morning.
Great review can’t wait for the sar review
Good review dude!
I do love Chris's reviews - especially on the KTM S and R... really helpful with my decision of what suits me best, coming from riding KTM's 2014 1190 dual sport for a couple of years now, and finding it extremely capable off road - I rode half of the Vermont BDR on it and dumped a few times, came out with blown fork seals and a newly adjustable mirror, but otherwise the big fatty that it is , gave me everything I could handle, and I found it agile and stable from super slow riding, to really ripping through those backwoods trails. In real life though, I live in Boston and ride all year, commuting and riding the motorcycle more than my CRV dad-mobile. I've watched his reviews of the S and R, and he really doesn't make it easy! I'll never be the kind of outback rider he is, but I sure do like the idea of the R as an apocalypse machine for the ultimate bug out, and the S offers continent crossing comfort and superb power when needed.
The R feels like the answer, but the S, for my skill levels, offers more than enough of everything... why is this such a dilemma for me!!?? It says a lot about my indecisive nature, and fear of commitment, I suppose😂. The only thing I would disagree with Chris on his review of the S, is his appraisal of it's aesthetics... pig ugly!?? I think it's quite a beauty😊.
Chris is a sickeningly talented rider. Great looking bike.
Spot on,articulate review which stands head and shoulders above most of the wank you've got to trawl through before you find a skilled rider loving the bike. I've got one and as you say it's brilliant.
A great honest test video thanks no b S just facts I need to test one before I sign up for a gsa 👍👍
Great review!
2:36 him talking about the bike me thinking if he helped the sheep over the fence
Subbed, another great review, my type of rider... you appreciate a bike that can scare you a bit. I have a 1190R which was an upgrade from a 990 so I am always wondering if an upgrade is worth it. I now only ride road (living in Netherlands) so the S model makes more sense.
Yes Thank God I will buy one for myself
I love my Super Adventure S 2019. Having ridden the 1200GS and Tiger 900 those bikes are nowhere near to this IMO, the fun factor when you are in the saddle of a KTM is over the roof. The 2021 model will be my next bike surely.
Btw, I honestly wish I can ride my SAS just 30% as good as you did in this video, unreal man. Respect
Great review. It's so versatile fueling is excellent, well balanced with new tank pods easy access to the new air filter makes me laugh every time I crack the throttle and I don't have to break the sound barrier to have fun.
This dude can talk some shit about a bike and at the same time sell it to you no problem. Quite a talent
That's a Chris Adventure Bike.
Can’t wait for the “R” review
Chris is rock! Best wishes from Moscow, Russia !
I love my ktm sas-23 now with pirellis rally str its a perfect bike on gravel and tarmac
You said you set it up in rally mode. Do you remember your settings?
Thanks
Amazing video !!!!
I see Chris, I find thumb up. Cheers mate
I've had my 2021 S for two weeks now and put on about 1800 km on local roads. I think it's a good do everything pretty well motorcycle for former sports bike riders (such as myself at age 67). The bike is comfortable on the autopisa, inspires confidence on twisty roads, feels like a big hand is shoving you forward at full throttle when it hits the torque peak and gets decent gas economy. What's not to like? I've not gone off pavement yet but plan to do so.
salute on riding such bikes at 67. Awesome, I hope to do the same in 3 decades...
Just found your channel and Chris! excellent review and bike looking to exchange my BMW Urban GS for one of these next year and just got my tickets for the NEC bike show in December, also the 9 thumbs down must be from other journalists who are jealous of your abilities ;-)
Thanks Karl, Chris will be on the BMW off-road stand, go and say hi.
A great review. I keep looking back to the 950/990 adventure with that high straight seat and narrow front end and wish they still looked like that.
With the new tank design I don’t see that look coming back for their adventure bikes. 690 excluded tho
Easily the best bike review of the 1290. Other reviewers talk for days about adaptive cruise control blah blah blah. You tell us what we need to know, what it Is like to ride the darn thing.
Not a bit interested in that motorcycle, but I like the reviewer. He manages more to say in under 9 minutes as other people are capable in half an hour. Well done.
That is a perfect description for the KTM adventure bikes when comparing them against the GS.
How can you be so precise??
Every single comment is correct.
I have this bike and i cant stop smiling every time i ride it!
Thats the most strict judge about bikes
Great review. Been lucky enough to ride a friend's and it is exactly as you describe. A hooligan, pretending, unconvincingly, to be quite sensible.
Why would anyone think KTM made a nice dull sensible comfy touring bike? Nobody that has had a heartbeat and something resembling a brain for the past 20+ years would say that. :D Very much entertaining review once again.
Hi Chris and Bike World, great job!!! One question, I’ve been riding my hypermotard for 4 years and I would like to change to a new bike similar to it but maybe more comfortable. I was thinking about other naked bike, but when you said that it’s like a super moto but more comfortable, it changed my mind, could it be a reasonable jump?? Or will it be too heavy and difficult to ride?? Another option is the new hypermotard 950 SP. I won’t do off-road.
I HAVE TO BUY THIS BIKE.
My favorite along side 44teeth.
Chris please tell me you are doing a full review on the new Tuono soon
From the R review it seems that's the better bike for those doing serious offroad things (obviously). But if you're a rider who's pleased with the level of off pavement riding displayed in this video, long distance and even track days. Am i right in assuming the S is better adapted?
Thanks in advance and cheers from Sweden! Great content! 🙂
Sold my busa feeling sad and miserable but i knew it had to go :/ then i find this review and i think this can make me happy again
Chris! You’re awesome! What would you buy if you could only buy one, Indian FTR or KTM 1290?
The 990 SMT was such an awesome bike. I wish they made an 890 SMT.
I have a 990 SMT and up until now it's the best bike I've ever ridden. Spyshots of 890 SMT and SMC prototypes were posted online two years ago, but nothing has been heard since.
Finally someone who really want to help you choose the best bike for you instead of the ones who just LOVE to hear their own voice and spewing out statistics.
3:05 Chris I believe the standard Mag wheels on the SAS have to do with speed wobble issues on the front end. This issue has been going on since the 2013 1190 adventure S model which I own. They had legal cases on the very nervous and unstable front end at high speeds, so I suppose putting standard mag wheels (without spoke tension issues, and easier to balance) was a way to try to avoid more cases. and its also cheaper to make, lets KTM put a 1.000 EUR option for spoke wheels and allows them also to sell more new mag wheels to rider that've bent them riding off road
Give this man a pay rise
Nice 👌
I bought one. 200 miles the suspension packed in. 380 miles the electrical systems started shutting down one at a time. Just managed to crawl to the motorway services before it completely gave up. Three hours for KTM rescue to organise recovery. Got the dealer to collect it from my home. They called me two days later to inform me the wiring loom was faulty! Brand new bike with a break in the wiring loom! Now they have to strip it apart to replace the loom and I'm still waiting for KTM in Austria to send the damn parts! As well as the options I ordered with the bike over two months ago still haven't arrived from KTM either. Bash plate, crash bars and top box still outstanding. One of the panniers didn't latch shut properly and I know they must have noticed that at the dealer because it was covered in WD40 around the keyhole. So compared to my 1290 Super Adventure S (which was faultless over 14k) this new one has irritated me beyond belief.
How'd you get on with these issues in the end mate?
Can you please ask KTM or better, demand KTM to build an “SMT 1290” on this base??? Or an Super Adventure with an full street setup?? 17/17. Becaus 50% of the buyers will stay on the road. And want This. But with a proper street tire choise....
I am a SMT 990 owner.. And Yes, it realy commes close to it. But the SMT feels more playfull...
You forgot some stuff.
What about engine vibrations?
What about engine heat on the rider?
What about wind noise around the head at highway speeds?
What about cruising fuel economy?
Plenty of other reviews for that nerdy stuff
@@xtremebroccoli Nerdy stuff is pass/fail for a lot of prospective buyers.
Imagine if they brought back the smt with the 1050cc LC8 or even the new LC8c and a
Man, you're not the only one salivating at the thought of an 890 SMT/C. I've been trolling KTM on their Facebook page complaining about the lack of news but they always delete my posts.
@@disekjoumoer glad I'm not the only one. Maximotards never got the recognition they deserved
Another good review mate. I confess to being a KTM convert.Once you ignore all the warnings and get a test ride the bikes are perfect for the classes they are aimed at, you just need the confidence to use them. The one thing that a lot of reviewers miss, and I guess you are asked not to pass this on by ktm, buy one in late October, November massive discounts are available then. For instance, my fully loaded sdgt 14k as opposed to 17.
In what currency? This sounds really good bargain,here in Greece 21K + Euros...
@@alekara9564 Pounds stirling.
amazing machine but so does this make the africa twin an obsolete alternative to this ?
I can see myself getting into trouble on that thing! I want one lol....
I not sure very many SAS owners are doing a lot of off roading with them. I have a 2014 1190 S, and the attraction for me was it's a very roomy cockpit for tall riders. It seems like the newer models aren't as tall friendly. KTM didn't bring the 2021 SAS to the U.S. this year, so that was disappointing.
How do you find the stock tires on and offroad?
Would love if you could make a review por the R version, and of both 890 adventure models
We're on it, should be finished in a couple of days.
How would you compare it to the S1000 XR? Is the XR the middle ground between this and a naked?
i am thinking of switching my GSA 1250 for a 1290 SA-R but i heard about of lots of electrical issues with the 2021 1290 so not sure how to do.. I had the 2017 1290 SA-S and that also had issues with the electric... :(
Nice review, don’t test the R model cause you will want one very badly 🤣
what about compare BMW s1000xr？ which one u will choose
Say no more. Brother has a KTM 1290 few years old. Just wish they'd come out with a GT that was a GT with shaft drive.
I find the 1290 Super Adventure just as comfortable the as the GS, has less wind buffeting, and is lighter. It's also much faster and the suspension on the R model is better.
What would you choose between the S1000XR and KTM super adventure s 2021 ?
Can we get them in the U.S. at some point? I made the sad mistake of selling my 2015, a couple years ago, and really miss it.
Still looking for a modern replacement for my SMT. Nothing in the KTM range, Ducati discontinued the Hyperstrada.
This looks too heavy, is it?
Wish they would bring out a 890, or even a 990 modern smt, with all the rider aids etc.
Maybe the allegedly new Superduke GT V.3 coming in spring. I have owned all KTMs. SMT was one of my favorites. GT does that job ON ROAD with no issues and at 7/8ths this bike's size/weight.
As I posted above, spyshots of 890 SMT and SMC prototypes were posted online two years ago, but nothing has been heard of them since.
Hmmm. What’s more comfortable? This or the superduke GT? I’ll most likely only do road miles.
As a KTM 1090r and 500 exc owner I do agree it is not the most attractive bike out there. Mine included. I must say,,, The GS and the AT don't hold a candle to the smile factor. KTM is like Dodge, can we fit a Hellcat motor in it?
I am feeling comfortable of its looks but sadly it's not coming to India sooner just hoping it will come to India
"This bike is more like a supermoto..." aww shit. My 990 SMT just heard that.
I wish they still made the smt
I'm on SMT currently & had placed booking for SAS. Trying to find all excuse to keep SMT.
@@muertinix the smr for me ;)
@@sellapanthiben5316 also I have ordered a 1290 sas2020, but I keep my 990 sm
Only yout tube presenter that can ride a bike and review it. Other is like me riding a bike on the street and talking how it is.