For those new to MAD TV I'd encourage you to look around the channel, we have international adventures, bike reviews and and Chris Birch extreme videos and other stuff and most recently some great films from Nick Sanders. Occasionally we go live for some fun. Here are some links to help you find the good stuff. International Adventure ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7Ynzi55gvgbVg2Xcy_rp0vqA_R.html Thorough bike reviews ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzjtGNKHELsYYQRwCQPOEp5j.html Chris Birch extreme KTM1190 videos ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzithyN05N74-yoitRsGNwI5.html
Great review. I really enjoy the information you put in the channel. Thanks for progressively making my purchase decision of my next bike harder :-)...I've been leaning to one of these or the T700. I liked the the concept of this series, loaded with lots of good information.
Thank you. Lots of new bikes in this capacity to test in the coming months. An exciting time for adventure, particularly around the 600 to 1000 cc mark.
Similar though process here. The T700 is enticing for reasons these bikes are not, lower price point, "reliability", etc etc. After thinking on it further, every minute I'd be on a T700, I'd wonder what it's like being on one of these and I don't do well with regret, so I went 1290SAR and don't regret it at all. Where did you land with you rdecision?!
I have 21,000 miles on my 890 and absolutely love this machine. I have had a few odd problems with it that have hit my pocket a bit but this is definitely the machine for me!
Me too, problems after 5000 miles. Warped front discs and a tft which goes black periodically. Both should be covered by warranty but KTM have not yet confirmed.
Sorry guys I haven’t kept up on this! So here the dirt. I bought the 890 and took off on tour a month later from Billings Montana. That bike I put 27,000 miles on in the US and Mexico. Having previously owned the 790, i was feeling something odd in the steering or front forks… just a light clunk on small bumps that wasn’t there on the 790. Later in California the braking was undulating up front. So I stopped in at Thousand Oaks powersports ( great shop, highly recommend ) and they found that the steering head bearing tension was out of spec. Causing the clunk and now warped rotors. KTM did not warranty. This is the only problems i had with that bike in the 27,000 miles i put on it. Now in May I flew to London, Bought another 2019 790 R second hand with 9,000 miles on it, I have toured all over Europe and now has 35,000 miles on it and the only issues have been rotor rivets coming loose. Once in the rear and once in the front. Easily fixed by hammering rivets tight again. I personally have nothing but good to say about KTM reliability! The issues I have had have all been minor, on all 3 of the bikes with a combined milage count at roughly 70,000 miles and counting.
Still loving my dirty 990 after 10 years, but good to hear you compare the new 890. Great to know there is an eventual replacement for my big orange girl. Would love to hear your thoughts on the 1290R. Thanks for all your great content over the years.
Traded my 2007 990 with 100k on the clock against a leftover '21 890R last month. Took delivery this week. Two rides later I can confirm what was said in the video: the 890R is the spiritual successor to the 990. Euro 5 means the 890R will never have the same musical exhaust note my neighbors and I enjoyed in mutual harmony (not) on my departed 990, but aside from that it's all smiles.
@@t.k.1448 What is your "secret" for getting 100k out of the Austrian beasts? I'd wager that it is no secret, just preventative maintenance... no?! Cheers and how is that new 890R treating you these days!!??
I own a 690 Enduro R model 2020 and tune it up for adventure riding. Just thinking about to replace it with a 890R for comfort reasons, but I think, that my decision to buy a 690 was the right one. Thank you for the amazing video comparison.
It’s been a great series to watch and having owned a 2018 1290R I’m curious to how the 7/890’s compare when it comes to replacement parts are they relative to the price of the bike or the same as the 1290.
We live in a Golden Area of Adventure bikes! Great series as always! I think it’s interesting that throughout the comparison/compromise was in the dirt manners, pillion, and mile-munching; the stuff a few of us hate the journos for glossing over. This has me real curious about that Norden around the corner; better ergos/wind-protection for the trade-off in the suspension (upgradable ;D) department.
Good series - thank you Dave.🙂👍 Any advise which adaptions I should do on the 890 to make it suitable for a Vladivostok to Europe ride. I've done Africa, Middle East and the US on other motorcycles, but my biggest concern for the 890 is reliability.
We tested and built a 790 R. Having a 990r right next to it - it lost in many departements - exept in difficult dirt riding. Major dislike was the environment protection and comfort level - with a nicely set up 990 a 1000km day was no problem. With a 790 in cold and rain, even one tankfull was an issue. And then we opted for a 1290r. And You pay the price on dirt. Where I could lift the 790r with one hand and repeatedly in sand and mud etc and felt it was actually easyer to handle than our 701 (with 300mm suspension) - The 1290 is another story. After third lift, it gets really heavy for You. And if the rider would be 60kg female - no way that would work in the long run. But!!! MILEMUNCHER! I did just for testing 2 days back to back with the 1290. More than 11h in the saddle riding. Take a shower, nice sleep and get going again. It is so stable and calm even at 120++km/h for hours. And of course two up. The 990 was ok. 790/890 is not for that, and the 1290 is great (not as great perhaps as a beemer) but great. Good that they made so many improvements for the 890. Sad that all the 790 owners had to pay for it.
@@Snowhite808 from ktm a new refined 890r? cool! Yeah a bit more comfortable r model would be fantastic. Really wish they would make a proper adv model based on 690 enduro r. 75hp single under 400lbs!!
Great reviews, Is it worth to change from the 790r to the 890r. My 790 has 9000km and have been a good ride. To level up to the 890 will cost about 4000euro. Is it worth the money for a new and better bike or is it better to run the 790 another 10000km?
To get the 790 into the 890 range in terms of power and torque you'd need a Rottweiler airbox, and Power Commander or similar. Then you still mis out on the suspension tweaks, heavier flywheel, lighter subframe and steering stock, stronger clutch etc.. whether that is worth €4000 is only something you can answer. I have an 890 just by luck in terms of when it was released. I don't think I would have been as happy with the 790. That doesn't mean the 790 is bad though.
My 2019 1290 SAR is big and heavy, but rides like a Cadillac. You get used to it...although I haven't put it on the ground yet. My back can't wait for that
simple answer: neither, get an 1190 R, dry weight is only 17kg more than the 890 and you can get a low milage used one for about 5k less than an 890 plus, y'know, the golden rule for any bike, never buy one in its first year of production.
@@gillesgenete9598 I've done a year on the road on an 1190 S fully loaded, at the end of the day you get used to it and once you're moving it doesnt make much of a difference. on tricky stuff like deep sand(ask me how Baja was, I dare you) even the 890 is too heavy to be enjoyable. Even the 890 wasnt in its first year I may have considered it but thats a lesson I learned the hard way, especially with KTM. not saying the 890 is bad in any, way, shape or form just when I think bang for the buck you're better off with an 1190 and if youre unhappy with the forks you can get them exchanged for high end stuff and still have money to spare plus ofc the spare and farkle market for the 1190 already dropped in price and theres plenty used stuff out there ...
@@ocharni but the 1190 isn't worry free either, is it? the older the electronics get the more likely to fail (?) and what about spare part availability, the 1190 was built only 3 years..
GS 1250 is an outstanding bike. Great fun and really looks after the rider. For dirt, I think the 1290 is in front. But for all round adventure touring there is really nothing in it. And to top it off there are more brands about to throw more high class, well designed adventure mounts at our feet.
Great review on the 1290R. One aspect of bike reviews that is rarely explored is where bike is manufactured. I’ve chosen the 1290R because it (hopefully) was not manufactured in China. Unfortunately KTM has shifted much of its production to China.
My wife and I, both own Ktm's. A 1290 Sar and an 890’s. While they are fantastic bikes. The seat comfort, is brutal. I opted for a Power parts seat, that gave me an extra half hour riding. My 1290, has nagged me with small issues. Tubeless tires, that leak. Yes, I’ve changed the bands!! Minor electronic glitches, that keep me from bush riding alone. The wife’s 890 s, a beast. I’m gonna ditch my 1290, for the 890R. The 890’s are that good, in my opinion. Not perfect, but the ride is awesome. Just don’t sit on the seat, for too long…
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks for the reply, I find that very interesting. Would never think anything stock would be better than high-end aftermarket suspension. Many factors that play a part, but still. Thanks for the honesty - I’m glad to hear this as it’s the same setup on my new 701 enduro 😁
Great review but I would add a caveat of you being an amazing level rider off-road . I have tested them both and I have owned a ktm 1090 adventure r for three years and I will say that for some aspects of riding, especially technical ones 890 adventure r is great. But for riding on the street and committing to work It’s suspension is very unpleasant and I would choose a KTM duke 200 over the 890 for that. At any end of the adjustments both the forks and the rear shock are unpleasant while riding over potholes on the road or even high road markings.
I agree that the suspension isn't comfortable unless going fast on unsealed surfaces. For every day riding (I do that on mine) it is very harsh even when you have perfect sag and settings on comfort. That is an easy fix though. The 890 is such a good bike it hardly requires an skill or technique off road. It just inspires confidence.
@@kirikset Oh what I meant by that was it is easy enough to sent the suspension off somewhere to remove the harshness. You can also get some extra length if needed. I found backing off the compression front and rear and a little off the rebound. It makes it softer on the street for general about town riding.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Clear, thanks! wanted to go more offroad and drive the TET. Still not sure if i want to keep the 1290 for that :). also i am afraid i am going to lose my drivers license with the 1290 :x.
I loved my older version 1290SAR until the day I sold it, but for me it’s biggest weakness is it’s weight. Although it’s significantly lighter than a GS/GSA, and overall I don’t consider it a heavy bike per se, all the power in the world doesn’t really help you when you’re stuck in mud because of the sheer weight. Hence the 890 appeals to me - but so does the AJP PR7- have you tested it?
@@ronanrogers4127 OH Ronan that's a bit below the belt. It's old technology, simple as that. If we wanted an AJP for a couple of weeks we'd get it. I do reviews of bikes I'm interested in.
A valid conclusion for the solo adventure rider who appreciates the off-road capabilities of the 890. Another great review and discussion on the finer points of each bike.
I put in a deposit for the 1290 Adv in the US, sight unseen. Heavily debating if I am making a good decision to move on from my 790 Adv. I have a feeling I would like the lighter bike like you despite the gismos and power 1290 comes with. And, of course the price tag.
My pick of the KTMs would still be the 690 as a real world go anywhere adventure bike, no matter how good the 890 - 1290 are off road that 40 - 50 kg difference in weight would make all the difference off road for most riders. The 690 is no slow coach on the road and most people don’t have the off road skills of Chris Birch and in the words of Walter Colbatch, take the bike for the worst part of the trip, sadly there is a compromise thou. The new batch of 250/300 bikes are great but still a little under powered and overweight, the 690/701 are in that sweet spot, just expensive. Think I will stick to my DR 650, it works for me, I still prefer to ride it more than my T7, the T7 is quite capable but my god it is heavy.
Dave, imagine Santa brought you 890 adv R this Holiday and you are 6 months months later (after honeymoon period with 890) in your garage. You have your 701 and 890 standing next to each other. Which one do you take for your classic 400km adv ride, but this time just for your own pleasure (not work related)? 😃
You will find a 250cc dirt bike is so much easier to control and use up the bush over anything more powerful. I cant imagine how heavy and huge a 1290 would be and if you're an aged fella good luck picking the thing up when you drop it.
Nice work again Dave. I'm with Clubby though. What we need is a lightweight 400-600cc with 350-400klm fuel range, some comfort and at least 10k service intervals. It exists in limited assortments if you live in 'after market land' but isn't cheap - Come-on bike manufacturers give us want you know we want!
Well it's a heavier bike with worse suspension and smaller tank, less range, and possibly more breakable. Probably better for touring though than the 890 Adv R that was reviewed here though. It's supposed to be more comfortable, and the suspension more supple, but will bottom out fast in the dirt.
there is a lot of plastic on the Norden, if that plastic is of the same quality as on the svartpilen then it better does not touch the ground too often ..
1290 or 890? How about that unseen, no news, pushed back unicorn? The KTM 490.. Dang im getying tired of waiting for it. But from those two bikes? 890. No question. I dont carry another person on my remote rides to help me pick it up. So 890.
I really hope they make the 490 like an old 640. I have a feeling there's a lot of wrangling going on in the design department. Although I like the little 390, I wouldn't like to see the 490 a bigger version of that. Let's cross our fingers.
Great vid Mate! Thanks for not being a know it all Wanker. The camera work is awesome! New Sub boys! ( you can probably tell I am a cheap Basssssidid looking in the used adv market) GRIP IT AND RIP IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Stop the movie….. the 990 replacement isnt the 890R…… its the 2023 990, as KTM are upping the cc of the 790/890 to 990. But to be honest the 890 is near enough the perfect adv bike size. The 2023 990R is going to end up looking more like the 1290R
After owning a BMW (Buy Motorcycle Wrecker) I have learned important lessons. Here in the states you need a local dealer for service and parts! BMW has states there is NO dealers, NO repair, same for KTM here. KTM is innovative but built like shit! Look at all the bad videos out there showing that. Here in the states every medium town has a Yamaha, Kawasaki, HD, Suzuki and Honda dealers, so your covered, and they build good stuff.
that thing looks like a 1990s Honda Dominator and Africa Twin had a bit of a disfigured love child. I like their road bikes including the Multistrada but Ducati isnt exactly a brand I think off when I think offroad.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV that euro💩 has condemned way too many good motorcycles to the grave. The DR400 you can buy new, vanished from EU well over a decade. The 600 supersort is no more. Off road motorcycles can't be registered (no abs). Dark days.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV crime of the century. Least I got the tanami edition this year with 507km on the clock. Great learner bike for me. A T7 will be next on the cards once I’m off the P plate
For those new to MAD TV I'd encourage you to look around the channel, we have international adventures, bike reviews and and Chris Birch extreme videos and other stuff and most recently some great films from Nick Sanders. Occasionally we go live for some fun. Here are some links to help you find the good stuff.
International Adventure
ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7Ynzi55gvgbVg2Xcy_rp0vqA_R.html
Thorough bike reviews
ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzjtGNKHELsYYQRwCQPOEp5j.html
Chris Birch extreme KTM1190 videos
ua-cam.com/play/PLkM9-Vs7YnzithyN05N74-yoitRsGNwI5.html
Excellent reviews Dave! I think most of us knew where you'd end up given your love for the dirt ;)
Yeah, I don't think it was hard. Maybe when I'm 70 I'll reduce my dirt orientation. :)
Great descriptions and a very thorough and well done review.
Thank you. We do try.
Great review. I really enjoy the information you put in the channel. Thanks for progressively making my purchase decision of my next bike harder :-)...I've been leaning to one of these or the T700. I liked the the concept of this series, loaded with lots of good information.
Thank you. Lots of new bikes in this capacity to test in the coming months. An exciting time for adventure, particularly around the 600 to 1000 cc mark.
Similar though process here. The T700 is enticing for reasons these bikes are not, lower price point, "reliability", etc etc. After thinking on it further, every minute I'd be on a T700, I'd wonder what it's like being on one of these and I don't do well with regret, so I went 1290SAR and don't regret it at all. Where did you land with you rdecision?!
I have 21,000 miles on my 890 and absolutely love this machine. I have had a few odd problems with it that have hit my pocket a bit but this is definitely the machine for me!
What kind of problems, isn't your bike still under warranty ?
Yeah, what problems mate?
Me too, problems after 5000 miles. Warped front discs and a tft which goes black periodically. Both should be covered by warranty but KTM have not yet confirmed.
Chad what are the problems? I just ordered the 23
Sorry guys I haven’t kept up on this! So here the dirt.
I bought the 890 and took off on tour a month later from Billings Montana. That bike I put 27,000 miles on in the US and Mexico.
Having previously owned the 790, i was feeling something odd in the steering or front forks… just a light clunk on small bumps that wasn’t there on the 790. Later in California the braking was undulating up front. So I stopped in at Thousand Oaks powersports ( great shop, highly recommend ) and they found that the steering head bearing tension was out of spec. Causing the clunk and now warped rotors. KTM did not warranty. This is the only problems i had with that bike in the 27,000 miles i put on it.
Now in May I flew to London, Bought another 2019 790 R second hand with 9,000 miles on it, I have toured all over Europe and now has 35,000 miles on it and the only issues have been rotor rivets coming loose. Once in the rear and once in the front. Easily fixed by hammering rivets tight again.
I personally have nothing but good to say about KTM reliability! The issues I have had have all been minor, on all 3 of the bikes with a combined milage count at roughly 70,000 miles and counting.
Great job Dave that’s a top comparison 👌👍
Thanks Joerg. It would be good to catch up.
I would choose the 890 as my only bike, but I have a ktm exc-f 500 and 1290 sar, for 2 bike setup, it’s perfect for me.
Still loving my dirty 990 after 10 years, but good to hear you compare the new 890. Great to know there is an eventual replacement for my big orange girl. Would love to hear your thoughts on the 1290R. Thanks for all your great content over the years.
Traded my 2007 990 with 100k on the clock against a leftover '21 890R last month. Took delivery this week. Two rides later I can confirm what was said in the video: the 890R is the spiritual successor to the 990. Euro 5 means the 890R will never have the same musical exhaust note my neighbors and I enjoyed in mutual harmony (not) on my departed 990, but aside from that it's all smiles.
@@t.k.1448 What is your "secret" for getting 100k out of the Austrian beasts? I'd wager that it is no secret, just preventative maintenance... no?! Cheers and how is that new 890R treating you these days!!??
I own a 690 Enduro R model 2020 and tune it up for adventure riding. Just thinking about to replace it with a 890R for comfort reasons, but I think, that my decision to buy a 690 was the right one. Thank you for the amazing video comparison.
Thank you.
Excellent vid as always! What is your riding gear @ 7:24 in the vid? Vest, pack, pants, top, boots, helmet, etc. Keep up the damn fine work!
KLiM riding gear.
Great video, I'm still on the fence but that has me considering that 890R more now.
]
It’s been a great series to watch and having owned a 2018 1290R I’m curious to how the 7/890’s compare when it comes to replacement parts are they relative to the price of the bike or the same as the 1290.
Sorry can't help you with that.
Good series Dave 👍🏼 have had my 890R for about 6 weeks now.
Mind boggling just where it will take you with ease.
Fantastic bike. I a tad envious 😂
Like where did it take you ,the dairy or petrol station...
Great video, was just wondering where the video was filmed?
NSW Australia, between, Sydney, Newcastle and west to Blayney
We live in a Golden Area of Adventure bikes! Great series as always! I think it’s interesting that throughout the comparison/compromise was in the dirt manners, pillion, and mile-munching; the stuff a few of us hate the journos for glossing over. This has me real curious about that Norden around the corner; better ergos/wind-protection for the trade-off in the suspension (upgradable ;D) department.
I'm real interested in the Norden and I've confirmed recently, I will have access to one immediately after the press launch.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV to fast for ya.
Nice video; i‘m getting mine 890 adv r in 3 days; hopefully it wont snow again in vienna 😉
Good choice
Good series - thank you Dave.🙂👍 Any advise which adaptions I should do on the 890 to make it suitable for a Vladivostok to Europe ride. I've done Africa, Middle East and the US on other motorcycles, but my biggest concern for the 890 is reliability.
Not much. Just a bashplate and Barkbusters and I’d be good to go
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thank you VERY VERY MUCH - coming from you, it makes me feel at ease 👍
a couple of fuel pumps 😄
We tested and built a 790 R. Having a 990r right next to it - it lost in many departements - exept in difficult dirt riding. Major dislike was the environment protection and comfort level - with a nicely set up 990 a 1000km day was no problem. With a 790 in cold and rain, even one tankfull was an issue. And then we opted for a 1290r. And You pay the price on dirt. Where I could lift the 790r with one hand and repeatedly in sand and mud etc and felt it was actually easyer to handle than our 701 (with 300mm suspension) - The 1290 is another story. After third lift, it gets really heavy for You. And if the rider would be 60kg female - no way that would work in the long run. But!!! MILEMUNCHER! I did just for testing 2 days back to back with the 1290. More than 11h in the saddle riding. Take a shower, nice sleep and get going again. It is so stable and calm even at 120++km/h for hours. And of course two up. The 990 was ok. 790/890 is not for that, and the 1290 is great (not as great perhaps as a beemer) but great. Good that they made so many improvements for the 890. Sad that all the 790 owners had to pay for it.
Thanks
Wonder how long 890r will remain unchanged or they will *overwrite it again somehow
@@jonasbaine3538 Update is in the making already. Some running gear update and also new fairing for better comfort and less of and agressive look...
@@Snowhite808 from ktm a new refined 890r? cool! Yeah a bit more comfortable r model would be fantastic. Really wish they would make a proper adv model based on 690 enduro r. 75hp single under 400lbs!!
Great reviews, Is it worth to change from the 790r to the 890r. My 790 has 9000km and have been a good ride. To level up to the 890 will cost about 4000euro. Is it worth the money for a new and better bike or is it better to run the 790 another 10000km?
To get the 790 into the 890 range in terms of power and torque you'd need a Rottweiler airbox, and Power Commander or similar. Then you still mis out on the suspension tweaks, heavier flywheel, lighter subframe and steering stock, stronger clutch etc.. whether that is worth €4000 is only something you can answer. I have an 890 just by luck in terms of when it was released. I don't think I would have been as happy with the 790. That doesn't mean the 790 is bad though.
What he said. :)
Can you tell me how the 890s suspension compares to the suspension on the Ténéré 700 World Raid?
for most riders front same same rear better on 890. For those top 5 % of riders 890 wins it.
I like the 890r. Would be interesting to compare with desert x and norden. Yet, it’ll be months before they are available for that.
So many new bikes in the coming months.
My 2019 1290 SAR is big and heavy, but rides like a Cadillac. You get used to it...although I haven't put it on the ground yet. My back can't wait for that
It's not too bad to pick up. A lot of low weight. Not that I've done it myself either.
Would be nice to hear what you think a about the 890 adventure s
Haven’t ridden one. A lot of new bikes to test this year and next. Can’t see that happening.
simple answer: neither, get an 1190 R, dry weight is only 17kg more than the 890 and you can get a low milage used one for about 5k less than an 890 plus, y'know, the golden rule for any bike, never buy one in its first year of production.
17kg weighs a lot at the end of the day, and even more after 6days in a row ... especially when one get older 😉
Forks aren't that hot standard the blow through the stroke.
@@gillesgenete9598 I've done a year on the road on an 1190 S fully loaded, at the end of the day you get used to it and once you're moving it doesnt make much of a difference. on tricky stuff like deep sand(ask me how Baja was, I dare you) even the 890 is too heavy to be enjoyable.
Even the 890 wasnt in its first year I may have considered it but thats a lesson I learned the hard way, especially with KTM.
not saying the 890 is bad in any, way, shape or form just when I think bang for the buck you're better off with an 1190 and if youre unhappy with the forks you can get them exchanged for high end stuff and still have money to spare plus ofc the spare and farkle market for the 1190 already dropped in price and theres plenty used stuff out there ...
@@ocharni but the 1190 isn't worry free either, is it? the older the electronics get the more likely to fail (?) and what about spare part availability, the 1190 was built only 3 years..
I had an 1190R and brought a 790R. Huge difference mate. I could ride the 790R more like 450. The 890 would be heaps faster and safer on the trails.
You rode the GS 1250 in some pretty knarly off-road. How would you compare it to the 1290? Thanks
GS 1250 is an outstanding bike. Great fun and really looks after the rider. For dirt, I think the 1290 is in front. But for all round adventure touring there is really nothing in it. And to top it off there are more brands about to throw more high class, well designed adventure mounts at our feet.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV nah itsa pack of garb
Great review on the 1290R.
One aspect of bike reviews that is rarely explored is where bike is manufactured.
I’ve chosen the 1290R because it (hopefully) was not manufactured in China.
Unfortunately KTM has shifted much of its production to China.
The way of the world.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Very fatalistic. No one has to accept that. We already see the huge negative consequences.
@@ronclarke8546 Buy a Harley :) Or a Bajaj ,KTM390, BMW310 made in India. A Honda crf300 made in Thailand. There's a couple of options.
I think my 1090 is the best of both worlds in the Adventure game! If we do lots of off road/dual sport stuff, love my 690👍
the 1090 is a great bike. I love that power delivery.
As expected,thanks.
Good, I think :)
My wife and I, both own Ktm's. A 1290 Sar and an 890’s. While they are fantastic bikes. The seat comfort, is brutal. I opted for a Power parts seat, that gave me an extra half hour riding. My 1290, has nagged me with small issues. Tubeless tires, that leak. Yes, I’ve changed the bands!! Minor electronic glitches, that keep me from bush riding alone. The wife’s 890 s, a beast. I’m gonna ditch my 1290, for the 890R. The 890’s are that good, in my opinion. Not perfect, but the ride is awesome. Just don’t sit on the seat, for too long…
Seat Concepts, that was my solve on the 690
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Looking into that right now, thanks for the tip. Which one did you get, may I ask?
@@kangaroo4144 just a seat concepts 'normal' sized seat, I can't recall what it was called but it has been excellent.
The stock WP suspension on the 890 adv r vs the RR you have on your T7 - who wins?
Good question :). 890
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks for the reply, I find that very interesting. Would never think anything stock would be better than high-end aftermarket suspension. Many factors that play a part, but still. Thanks for the honesty - I’m glad to hear this as it’s the same setup on my new 701 enduro 😁
I love my 2020 1290, but I reckon if the 890 had have been around I might have made a different purchase :-)
I wouldn’t worry. You’ve done really well. That’s a great bike.
Great review but I would add a caveat of you being an amazing level rider off-road . I have tested them both and I have owned a ktm 1090 adventure r for three years and I will say that for some aspects of riding, especially technical ones 890 adventure r is great. But for riding on the street and committing to work It’s suspension is very unpleasant and I would choose a KTM duke 200 over the 890 for that. At any end of the adjustments both the forks and the rear shock are unpleasant while riding over potholes on the road or even high road markings.
I didn't experience that. Not sure the suspension was set up for your weight. I found the suspension excellent on road. and pariticulary for potholes.
I agree that the suspension isn't comfortable unless going fast on unsealed surfaces. For every day riding (I do that on mine) it is very harsh even when you have perfect sag and settings on comfort. That is an easy fix though. The 890 is such a good bike it hardly requires an skill or technique off road. It just inspires confidence.
@@defylifeadventure btw, how did you fix that? referring to ' That is an easy fix though'
@@kirikset Oh what I meant by that was it is easy enough to sent the suspension off somewhere to remove the harshness. You can also get some extra length if needed. I found backing off the compression front and rear and a little off the rebound. It makes it softer on the street for general about town riding.
I am thinking of going for the 890 adv r and trade in my 1290 sas. Any remarks on why i should or should not do this?
Cricketts
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV What!?
@@nickb8530 I am saying nothing they are both good bikes.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Clear, thanks! wanted to go more offroad and drive the TET. Still not sure if i want to keep the 1290 for that :). also i am afraid i am going to lose my drivers license with the 1290 :x.
That's a great video. Will you compare 890 to the Tenere 700? That would be very interesting!
I own a T700. It’s like comparing apples with cheese.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Which one is apple and which one is cheese?
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV how would you compare a T700 with upgraded suspension to the 890 r ? Would it be getting pretty close, less the hp
I agree. Your comparing a 70 Hp bike with a 105 Hp machine with brembo brakes and WP suspension.
They’re simply meant for different riders
I loved my older version 1290SAR until the day I sold it, but for me it’s biggest weakness is it’s weight. Although it’s significantly lighter than a GS/GSA, and overall I don’t consider it a heavy bike per se, all the power in the world doesn’t really help you when you’re stuck in mud because of the sheer weight. Hence the 890 appeals to me - but so does the AJP PR7- have you tested it?
Not interested in the AJP
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV fair enough. I guess they don’t provide bikes gratis for a few weeks being a small manufacturer
1090R all day
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV care to elaborate as to why?
@@ronanrogers4127 OH Ronan that's a bit below the belt. It's old technology, simple as that. If we wanted an AJP for a couple of weeks we'd get it. I do reviews of bikes I'm interested in.
A valid conclusion for the solo adventure rider who appreciates the off-road capabilities of the 890. Another great review and discussion on the finer points of each bike.
Thanks glad you liked the series.
I put in a deposit for the 1290 Adv in the US, sight unseen. Heavily debating if I am making a good decision to move on from my 790 Adv. I have a feeling I would like the lighter bike like you despite the gismos and power 1290 comes with. And, of course the price tag.
Hard decision. You really need to sit down and think that through.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV two days after trading in my 790, no regrets 😀
@@oztursen I thought so. No, I knew so!
Good choice
My pick of the KTMs would still be the 690 as a real world go anywhere adventure bike, no matter how good the 890 - 1290 are off road that 40 - 50 kg difference in weight would make all the difference off road for most riders.
The 690 is no slow coach on the road and most people don’t have the off road skills of Chris Birch and in the words of Walter Colbatch, take the bike for the worst part of the trip, sadly there is a compromise thou.
The new batch of 250/300 bikes are great but still a little under powered and overweight, the 690/701 are in that sweet spot, just expensive.
Think I will stick to my DR 650, it works for me, I still prefer to ride it more than my T7, the T7 is quite capable but my god it is heavy.
I agree with you. You seem to be having an 'each way bet' like me. I own a 2012 690, 2020 T700 and 2021 701, for those exact reasons you raise.
The 2019- new 690's/701 are fantastic.Once in the dirt they are hard to beat.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV probably the petrol gone off in them too
Dave, imagine Santa brought you 890 adv R this Holiday and you are 6 months months later (after honeymoon period with 890) in your garage. You have your 701 and 890 standing next to each other. Which one do you take for your classic 400km adv ride, but this time just for your own pleasure (not work related)? 😃
701 ✅
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV :)
You will find a 250cc dirt bike is so much easier to control and use up the bush over anything more powerful. I cant imagine how heavy and huge a 1290 would be and if you're an aged fella good luck picking the thing up when you drop it.
It's a wonderful handling bike.
Nice work again Dave. I'm with Clubby though. What we need is a lightweight 400-600cc with 350-400klm fuel range, some comfort and at least 10k service intervals. It exists in limited assortments if you live in 'after market land' but isn't cheap - Come-on bike manufacturers give us want you know we want!
Agree.
If you dont like the looks of the 890…. Go for the Husky 901 Norden…. Same bike, but a lot better looking 🤩
Well it's a heavier bike with worse suspension and smaller tank, less range, and possibly more breakable. Probably better for touring though than the 890 Adv R that was reviewed here though. It's supposed to be more comfortable, and the suspension more supple, but will bottom out fast in the dirt.
Can''t wait to test it early next year.
there is a lot of plastic on the Norden, if that plastic is of the same quality as on the svartpilen then it better does not touch the ground too often ..
Can't wait for a 890 vs Desert X, a million view!?
the 890 Adventure with the low slung tank should be way better in tight offroad terrain
The Ducati is very interesting. Especially at that weight and those suspension specs.
i'm still riding my 2015 1190r
A great bike.
1290 or 890? How about that unseen, no news, pushed back unicorn? The KTM 490.. Dang im getying tired of waiting for it. But from those two bikes? 890. No question. I dont carry another person on my remote rides to help me pick it up. So 890.
I really hope they make the 490 like an old 640. I have a feeling there's a lot of wrangling going on in the design department. Although I like the little 390, I wouldn't like to see the 490 a bigger version of that. Let's cross our fingers.
Guess it's time for an 890r vs T7 video?
Can't see the point.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV why is the T7 that far behind the ktm. I'm in the market by at 6'3" figure the T7 is probably my only option
Great ;)
A new 1290 r is now 16.000 with all the fees. That is just slightly more than a 890r.
Wow great value.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVWinter prices
If you aren't riding offroad 80 plus percent of your riding time, the 1290 is just a better every day ride.
Agree.
So the. Just buy a gs or street bike and keep a 500 in the garage for off-road.
Great vid Mate! Thanks for not being a know it all Wanker. The camera work is awesome! New Sub boys! ( you can probably tell I am a cheap Basssssidid looking in the used adv market) GRIP IT AND RIP IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Bargains to be had.
Stop the movie….. the 990 replacement isnt the 890R…… its the 2023 990, as KTM are upping the cc of the 790/890 to 990. But to be honest the 890 is near enough the perfect adv bike size. The 2023 990R is going to end up looking more like the 1290R
Get outa here. Now that's a big circle if true.
After owning a BMW (Buy Motorcycle Wrecker) I have learned important lessons. Here in the states you need a local dealer for service and parts! BMW has states there is NO dealers, NO repair, same for KTM here. KTM is innovative but built like shit! Look at all the bad videos out there showing that. Here in the states every medium town has a Yamaha, Kawasaki, HD, Suzuki and Honda dealers, so your covered, and they build good stuff.
A different insight. But if that was truly the experience of riders, they wouldn't buy a second KTM. And we know that's just not the case.
My money is on the Ducati Dessert X
That will be interesting. So many great bikes coming on the market.
that thing looks like a 1990s Honda Dominator and Africa Twin had a bit of a disfigured love child.
I like their road bikes including the Multistrada but Ducati isnt exactly a brand I think off when I think offroad.
KTM will eat it for dessert in the desert.
1250...
Both heavy pigs.
I don't dislike the 1290. It's comfortable and easy to ride, but KTM... The 790/890 is not worth the money.
Wouldn't buy either.
I'm waiting for a 450 but Euro 5 makes it difficult.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV that euro💩 has condemned way too many good motorcycles to the grave.
The DR400 you can buy new, vanished from EU well over a decade. The 600 supersort is no more. Off road motorcycles can't be registered (no abs). Dark days.
R1250GS.
DR650. 🤣😂🤣
They don’t make them anymore
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV crime of the century.
Least I got the tanami edition this year with 507km on the clock. Great learner bike for me. A T7 will be next on the cards once I’m off the P plate
50 years riding haha
Your slow lense footage busts the myth your not in low triangle whatsoever ,load of hoo-ha.