Chris sets the hooligan bar high enough that you're never left wondering if a bike can do this or that. Bravo!

I'd watch Chris review bikes even if he didn't speak a word. No reviewer hoons around as hard as Chris. What a beast of a rider. I love it!

The other journo's didnt seem pleased with the slide...prolly just jealous! awesome vid!

When either Chris or Rory Reid review something then 9 times our 10 I will end up watching it and then watch the tenth episode the day after. You know he can ride, he knows his bikes, he knows what is important, he talks about what you want to know and while he can be almost airborne on his bikes he is always down to earth and good spirited. In terms of skills, I remember that Chris had to intentionally slide his bike for a slide test. I could not believe how well he laid his bike down at speed.

Im a 890 Duke R and Tracer GT owner. I was hoping the SMT would combine my 2 favourite bikes and i would fall deeply in love... but i havent ! They have missed the smT mark. It should have the DUKE R tune its down on power for its size in comparison to the Tracer and Duke R. It hasnt got the touring capability with its tiny screen and luggage that looks like it was an after thought. The extras to get this to a true SMT are pushing on bikes like the Ducati multistrada 950s or Tracer GT+ both bikes are like big supermotos with all the toys. I think this should have been labelled the SMT/R with the correct tune and made the SMT more touring with better panniers , the electrics as standard and a better screen.

Chris, wanted to tell you for a while now: you have the best reviews in today's entire motorcycle industry ! and I subscribed to all the major ones from US to UK and AUS. Always to the point with accurate specs and while riding with passion. BTW, this KTM checks all the boxes for me, except the price tag :)

I’ve just recently discovered this channel and I must say I’m very impressed. Particularly liked how you placed this bike in the KTM lineup. Well done!

What an inspiring little monologue at the end while hammering those apexes!

I totally agree that this will be a very niche machine that (unfortunately) will only appeal to a limited amount of individuals, but it ticks all my boxes! Really a "segment" (?) more manufacturers could and should explore! Also, your energy and enthusiasm are always contagious Chris, love all your videos!

I went from sportbikes to a 990 smt (through some other bikes for a few months 👎) and man do I miss that bike. The only things I don't miss is the cramped position and the smell in the clothes (exhaust fumes) after. I took that bike everywhere, mostly on one wheel, even through single tracks!

I'd like to see the Husqvarna version of this. I think it's a great idea and I'd be very interested but KTMs are a bit too lairy and the headlight too buglike for my tastes.

Chris is the Biking equivalent to Chris Harris, just awesome to watch and brilliantly insightful - love it! 🥰🙏

Superb!!! This bike looks amazing and with Chris putting it through his paces it’s definitely been tested. I’ve got a old 950sm and this new machine is that plus more 👍👍👍

I dig what you’re saying about the 690 smcr as I have one. I can easy peasy do 200 miles in a day on mine and I LOVE it. If I could only have one bike, the 690 would be it. I have three others, but I ride the 690 the most. You probably know why Chris.

I have had mine now for a few months... Best bike I ever owned... love love love it...

That Chris Northover is a very naughty boy......top man 👍👍👍👍👍👍😎

Excellent look at the 890 SMT! All motorcycles, no matter how daft they may seem to the general populace are absolutely necessary for those of us who rely on them for day to day travel. Saving the planet 2 wheels at a time, and having a hoot doing it.

Chris must have a substantial tire budget🙂

No words for this man..............Chris you are the best.

I've bought my first KTM a year ago. Just the 390 but I'm so glad I did. I'm now a KTM convert . They don't make boring bike's. They know motorcycles are supposed to be fun and a joy to ride.

Chris is an incredible rider

Would take this over any similar concept right now; 17s and road tyres. Most people I know don't leave the tarmac, yet they are on mixed tyres and asymmetric diameter wheels. Adventure biked are a trend, nobody really use them for what they are. If you're tall, and like the "big bike" look etc... this makes much more sense. Phenomenal test as always Chris!

Good balanced view of what is clearly a compromise, even within KTM's range. But the word 'cost' came up a few times and you can't deny that to get the bike into the 'T' for touring bracket you're shelling out serious dosh on top of the basic asking price. And to get the bike into the 'SM' for supermoto bracket you're shelling out serious dosh on top of the basic asking price. So for this bike to actually be the SM-T, it's serious dosh. Swing and a miss for me, I'll stick to my 890 Duke R, comfort settings and Kriega luggage thanks. A compromise, but then cheaper than the SM-T compromise.

Another Banging video Chris 👌 Definitely gonna make folk really think hard about what they actually want,need & will use. Good job KTM for bringing out another taste of orange

Yes, Chris is back!!

Love the KTM ethos of send it! perfectly matched to your style of test ride 🤣

Best review! And yes, you nailed it! KTM does the thing we want. NoneKTM riders don't know it yet! Yes, I have one. A 690 Duke and I love it!

Ride it like you stole it Chris! The other press didn't look to happy, but I think that's because you always out ride them. Class mate👍

I bought a Duke 890R after watching Chris review that bike. He was spot on with his assessment. I liked the idea of the 890 Adventure but the 21" wheel was a deal breaker as it negated the sharp handling of the Duke.. This is the bike I have been waiting for and I will be buying as soon as it becomes available in the USA. I am confident that once I have a chance to ride one I will confirm the glowing review offered by Chris.

It's a lovely Indian bike

Damn that is one sick as hell bike. Whenever KTM decides to fix their reliability issues, I'll be first in line to buy one. Until then, I'll be hooning around on my 22 GSX-S1000.

Still have my 2010 990 SMT since new. Best bike ever. !!!

Is it just me or did the old 990SMT look more high end/imposing/bigger/more serious? This looks small and cheap. I have zero doubts that the new one is better in every way but.. I kinda want the old one :)

Ya gotta love chris, what a rider! Chris please teach me how to wheelie 😊

This guy has got to be the most skillful motorcycle journalist ive ever seen

I ordered this last week on the day it was announced. Perfect replacement for my 701SM.

Keep up the good work Chris 🔥🔥

Best reviewer and entertainer on KZfaq. Well Chris and Ryan F9

What a bike. I'm so glad ktm brought the smt back. I wanted a 990 so bad back then but wound up with a Speed Triple. Not mad at that decision but part of me always pined for the smt.

Chris puts out the best reviews 💯✌🏽Sooooo entertaining👍🏼

Chris is my absolute favorite reviewer!

I have been looking forward to this one. You got it spot on and I identify as one among those "slim number of people". I actually wanted a 990 SMT but couldn't justify paying a lot for such an old bike. Endes up with a Tiger 800 XRX in the end. Did the suspension, exhaust and some grippy tires and it's a joy too ride.. But it doesn't have the hooligan feel. I will be at the KTM dealer for a test ride as soon as they got them in!

I really love that grab handle!

Great video @Chris Northover! I loved my 990, for the noise more than anything else. Definitely want to try one of these...

An absolute mutant of a bike! Def this is the bike for Chris

It looks sooo much better at 7:45 without the goofy white fender. Cool bike. I almost bought the original but kept my 990 SD and added a Multistrada instead😊

Send it!! Awesome review and awesome bike. I’ll wait to see the Husky take on this. There are some spy shots of a bike that people believe to be the new Nuda 901.

Now that sir, is a proper bike!

Personally, I love it, but I am a guy that’s torn between getting a nicer adventure bike or sports tourer next. I had settled on the Husqvarna Norden 902 with the same engine, but I think the combination of having this and a enduro dirt bike too could be perfect for someone like me.

I demand a separate video just on that front fender

Seems like a good commuter. Even goes hard on the rough roads

Tell me you’ve never actually ridden a 990SMT without telling me etc… 🙄 That’s at most a 950SM descendant maybe. There’s nothing Touring about that tank range, the lack of a screen or protective fairing or feature set (cruise?, centre stand, luggage prep?). The genius of the 990SMT was that it didn’t compromise on the fun stuff and could do the ‘boring’ practical stuff as well - unlike any other bike in the range the time. Never ridden a bike that was more capable of doing big miles in horrendous conditions or commuting in town. I’m sure the new bike is huge fun but don’t compromise the authority of your channel or patronise your viewers by regurgitating KTM’s marketing Kool-Aid. The 890 Duke R is a better scratcher, the ADV a better tourer. Save us the hype.

I was going to put a order in for one but it's not coming to the States this year, I already have two 890 Dukes and a 1290 Duke but I feel like I have a place for this one as well.

I’m a Harley rider but l love KTM for their excellent attitude- might tempt me to try it out myself! 👍🇬🇧

Chris is my hero!

Looks like a blast to ride!

Most questions nicely anwered - though why not use Duke 890 engine as this is a road bike? Tho in truth I'd not notice the extra power (v top end?) . And ... what happened to the new 990 we've had spy shots of apparently for ages?

1:30 had me a code brown just watching!

Really enjoyable video! Love the rolling burnout. Have to say, not a lot of "T", in that SM.

Can't wait to see Chriss Trying the upcoming Nuda 901...😍😍😍

Stunning bike and makes great sense to me !

When I saw this bike teaser on KTM Channel, Chris is the first rider I've thought of.

Now Chris should compare the Ducati hypermotard and the ktm 890smt

This version of the 890 is easily the best looking. I'd be tempted to put the tank from smt on the 890 adventure

'Kin brilliant! I currently have a 790 Adventure R amd my old 950 sm... The 890 smt is the all round weapon for me... Bikes for sale... 😂

Holy shit the slides 😅 guess you've found your next birthday gift! It suits you so well 😂

And I’ve just gone and bought the 890 adventure s . Never mind it’s brilliant, but this is so so tempting.

The SMT always makes me wonder why Ducati abandoned the Hyperstrada....there's clearly a market for something smaller, lighter and cheaper than the Multi Pikes Peak

Class review as always Chris, when backing it in do you pull the clutch in, or does the engine effectively stall while on the brake?

Wonder how an SMT890 would feel against my Super Duke R? I’ve been considering other bikes just bc the SDR is just too focussed as a daily rider. Terrific video Chris.

Would love to see Chris make a review of the new Honda Hornet. Every one else is driving like a grandma on them.

Chris's mom be like, "I've made you, a better hooligan than KTM."

On the latter observations about KTM, I think it's a super smart move, as someone owning a KTM. Only got a little 390 Adventure, but its an infinitely better bike when you're pushing over 6500 revs, banging through gears, throwing into corners and just generally driving it to its (entertainingly legal) limits. In a review setting, if you were using a demo which hasn't even been broken in yet, a reviewer will mostly play by the rules, keep the revs low, maybe a little squirt of throttle here and there nothing serious. That's why its really hard to get "the point" of a motorcycle unless you're allowed to run it through its paces. Maybe not applicable for every bike type/manufactures, but for the KTM's, it's either hoon it about or you'll come away thinking a Royal Enfield is better.

Just a quick tip, the windshield for the duke 890 is 50 EUR. Bout the review, It is always an amusement to watch you hooliganing those wheels!

I have a sticker on my bike "if it tries to kill you, it makes mad man happy". Thats why i love my 990 smt !!

The hooligan is high in this one.

I wanted to get a tenere 700 and get a pair of 17" wheels for it, but WOW this this looks awesome. I hope they bring it to the US

I would watch Chris ride any kind of Frankenstein contraption. 😆

Looks so much better with the dirt bike front mud guard removed!

Seems a great bike for hooning around on. But, I didn't get enough information on what its like to tour on. Does it have cruise control? Luggage options? Additional windscreens? How is it droning on the Interstate for hours? How is it in slow, city traffic?

Could be my next bike to replace my RSV4. @SanDiegoRider lent me his KTM Adventure 790 with SM conversion and it was an absolute blast-a bike that did everything well. Amazing gearbox and brakes, crazy flickability, with adequate power and a surprising amount of torque. Supremely comfortable, too.

Doesn't that high exhaust get in the way of mounting luggage?

Where on Sardinia is this?

I can't wait for the Husqvarna version to replace the Svartpillen 701.

It does look so much fun.. but is the Internet lying to me? The 990 SMT was 115 bhp and 196kg dry.. so 10bhp more and the same weight? I'm sure the electronics are better better.

I really wish more companies would just embrace the supermoto mindset. Give us a light bike with long plush suspension and then instead of a horrible sounding, annoyingly rough single cylinder, just give it a 270° twin or something.

The Akropovic on this looks huge, does it contain a catalytic converter or something? Surely there's a dealer option to have that removed and save weight and improve noise? This thing sounds too quiet for a fun SMT

Calmly waiting for the white version, a.k.a 901-SMT

I was hoping it would be more similar looking to the hypermotard

This or the 890 Duke R?

Can you wheelie with tc on at a lower level or does it have to be off like older ktms? Do you see them releasing an R version of this? Thinking of more power and stylema brakes

I had the 990 SMT and it was the best bike have ever owned to ride, but was very problematic and I unloaded it. This def looks interesting, how is the low down grunt of the smaller engine vs the 990?

Ugh Chris !!!! Why do you do this?!?!?!?! Every bike you review, i wanna go buy lol. Love your videos !! You do it right !!!

Damn, dudes skilled

Change the headlight and I'm in 😂

I own a 990 SMT. I will not sell it. Ever. But I will test ride this one, and money permitting, I will buy it. Because why have one SMT when you can have two.

Best review!

brilliant....but switch gear from gen 2 dukes ?

I just want an SMR. Same power as the duke, same design as the 990 SMR. I do not need a touring screen or cases...I want pure fun.

QQ: would you say this competes with the Ducati 950 Hypermotard? Would be cool to see a head to head comparison...