Have the 2018 since half a year. Bought it with 7000 km and now I am on 17000 km. I live in Peru and we have some of the most awesome mountain roads with twisty turns and passes of 5000 Meter plus. Did a day ride from the pacific shore to Lake Titicaca in one day, riding from 0 to 4870 Meters ending the day in 4000 at Puno. What fun this bike is! Did a tour last March with my wife from Peru - Bolivia - Argentina - Chile and back to Peru. No issues at all so far. My wife never had any comfort issues and enjoyed the ride, apart from crossing the mad traffic cities of El Alto and Potosi in Bolivia, where you cross red lights, because the guys behind you won't stop. Love the bike and she is so much fun to ride and flips trough the switch backs with such pleasure. Ride safe!

A perfect real world review. No filler just top notch info and the classic Rodie fun. Great video man!

Hi Tim I had the older one, did 11k miles on it, I dropped the yokes by 20mm, no steering wobble at high speeds, did a couple of trackdays as well as Autobahn and was rock solid, before that it would shake its head!

I've just bought one, exactly like yours. Waiting to receive it yet. Look forward to all the fun you enjoyed. Many thanks for all the practical info about this wild hog :)

Great review man, glad you are enjoying it. I've got the previous gen, when time comes for change might go for the latest model like yours. :)

I have a 2020 version and it is an insanely fun bike. Only 2 items on the newer version peak my interest, more finite TC settings and the tighter steering geometry. I have 18,000 miles on it and still OMG every time I ride.

Just took delivery of mine and so far love it.

Great video Recently taken delivery of one, the test ride sold it, but your videos sealed it to be honest. It's a great bike, cant wait to get it's first service out the way Keep up the good work!!

Good review. Keep up the good work. I am looking at the same bike for the same reasons. I had an opportunity to swap bikes and ride one while my partner rode my 2022 Triumph Rocket 3. I really enjoyed the KTM 1290 SAS. In short order I felt like an absolute hooligan on that thing. It is impressive and I am used to a ton of torque on tap. I am 5'8'', so I might need the low version of the comfort seat (heated). It is nice that KTM has so many seats available for this bike.

Another top video packed with useful info Tim. I’ve done similar mileage since I got mine, like you no issues at all with the bike. What a smooth engine though amazing for a 1300 twin. A top box is on my Christmas list, thanks for the weave info. Keep the content coming great channel 👌🏻

Great review. Really enjoyed your style. Thank you

Thanks for that mate…I just bought a 2021 model as well. Like you, finding the time now to ride it is the problem. Cheers! Nigel (Australia)

Great review pal, I’m have 9k on mine and loving it.

Thanks again for the great video! It coincides with my experience but I have to add some little bits. I'm nearly 6'7 and I've added some things to make my old life easier. The SW Motech footpegs are adjustable and give more traction. I had serious problems with the windshield, it was the loudest bike I ever drove. Now I have the higher and wider original touring screen with the little spoiler thingi (MRA) and it is silent as I want. The high comfort seat does not match to the PP rear pillow, there is a big gap that builds a step. At the lower position this fits perfectly for me because the rear seat builds a nice support. On the high setting I sit very near to the front and my legs are bend uncomfotably. So bad the rear pillow is not height adjustable, it makes the high position unusuable for really large people with long legs on longer tours. For short distances though... Attack mode! I had the quickshifter "issue" 3 times since may and every single one I knew what I did wrong, my fault not the bikes. And the preload adjuster error came 2 times in the about 4000 miles, both times I did the error switching it on again after too short time. Annoying but... No more faults so pretty much the same experience as yours. Other than that: oh man, that thing... Coming home with a big smile every time, it is so much fun and so accesible. Love that bike! Keep going and btw: buy that arrow exhaust, its really worth it. ;)

I got a 2020 KTM 790 duke. I also got a deal for buying it in January 2021. It struggles to start when its below 12 degrees and when it does start it will rev up to 5K over and over until I shut it off and try again. Also sometimes the quick shifter doesn't work between 2 and 3. If I am on a really good rip going onto the highway it will rev to the moon and then go back into 2nd, thank goodness for anti wheelie. Otherwise its a phenomenal bike and I love it with all my heart.

I had a '22 delivered last week (downunder). Cost me about aud$30k with a large top box and the tech pack. Super early impressions... it lugs a bit in first from the off, I'm unused to having to clutch commute traffic crawling to this extent. The indicator is as bad as everyone said. The radar cruise control is genuinely great. The suspension settings are really useful and noticeably different. Lack of a manual or even a service book seems needlessly cheap. Burning rubber smell when I get it back to the garage (?!). The pipe is louder than I imagined it would be and I feel no desire to replace it. The sidestand is too short, but putting a (needed) extender on it helps lengthen it a little. The bike balance is spooky good. I'm happy with the screen in max position. The engine is fucken insane, and I'm working up the confidence to give it more beans. Overall, it seems very well put together. No real surprises but in part that's because of your excellent vids about it to date. So thank you Tim, you helped me get the right bike.

Awesome video, great to hear some positive feedback at last about this bike 👍🇦🇺 thanks

What a fantastic review style. Subscribed.

I bought a duke 890r on your recommendation Tim...best road bike going I think, awesome

Hey man great vid, loving my 21 SAR too. Change out your steering damper oil for a higher viscosity, helps with stability. You can try have preload higher on the forks than the shock too, having the rear a little lower helps at high speed. Hope ya get some more miles in! Cheers from Australia👍🏻

Cracking video, short precise and no BS! 👍🏻 I have done 7500km since I received mine in July and I had the preload problem only once… no biggie, it just needs some time to properly boot all the systems before you start the engine. Apart from that the bike behaved flawlessly. I love the thing apart from the indicator switch which still has me swearing in my helmet sometimes, especially with bigger gloves. The headlight is excellent, it looks terrible but it is outstanding in performance and simply makes my commuting at this time of the year that much safer. The only negative I see with this thing is that you need to restrain your inner hooligan a bit sometimes if you wanna keep your license. It makes "going Bananen!" really, really easy! Cheers mate!

I love my 1290s. My quick shifter works perfectly! I don't know if it is because it is a 2022 but it is so smooth.

nice real-world review of my next bike, which will replace my beloved 2016 1290 SA white, unless they finally decide to come up with a T version with a 30L tank capacity (its really good to not have to worry about fuel on big trips). "pro-tip": the "preload adjuster" warning, along with "cornering lights" warning, and other small issues during start up, seems to be a common issue with a lot of 1290, including mine. and it ALL went away when i replaced the OEM battery (which, rated at 210CCA, barely has enough juice for the starter motor, especially in the morning), with a lithium battery with 300CCA and all these warnings totally disapeared. it seems like it will pop such warnings when the voltage drops bellow 9-9,5V when starting the engine.

Great review, thanks.

For any looking to get one of these bikes: Before you buy it, check it for valve cover leaks. I picked one up a few weeks ago, everything seemed fine at the dealer, took it around for a test ride. I get 50 miles and 2 hours away and front valve cover was leaking. Now waiting on parts and time to get into shop to get fixed, all covered under warranty.

Fantastic review man. Real world review. Tried one at my local dealer. Superb bike.

Nice on Tim. Pretty sure I have seen you out and about round Dorking way (Im Newdigate) anyhoo, I am coming round to the orange way of thinking as my 2016 Africa twin might be traded for one of these based on your thoughts etc....

finally a reviewer my height - had to subscribe since i am in the market for a SAR/SAS , thanks from austria!

Forgot to add - the clutch slave cylinder is supposed to be better than the older models, which was a REALLY common issue (easily solved with the Oberon aftermarket one). We found out the hard way that this can still be an issue on this model, last summer... ;) (though it failed slowly enough we topped the fluid up to get a couple of thousand Euro miles in before going back to blightly and fixing it properly (with the Oberon, once home..! :) )

Thanks, very interesting real world review… you said you might consider changing it for an SDR and converting it with a big screen etc… isn’t that exactly what you’ve got there? Or did you mean, not to create an adventure bike but a ballistic tourer?

Good review Tim! :) In case it's of use, my mate with the 2020 1290 (mostly the same electronics, I think), like you has had a couple of occasions where the rear shock has gone mad. He says, it can help if you turn the bike off, fully unload the rear suspension (he leans it onto the side stand), then, **whilst it's still unloaded**, turn it back on. HTH! One other thing he's found is it's REALLY sensitive to low battery, especially on starting. We had an incident in June in 30+ degrees where he kept restarting it (queuing for the chunnel)) and the ECU went bonkers. He solved that issue by putting a Lithium starter batter in series with the main battery and powered by the charge system, and with a solenoid so that it only kicks in when he's attempting to start it. This has solved the occasional starting funny business. HTH! :) (otherwise, what an awesome bike - he's had the 950, 1190 and now 2020 1290 AdvS and has loved them all! (and he's proper quick on the twisties.. ;) :) :D ))

Great, detailed review. 👍

Only managed just shy of 3k on mine this year after taking delivery in July. Touch wood nothing has gone wrong unlike the H-D Pan American which you dismissed but should have tried - I had one, its a stunning bike equal of the 1290 in MANY respects.....when it works!.... Sadly mine was an early 2021 and boy did it have bucket loads of issues which is how I came upon the SAS and now I wouldn't swop for the world. I have ridden it to its limits and sometimes have realised I've outreached mine - its done an average 56mpg since day one (amazed yours is a full 10mpg lower!!)....all the guys with one at our local meet seem to say the same at 56/57mpg. Didn't bother with the rally pack, just got the Suspension Pro and a good few other bits that suit me and very happy with what performance / handling I have. Hope you managed to get some more time in the saddle next year, roll on March 2023....

I have the 1290R.Love it.Thanks.

Hey Tim, great vid thanks v much. What are your thoughts on the KTM vs a BMW S1000XR? I’ve not ridden either, I know the BMW is more expensive with slightly less in the way of toys (albeit not far off), but interested to hear if you’ve ridden both, so could perhaps conjure a brief comparison? Cheers 👍🏼

KTM is great bike. I have the 1190advR. Even if I want a newer KTM, I can't sell her because I love her to much and we have great fun together!

Great review, I'm same height as you and think this bike would suit me well. Owned a completely trouble free MT10 for the last 6 and a half years. Be great to have a bike that still had the craziness of the 10 but in a more practical package; this appears to tick the boxes. Wow I've never experienced over 40mpg in 30,000 miles with the Yam. Just when you've just about convinced me to buy one I read the comments section of owners who've had problems! Cheapest option appears to be keep the MT10 until the government taxes petrol to point it costs more than 10 year old Scoth Whisky.

I've got SDGT 2020 model, high speed weave & head shaking when smashing it cured with Hyperpro RSC steering damper

Great review. I have done 9500 km in a year. Agree with everything you said. The only downside of the low fuel tanks is they make checking the oil level a pain compared to a SD. You need the orange handguards - extra 10 HP, guaranteed.

Yep - amazing bike - love mine even after 12k. Interestingly I never get that issue with the rear shock you mention but I do get the weave although at such silly speeds it's not really an issue 99% of the time. Spot on with the ACC, although it's not an essential I'd be loathed to get a bike now without it, makes long busy motorway journeys less irksome. Love your content Tim keep it up.

love that tv screen panel

Hi Tim, good video mate. I just bought a 22 plate with 4700 miles on. Love the bike but I’ve it feels like I’m riding a bumpy road all the time no matter what suspension set up it’s on. It still has the stock Mitas tyres on it, do you think changing them would make a difference or perhaps there’s something wrong with it?

I have a '22 SAS. I love it. At 5000 miles nothing has gone wrong with it. If I'm riding sedate pace I've seen well over 50mpg (Those are Screaming American Eagle Miles) and if I'm romping on her I still get over 40mpg average. It's truly a universal ride.

Your vids on this bike are really convincing me I need to go down to my local dealer…lol. Prices in my area almost never go down on the Euro bikes, and the Adventure R, which I love, is even more of a premium. And I’d be hard pressed to not ride home on a Super Duke Evo for that kind of money 😂

Got rid of my 2022, not going to go into the nitty gritty negatives, although there are a few, had it had a longer warranty and dealers closer I may have kept it longer but even for me a years warranty left started to feel real short so time to go

Great video! Subscribed - What kind of boots are you wearing? They look super comfortable.

I’m a happy owner of the previous model … same engine same madness when you twist the throttle hard… not because you’re in a hurry but because you want to feel the rush and a small testo boost 😁 I’m very curious to see what cards KTM will throw on the table next year with the new LC8 engine … 1400 cc & 180 hp ( 200+ hp on the SDR ) Greetings from Greece

Did that's puig spolier help? I loved the SAS but the wind buffeting vibrated my eyes out of their sockets!

You remind me of Alex Horne from Taskmaster 😁 great review 👍

I ordered my 2022 model with Akrapovic, orange hand protector which look great compared to standard and one part ktm optional comfort seat. And few tech pack stuff. But after 6 months it got stolen in September. Now I ordered the updated 2023 regular Vstrom 1050 which should come in March. Sure not compared but I know Ktm would be stolen again where I park in open Appartment block garage. I loved Vstrom engines and sound before. Maybe I will be back to Ktm in a few years.

Ive had a run for about an hour on it. I really like It. I am in a really awkward situation, i don’t know what to pick. The 1250gs or the 1290 ktm super S. both lovely bikes

Awesome review. Greetings from US.

I'm on my third KTM, a 390 and two 890's with a combined 20k miles with no issues whatsoever. Don't get me wrong they are not perfect but I'm sold on KTM's build quality, value for money, options and all around fun factor..

I’m 5”11” and just ordered one. I wonder if dropping the front end 10mm on the fork tubes would help with the front end?

Forgot to add = a very fortuitous puncture on the stock tyres gave me an excuse to change them to pilot 6s....WOW.

Now we need you to ride v4 pike's pig to compare, although I doubt it's worth the extra $$$ over this. Supposedly there is an adventure T with 17in wheels in the works, maybe we'll get a refreshed sdgt that will finally be based on gen 3 superduke as well. Also tell Aprilia to make tuareg v4 🤣 The insurance on super adv is a half or even less than multistrada and supernakeds too, nice bonus.

Great vid mate, how does it compare to the 1190 from a centre of gravity and general handling perspective and also in the active suspension and comfort departments?

Love my 1290 SAR too... But.... Electronic issues.... General failure, take to service light on. ECU failure flashes up. Never completely stopped but it's still a worry. Or and key not present and/or not in range issues. Bike won't start some times... It's a KTM thing...

Every time I'm due a new bike (I'm due one come spring) I find myself looking in the direction of KTM as they do tick all the boxes, but bottle it at the last second. Not sure I'm up for playing russian roulette with that much cash and more so my biking!

What topcase do you have? I have the same bike and I'm thinking buying the same.. Fits perfect!

Ciao Tim. L'ho posseduta anche io. Ma non so tu su che strade la guidi. Io la usavo principalmente a Roma IT. Col baricentro alto è difficilissimo da gestirla specialmente nel traffico. Sono passato alla GT e mi trovo molto meglio.

Yes, I do agree that paying extra for stuff already of the bike is a bit much. Having worked in retail however, £450 cost, and then selling it to the customer for £1000 the margin isn’t as big as you think. £550 is the gross margin, so, once they’ve taken out running costs, so payroll, rent if they don’t own the premises, three phase power, etc., I reckon their net margin is probably closer to £200

The 1290 Duke first gen is the best bike I think I’ve ever rode, definitely the scariest. I have not been lucky enough to ride later generations. However, reliability issues with KTM’s are a worry. The 1290 is more reliable than the 890’s so I hear. Would I buy one? Yes, probably will one day 😂

It's the most fun bike I've ever ridden, but the brake switch light error is seriously annoying.

Yes, yes and yes! Best bike on the market (Can't wait to be told I'm wrong by someone). 19k miles on mine and no issues either! You won't like the valve clearance service cost though 😂 Hope you get to put some more miles on it in the coming year!

Hello ,et la 1290 Adve R ça te plairai?

I wouldn't underestimate the Harley reviews have been very positive...waiting till 2024 Super Duke GT...

What a great Moto. I have a 21 SAR. Balls and all its faultless. Re the price or value issue. I don't buy a bike to re sell it. I buy it and keep it for years and extract every ounce of fun out of it. Its funny i look at the BMW forum and i see more issues from owners than i see with KTM i also had a 03 KTM 640 Adventure until recently and completed an 11000km central Australian trip without issues.

See im in a position to buy outright, im 27, Want to go touring next month. Do i buy a 1290 SAS 21 8k miles for 11k. Or buy a used 1200GSA TE 16/17 for around 9k and use the addional 2k as a deposit on a 1290R for a weekend toy? Love to hear your view on my dilemma.

I just got to wait a week because I have 2022 model waiting for me

Hi Tim, just soled my R1200 GS as I want something a bit different (more exciting). I'm looking at the Ninja 1000SX, S1000XR, The KTM 1290 SAS or the Suzuki GT. Touring, 2 up and great Sunday morning scratching and moto camping. Having ridden all of them, what would you go for?

18 months on my SDR now and it's been the most enjoyable bike to ride in over 20 yrs. However it went in to the dealership with a coolant leak and it turns out it's from a couple of places on the radiator. So the dealer put in a warranty claim, I was told it was approved but there's a delay with KTM for the part. That was about 6 weeks ago and then last week a voicemail message saying KTM don't believe my bike's had a 1st service and now want confirmation before progressing. Well yeah, it's serviced and should actually be on the bike and in the system, but apparently it's not showing up. So can I prove it? Fortunately I've got paper invoices from the KTM dealership I bought if from that went bust a few months ago. So, picture of invoice sent off and it's gone quiet again. Another 6 weeks until they decide to try to wriggle out of it again?? The bike's out of warranty early next year and I'm now thinking I really don't want to keep it past that point. I bought it with a load of cash off and with the Tech Pack and Arka thrown in for £399. PX price against a shiny new Triumph would leave me with roughly a £3k gap plus deposit even after my fairly hefty purchase discount. So for me, great bike to ride, not particularly to own at this point. Also making me think I'd not want to own a lemon in warranty let alone out of it.

We wil get there when we get there I like it😌

Great video 👍🏼

Can it not be compared to the triumph tiger 1200 gt pro most people rate them other than the engine vibrating at motorway speeds

3,000 miles in 10 months your not riding it enough! Your problem is so many other bikes to ride! Done 6,500 on my CBR650R first big bike since May! Mind you did ride to Austrian Alps and back with my son! Glad your enjoying it!

Nice . I bought the MCN SDR evo Long term Because already came with panniers , heated grips track pack . Tyres are a bit shot . Like to put 190 rear tyre because struggling to get 200 tyres I want . Anyone had any experience putting 190 on a SDR

How is you being thrown over the handlebars due to the quickshifter a user error

I take it that the indicators do not auto cancel?

I got rid of my SDGT after exactly 1 year. To many reliability issues, KTM cuts the price at the end of the season if they don't sell, hence they don't hold their value. Let's not talk about ghosts in the software and also lack of dealer support (they often treat you as if you are the reason something is wrong). When they work, it was a fun ride however I often caught myself wondering when I was going to have the next problem.

Nice ..it does seem KTM are sticking with the idea of building the bike with pre installed tech that you can then at further expense have initialised , I think the 890 comes with demo mode which in effect gives you everything but switches of after 500 miles or so , but you have to then pay to re energise , motorcyclists are renown for their ingenuity so I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of third party “unlocks” or cheats to bypass KTM restrictions

I have ridden the Pan America and can say for myself that the KTM is better and more sporty.

I,ll never understand how KTM charge the customer to unlock all the features already in the software.The way they discount bikes in the winter really affects the resale values.

🙂 Well said 👏 👍 though I ll keep Afrika twin only because of dct and a bit more

Keeps it Rally mode, think this geezer overtook me at lights once 😒 flew past 😏

test ridden it 5 times finaly decided to put a deposit on it, coming from GT gen2 , Adventure S an amazing bike but i find one silly problem. The front is very vauge , no so bad at slow speed but then when things get a little bit normal speed and turns i find that i dont have enough connection with the road, i thought its the auto suspension changed it still was like that, it tends to woblle at illegal speeds. i come to conclution that 19 inch front is not amazig for this bike. She needs a bit more weight on that front tire, when i get mine i will mod to make it run 17 inch front, i wish Ktm would have give this option to chose front tire, i can say 80% of the poeple will choose 17 inch front, these bikes are like the modern SUV's you dont by a range rover vouge to run it off road, may be alittle but not alot. So yea 17 inch front is a must for me. I test ride 19 inchducati multi v4 and then 17 inch pikes peak, the difference is so huge that i dont think anyone wil buy 19 inch v4s model if they are the same price :D by the way i bought the same colour brand new , PRE REG model for 13499£. didnt go for tech pack or rally pack , i only pick 3 important things, adaptive brake light, quick shifter and suspesion pro. notihing else worth the money for me, rally mode is a little bit of gimmic really like on GT they try to sell you Track pack :D as if :D got all the power parts for 20% off.

You play? Nice, 2 Gibson Les P. 1 Ovation, 1 Strat, 1 Lyle ect..

Needs a snazzy end-can instead of the bread bin. And KTM take the piss when you have to pay extra to unlock the electronics.

This monster of a man is like “I feel right at home on this and I’m only 6’3”!!!!!”

Just put a deposit on a 390 Adventure, hope I'm not disappointed.

A GS is a gentleman's bike. I ain't one. -a wise man once said

Great

If you like no warranty service and not knowing if it will ever start the next tine, go ahead and buy one.

The Austrian word for "bananas" as in "crazy" would be "deppert", pronounced "dappud". 😀

How f big do you have to be to make this bike look like a 125?

Watch your head man, seems like KTM wants some revenge :D

Too tall for me and too much tech. I hate how manufacturers are making people pay to unlock features. It's dishonest advertising if any of those features are advertised because people will assume they'll get everything at the listed price. Just add the extra onto the price and be done with it.

Radarbasierten geschwindigkeitsregelanlage

Maybe when I’m 50 might consider an adventure bike 😂😂

Motorcycling equivalent of a Range Rover Sport or a BMW X6M. Just do it!