The next chapter...KTM Super Adventure S

[Checkswrecks]

If it weren't for the chain, I'd have what D_D has and you guys'd be looking for a new moderator. Not saying I'd quit the forum, I'd just be riding more.

 

[fac191]

The reality is most people who buy one of these bikes are not going to end up in the arse end if no where. They will be connected to civilization so reliably is not so much of a question although a pain if you break down. They are made because people want them. I love my Tenere but it could never give the the thrill factor a S@S would, but its not been designed for that so it doesn't bother me.

 

[VRODE]

If it weren't for the chain, I'd have what D_D has and you guys'd be looking for a new moderator. Not saying I'd quit the forum, I'd just be riding more.

I’d be looking hard at one if there was a dealer around here. The closest is over 2 hrs away and it’s too far for comfort.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The reality is most people who buy one of these bikes are not going to end up in the arse end if no where. They will be connected to civilization so reliably is not so much of a question although a pain if you break down. They are made because people want them. I love my Tenere but it could never give the the thrill factor a S@S would, but its not been designed for that so it doesn't bother me.

Having enough f-d up early KTM dirt bikes, I've gone through my share of their reliability issues. But the 690 was bullet-proof and lots of forum time looking at the 1290 threads tells me that they just are not having the problems my early dirt bikes did.

As for staying near civilization - LOL - not happening where D_D and I head to in WV.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Truth is I can wait to tour on the SAS. The few times I've put the cases on it, set the suspension to Comfort, and the throttle to Street, it has been the smoothest riding bike I've ever experienced. I have zero hesitation to take this bike cross country. Really excited to do it.

Worst mechanical issue I've seen so far is when I'm told the key has left range of the antenna. I find that is easily corrected and never really been an issue. There is an annoying warning light on now that I've gotten within 1000 miles of the 9,300 mile service interval. I haven't tried all that hard to see if I can get it to turn off. I figure it's only going to be on for 2 or 3 rides, so just don't care.

I would never say this bike can't break down. I will say my level of forgiveness has gone off the charts. If it all of a sudden it became untrustworthy or unreliable, I would still find it almost impossible to part with. The last 9 months and nearly 9K miles has been the most entertaining, crave inducing, satisfying, local only riding I've ever done. If I didn't trust the SAS to go long distance I'd buy a gen 3 Tenere for travel and keep the SAS for entertainment. Right now, I don't expect that to ever happen. But never say never.

As for the chain...sure that part sucks. But now with the auto-oiler and the chain being past the initial stretch, I can't say I think much about it. I look down, make sure it's not overly loose, or dry and that's about it. I'll always prefer a shaft, but if I can only get this level of performance, and unparalleled entertainment from a chain drive, it's well worth the added attention. I'm getting rewarded for the effort.

I keep wanting to get my 690 out for a ride, but when the choice comes down to the SAS or the 690...it's nearly impossible to pass up riding the SAS. It just makes me sound like that last reviewer on the 21.

 

[fac191]

Having enough f-d up early KTM dirt bikes, I've gone through my share of their reliability issues. But the 690 was bullet-proof and lots of forum time looking at the 1290 threads tells me that they just are not having the problems my early dirt bikes did.

As for staying near civilization - LOL - not happening where D_D and I head to in WV.

lol you were civilized but then we left !

 

[bmac]

The newly revised Super Adventure S looks really, really good. It is on top of my next up list. I am looking forward to test riding one. If it is as good as the reviews suggest and it stirs the soul I will likely add my 2nd KTM to the garage.

 

[Ron_Luning]

Where is it written on KTM's warranty documentation that an inspection is required after 1st year of ownership? I've never hear of this or seen it. The 2021 pdf on their website does not mention it. Plus, an "inspection" can be done on the USA by any qualified mechanic per the Magnusson Moss warranty act. Is this something your dealer is saying?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Today, while passing through Crescent City, IL, DM's bike hit 13k miles. 30 seconds later the SAS crossed over 10k miles. It was amusing to us.

This morning I thought I had my first mechanical issue with the bike. Saw a small puddle under the engine. A quick look around and found the coolant reservoir appeared empty. I'll skip the long story because I hate typing on my phone. Bottom line, the drain plug at the pump was ever so slightly loose. Snugged it up and the leaking stopped.

Try finding Motorex M3 on a Sunday...not happening. So topped off the tank with distilled water and watched it like a hawk the rest of the day. All seems good for now and will deal with it when I get home.

So far the bike has been an amazingly smooth touring machine. Set to road on the throttle, and comfort on the suspension and the ride has been downright plush. A terrific mile muncher so far this trip.

 

[Donk]

I went from the S10 to a Multistrada to a ‘15 Super Adventure and pick up my 890 Adventure tomorrow. The 1290 was amazing, put a smile on my face every time I rode it. It was better than the Multi in the twisties and more comfortable on long trips. My only issue with the bike is with my 30” inseam every stop was a challenge. If you remember the ‘15 had the 8 gallon tank too so full up it was heavy. I never dropped the bike but apprehension at every stop did take away from the enjoyment. I would have lowered it if I could but it can’t be done with the electronic suspension so my options were by a 1290 R or the 890. I had the opportunity to ride the 790 Adventure for 3 days and 2100 miles on all types of roads and was blown away by how well the bike did everything I wanted. The 890 is supposed to be even better so I decided to give the 890 a try and see how it works out.

 

[TNWalker]

I went from the S10 to a Multistrada to a ‘15 Super Adventure and pick up my 890 Adventure tomorrow. The 1290 was amazing, put a smile on my face every time I rode it. It was better than the Multi in the twisties and more comfortable on long trips. My only issue with the bike is with my 30” inseam every stop was a challenge. If you remember the ‘15 had the 8 gallon tank too so full up it was heavy. I never dropped the bike but apprehension at every stop did take away from the enjoyment. I would have lowered it if I could but it can’t be done with the electronic suspension so my options were by a 1290 R or the 890. I had the opportunity to ride the 790 Adventure for 3 days and 2100 miles on all types of roads and was blown away by how well the bike did everything I wanted. The 890 is supposed to be even better so I decided to give the 890 a try and see how it works out.

Love my 890.. Great bike.

Steve

 

[bmac]

I went from the S10 to a Multistrada to a ‘15 Super Adventure and pick up my 890 Adventure tomorrow. The 1290 was amazing, put a smile on my face every time I rode it. It was better than the Multi in the twisties and more comfortable on long trips. My only issue with the bike is with my 30” inseam every stop was a challenge. If you remember the ‘15 had the 8 gallon tank too so full up it was heavy. I never dropped the bike but apprehension at every stop did take away from the enjoyment. I would have lowered it if I could but it can’t be done with the electronic suspension so my options were by a 1290 R or the 890. I had the opportunity to ride the 790 Adventure for 3 days and 2100 miles on all types of roads and was blown away by how well the bike did everything I wanted. The 890 is supposed to be even better so I decided to give the 890 a try and see how it works out.

I recently test rode one and it is an excellent bike. Great power and light weight is a really nice combination. I would like to see one with a 19" wheel but that may just be me.

 

[Xclimation]

Just got back from ADV fest in Sturgis a 2 days ago. Of all the bikes there, KTM had the biggest showing. I was surprised to see how many Super Adventures there were! Such an awesome bike and it right now is at the top of my list for my next bike. I hung out with and rode with 2 different guys who had Super Adventures. One of the them is a "T" model that they stopped making in I believe 2016. It has an 8 gallon tank! One thing that impressed my was the gas mileage on these powerful bikes. I can't remember what it was, but it was better than my Tenere. Another is the light weight for a big looking bike! I thought they were too big for serious off roading....but one needs to look at Chris Birch's videos on YouTube! I didn't know it was possible to ride like this on a bike this size!

 

[Donk]

Brought the 890 home today. It’s like a cross between the 690 Duke I had and my 1290 Super Adventure. Wicked good fun I was laughing and smiling the whole way home. I opted for the comfort seat right from the start. Bike has great power to weight and handles sweet. The trade off for me between it and the 1290 is my feet can touch the ground at stops ang getting on the bike isn’t a balancing act. Seems just fine with a 21” wheel too don’t see any reason to swap it for a 19”.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Congrats!! Sat on one of those today at a dealership in SD. Super light feel, but more substantial feeling than my 690. Should be a blast. Look forward to hearing about it as you learn the bike.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

New glamor shot of the SAS.

 

[Donk]

I guess I need to start at the beginning. I had the opportunity to ride a 790 Adventure from S Florida to Wisconsin 6 weeks ago. I had some doubts about traveling on a smaller bike but what a great way to find out. Trip was a blast I loved the bike took more secondary roads than Interstates (did run Interstate through IL) and managed to turn 1450 miles into 2200 in 2.5 days. So I was hooked but also knew I would want the 890 if the bikes were the same otherwise, that’s just me.

So after a couple of days with the 890 Adventure I can tell you it’s a big improvement over the 790 and just plain old fashion fun to ride. The power, the power delivery and the front spring rate are a lot more civilized. The 890 has better low end and mid range power than the 790. The 790 felt more like a hot rod hooligan bike which I’m sure appeals to some people. The 890 has me smiling the whole time I’m on it. The bike handles like it’s on rails. I questioned the 21” front wheel on the street but KTM seems to know how to make it work the 10s. Now I know why the only bikes that ever pass me on the Slimey Crud Run are the older KTM 950/990 Adventures with their 21” front wheels and on/off road tires. These things handle better than sport bikes. I will admit it doesn’t have the FJR like power of the 1290 Super Adventure that I was riding had but 105 horsepower in a 400lb bike (dry) works just fine. The best part is the size of the bike, it’s just easy! Windshield works well, better than expected for sure. The looks are typical KTM edgy but really appeal to me. Updates to follow as I get more miles on it.

Dirt Dad not trying to hijack your thread just helping to paint the world orange.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I get it.

Great review.

Orange kool-aid is great...drink up.

 

[fac191]

New glamor shot of the SAS.

View attachment 82656

What's that rock DD ?

 

[Longdog Cymru]

What's that rock DD ?

I believe that is the one that featured in the film, “Close encounters of the Third Kind”, Devils Tower in Wyoming.