The next chapter...KTM Super Adventure S

[Dirt_Dad]

I have done more repairs without it, than with, and never had a failure.

Me too. I usually consider a string a permanent fix and ride the tire to a natural change point.

This was a big hole in a tire that was already reaching the end. Two strings were not enough to fully seal it. I've watched a 3 plug fix get spit out after a roll across a gas station parking lot. At some point the whole is just too big. Rubber cement might have helped...or not.

 

[Donk]

Interesting to read about the SAS vs SAR. I still have my 890 and I’m still smitten with it. I had sold a couple of bikes and stumbled over a deal on a used ‘20 1290 SAR. After a month of should I or shouldn’t I it came down to what the heck might as well. DD’s positive reviews also helped push me over the top to do it! I had sold my ‘15 SAS which I loved because I couldn’t lower the electronic suspension and with a 30” inseam it was too challenging. Prior to owning the 890 my dream was to find a SAR (manual suspension) and lower it. Well let the adventures begin, no pun intended. Rode the SAR from WI to FL to have WMR in Stuart FL lower the suspension. They are a world class race shop and KTM dealer with an in house suspension shop. They took the shock apart and shortened it and shortened the forks as well. I now have a SAR with a 33” seat height and still have 6.5” of suspension travel. Bike came out great and it no longer feels like I’m galloping a giraffe down the road. It handles great and is very comfortable. Needless to say it goes like hell. As they say in for a penny... next up is converting it from 18”/21”R wheels to 17”/19”S wheels. Should give the front end a little more grip on road and not sacrifice anything riding unpaved roads. This hybrid SAR-S is really coming together as a wicked nice package. Kudos to WMR for all their great work. Only issue which is a good thing is I still like the 890 more!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Awesome!...congrats.

Very interesting to hear the conversions you're doing. So common to hear of going from 19 to 21. This may be the first I've heard going the other way. My opinion is it's the right way to go for more SA street than dirt use. I'm looking forward to hearing your experience.

Do you have the speed shifter turned on? I swear it accounts for a huge part of the enjoyment of the SAS.

Good luck on the transformation.
Please keep us posted on your experience.

 

[Donk]

Bike has cruise, heated grips and quickshifter as added options. Not sure what comes standard on the S but I know the 2 models come with different equipment. I added the S windshield which is actually a windshield vs what the R comes with. The bike came with all 3 Givi Trekker aluminum bags but I took them off and am going to sell them. They’re too big to throw my short stumpy leg over getting on and off the bike. They certainly hold a lot! Not sure if you can tell it’s lowered from the picture as there is nothing to compare it to

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Nice...you have most of the important options. Hill Hold is truly worthless if you've ridden a motorcycle more than twice on a slight incline. Motor Slip Regulator (MSR) is one option I have. Can't say I ever feel it kick in, but not sure I'd notice. With how aggressively you feel compelled to ride that wonderful motor, I suspect it's probably worthwhile.

I can't tell yours is lowered. Probably still higher than mine.

Nice one piece seat.

 

[bmac]

Hill Hold is truly worthless if you've ridden a motorcycle more than twice on a slight incline.

I LOVE that feature! No need to keep a hand or foot on the brake and it keeps the brake light on for all the idiots that might be behind me. It allows me to completely rest at a stop, with or without an incline.

 

[Sierra1]

It all depends on "how" it holds, or "how long" it holds. My Jeep has this feature, and I agree with DD; worthless. It activates when both the brake, and clutch pedal are depressed. It holds for two seconds. Period. Will not release until the time is up. My kid's Dart had the same feature. Same activation but would release as soon as the accelerator was pressed. Much more common sense, and usable.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Just one more example of how motorcycling is an intensely personal experience. What is right for one may be so very wrong for another. It's all personal preference.

I had it engage just once. Felt like I really needed to really ride the clutch to get going. Kinda like I was starting off pulling a trailer. 'Oh to hell with that!' Pulled over and turned it off never to return again.

 

[Sierra1]

I checked on turning mine off. It's programmed in with the ABS. Can't be done. Yours is common sensible.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

You actually have to pay extra to have it on the KTM. It came as part of the Travel Pack. Didn't want it, but cheaper to buy as a package. Maybe the next owner will want it.

 

[thughes317]

You actually have to pay extra to have it on the KTM. It came as part of the Travel Pack. Didn't want it, but cheaper to buy as a package. Maybe the next owner will want it.

Next owner? Are you sniffing around the 2022 model already there, DD?

 

[Donk]

If mine has hill hold I don’t know it. Certainly don’t need it miss it or care about it.
It sits a bit lower than a stock S judging by how my feet are on the ground. I think the only indication that it’s lowered is the front fender is closer to the headlight.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Next owner? Are you sniffing around the 2022 model already there, DD?

Don't anticipate it any time soon. I would not be surprised if the new version eventually makes it into my garage. But I'm still totally smitten with the current one. No rush to make a change.

 

[Boris]

Bike has cruise, heated grips and quickshifter as added options. Not sure what comes standard on the S but I know the 2 models come with different equipment. I added the S windshield which is actually a windshield vs what the R comes with. The bike came with all 3 Givi Trekker aluminum bags but I took them off and am going to sell them. They’re too big to throw my short stumpy leg over getting on and off the bike. They certainly hold a lot! Not sure if you can tell it’s lowered from the picture as there is nothing to compare it to View attachment 87386

Cracking bike…….enjoy it!

 

[Boris]

Nice...you have most of the important options. Hill Hold is truly worthless if you've ridden a motorcycle more than twice on a slight incline. Motor Slip Regulator (MSR) is one option I have. Can't say I ever feel it kick in, but not sure I'd notice. With how aggressively you feel compelled to ride that wonderful motor, I suspect it's probably worthwhile.

I can't tell yours is lowered. Probably still higher than mine.

Nice one piece seat.

I wonder if hill hold is available on Dutch bikes?

 

[fac191]

You actually have to pay extra to have it on the KTM. It came as part of the Travel Pack. Didn't want it, but cheaper to buy as a package. Maybe the next owner will want it.

The next owner ?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Some day there will be another to own my SAS. Can't imagine when that day will come, but I don't hold onto something that doesn't get used.

For now, I'm still excited with anticipation every time I swing a leg over the 2020 and see the "Ready to Race" appear on the screen. Changing to a new 2022 would be a risk. Will it as perfect a match for me as my current SAS?...maybe...maybe not. I know what I've got. I think I'm safe to say no other bike has kept me as entertained and satisfied as the SAS has done for the last 17 months. Every time I even see a picture of the bike I have a warm feeling and the unstoppable thought of "there's something special about that bike." I'm in deep.

I know it isn't the bike for everyone, but I hope everyone finds a bike that speaks to them in the same way.

This is what motorcycle ownership should be.

 

[thughes317]

Some day there will be another to own my SAS. Can't imagine when that day will come, but I don't hold onto something that doesn't get used.

For now, I'm still excited with anticipation every time I swing a leg over the 2020 and see the "Ready to Race" appear on the screen. Changing to a new 2022 would be a risk. Will it as perfect a match for me as my current SAS?...maybe...maybe not. I know what I've got. I think I'm safe to say no other bike has kept me as entertained and satisfied as the SAS has done for the last 17 months. Every time I even see a picture of the bike I have a warm feeling and the unstoppable thought of "there's something special about that bike." I'm in deep.

I know it isn't the bike for everyone, but I hope everyone finds a bike that speaks to them in the same way.

This is what motorcycle ownership should be.

Get a room, you two.

 

[fac191]

Get a room, you two.

It's well past that !

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Get a room, you two.

There are some lines I'm not willing to cross.