Dirt Dad think back to the days of small block vs big block Chevy. Small blocks were always quicker but once the big block got going it came on strong and was faster top end. Same is true for the 890 and 1290. The small block and the 890 can spin up - make rpm faster than the big block or the 1290. There is less mass in the engine to get moving. In addition the 890 is a smaller lighter bike and lighter accelerates faster. Think about it 1 cylinder head vs 2, no electronic suspension, less oil and coolant, it all adds up. I don't know how much you weigh but me at 172lbs am not a factor, a 250lbs guy may be. It's not too hard to imagine if you think it trough.
Just for fun. These are 790s not 890s
Everything you say, and the video shows, it makes sense...but...
While riding DM's 750 for a few hours yesterday I thinking about "fast bikes" and how that plays into satisfaction with the ride. I do not consider the SAS to be my fastest bike. That distinction goes to my old 2005 Yamaha FZ1. At 0 to an indicated 90 MPH, in about 3 seconds, in first gear, that bike was so fast it was confusing. It was also the bike I consider to be the most boring bike I've ever owned. I have never felt confused or bored pushing the SAS in that same range. Instead it's pure entertainment. I don't know how many seconds it takes, don't care, I just know it's extremely satisifying and impossible not to love. So, a high launch speed alone isn't the whole answer.
It made me realize one more aspect of KTM engineering that just works for me. Their design of the SAS is a true masterpiece. The bike is as gentle as a kitten and can be ridden in Sport mode (160 hp) in the rain and it will never do anything to surprise, worry, or scare you. There are better modes available for that environment, but realizing it's raining and you're still in Sport is not a big deal. Request it to do more and it will give only as requested. Request a lot and it will provide as much thrill as I could ever hope to experience. But it's never confusing, it's never worrying, it's never been anything other that a totally in control, often laugh out loud, I love motorcycling moment. Raw, shoot out from underneath you, bruit force doesn't provide that level of entertainment...KTM engineering does. At least it does for me.
I'm very interested to see what the 890, a quicker spin up engine than a 1290, will do once the KTM engineers say it's ready for prime time. My expectations are very high. KTM has never disappointed me yet. (I'm willing to think my short test ride of the 790 was not a good representation of what it could do)
By the way, Donk, I enjoyed that video. Not necessarily the 790 beating the 1290 off the line part, but starting at the 4:11 point I could really related to the rest of the video. I spend a lot of alone time doing that kind of stuff.
...and DM's BMW 750? A thoroughly enjoyable, zippy little bike. But my god, BMW engineers take keeping the front wheel glued to the pavement VERY seriously.
