Excellent review, I’ve owned both and currently ride the 890 r. As you say it depends on the riding you do. My 890 keeps up with the GS’s and 1290 on my one trip to Europe every year but for my day to day riding around small country roads the 890 in my opinion can’t be beaten.

@CaptinCrash321

5 ай бұрын

Kevin, just saw your comment and I'm considering taking an 890 through Europe in August this year. Love to be able to get in contact with you and ask some questions re-your Europe trip if that's possible.

First time coming here and i like it. Keep up the good work

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great review. About to test ride both back2back where I’m torn between my long history of GS big bike comfort feel that the 1290 delivers vs my desire to spent more time exploring narrow lanes and dirt trails on something lighter that will provide increased confidence.

Fix your Honda banner. Very funny opening and I enjoyed the review. You made the review fun to watch.

I have to ride 3.5-4 hours each way to get to the good stuff, and I’m always fully loaded with camping gear too. I want the 890, but currently ride a GSA which is great for the long distances, all day in the saddle, and having plenty of fun in the twisties like the 1290. Tough call.

@DansADV

7 ай бұрын

That is a tough call, neither KTM can touch the GS for on road comfort. While the 1290 is marginally easier to ride off road than a GS, they aren't worlds different. If you really want to change things up, you'd have to go 890, but then that commute to the "good stuff" would not be as fun.

Thank you very much for your very helpful comparison Dan. I own a 21 Africa Twin Adventure Sport DCT and mostly ride solo exploring the Sequoia National Forest Forest roads. I love my bike, but agree with you that the 890 gives you more confidence to explore tighter (single track) sections are unknown roads. Very well-done. Subscribed 🎉

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching... I too had the ATAS, great bike, but the 890 will feel like a toy off road by comparison.

Very good review. I wish I could own both. As with others saying they would stick with the 890, I think I will as well. Plus I have already done a few upgrades anyways. Thanks again for your insight.

I’m in between these two bikes now. I have an 890R but the 1290R just keeps distracting me. I like what you said about the 1290 feeling more substantial and the 890 feeling like a toy. It’s true!! The 890 feels so much smaller than it is. It feels much smaller (albeit faster) than my Tuareg.

@oliverallen5324

11 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed my 1190 Adv, which preceded the 1290. If you plan to be on longer trips on or off road, the larger bikes can do off-road stuff, but isn't fatiguing actually getting anywhere. The bike is heavier, so if you're not a lifter, I don't believe you should ride a bike you can't pick up easily, while tired. You will probably wanna ride the 890 more. As you said the smaller the bike, the less pomp and circumstance there is to riding. Have fun out there!

I've ridden both and own the 890. There is no comparison. The 890 is far more dirt worthy as a bike. Much more nimble and lighter...not just lighter but carries its weight lower. The only time I'd want the bigger bike is if I was doing an all street ride or nothing more than dirt roads.

how is the rally seat comfort wise..stock seat are so hard but I bought heated comfort seat

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

Seat comfort is pretty subjective... I don't have a ton of time on the Rally seat yet, it's certainly not pillow soft. It's more about being able to move around and open up the knee angle for me. Wish I could be of more help, I've not tried the comfort seat, so I can't compare.

Where did you get the small windscreen on the 1290.

@DansADV

Ай бұрын

This is what I use... looks like it's being discontinued... www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puig-clip-on-windscreen-visor?query=945995&sku_id=945995

It’s a good idea to tie up the brake calipers and not let them hang stressing the brake lines, also all bolts should be loosened while the tire is on the surface to prevent an accident.

I have a 790R and my friends want to ride from Colombia to Patagona next January. I think the 1290 would be the ticket , because the journey is 85% road and over 20k kilometers

@DansADV

2 ай бұрын

The 1290 is way more comfortable, for me at least.

Dan, which bike has the least amount of engine heat?

@DansADV

8 ай бұрын

I feel like they are about the same. I'm told that the CAT delete makes a big difference with the heat.

Great Review! Huge fan of the larger 1290R, had the SAS version and loved it. Thinking about getting the 1290R. I just don't like the looks of the 890.

@DansADV

7 ай бұрын

KTMs are not known for their looks, that's for sure. People either love them or hate them. Thanks for watching and replying.

Thanks for vid. What's your height?

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching… 6’1” 190lbs

@dc-o2976

11 ай бұрын

@@DansADV I’m 6’4” 250lbs. After 8 years off I decided to get back in. I used to ride a CRF450R. I had it for 13 years. 35ish years off road experience (I’m mid 50’s now). I’ve ridden 430 mi in 2 days on my new 890 R. To me the power is psychotic,… absolutely thrilling. I am so happy…but I am new to ADV. Height and weight is something I’d like to see more video creators discuss. It’s critically important. Suspension set-up, ergos, My old bike was dialed in, but it took a lot of years and cash. I’m so out in the weeds on this new bike. Hard to find videos as good as Dan’s that are focused on people my size. I’m glad Dan said that he is 6’1”. Just knowing that helps.

Im 6 foot tall and 250lbs Would either bike need to be dialed in for those specs lol. Thx. Great video on the verge of buying one of them. Any ideas on insurance?

@DansADV

10 ай бұрын

I just got back from the COBDR.. saw a 250+ guy on the 890, seemed to be fine. When you say dialed in, do yo mean adjust the preload, or do you mean upgrade the suspension? I don't think you'd need to upgrade on either bike, but's that's personal preference.

❤ really cool

I’m going to agree with you on most of what you said, however, set up has a huge play and how these bikes ride. If you are mainly street and fire roads, then like you I suggest the bigger bike and especially if you’re doing longer rides. If you are more dirt oriented, the 890 wins hands-down, but you absolutely have to set it up correctly. Stock tires suck, it needs bar risers and a higher seat if you’re tall, three teeth up in the rear sprocket, a decat and a Wings exhaust or similar will make it an absolute rocket. I take my 890 ADVR on single track all the time with the little bikes. No clutch needed for wheelies as well. In any technical terrain the 890 will outperform the big bike by far.

How different or similar are the electronics, all features available and unlocked? Considering these three bikes, KTM 890 adventure, 890 r , and the 1290 SAS. Not the 1290 r.

@DansADV

4 ай бұрын

1290 has a few more bells and whistles. Larger TFT, Extra favorites button, easier (for me) button interface, tire pressure monitor. These are pretty small things though, nothing in this category that would sway me between the bikes. Far more important is the weight , power, comfort and how you want to ride.

Haha! This is Ian and you’re watching Big Rock Moto!! 😂

SUPER 👍👍👍👍👍

What rear tire were you using that was grippy enough to wheelie the 1290 with just smacking the throttle? 🙂

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

Motoz Rallz

@Erknlssn

Жыл бұрын

Interesting. I run mitas e07+ and they just light up the tc button when I get near full throttle! 🤔

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

@@Erknlssn You should have more than enough traction, on pavement, with just about any tire. Watch some video's, there is some technique to it, I run Rally mode with TC around 5, see if that helps as well. If you've not wheelied much with other bikes, this is a pretty dangerous bike to learn on. I'd start with a dirt bike

@Erknlssn

Жыл бұрын

Lack of technique may add. But with street tires (pirelli angel gt) it lifts the front in sport mode. With the mitas it seems to slip and light up the tc. But it's been a few weeks so I'll have to try again now that temps are a little higher and see if higher tarmac and tire temps will aid. Sucks to have 160hp if the tires will make tc limit the bike all the time 🤔 For wheelie training I'll use my dirt bike. I ain't rich enough to crash the 1290 😅

@Erknlssn

Жыл бұрын

Oh, and forgot to add. Nice video. Been waiting for a comparison like this! 🙂

I'm in the middle of this decision right now. I want to do a multi state trip this summer. I've looked at the GSA, 890 standard, 1290 R, and I would like to go look at the Triumph. My eyes keep turning back to the 1290 R. Right now I'm riding a CB500X with the Rally Raid kit. It's an ok bike but the power just doesn't put a smile on my face and it's a wee bit buzzy at 80.

@DansADV

Жыл бұрын

They are all great bikes. The safest bet would probably be moving to the 890, it will be so much faster than the 500 without being drastically bigger. But that 1290 is crazy fast and fun, if you can handle it.. no fun to pick up off road.

@danielpalmberg3371

Жыл бұрын

Look at the 1290 S. Coming from the cb 500x (if that bike works for you) the S-version is a good option perhaps...

i find the 1290 looks amazing. been looking at triumph 900 aragon rally and desertX but that one has no accessories fir tavel. thoughts ?

@DansADV

7 ай бұрын

The 1290 is quite a bit heavier than either of those bikes. If you're looking to do serious off-road, then I would go with the Desert X or the KTM 890. For longer distance travel or milder off-road, the 1290. Have a video comparing the Desert X and KTM 890 ADV R coming soon

The 890 is more than cabable for lo g road trips but can also do tet and act . I loke it very much and for the 1290 engine i use the superduke who ist really fun on carmac

6'4 220lbs mostly street, 100 horse is enough for me. which one for me?

@DansADV

4 ай бұрын

If you had said all street, I'd go with the 1290... Mostly street means some dirt. For me the real question is: How aggressive do you want to get off road and what is your off road skill level. Comfort is subjective, but at your size I'd assume the 1290 would be more comfortable. But the 1290 is big and intimidating off road, depending on your experience level. I guess at the end of the day only you can answer the question. Safe bet is the 890.

@Beinhartwie1chopper

4 ай бұрын

@@DansADV with dirt I meant unpaived roads, not spending a lot of time in the air. 😆 ( the husqvarna FE 501 s looks pretty good for that)

Great comparison and commentary. When the 1290 broke the log, you could well have stopped the review at that point - is there anything else you really need to know? LOL.

@DansADV

6 ай бұрын

lol

Hmm.. Now go try the new Norden Expedition ..🤨😉

@plurz215

9 ай бұрын

Aren't they just a low spec 890?

@leifiseland1218

9 ай бұрын

@@plurz215 if anything, rather up spec 890 R's, with a bit different geometry.. in car terms, you could say if KTM is a VW, Husqvarna is the Audi.. sort of..🤔 & better looking aswell, ofcourse..😜😎

@plurz215

9 ай бұрын

Looking at the specs it's a rebadged 890R with a smaller tank and more weight, also less offroad focused, but the Norden does have more accessories. Looks are subjective, KTM has a high fender which will be better in mud. @@leifiseland1218

@leifiseland1218

9 ай бұрын

@@plurz215 aha.. so you are a spec sheet warrior, not eaven bothering to find out what's behind the numbers?.. nevermind then.😅

@plurz215

9 ай бұрын

Haha I can tell you if I had access to both bikes I'd ride them back to back, alas I don't so specs and reviews certainly help to make an informed decision.

I disagree about the 1290 vs GS. For most people the GS will be more accessible for Off road and a little more beginner friendly. Of course more experienced riders will always be faster and go further on the 1290.

yeah, nargh....

good but lose the red neck music interludes

@r.r.r.s.l.9185

9 ай бұрын

nooo!! joder es blues del bueno, ni caso