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The difference in seat hight between my 800GS and my 790ADV made a huge difference in my offroad confidence. Knowing that I can get my foot down in almost any situation allows me to think of the trail, and not an exit plan.

Great content, Ben thanks very much, you gotta love that view when you get up that mountain, and I think we all have conversations with ourselves when we get to tricky areas. Thanks again see you next time.

What I do on my 1290 is go from giggling to quickly realizing I'm not Chris Birch

@AKAOmnivore

Ай бұрын

I hear ya, I have the GT version, if I die on it, I hope the huge grin on my face is still there when they peel the helmet off 😎 I don't see how off road on the ADV is even possible with that motor.

@shepherdsking9687

Ай бұрын

I have a 1290 SAR as well, yes it's way too much for offroad. But I bought it with the intent of traveling a lot farther on-road. If I had a do over, I likely would have gone the 790 route. Otherwise the 1290 is so much fun.

Excellent picture quality! What an amazing place you live! Cheers.

Thanks Ben, just so you and others are aware, the Cycra ultra pro bend HCM hand guard covers bolt up perfectly on this bike…..just another option. No spacers required. Look forward to more videos on this bike from you. I am loving mine so far, it’s a hoot!

"What do people on 1290's do?" Great question. I ride the Norden and it's more HPs than I'll ever be able to control.

@wanderlpnw

2 ай бұрын

Better suspension, heated seat, hydraulic clutch, more leg room, larger tank, better wind protection, adjustable screen. For me, anyway. The power is fun, makes me giggle, but I have it for the above reasons primarily.

@advmike

2 ай бұрын

@@wanderlpnw good explanation. gives me an idea for "why big bikes" video - thanks!

@wanderlpnw

2 ай бұрын

@@advmike maybe if I had one bike, I'd go for a mid sized bike. Maybe a toureg. I have a Gas Gas ES700 for more difficult off-road riding. I'd probably have a 500 if I lived in Eastern Oregon.

@MADDOG100ful

Ай бұрын

I put the Puig wind screen on my 901 expedition much better in challenging weather.

@KS-hw9zr

Ай бұрын

Street riding with a passenger, plus can go off road when you want. I ride an bmw r1250 gsa. Having the power is great for road touring especially with the wife on the back. But with riding modes it’s controllable enough I can still go play on the dirt jumps I made for my 8 year old niece. Wouldn’t want to do too much bigger of jumps than that with it personally but still manageable off road even for my novice self.

Great video

I like the pointing at the end, and I like your vids. Keep up the good work Bro!

Great video Ben !

Thinking about this bike! Looking forward to the vids. Gracias amigo 😂

I like that they put the exhaust up high

This bike has really got me thinking

Down at the Julian rally last year a guy in my group had an 890. We were on a trip up a fire road to a hilltop lookout. There were some ruts and he got caught by one that pushed him into a large bolder, The bolder hit the lower tank. The tank was fine but it bent the crap out of the little tank mount bracket. The tank was out of place causing the fuel line to rip off. He was able to close the fuel valve but with the tank bracket bent the he couldn't get the fuel line back on. Had to take the whole dang thing apart to beat the bracket close to rights. Even then it wouldn't go completely back together. He finally made it back to camp but the damage ended his weekend.

Nice video!

Should come test thoes darn tough socks up in Vermont!

Looks like some good riding out there!

Since selling my africa twin and getting the 790, I instantly feel so much more confident on it. And I know what you mean with the power, thing is quick, especially for the cc's and weight, and I'm still in break in Km's, keeping revs under 6k. Can't wait to see how it is full throttle.

one on my YT ads this time was YOU. it was for quadlock. Good looking bike. I hope it treats you well.

Thanks! It's awesome bike !

Definitely interested in the Tusk 2Tracks for my Transalp. I do a lot of canyon and freeway riding along with some off-road so please keep us posted on your thoughts/opinions on them please.

Just an FYI but the 790 and 890 Adventures have issues with the airbox not fully sealing around the air filter and, if left untouched, allows dust to bypass the filter and get sucked into the engine. Over time it causes valve issues. One solution is to grease around the air filter but the most recommended one is to add a second foam filter (a couple of companies, KTM included, make them) along with greasing that OEM filter. Since you ride off-road this is something you'll want to look into.

You're not wrong about it being quite capable and confidence inspiring. I picked this up as an upgrade for the girlfriend over her versus x300. She used to be falling behind at 30 miles an hour on the dirt. Now she leads doing upwards of 50 in some cases. It's only her second year riding. She says "it just feels so good and comfortable" lol we also have the Tusk two track tires. Overall I would say it's a great upgrade for somebody that is short. Oh and the maniacal laughter I was listening to over the cardo when she decided to give the throttle a little extra twist was very satisfying to my heart haha

I must say that bike makes me think trading one orange big bike for a smaller orange bike would be a good thing, Always Good content Ben!

Great vid man! I’ve been rocking Darn Tough socks for maybe 10 years now? Totally worth it.

@stevehaydon5127

Ай бұрын

Love the Darn Tough socks, the snowmobiling/motorbike ones. Rode two 5-day off-road rides with them and my feet were happy throughout. The lifetime guarantee means I can amortize the initial high cost, I rationalized.

Thanks for reviewing this bike, How is the engine heat? Does it cook the legs?

I luv your channel.

Man those logging trucks, so damn scary. So much truck, so much speed.

@roysteves

Ай бұрын

100% of blind corners, I approach assuming that's waiting to greet me. Still alive, so I guess that's working? :)

@MarcSherwood

Ай бұрын

@@roysteves Whenever I am on active logging roads and have some people fly by and drift around blind corners I tighten up hoping there won't be a logging truck.

@Roberta_Esposito

Ай бұрын

Maine maniacs- they own most of the land

Thanks for sharing :). It will be exciting to see what you think of it after a while, hope it remains problem-free. The new FS900 looks very promising :)

When you get a chance, Transalp vs KTM 790 would be awesome. Thanks Ben, solid content as always!

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

Just gotta get this one to 1000 miles first.

@MADDOG100ful

Ай бұрын

T r a n s a l p and a KTM 790 comparison. I think we already know who's going to come out on top:-)

@sebasbecu

Ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad I know it’s not doable , but we need 30.000 k . The little problems are not a problem . Worn camshafts and things that might ruin a vacation trip are . I’m thankfull that you are looking into this real world priced adv bike and approaching the testing the way you are. The bike will end up being the best mid priced adv bike but the problem lies in the long term. Thanks for your videos , they are brilliant !

@toshanand

Ай бұрын

And compare it to the Tuareg too! Which I think is the real competition.

Hope you are ok after the fall , great channel ! Wanted to ask how heavy is lifting the ktm compared to the T7?

Got almost 600 miles on my 790. Loving it so far. I went with a smaller wind deflector and it made a massive difference also. Did you pay for the tech pack? That is my only complaint. Was never even informed at the dealer Id lose cruise, rally mode, quickshifter, ect... at 1000k miles. I really like having the cruise and KTM told me I could get it separately for $300 plus 1hr labor to have it enabled. Thanks for the video. Definitely getting that seat cover.

Finally thank you

Hey Dork, I'm seriously considering picking one of these up. I have a deposit down on a black one. Question, Have you heard of any issues with the Tubeless Tire setup that KTM uses leaking air ? I've seen a few reports on the original 790/890. Apparently, some people have seen leaks from the spoke nipples/rim. Thanks and looking forward to more 790 content !

Hey I think you found a unicorn with good tires Keep the rubber side down🦄🐝🌲

you graduated to the upper class bikes.....almost to the Starsbucks level...next will be the Beamer class. LOL Looking forward to your videos on this bike and any problems you encounter. Keep up the great work.

So stoked you got this bike. I’m partial to Japanese bikes, but I’m intrigued by this one, so looking forward to seeing how you like it, and if course how reliable it is :)

If you take the rear side panels, and the rear rack handles off, your Mosko or Tusk 40 or 80 bags fit much closer to the frame for better handling and won't haze your side panels. Put the panels back on when not using the bags.

I have three bikes on my mid-range list. This one, the BMW F900GS and The Honda Africa Twin. The only reason that this bike is not the only one on the list is the reliability rumors I've heard. I've heard them about BMW also, and the Honda is at the top of the price range. Looking forward to your honest reviews coming up. I want this bike to be the one.

Thanks for the review. I had one question I couldn't find info on: Are the wheels/tires tube or tubeless?

@SBMotoZ

Ай бұрын

yes, Tubeless !

I like The Pointing ! I say run with it !

Any word on a 790 Adventure R coming out?

That’s a good lookin bike, man. Seems quite capable too. I particularly like this one cuz the orange is minimal :]

GoPro Hero 12 do over gremlins? I love the company - but not that camera. Tries to do too much. Mine has been a challenge with mic, too. Good luck - great stuff

I’m buying this 790 or the Transalp (full power) in the next month. I test road a Norman 901 last week (it’s what the dealer had) and my leg and butt got warm, wasn’t over 60f that day, so thinking of the 100f summers in Japan, have you noticed any heat on your 790? Do you feel like CFmoto make a better 790 than ktm makes and 890?

I'd sure like to see a comparison between the Transalp and the 790 stock to stock. I'm looking for a 75/25 road to gravel/forest service road bike. Most of my riding is scenic byway backroads with occasional forays on gravel/dirt roads. Any suggestions?

Are we going to get a solo 790 BDR video?

So, no crashbars for the 790 - just AXP skidplate and the H&B handguards - because the fuel tank design and its own in-built protection is that good. Is it the same then Ben, for the Norden 901? And if you had the 901 over again would you do the same (no crashbars) for it as the 790?

how do you like the foot pegs to me they seemed way to far back and cruising around i tend to dangle allot of my foot off the pegs

Waiting for a comparison with Tuareg and transalp

You've come a long way in your riding abilities, I almost miss your "we're all gonna die" videos lol.... Seriously though, I'm interested in seeing how this KTM works out for you. I was never a KTM fan until I owned one, my wife wants me to sell it or get more life insurance 🤣

I think you forgot to mention the alpine star underpants you’re wearing 😂 Nice bike 😎

Do you ever use a Cardo or Sena device?

How does this compare to my Husq 701? Is this bike more road oriented?

Hey Ben mic question on your osmo. Do you have issues with the mic not being recognized if you use the quick power on button on top? I am using a usb mic and it almost always takes 2 tries to get the camera to notice the mic

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

It takes a second or two to kick in on the Osmo. It doesn't recognize the mic adapter right away.

Just slapped a set of the Tusk 2Tracks on my T7, really impressed with them. A bit of a pain to spoon on, but I’m still learning so might just be me. 😂 my 1190 is like a rodeo bull off road when you get on the throttle, kinda addictive but definitely overkill.

I had a 1290 for a few years. I mostly rode it in Off Road mode and for me it was way more enjoyable. Eventually I realized it was too much bike for the way I rode and traded it for a 701. More my style of bike.

Hiho fello 790 rider. Have you decided on additional crash bars as of yet? Technically I've got some low bars already, but hesitating fitting them because of the weight. The tanks already being crash ready is cool, but a part of me still thinks...will they really keep the bike in one piece?

Don’t forget the quad lock as we had to see a video on its install 😂

Missed the new bike day video. When did you get this one?

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

About a month ago: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iYykw6iahMjLY8o.html

What do people on 1290’s do? 1: set the cruise control on 90 and still get decent fuel mileage 2: 3rd gear power wheelies and 4th gear clutch ups 3: Stop at the trail head to change the undies after a trail ride🤣. Seriously though. I put the throttle response in the Rally setting ONE time. NOPE, that’s for better riders than me. I keep it in Rally mode with Street throttle response. That said, since i got my T7 the 1290 has been sitting in the corner giving me that look. Later Dork and as usual, great vid and great scenery.

@shepherdsking9687

Ай бұрын

I fully agree with # 1 and 2. I make sure I take it pretty easy on the trails. It's a heavy machine.😁

You need the small puig.

I really like my 890 S. If I ever get another KTM down the line it'll likely be a 790. Like you said - plenty of power for offroad and cheaper than a 890.

I would be interested in seeing the suspension options for this bike to make it more comfortable on small bumps without losing the support on larger ones. The R models are appealing, but for short people like me, they are too tall.

Nice bike. Fun ride. I'll wait to see how you do with this bike (i.e. reliability and ease of maintenance). These are highest priority for me because I live hundreds of miles from a dealer or certified KTM mechanic. This is a neat bike!!

@mikeff15

Ай бұрын

KTM still offers service manuals unlike some so there is that.

@54zk

Ай бұрын

Ive got a 2020 790 with 36,000 miles, bike is running great, Ive had it out in Moab, NM dessert, Tail of he dragon and off road all around there, she's seen A Lot of off road, has been down more than I'd like to admit, (27" inseam has a little to do with that) she still looks good, no machanical problems ie engine/trans, or tech problems. Things that have been done, brake spring recall, leaking hose at water connection, shock seal blowout, (I fixed that with full TracTive extreme suspension) headlight mounting tabs weld failure (fixed with Triple clamps bracket), sounds like alot but Im sure all those problems have been addressed now, I know one thing Im keeping this bike its amazing

Hi Ben, thank you for the awesome video. Got one about 3 weeks ago put about 700 miles on it both on and off-road. 2 things I noticed quick-shifter needs adjustment and the demo mode is good up to 930 miles. I am going next week for the 1st oil change. Are you planning to buy the full electric package? If not which components, will you get? I'm in GA dealer is asking $800 for the full package and programing.

Since it is a KTM, and like Bill&Ted I can only think it is Evil robot Dork riding it.. Looking forward to more Evil Dork's KTM 790 Bogus Adventures.... Evil me might pick one of these up... Cheers!

I see a Tusk tank bag on this bike and an MSR hydration pack on you. April Fools stunt or did Giant Loop make a big mistake?

Could you consider to do an adventure series on scooter. I would be very interested to see (real)motorbike man touring and camping and driving those roads by X-ADV 750 DCT, or even ADV 350 cvt. Hello from 40 C° Thailand.

Dork,weird question. How do you break-in your new bikes? Hard break in or following manufacturer requirements

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

I generally just ride and try not to push the bike too hard until after the first service

I just mob an XR150 up through the mountains like it’s a pit bike. It’s such a unit.

@bakanaman2

Ай бұрын

Haha I do the same! Curious as to what tires you run on that bike. I'm on the stockers and looking to change to maybe a Shinko 804/805.

@itsTy21215

Ай бұрын

@@bakanaman2 I’m just on the stock tires well. I haven’t committed to new tires yet. I really wish I could find knobbies in the factory size but everywhere I look, people have had to go up in size which kind of sucks to me.

@bakanaman2

Ай бұрын

@@itsTy21215 Yeah, I agree. I found a guy on one of the forums that went to the Shinko 804/805 combo. Yes, you have to go a little bigger which isn't great for that bike, but I may give it a try. I'm changing the front sprocket to a 15 or 16 to get a little more low end torque and hopefully make up for the bigger, heavier tires a bit.

@itsTy21215

Ай бұрын

@@bakanaman2 I would like to try it myself as well but I live in northwest Oklahoma and I can’t really afford to loose any top end. It’s all flat land here so we get 20+mph wind on a regular basis. I’m only able to do like 55 and sometimes 60 but the speed limit is 65 🤣 I definitely want some actual dirt tires though. I ride mostly gravel and clay roads so dirt tires would be far better

I drive trucks in Alaska. Go up to Prudhoe often. Trucks on the haulroad are not as dangerous as a Subaru. I got a drz400 and vstrom650. Ride as often as i can.

Can these be reflashed to run 87 oct? I'm way out in the sticks, and my nearby station only carries dirty gas. 😅

@chuckgenaro4373

Ай бұрын

the bike is supposed to have some kind of anti-knock tech that allows for less than premium gas

I believe some consider Kim 790 adventure beginner? I still think Suzuki v-stein 650xt is the best beginner

It’s not about how much HP the 1200s have at 10,000 rpm - it’s about the extra power and torque they make at 20 mph in 2nd. And, of course - the 1,200 miles you hammered out in a day and a half on the slab to get there!

I have an 1190 r . It's way overkill . But fun .

This video was a little light on impressions. I guess it rode fine? Some concluding thoughts would have been nice.

I was confused by your fuzzy neck gaiter....then realized it was your beard!

Question! Thanks to Ben, I just took my first off-road course…if you are in northern Virginia I highly recommend DC DirtCamp, great company. Soooo, downsizing to a mid-size to add a little more off-road adventures. Narrowed to DE 800 and “new” KTM 790…any experiences with either are appreciated!

I really wouldn't put crashbars on this bike, one of the best things about it is that it's not really needed compared to most bikes

"go back by the same boring stuff" !! 😂😂😂

Larger more powerful bikes are very nice for two up touring but solo you could easily get by with a smaller bike... (Multistrada 1260 Enduro owner)

Yeah I know it can be done but I wouldn't buy a bike unless I can at least put one point of contact down Tippy Toe or not. That and need to be able to get it off the kickstand I sat on an ibex 800 and couldn't even get it off. Did not try hard it was in between bikes I didn't want to topple over. I finally just bought one of those dead cat wind muff things from my microphone did not seem to do much difference and I heard scratching for the first time myself. I move the microphone and rode to work but haven't listened to see what it sounded like yet. Buying one of those external recorders for microphones or something figuring out how it works. Broke as hell is always and there's more important things that need to be taken care of first.

Good on Ben for cutting out all the swearing after he forgot to press record the first time. 😁

still waiting to see the mud

Just get a DR 650 with Acerbis tank. And watch your views grow.

There is no unicorn.......but there is a GOAT. Dr 650 GETS IT DONE!!

You should have stuck with the Norden - and it’s not because I own one 😊

get the black dog bash plate. it the business

at 11:36 Tom Cruise would have just kept on going and jumped off the ledge. C'Mon man... Tom Cruise up! ~ 🙂 Nice bike.

Really makes me think I should have waited to get one. I have the cf moto ibex 800T. Going to put the Mitas enduro 7 tires on it. Then maybe I will feel comfortable off road. But it's so heavy picking it up is almost impossible after screwing up my left knee.

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

Yeah that Ibex is a lot heavier, isn't it?

@ChrisSauer-oe5ve

Ай бұрын

Get a Tuareg 🎉 much lighter!

@MrRickrm

Ай бұрын

It's 530 lbs. Feels wonderful on the highway, and not bad in cross wind.

Thanks for suffering through the edit with the crackling. I'd rather listen through it than have you ditch (another) day of filming! I do a bit of video editing myself, so I totally relate. :)

@roysteves

Ай бұрын

Heh, the only time I've made it down to Dork Mountain, there was so much fog and clouds that I really ought to go back.

I always have to remember to NOT add 30 lbs to the weight of KTM's because they don't need crash bars.

@2wheels.are.better.than4

Ай бұрын

I don’t run crash bars on my T7 either. I have GB Racing engine case covers, CamelADV side fairings, and Acerbis handguards 👍🏼

Looking forward to seeing the CFMoto reliability aspect of this machine…as a 390 Adv owner, considering picking one up

@leifiseland1218

Ай бұрын

What you should be looking for, is the new RE 450 Himalayan, reportedly more dirt-capable than the CF MOTO 450..🧐

@SBMotoZ

Ай бұрын

@@leifiseland1218 cool bike, no cruise control. Deal breaker for me

@leifiseland1218

Ай бұрын

@@SBMotoZ Mount an aftermarket one?..

@DigitalProphet_

Ай бұрын

It does have cruise control as an optional extra.

At this moment, I’m sitting on my brand new KTM 890 adventure standard model. Watching your video from the side of the road. My bike just clicked over 200 miles, just started surging pulled off the Road now the bike won’t start been here for two hours now. Waiting for Triple AAA to pick me up … hopefully this isn’t the things that come my way on my brand new KTM. I should’ve bought that Honda Transill 750.🤔🤔

@jaybarron3186

Ай бұрын

Is the fuel petcock open? it has fuel cocks at the bottom of each tank behind the tank covers. Hopefully this solves problem. Good luck!

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

😬😬

@jameslee5428

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the reply 👍… Both Fuel cocks open👍…Looking like Electrical/KTM’s ghost in the machine 🤔

CF Moto Ibex is the same bike…with many more features and less dealer support

Let us know about what you think about reliability. Seems to be the topic lacking in reviews. An important topic that for one reason or another……gets overlooked.

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

that's why I bought it!

The 790 drop, easy to pick up? My T7 was brutal, one of the reasons I sold it.

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

I was SHOCKED how easy it was to pick up. It reminded me of picking up a dual sport. That low center of gravity makes a difference, for sure.

@ChrisSauer-oe5ve

Ай бұрын

T7 is a heavy bike 💯🥵

@glennmcguire5571

Ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad You're killing me, now I want to sell my 390 and get a 790. The price is right.

@chuckgenaro4373

Ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad I went from an africa twin to a R1200GS because the beemer was easier to pick up! I have since traded the 1200 for a new KTM 790 and lovin it.

never do crashbars on a 790/890! metal hanguards and a better skidplate, that's all you need!

What have you heard about the reliability of this bike?

@DorkintheRoad

Ай бұрын

All the KTM things + all the Chinese-made bike things combined.