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The 950 was designed from the ground up to be a Dakar bike, it wasn't the most friendly bike to work on for sure. I had a 2005.5 950 and really liked it once KTM got all the bugs worked out. I always used to joke it was the best bike I had ever ridden and one of the worst I ever owned. I sold my 950 quite a few years back and have had a few bikes since then. I picked up a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports and just recently the 790 Adv R. I am still on the fence about the 790, it's a good bike but nothing about it really excites me so I am not sure if I will end up keeping it long term. I had hoped that it would be good enough on the street to take the place of the Africa Twin so I could sell the Honda but it is nowhere near as comfortable as the Africa Twin. It is also kind of sad that the 790 feels "cheap" to me when compared to the 950 and sadly even to the Honda. A lot of plastic parts, poorly designed "fairing", cable clutch, and just non premium parts all around. That being said there are a some things I like about the 790, the fuel mileage is unreal, it is definitely capable off road, it has plenty of power and I do like the Cruise control even though you have to pay extra for it. Just need to decide if it's a keeper or not.

The 950 was a dream bike for me till a few days ago when I picked one up. So excited! This bike will be staying with me for a long time.

The 990 has character that this one is lacking. It has Dakar heritage. It is really strong in the looks department as well (if you like Rally bike styling that is). The raw feeling LC8 is also great. While the new one is objectively better in every way, the old bikes are just by far the more special bikes

i’d keep my 990 and spend the other $7000 on fuel, mountain house and beer. or id get a t7.

@jasperduncan6633

3 жыл бұрын

That is the issue? Is the 790 twice as good because it now costs twice the price of my 990.

Thanks so much for shearing. I think I wait for 890 adventure. My 950 ADV S is still runing strong. Take care from the CZ

Ian is the accountant-motorcyclist friend that we didn't know that we needed in our lives. Another great video Ian! Keep up the great work!

I have 3500 miles on my 2020 790R. I had a few issues - the clutch failed at 200 miles, there is an oil port/jet in the clutch that was blocked with locktight from the factory - ktm made good on it. I also had a slight coolant leak - hose clamp needed tightening. I ride mostly offroad, so the stock tires were not great for that. I replaced the stock tires with MOTOZ Tractionator RallZ - these are by far and away the best adv tires I have ever owned. I have 2500 miles on them and they have more tread left that TKC 80s do when brand new. I LOVE THIS 790R. We just finished a weekend ride in a mix of very muddy rutted up/ rocky ATV Trails in northern Wisconsin - putting about 70 offroad miles on each day (would have done more, but our wives were riding in UTVs behind us, slowing us down at every intersection waiting for them to catch up). I never even came close to dropping this bike - it handles everything I throw at it offroad and on the highway it rides awesome.

Ive had my 07 990S since 2008. Its a great bike. I will hold on to it for riding 2 up with wifey. May be a Norden 501 some day for solo trips.

I sold my 2007 KTM 990 Adventure S after 90 000 trouble free kilometers (56 000 miles) and bought the 790 Adv R. I am very happy with my decision so far. I do miss the sound and bonkers torque of the 990, but the 790 is just so easy to ride in tricky situations.

@freidrichnietzsche6643

6 ай бұрын

Fanie, this is awesome to hear. thanks for sharing. I hope to get some huge miles out of my 1290SAR before they release the 1490SAR 💪

I have a 790 Rally and just picked up a pretty mint 990 R today as a back-up bike. My local shop has a bit of a 950/990 love affair going on. As it happens, my 790 is in there for a second time this year getting valves replaced. We figured it was dust the first time, but now it has happened again and dust was not the culprit. If you have any reports, please let us know! Love your channel. Recently found. Binge watching!

"Long Term Ownership Experience"? I'm not sure you know what that means! ; ) But it is to our benefit as your quick turnover lets us see your experience with many bikes.

BRM, thanks for these great videos. I noticed that Husky has a 701 Long range now. Pretty big tank. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this vs the 790. Thanks

Just wating for 890 to be reviewed by you Sir. 🙏

Thanks Ian, I just completed 2000 km across the Scottish highlands on my 790R. Very happy with the performance on the motorway and on the green lanes, of which there are many in Scotland. My milage was much better than the other bikes there. I had a 990 adventure and really loved it, however the 790 suits me a lot better in terms of its lightness. The only one complaint I would say is that the seat is very hard compared to the seat on the 990 that I had, but I am too get that improved while keeping the original cover cos I like it . The one thing I can’t figure out is how to keep the screen in dark mode black all the time. It changes from white to black depending on the light outside prefer to have the black screen all the time. I recommend you take a trip to Ireland as some of the scenery is breathtaking around the coast. I’ll be your guide and if you want to Scotland let me know next summer.

I had a 950r for 10 years, my only real complaint was small tank, I never felt the need for any electronic controls, cruse control or traction control, I considered the 790 R when it first came out, but was not impressed, now the 890 Adventure R is here I am all in..

Replacing my sport touring F800ST with an adventure bike this season, will be my first adv, planning to ride 50/50 off/road. Budget keeps me away from my first choices like the Africa Twin 1000, T7, 890 adv r, Norden 901, DesertX - so considering the 990. Kinda want to learn offroad proper without all sorts of rider modes and aides - that comes later, when I'm old and rich, and get a GSA 😂

hello friend, first let me say great videos! I have a question, Tenere 700 or KTM 990, which is the bike that can do everything and can go everywhere , which one is better in your opinion?

The best comparison and the most intelligent... It is a question that many ktm users will have raised

My biggest disappointment with the 790 was the low rpm torque. I hope the 890 adv will have more torque below 3800 rpm.

I loved my 790R for riding fast offroad but it really lacked character and I found it very pedestrian when just cruising around. I recently picked up a 990R 265mm suspension. It definitely doesn't turn like the 790 but I prefer the V Twin and the whole bike has tonnes more character. Doing a rally style conversion on it and we will see how fast it can go in the Australian bush.

I have a 2007 990 S (longer travel suspension) with cans, rottweiler intake and a decent map. Love the torque, stability at high speeds and the powerslides it can produce. I´m 6´8 and bike fits me very well. I sat on a 790 R once and i just felt to small for my parts. It was on my upgrade list before I mounted it. Went off it afterwards. I would have upgraded to a 1090R if KTM wouldn´t have stopped making them. I guess it´s a 1290R then as I reckon the Husky Norden 901 and the KTM 890 adv will be based on the 790 chassis.

@shavedape

2 жыл бұрын

But in the 790's defence, you're a giant among men! Wow that's tall. You should lengthen the suspension to 300 mm.

On a full tank i got 270 miles. When i got to the gas station i had less than half a gallon of gas left in the tank. That ride was on pavement, dirt roads, and single/quad track trails.

The 790 can never replace my 950 Super Enduro!!! It might join it in the garage... but I’d push comes to shove... the 950se will remain.

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

The Superenduro is one of those bikes that you're not allowed to sell under any circumstances. I'd kill for one lol

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

950SE. Legend.

I own a 990 with Wings and find it has so much more character than my friends 790. I guess thats modern bikes. It also feels a bit flat and sounds" droney" Hopefully Norden will be better .

I am looking for a clean and well maintained 2012-13 KTM 990 Adventure, I do not like the looks of the 790 or 890, and I completely dislike all the computer tech on the new bikes. I prefer to be in complete control at all times, and have no patience programming the computer before or during my ride. Since the 990 only has ABS and no computer insanity, I will deal with the lower mpg, and heavier weight. I love computers for Lightroom, Photoshop, and Logic Pro X, but to me computers on motorcycles take the challenge and the pure ecstasy away completely. Another great video Big Rock Moto, you are among the best in motorcycle video world!

I did 20,000 miles on a 2005 950 in the mid-90s, so this video is useful to me. I am thinking of buying a previously unregistered 2020 790R in Thailand. There can't be too many of them left as they've been discontinued, although maybe Southeast Asia have a lot left as they were assembled in the Philippines. Interesting video.

@The3osforos

Жыл бұрын

How the hell did you do 20.000 miles on a 2005 bike in the 90s?

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

Жыл бұрын

@@The3osforos Typo. It was between 2005 and 2007, so the mid-00s.

I still have my 950,it still puts a smile on my face, unequal to anything else I've Ridden

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

They are great bikes

If you change out the rear spring to a 125 n.m. and reset the forks 3 mm. lower the handling is better and easier . Original spring 150 nm. Way hard unless you are a heavy man .

just came back home on my 790R and did 6000km in 3 weeks and have a total of 20.000km now in a little over a year. I have had so many issues already but I still love it. It's so much fun no matter what you do. You can chase street bikes in the alps or jump over logs in the woods.

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

What were your issues with the bike?

@progammler

3 жыл бұрын

@@tolga1cool rear shock, fuel gauge, 3x water in screen, key error, brake line, heated grip, stalls in cold temps and other small stuff. Oh and from time to time my front brake lever gets stuck and no one seems to be able to figure out why

Happy with my 1190. Gets me into enough off road and is a great touring bike. Some say 150hp is too much for the dirt, it is, but its great for the road and the offroad 100 hp setting is perfect for dirt. My friends had a 690 and a 701 for the utah bdr with me on my 1190. Except for the death drop in at lockhart I had no fears and was happy for the on road comfort and speed. I think they are both great bikes.

@Angry-Lynx

3 жыл бұрын

Theres no such thing as too much power, but theres very often lack of skill ; Do my 100hp 950 adv lack power? Not really... Do i wish it had more? Fck yeah!

@mojoriden

3 жыл бұрын

@@Angry-Lynx You obviously haven't tried to run the 1190 offroad with no traction control and full horsepower. Endless, instant, weaponized wheel spin. lol On the street though, superbike acceleration if you can keep your knobbies from turning into skid marks.

What’s the longest term bike you’ve owned? Newer, across the brands you’ve owned, is almost arguably an improvement. Otherwise why would you ever “trade up” so to speak.

I always got at least 220 miles out of the 950. . .regardless of ride. The clearance is a big factor, and the 9xxx has considerbaly more. . . like over 3" if I recall. That's a big factor in the off-road world. There was nowhere the 9xxx couldn't go, if the rider could handle it the bike could!

Hello and thanks for this video. i'm thinking tio buy a 950 ir 990 fron second hand. Do you think It may be a crazy thing? Regards!

@chrigul1

Жыл бұрын

Hi, I bought a 990 recently and it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. I owned a 950 as well and the big difference is that the carbs respond better than the injection on very low revs. But from 09 on, the 990 is the better bike, the small issues are mostly solved. On dirt they behave really good as long as they can roll. In gnarlier terrain they handle clumsy and it needs to have a lot of concentration and body movement for not loosing balance and make those slow motion falls. If you know what I mean ;-)

No i miss my 990. Better looking bike too. Less electronics is less to go wrong

What do you think - would you replace your 950, 990 or even 1190 or 1090 with a 790? Why or Why Not?

@avneravi1927

3 жыл бұрын

I don't know about the KTM 950, 990, never owned one but as for a direct comparison between the 790 to my GSA1250 it felt like a toy especially on road, the wind noises, road stability, power and comfort could not match the BMW or other big bikes, not even close, as for off road performance, the KTM is the one to go between the two but it is not a proper machine for off road either I really think that the real deal is to own a BIG adv' bike along with a proper off road machine, as good as the KTM 790 is on off road purposes it is still heavy for that - owning a KTM790 is to try "winning it all" I remember you saying in one of your videos that the big adv' are off road posers but that can be easily said on KTM 790 which is NOT a proper machine for on / off road either

@babas1197

3 жыл бұрын

@@avneravi1927 ñ

@navairgeek

3 жыл бұрын

One thing I loved about my 950 was the looong wheelbase, which made it more stable in sand then my drz. How's the 790 in deep sand Ian?

@freisiandraugr2427

3 жыл бұрын

I owe a ktm 500 exc and a 1290r. I'm waiting for rhe norden 901. Hoping for the perfect in between bike. I have done 950 mile days on the big girl but couldn't take her where the 500 lives. At 6 foot 175 pounds the 540+ pounds is a bit much to pick up solo (can do it but not fun). Hoping husky keeps 400lbs wet with 125hp for highway. Bring on the dalton.

@reinhart482

3 жыл бұрын

i'm between 701 LR and 790R to replace 1190 adv.

I have a 2011 990 I’m absolutely in love with the bike I’ve ridden the 890 not saying it isn’t a great bike I’m 51 years old never going to push either bike to the limits of its ability I have a cr500 for pure dirt but I’ll keep my 990 for life it’s perfect the sound the feel the looks the experience and I’ve never had so many people compliment me on any bike I’ve ever owned as much as this one I have a lot of work done to it and it is the best I’m actually looking for another low mile one now to buy and just put back so I have another one to wear out 😂

What is the adapter you are using for the phone?

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Ram x grip

You make good points and I have to agree with what you say, it’s a modern and up to date bike, but stop anywhere and it’s not the 790 that gets the comment or looks, it’s my 990. Maybe one day I will get a more up to date bike, but until the day the big Kato stops making me grin like a Cheshire Cat every time I get on it then that will be the day to sell it...love your reviews, keep them coming...cheers from South Africa

Do you think the Ktm is as reliable or long lasting as a bmw gs 850 ?

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

No one knows yet.

The lack of torque and engine breaking disappointed me when I rode the 790. The 890 may address that. The electronics on the 790 mean nothing to me, I simply don't need them. What on earth do you need cruise control for!? I never cruise on my 950 (with 990 engine)! I've owned it for 14 years and covered 125,000 miles and it still makes me grin like a fool! A parallel twin with a 270° crank will sound exactly the same as a V-twin; it's the exhaust that wrecks the sound on the 790.

@orangefuture4910

3 жыл бұрын

wow. 125k miles. cool. ive 12,500 on my 990. Interested to know what has went wrong over that time. cool

@RedRupert64

3 жыл бұрын

@@orangefuture4910 The original 950 selector drum failed at around 45k miles and by 56k she was using a fair bit of oil so I replaced the 950 engine with that of a 2008 990 SD. The rear base gasket on the second engine failed at around 32k miles. So it's not been reliable, but it has been ridden hard.

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

@@RedRupert64 cam chains were never changed?

@RedRupert64

3 жыл бұрын

@@tolga1cool No, the cam chains have always been OK, but I know it can be hit and miss with them on the 950/990s

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

@@RedRupert64 The reason why I'm asking is because my 990 camchains are shot at 60.000 km

waiting for the 890...nothing else will compare to the v twin's raw power.

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

The 890 is just a better 790. The bike closest to the 990 spirit that's about to launch might (!) be the Norden

@davidkajdocsi9256

3 жыл бұрын

Meine Gedanken

@shavedape

2 жыл бұрын

Even the 790 out-accelerates the 990 (I saw the drag races) due to power-weight and power delivery....hard to believe but true. I can't even imagine an 890 or the eventual new-990 that's now being talked about. I own a 2012 990 and didn't like seeing the 790 kick its ass but it does. Up to some higher speed like 80 mph or so, I forget.

@shavedape

2 жыл бұрын

@@tolga1cool Isn't the Norden just an 890 that's more comfortable (and better looking)? I'd love a Norden.

@montaego

2 жыл бұрын

@@shavedape Ended up with the 890adv R and it is a beast. Love it and don't regret selling the 990 for it.

Which one better for ride two-up with passenger?

the big question is though... can you push start it? not a regular bump start with another bike helping.. i'm talkin like by yourself.

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

Could you push start a 990? I never got mine to start that way. It just locks up the rear wheel, even in higher gears when trying

@jonoz9847

3 жыл бұрын

@@tolga1cool yeah you can rear tire to rear tire with another bike but can you push start the parallel twin?

@campland2880

3 жыл бұрын

@@tolga1cool . . .I've push started a 950 more than once, successfully.

@tolga1cool

3 жыл бұрын

@@campland2880 Very interesting. Maybe my skinny ass is just not heavy enough lol. I tried it a few times actually and all it does is lock up the rear wheel when I dump the clutch

@campland2880

3 жыл бұрын

@@tolga1cool I'm about 20 lbs with gear on. . . I think the key is to really compress the rear suspension, and use 2nd gear.

I just bought a 2020 Reg KTM 790 adventure. I owned a 990 adventure, it was a lot more comfortable than the 790. I also preferred the look of the 990 and the ergonomics. 990 Was not smooth at low speeds and either is the 790 which really bugs me. The screen on the 790 has gone black on me while driving and this appears to be a common complaint. The seats on the 790 I like a rock and very uncomfortable after a few minutes. I also don’t like the look of the tank As they look like big testicles. They were a nicer design on the 990. In fact if I could find Another orange 990 with very low miles I would buy it instead.

All my buddies and I have/had 990's. Three of us did the WABDR and extended riding in BC afterwards. I sold my 990 and 1290 SAR and bought the 790R. All great points in the video and couldn't agree more. 790 is much lighter feeling and an impromptu drag race with buddies 990 showed they are very close in power. If you're gonna ride dirt and BDR the 790 is a great bike. Prices are dropping for 990's however and you can find very decent and farkled bikes for $7500-8500. I got tired of no cruise control, dual fuel fill-up caps, low fuel range, weird oil changes, old school dash and the heavier weight when you add camping gear. I do miss the sound however. Keep the good content coming!

@BigRockMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@shavedape

2 жыл бұрын

KTM tried to mimic the 990 sound by the crank pin location for firing order apparently it's not very convincing. I know the 270 cranks of the T7, S10 and AT make great sounds equal to the 990 so odd that KTM couldn't.

0:06 Big Mock Moto? :-)

i would NEVER replace my 950 especialy with a bike like the 790.I test ride one and it does not hit you like the 950 does its not for me but i gues if you are new comer to the sport and you dont want a 20 year old bike then you stuck with the new driver friendly ones:)

You might be buying a KTM490 one day 😁

no way. 990 is a nicer looking bike. hate all the electronics. more to go wrong. still regret selling my mint 990 adv😩

my current answer is 640 adv ;

@infinityphotorob

Жыл бұрын

I still have my 03 640a. I have owned since 2006. Great bike but wish for more power all the time. But there is just nothing like it. Almost 8 gallons of fuel, 50mpg, dirtbike suspension and pretty damn relialble. Every year I hope for a replacement of this bike and every year nothing exists. I would love a 990. But the MPG gets me for desert riding. It is just terrible. Considering a ducati or bmw of even larger displacement is still getting 50mpg. I don't get it with the LC8.

@Angry-Lynx

Жыл бұрын

@@infinityphotorob interesting. My position changed 360* since. 640adv is the biggest piece of s*it i ever owned. Its not adv bike. Its dirt bike. No pleasure in riding it.. ergos are the worst, zero comfort, seat wasn't designed for human being, i just wanna get off of that thing after half hour tops. 1hour or more is just torture. Have now 2018 at with dct and its spot on. Sure cant compete with 640 offroad, but tbh for real ADVENTURE riding at is more than enough capable, and all that heavy offroad stuff that 640 can handle isn't really adv riding, its just enduro beating in gravel pits etc. You dont need that stuff for adv riding. The most offroad i do is just for fun anyway, not to get somewhere.

@infinityphotorob

Жыл бұрын

@@Angry-Lynx it absolutely is a dirt bike. That can go really really far. For street and dirt road I am thinking of getting a 1290 or multistrada. But man the 990 just has always seemed very appealing.

@Angry-Lynx

Жыл бұрын

​@@infinityphotorob 990 is absolutely a beast. most people who buy it will keep it for life and sell only if there no other way. they got way too expensive today, and CAN be expensive to own, but they are worth it if you like aggresive riding, sound of that lc8 itself is worth buying it. looks is also strong 10/10. the best version to have is 990 S, because of long legs, however S versions are nowadays extremely rare and unreasonably expensive to buy. I will always be huge fan however objectively i think nowadays there are better bikes. But i dont think there is still something with so much character and looks and pure aggresion and passion as good ol 990 ; i think i had the strongest bond and emotion of all my bikes to exactly 950. My 2018 AT DCT is objectively better in almost every way, but i dont have such strong emotion and connection to it ; therefore i dont think theres better or worse bikes, its matter of what you prioritize: wild character, good suspension, or reliability and solid quality of japanese bikes ;

Right... But it's sooo ugly😬 only it's mother loves the 790🤷‍♂️

The 990 just isn't for anything serious off road. IT's too heavy for that. You could do it but it means WORK. my 990 adventure is amazing on the road. It's not fuel efficient, I get about 40mpg maybe more if I ride slower but what fun is that. On the road revving it up towards max rpm this thing just sounds amazing. I can't get enough of that. As far as electronics, who the hell needs cruise control? What's next ? A fully autonomous tesla? That's no fun. I'm personally leaning more towards the 1290 (notmuch heaver) and just get a real dirtbike for dirt.

Sometimes these videos are painful to watch... Yet I keep coming back. It's like a train wreck. 😁

950 has history 790 does not

I once rode a 990 for a few hours, including open highway. On the dirt it felt like dirtbike but the power was intimidating. On the highway, I thought the handling was weird, to the point of dangerous on winding 100 kph roads. Maybe due to the long wheelbase. The 790 is so refined and the electronics make it a winner. You are comparing different era bikes and nothing beats a modern "smart" bike.

@dhwjohnston7212

3 жыл бұрын

A few hours ride isn't enough to understand thew goodness of the 950/990. I have 50,000 miles+ and I can tell you my 950 is fantastic on the road and great on fire roads, etc. too. Dangerous it is not, even at speeds well in excess of 100 kph.

I don't know about the KTM 950, 990, never owned one but as for a direct comparison between the 790 to my GSA1250 it felt like a toy especially on road, the wind noises, road stability, power and comfort could not match the BMW or other big bikes, not even close, as for off road performance, the KTM is the one to go between the two but it is not a proper machine for off road either I really think that the real deal is to own a BIG adv' bike along with a proper off road machine, as good as the KTM 790 is on off road purposes it is still heavy for that - owning a KTM790 is to try "winning it all" I remember you saying in one of your videos that the big adv' are off road posers but that can be easily said on KTM 790 which is NOT a proper machine for on / off road either

@saladdays180s9

3 жыл бұрын

It's great to have two bikes, one for each occasion. I have two GS's and two 790R's. The 790R handles great on the road, and while it's not a GS I find it more than meets the challenge of being road worthy. It is fantastic off road, and yeah a proper dirt bike is better. No shit. Maybe you could tow your "proper" dirt bike with the GS when long distance traveling and am planning on going both on and off road. Heck, using your "logic", a Prius is more comfortable than a GS on the road, so why even have a GS? It's funny how triggered some people get when a new bike comes along that is nicely executed. "KTM 790 which is NOT a proper machine for on/off road either." lol Pathetic. You actually have to yell "NOT", like a butt hurt idiot. Grow up.

@avneravi1927

3 жыл бұрын

@@saladdays180s9 it really depends on your preferences but for me a long distance is covered very well with the GS, including off road, as for technical off road I do prefer my KTM 250.