890 Adventure. Full adjustable Andreani fork cartridges, Tractive Suspension fully adjustable with Hi/Lo speed compression and a hydraulic preload adjuster v the mechanical OEM one. 17" SMPro wheels, tubeless spoked, 3.5 front, 5.5 rear. M9RR tyres, Rottweiler airbox with Powercommander 6 and two maps. Decatted, Remus pipe, evap can removed, lithium battery, Brembo Stylemas on Brembo Serie Oro rotors, Brembo RCS master cylinder. It goes...on trackdays, touring Europe fully loaded. Weighs about 187 kg. 113 bhp allegedly. I like my 20 litre ballbags. 300+ mile range and keeps my feet sheltered on tour. SMT R? I've had one for two years.😂
Why are there not loads of bikes like this, so few of us ride off road.. Well done KTM.. it even looks good with that head light.. This bike is made for you chops..
Chopsy you just answered the question why I've kept my Firestorm for so long. A big v twin with just over 100bhp but usable torque and easily accessible power. You aren't chasing revs and it gives the illusion of being more powerful. Sounds like your KTM is similarly tuned. Re the pikes peak. A friend of mine has recently purchased the v4 after a couple of years with the twin. He quite likes it!
I had a 1997 Firestorm. Sold it in 2000 and am still regretting it. I've had many bikes since then, an at the moment a 2007 BMW R1200GS and a 2016 RnineT in the garage. It's only since owning the RnineT that I'm not missing that wonderful Firestorm. They are very similar in power delivery and handling.
The one problem with the 890smt, is the fact that we had a 990smt which made 115hp 100nm of torque, and had a proper v-twin lc8. Brembos aswell, it seems the 890 is a cheaper made version of the old 990
I’ve owned an 06 KTM 950 SM for the last 15 years and can relate completely to this review. It’s old school analogue and I sometimes think about trading it in but I just cant come at it. It’s a keeper. There are times when I head out with adventure bikes and when we hit the dirt, it’s doable but I do feel wanting with the small front wheel even with mt60rs Pirellis. Then we get back on the twisty bitumen and all is forgiven.
Dont know a great deal about kTM. Reliability would be my concern and the after sales service, No, don't think you're day, was a productive one, broken glasses and a camera 😢,
Rode several KTMs, My first bike was a 640 DUke, and I've had a 1290 Super Duke R< 890 Duke R, 390 Adventure, and also rode RC390, 390 DUke, 790 Adventure and 690 SMC R and 690 Enduro R, and the 690 Duke. Every one of those bikes had me smiling the whole ride!, everytime! I loved the earlier KTM supermotos, and the earlier SMT, and frankly, I am so happy they've made this, that I may have to get one? (I was looking at Hypermotard 950, but this is funlooking!)
Someone has done it before - Ducati’s Multi 950. And the S has electronic Skyhook suspension. I had the S for two years, flawless bike. Not one issue in 20k kms.
I am 5ft 8i inches tall nd way in at a whopping 160 pounds.I can't get enough of my 890, by far the best machine I have ever owned.There are no superlatives available to describe how good this machine is.
Got one love it Sat watching this while mine is being serviced. This bike does not need the 890 r engine imo, most people dont even use all the horsepower anyway
just bought myself a second ktm690 enduro 2023 which is an absolute blast on A/B roads, Middleweights is where it's at for me, there seems a gap for edgy exciting stuff like this, built for a bigger / taller rider, none of us are getting any younger! The perfect hooligan do it all bike for 2023, nice one KTM. 50 year olds balll bags, its a good shout, my wife would be in complete agreement!!
I rode a Gilera Nordwest once, a mate wanted go on my new exup (back in the day) we were in French alps riding back from Bol Dor . I absolutely loved riding the nordwest , admittedly we were on mountain roads ,but what a laugh that was to ride. Part of reason I bought a pikes peak v4 last year,and after doing 9000 miles in last 10 months on the v4 I’m soooo glad I did. I think that KTM 890 SMT is spot on, need more bikes like this , adventure /supermoto with 17 inc wheels are mental. Great vid. 👍👍.
Took one out again today while my Superduke was serviced, went back and put suspension in sport (all clickers on 5 clicks out) and it’s way better. The standard settings are too soft, so if your considering one, demo it in those settings.
I took one out for a test today an knew it was special before I'd even left Colwyn Bay Motorcycles forecourt. The next 70 miles over the Crimea pass and back was a revelation. Easily the best handling bike I've ever ridden. I'd have to throw a sheet over it in the garage tho if I owned it or only approach with my eyes closed 🤣🤣
So did you buy one? And I didn’t see you use any insta360 footage in either of your 890 SMT vids? Love the bike..never thought I’d prefer a middleweight to a full power bike..
Anyone skating berating this bike for its “Parts Bin” aesthetics, has to ride one!! I’ve just had one for an hour and it’s bonkers!! Feels like it has huge torque and I stepped off of a 1290 SDR. Extremely comfy seat and so nimble. Needs a screen for the motorway as it’s a lot more turbulent than my 1290.
I am enjoying your videos. I like your style and enthusiasm. I am a 790R owner with 30,000 klms and love the KTM parallel twin. Shame you have no gravel roads or desert to test a bike because it adds another dimension to the review and makes them relevant to Australia/USA. You should leave blighty!
I always really liked the look and the idea of the 990 SMT. I'm glad they 'waited' to bring this thing out, until after I'd bought the 1090 Adventure. Otherwise I might have put myself into some financial discomfort to get one! Definitely proposes an exciting option for us on the 'larger' side! Nice work Chopsy. Sorry about the camera! PS, all ads fully watched! 😘
I don’t need fish eye views 360 cams vieW of you, just a good stable view out the front that shows the cockpit, a good walk around and that’s it. All you guys need to get over your selves……😎🇨🇦good vid!
Been eagerly awaiting your take on this bike…did not disappoint! Just picked up another 701, but this sounds like it ticks all the same boxes with more power, better seat, and some wind protection. Can’t wait to see the day trip vid!
This bike will be a winner as there are a lot of bikers looking at middleweight bike. Sports bike not popular anymore and heavyweight tourers are to much to lug about. We all want a light middleweight bike that handles and is comfortable to ride. And this looks the be the business for sure. Great video as usual and you allow say how it is. Thanks chops👍👍
100% agree - as long as it has enough power (and more importantly) torque, to excite someone coming off a sports or hypernaked, to entice them. Need to have proper decent suspension too, which is where this and the 890R are ticking the boxes! :)
I've had a go on both a 1260 Multistrada and a V2, and it's the same bike, the V2 is not significantly lighter but the engine is a lot blander, not bad but if you're there you might aswell buy a slightly older 1260 or 1200 instead of a 950/V2, but then if the 1200/1260 is too big for you then the 890 SMT is MUCH MUCH lighter and more agile. The V2 is a whale by comparison.
@@LambChopRides I'm fortunate to have the fun and commuting stuff largely covered with other bikes...no real touring option though atm. I'll wait to watch your longer day test and then book up some test rides I think 👍
Ooh, Chopsy. You were lucky with that orange tractor-trailer combo overtake, my friend! If a car had pulled out right, you'd of been bonnet-surfing! Always run Waze vi a detachable on the test-bike bars, so that you can at least get a heads-up of the side turnings on blind overtakes. Keep it sunny side up! 👍
Where has a bike like this been you ask? Ducati Hypermotard! I have a proper 450 sumo but the Hyper gives me ability to do sumo antics and go pretty far. The 450 it has to be on kart track or super tight twists for it to be enjoyable. The hyper vtwin is amazing and it looks amazing unlike the horrible bug-orange ktm.
Get yourself the original 990smt for £3.5-£4 grand, beast of a bike, nice and analog, similar power etc, get some new specs and 360 cameras and you’ll be quids in fella🤔 you could even get a spare set of rims with some semi nobblies for them rare occasions you fancy going off road 👍
Great bike, if it's anything like the 990 I had.WP suspension is just brilliant. But, what is the point of that hideous white "beak" thing? What's wrong with a normal guard?
Waiting for my local dealership to have a demo bike available. For now, I'll stick with my 2019 790Adv with its 19" front and 17" rear (1090 wheels). 35,000 miles on the clock now. It's doing well 👍
Chopsy, just after you lost your camera. Coincidentally a RU-vid ad popped up. Normally I hit "skip ad" as quickly as I can. But after your comment that we need to watch the ads so that you get as much money as possible to replace the insta360, I watched the whole ad. Fortunately the ad was for the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie, which I'm very much looking forward to watching, and the ad was very funny. So it's a win win. Keep up the good work.😀
I agree with you about great middle-weight bikes . I had a 2012 Triumph street triple r that I loved, but at 6'1" I looked like I was on a kids bike. This looks like a bike that will fit me much better.
@@davidwales9657 The best way to put it would rather be: you prefer your Triumph over the KTM. I'm sorry but I can't figure out how a 675 Street Triple could be better than a 890 R Especially in the engine department 🤣🤣🤣
@@davidwales9657I've owned a 675R and a 890R and also a CP3 engined Tracer GT , still currently own the last 2. The engine is so much better on both the 890R and the Tracer. I loved my 675R but when I tried the others it was sold quickly. The newer 765R is much better but even then doesn't compare with the mid range and bottom end grunt out of corners from the 890R. To release all the power you have to have wheelie control off as it really holds it back in gears 1 and 2 as it wants to come up on the throttle constantly. With WC on you would only get full power in 3rd. The 890R engine is unbelievable for a muffle weight. It also puts to shame both other bikes for fuel consumption even after having them re mapped. There is only 1 downside to the 890R engine and that is servicing costs in comparison to the others with 3 oil filters and KTMS pricing its is exspensive. I'll be selling both my Tracer GT and 890R when the SMTR comes out.
@@CharlieboySLONDON I owned the first iteration of the MT-09 Tracer before my 675. I feel like the only thing that the MT-09 and 890 engines have over the 675 is just the power and torque numbers. Sure they pull harder, but the throttle response and sound of the 675 just does it for me so much more than the other two. I just didn't care that the 890 pulled hard, i just found the way it come onto the power, and the gearbox, so unpleasant it ruined it for me
At 15:45-ish, you ask why there hasn't been a bike like this before. IMO, the Yamaha Tracer 9, with the semi-active suspension, 17" sticky-ish wheels, and upright seating, fits that box quite well. Any thoughts?
Im also waiting for a SMTR , I currently have a 890R and a Tracer GT and this would be the perfect single bike if it had the R hardware. Also on my 890R i can have slip angle and TCS activated whilst having wheelie control off. Surely this is doable on this ? I really would like an R version in the garage asap but i waited over a year for 890R to come out after the 790 so looks like ill be waiting a while. Will also be interested to see if Yamaha do a Super tenere with the Cp3 engine and SM set up.
Thats the first bike video in a long time that made me laugh. You remind me of me , leaving your glasses behind. Great video, great riding and lovely bike. If only we could have 3 or 4 bikes in the garage!
How do you find the bike compares to the Hypermotard? I love the engine, playfulness and position of the Hype, but wish it were less painful for longer trips or motorway. Why Ducati ever stopped the Hyperstrada is a mystery. I like the idea of this, although find it an unattractive bike, and wish it wasn't a parallel
I’m seriously lusting after one of these. Does it make ANY sense to have this AND a Super Duke?🤔 I dont want a GS or Super Adventure, i just want that riding position on a bike that is fun and chuckable…
Awesome vid as always big man, keen to see some more on this bike. A few questions and thoughts: why is it that - just like you mentioned - there are no more bikes such as this? I've heard people say that a bike like the SMT is too niche, it will be loved by only a selected few and most people will consider it a jack of all trades that's not particularly good at anything. Also, just as interesting (if not more) to see if there will be an R version, could this be the platform for the rumoured return of the legendary Husqvarna Nuda...?? 🤔
Damn you Chops. Stop saying you don't want to take your adventure bike off road. I've had heaps of sportsbikes and never taken them on track, and my GS will never go off road either. RIP camera and glasses.... I watched the adverts this time 😂 Looks like KTM have another winner there. I'll get my test ride booked.
How do you find jumping on something like the SMT after a sportsbike? I've ridden sportyish bikes all my life, current bike is an RC8 which I've had since 2010!! I once briefly test rode the 990SMT and it felt big, squidgy and a bit gutless after jumping straight off the RC8.... love the idea of the SMT and really interested in the new one, since I'm tall and no spring chicken any more.
I think w/ an impending R version, have you checked the Ducati Supersport 950 S? Well suspended, enough power, Panigale looks, but adult rider considerate?
Another great bike in the mix. KTM covering a lot of bases, pretty sure an R will turn up . If it does I’m sure it will sell quicker than Cornish Pasties. Great video Chops.
Dam choppsie , I was loving this untill you started talking about the R version possibility or lack there of ,wouldn't it be a super weapon if they put all the Duke R bits on it ? Haha never mind I'll stick to the 701 for now , cheers
Doing so well KTM. Love it! This was going to be my next bike, right up until the traction control must be switched off every start. That's a big no from me!! Sorry guys, I had 7 new ktm's, but my traction control has just spat me off.
Hi Chops, nice to see your enthusiasm about the 890 SMT. I wonder how different the bike is compared to my 990 SMT. I'm burning the rubber off it in Germany atm, but if your close to the Netherlands one day and still want to try the 990 SMT you can take mine for a spin.
Well, that was an incident-packed ride, you're in good company though, Usernamekate has just smashed her Insta360 X3 up, as well. I bought an Insta360 X3 a few months ago, but I ordered the metal cage and lens guards to go with it, and I'm glad I did, because it can work out bloody expensive! I had a Yamaha Ténéré 700, I liked most aspects, and it was a good bike, but I found it way too top-heavy, with a very high centre of gravity. I sold it and went back to a sports bike, and I'm much happier, but the KTM 890 SMT looks like a very interesting option with its 17" inch wheels. 👍
As an SMT'er ( Supermoto Tourer ) myself, I bought the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 based on your response to it a few ago... and it was/is a 'lovely' bike as you said. Western Canada is the place for these Chops ;)
Only 3 questions. Supermoto, but without the Brembo's (like the 890r). And tourer, but with super sticky tyres, that won't get you much touring? And priced at nearly £1000 more than the 890r which has top notch suspension and brakes. 🧐
You’re absolutely right I think. SMT are a niche of their own (that would explain the tires, if you have ever ridden the old SMT you’ll get that part). But the pricing is wrong considering the lower quality peripherals compared to the Duke R.
Brakes are actually very good, just missing the bling and name. It's priced inline with the 890 adventure that's where they get the 12,500 from. Tyres wear wasn't too bad, those Michelin GP (I think they were) are dual compound so harder centre to give some distance.
My main issue with modern KTMs aside from the 'will there wont there be an R' and the whole demo mode thing.. is knowing the models only hang around for a year or 2 max before theyre changed. I wouldn't be surprised if they bump this up to a 990SMT in 2024 which will hurt residual values of the 890
I’ve got a service on my 22 duke r at Abingdon ktm in September so I’m going to see if I can test ride the smt, my only worry is seat height as I’m only 5ft7” 🤔
Do you feel any similarities to the 1090 ktm with this badboy? It's got 48mm travel, 125+HP a bit more torque the old v-twin, a bit more weight and less electronics. and a 19 instead of a 17 at the front. Probably looking at 206kg vs 220-230kg(1090 can shed some weight easily)
Chopsie, I tend to shy away from wind screens because of the wind noise on my helmet. Even with earplugs sometimes, I worry about loosing hearing from the prolonged noise. What do you think, not that bad?
I had a 06’ 950 SM for a year and it was the most wheelie happy motorcycle I ever rode, too bad I sold it because I thought it wasn’t fast enough smh I’m gonna just buy another or 990 SMR if I can find one lol
Great review,.. think i might be chopping in my smcr , has it room for a pillion ? The mrs comes out with me on short trips but the smcr seat aint very accomodating for her ample airbags i end up sitting nearly on the headstock !!
Pulled over on the M20 as I forgot to put in my earplugs, put my bins on the fuel tank when I took off my lid, put the lid back on and realised I hadn't put my bins back on, interesting ride home lol
Don't worry John - the other day I left my Dad's without my crash helmet, doh. And last year I road down 2 roads on the wrong side of the road (I used to live in The US). I'm old OBVIOUSLY.
Love watching the vids Chops. The vid that will never be made 990SMT (990SMR) vs 890SMT, I'm old skool & ride a 990SDR by choice, Not my cup of tea. My old bikes: 950SM 640SM 990SMT - 990SDR (keeper). Cheers Pete
Test rode it recently and didn't get on with it. Tall rounders are not for me even though I'm 6ft 1in. I prefer something lower to ground for inherently better handling. Also wished they had used the 890 Duke engine, which I've tried on a test ride of the 890 Duke and much prefer. The SMT's engine has that initial shove but runs out of revs too soon and you need to change gear far too quickly. I prefer to be able to rev an engine out and was constantly hitting the rev limiter. Not an issue on the 890 Duke. Also was surprised that the seat was a bit too wide and splayed my legs out too much so that when standing on an incline, it was a stretch to get my feet onto the ground. Finally although their was no wind buffeting, the wind noise was shockingly bad at much more than 50mph, even though I wore earplugs.
As someone previously mentioned, the Ducati hyperstrada, maybe triumph tiger sport 1050, or going back, Yamaha TDM…it could be the perfect class of bike to tick all boxes.
