When KTM got in-touch about the 890 SMT launch in Sardinia, Chris couldn't pack quick enough. So many skids and wheelies, we had trouble editing it! #ktm #ktm890smt #readytorace
@@BurningAlive409 That old bald bloke still goes alright tho. About 15 years back, Chad was the resident MCN longhair ratbag ripping wheelies on a supercharged Rocket 3 (private road..) Look it up. I remember that cos I'm an old fucker also..
Steve Kamrad test the Hell out of bikes as well and he has skills. Steve did a KLX 230 review and you could tell by the look on the photojournos around him that they were kinda intimidated by his hooning around... and he was just having fun.
When either Chris or Rory Reid review something then 9 times our 10 I will end up watching it and then watch the tenth episode the day after. You know he can ride, he knows his bikes, he knows what is important, he talks about what you want to know and while he can be almost airborne on his bikes he is always down to earth and good spirited. In terms of skills, I remember that Chris had to intentionally slide his bike for a slide test. I could not believe how well he laid his bike down at speed.
Chris, wanted to tell you for a while now: you have the best reviews in today's entire motorcycle industry ! and I subscribed to all the major ones from US to UK and AUS. Always to the point with accurate specs and while riding with passion. BTW, this KTM checks all the boxes for me, except the price tag :)
I’ve just recently discovered this channel and I must say I’m very impressed. Particularly liked how you placed this bike in the KTM lineup. Well done!
Im a 890 Duke R and Tracer GT owner. I was hoping the SMT would combine my 2 favourite bikes and i would fall deeply in love... but i havent ! They have missed the smT mark. It should have the DUKE R tune its down on power for its size in comparison to the Tracer and Duke R. It hasnt got the touring capability with its tiny screen and luggage that looks like it was an after thought. The extras to get this to a true SMT are pushing on bikes like the Ducati multistrada 950s or Tracer GT+ both bikes are like big supermotos with all the toys. I think this should have been labelled the SMT/R with the correct tune and made the SMT more touring with better panniers , the electrics as standard and a better screen.
uhh I dont think the Tracer GT is even close. That bike has the worst suspension travel for any sport tourer. Its a naked bike with more plastic at best. Comparing it to this is just non sense.
this thing is brilliant, more than enough power for what it’s made for, super comfy, stable, very good wind protection even though i’m 6’2. you can’t compare the duke or the tracer to this because they are 2 seperate styles of motorbike that the smt isn’t meant to be. It’s called a SuperMoto Tourer for a reason. duke is a naked, tracer is a tourer they completely different. This is a supermoto made for long distance, change your perspective my brother.
I'd like to see the Husqvarna version of this. I think it's a great idea and I'd be very interested but KTMs are a bit too lairy and the headlight too buglike for my tastes.
There are already some spy shots of a bike that is believed to be the new Nuda 901. I believe it will be the same base as this but with the Husky style.
Is it just me or did the old 990SMT look more high end/imposing/bigger/more serious? This looks small and cheap. I have zero doubts that the new one is better in every way but.. I kinda want the old one :)
Good balanced view of what is clearly a compromise, even within KTM's range. But the word 'cost' came up a few times and you can't deny that to get the bike into the 'T' for touring bracket you're shelling out serious dosh on top of the basic asking price. And to get the bike into the 'SM' for supermoto bracket you're shelling out serious dosh on top of the basic asking price. So for this bike to actually be the SM-T, it's serious dosh. Swing and a miss for me, I'll stick to my 890 Duke R, comfort settings and Kriega luggage thanks. A compromise, but then cheaper than the SM-T compromise.
I can't believe I had to scroll this far for a comment on how ugly it is. I had a 990sm and loved it's looks but this looks like a kit bike made from leftovers in a scrap yard. 😢
Totally. They really missed on this one...tail section is good, but from the fuel tank to the front wheel...daaaaamn, even the 890 ADV is a good looking bike in comparison 😳
I totally agree that this will be a very niche machine that (unfortunately) will only appeal to a limited amount of individuals, but it ticks all my boxes! Really a "segment" (?) more manufacturers could and should explore! Also, your energy and enthusiasm are always contagious Chris, love all your videos!
The SMT always makes me wonder why Ducati abandoned the Hyperstrada....there's clearly a market for something smaller, lighter and cheaper than the Multi Pikes Peak
I went from sportbikes to a 990 smt (through some other bikes for a few months 👎) and man do I miss that bike. The only things I don't miss is the cramped position and the smell in the clothes (exhaust fumes) after. I took that bike everywhere, mostly on one wheel, even through single tracks!
Most questions nicely anwered - though why not use Duke 890 engine as this is a road bike? Tho in truth I'd not notice the extra power (v top end?) . And ... what happened to the new 990 we've had spy shots of apparently for ages?
It does look so much fun.. but is the Internet lying to me? The 990 SMT was 115 bhp and 196kg dry.. so 10bhp more and the same weight? I'm sure the electronics are better better.
I dig what you’re saying about the 690 smcr as I have one. I can easy peasy do 200 miles in a day on mine and I LOVE it. If I could only have one bike, the 690 would be it. I have three others, but I ride the 690 the most. You probably know why Chris.
Personally, I love it, but I am a guy that’s torn between getting a nicer adventure bike or sports tourer next. I had settled on the Husqvarna Norden 902 with the same engine, but I think the combination of having this and a enduro dirt bike too could be perfect for someone like me.
I own a 2011 990SMT and indeed, i think it is the best bike in the world. This new version loses 10 hp and the V2 engine...........not sure about that.
I was going to put a order in for one but it's not coming to the States this year, I already have two 890 Dukes and a 1290 Duke but I feel like I have a place for this one as well.
Damn that is one sick as hell bike. Whenever KTM decides to fix their reliability issues, I'll be first in line to buy one. Until then, I'll be hooning around on my 22 GSX-S1000.
So much how I feel, unless a used one shows up at a good price. I have the s750 and an 821 strada that keep me happy, but wish these guys would get the reliability up.
So they didn't want it to be generic or bland, yet they stuck the non R engine in there and made it 27kg heavier than the R... Sounds like bollocks to me.
Tell me you’ve never actually ridden a 990SMT without telling me etc… 🙄 That’s at most a 950SM descendant maybe. There’s nothing Touring about that tank range, the lack of a screen or protective fairing or feature set (cruise?, centre stand, luggage prep?). The genius of the 990SMT was that it didn’t compromise on the fun stuff and could do the ‘boring’ practical stuff as well - unlike any other bike in the range the time. Never ridden a bike that was more capable of doing big miles in horrendous conditions or commuting in town. I’m sure the new bike is huge fun but don’t compromise the authority of your channel or patronise your viewers by regurgitating KTM’s marketing Kool-Aid. The 890 Duke R is a better scratcher, the ADV a better tourer. Save us the hype.
Cue all the "why would I X, when I could Y" folks, and all the "but KTM reliability" folks, and all the "but KTM electronic subscription packages" folks. I have found true supermotos to be too much supermoto to have any practicality left over for anything else. That's why I find this machine more appealing.
Go into the real world and I found the grip stunning but the ride uncompromising. Touring??? No wind protection, a very unsettled approach to bends if you push it to the limit, I couldn't even put my feet down properly at 6' tall....No thanks, a great hooligan tool but I'd rather my 1290 SAS any day. Cracking video and bike control as ever.....
Send it!! Awesome review and awesome bike. I’ll wait to see the Husky take on this. There are some spy shots of a bike that people believe to be the new Nuda 901.
I generally like KTM styling, and they even made the 890 ADV look good, but there is something very wrong with this machine. IMO. Look at pictures of the Nuda and start again?
I own a 990 SMT. I will not sell it. Ever. But I will test ride this one, and money permitting, I will buy it. Because why have one SMT when you can have two.
I really wish more companies would just embrace the supermoto mindset. Give us a light bike with long plush suspension and then instead of a horrible sounding, annoyingly rough single cylinder, just give it a 270° twin or something.
Lets hope the gearbox dont keep getting jammed and quickshifter not pack in .and oil seap on top of head like on my 842 mile from new 890 duke r . Junk
I have been looking forward to this one. You got it spot on and I identify as one among those "slim number of people". I actually wanted a 990 SMT but couldn't justify paying a lot for such an old bike. Endes up with a Tiger 800 XRX in the end. Did the suspension, exhaust and some grippy tires and it's a joy too ride.. But it doesn't have the hooligan feel. I will be at the KTM dealer for a test ride as soon as they got them in!
Hated this bike seeing pictures, seeing chris ride it, I'm doubting my own mind now 🥴 this actually might be a next bike contender because of that childish loon 🤗
Another Banging video Chris 👌 Definitely gonna make folk really think hard about what they actually want,need & will use. Good job KTM for bringing out another taste of orange
Superb!!! This bike looks amazing and with Chris putting it through his paces it’s definitely been tested. I’ve got a old 950sm and this new machine is that plus more 👍👍👍
Exactly! Why do they insist on these high level one sided exhausts? Its an smT for C sake. Give me a low level exhaust that will allow panniers to be their full size. Not cut away to allow for some styling.
@@markreynolds8630 It does. On the 890 Adventure, luggage frames stick out a mile. They really should have tucked it in tight to the frame like on the 950/990 adventure.
Wonder how an SMT890 would feel against my Super Duke R? I’ve been considering other bikes just bc the SDR is just too focussed as a daily rider. Terrific video Chris.
The 890 should feel more agile and playful in the corners (despite same weight). I recently got a hypermotard and it's the most fun motorcycle i've ridden. I've spent 1000+ miles on the Superduke, Tuono and new Streetfighter which are fantastic performers, but overkill. The 100-125hp middleweight range is the sweet spot for street riding imo.
I bought a Duke 890R after watching Chris review that bike. He was spot on with his assessment. I liked the idea of the 890 Adventure but the 21" wheel was a deal breaker as it negated the sharp handling of the Duke.. This is the bike I have been waiting for and I will be buying as soon as it becomes available in the USA. I am confident that once I have a chance to ride one I will confirm the glowing review offered by Chris.
I'm not sure I like it yet, However it seems almost custom made "for me" que :"you're so vain you probably think this song is about you"; but a "690 with a seat" sounds good. I have ridden the 890 non-r -ADV at at KTM event, Hopefully I will be able to test this bike, the 890-SMT this year, if KTM demo-tours-the-SMT, hopefully, we'll see etc...
People get it - it's not hard to get - the problem is KTM don't know how to screw a bike together to the level of modern standards. Shame really - but there are other very dynamic bikes out there.
I thought ktm would bring out a ktm 890 sm, not a ktm 890smt. Any of us that had a 950sm/990sm, would love to see a 890sm. Any of us that had them, or had them, know they destroyed it with the 990smt. The smt is a touring bike, not a big supermoto. And the 890 smt hurts my eyes
Had a 06 950 SM, it was one of the nastiest sounding twins beside my aprilia RSV Mille I had too at the time, great bikes but Ktm keeps going downhill… bring back the 990 SM and maybe I’ll be a Ktm guy again
I owned all old LC8 models, from SM, to SMT, to Superduke, to Adv. These latest years KTM course can't even be compared: - V-twin personality lost forever - Poorer suspensions - Not even comparable braking system - some electronics and better mileage, ok... - waaaaay higher prices I might sound as a boomer... but...
You hit the nail on the head there, for me it's too touring another words its too heavy to really fit into that supermoto category that's not to say I couldn't see myself on one as apart from that ugly huge fuel tank that sits way too high it looks pretty good thanks mainly to the colours. Another great review from Chris, the only bike reviewers opinion that matters as everyone else is too boring and sensible to see the whole point of KTMs hoonage
