The next chapter...KTM Super Adventure S

[Sierra1]

Looks like your on top of the world. Amazing.

Yes, and at an altitude of only 6,300'; easy to breathe. The Rockys have similar views, but are twice the altitude; not so easy to breathe. (Pike's Peak is over 14,000')

 

[Dirt_Dad]

2nd Year Anniversary (or close enough)
Mileage: 22,366

On the 4th of July, DM and I gave up on finding a small restaurant in Vermont that was serving more than drinks. We took a break at a McDonalds and just happened to sit near an older gentleman who was very interested in talking motorcycles. He had an extensive riding background and at one point asked me, "if you could have any motorcycle in the world, money is no object...what would you have?" I told him that was an easy one..."I'd have exactly what I'm riding today."

All motorcycles have to compromise on this or that to provide whatever experience they are attempting to deliver. There is no question the SAS is not the right motorcycle for everyone. We all are different and want what we want from our bikes. As far as I can tell, KTM designed this motorcycle specifically for me, and I may be the only person who finds this to be the greatest machine to match my personal interest, goals and desires for a big bike. I'm good with that. Two years in, this remains the most entertaining bike I've owned.

I've had a lot of bikes. My DL1000 taught me to enjoy long distance riding. The Super Teneres were wonderful at showing me North America from Newfoundland to Alaska. The S10 is a wonderful long distance bike. The SAS has returned excitement to riding. It takes me back to the feeling that hooked me almost 50 years ago when I first became addicted to riding a motorcycle. For me, the SAS is a time machine as much as it is a two wheeled vehicle. Riding it takes me back 30 or even 40 years to a place where I ride with youthful exuberance but still get to apply the lessons learned over decades of motorcycling. It is my perfect motorcycle.

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I just returned from my second tour with the SAS. Each tour lasted 10 or more days and ranged from 2200+ to 4500+ miles. While I love being able to shed the cases and enjoy the SAS in some far away place, I'll admit there's part of me that hates putting the burden of a top case and side cases on the bike. It feels like putting luggage rack on a Lamborghini.

It ends up looking like this...

or in a nicer setting it looks like this...

Either way, the cases do impose a negative influence on the handling of the bike. Just as I found last year, the SAS looses stability between 30 to 45 MPH when the cases are installed. Either due to weight, or air drag of the cases, the bike will wiggle the handlebars, sometime aggressively, at these speeds. You only know it if you set the cruise control and let go of the bars, or stand up and ride with just your hand lightly on the throttle. Above those speeds you can ride all day with your hands off the bars on a perfectly stable motorcycle. Changing the weight from one side case to the other will change the rate of oscillation. Change the suspension rebound from single rider/rider with cases/rider with passenger/rider with passenger and luggage does little to nothing to provide any noticeable improvement. Take all the cases off and the bike is back to being as stable as it can be at any speed.

So once again, any issue the bike has is a direct result to the owner and the way the owner has modified the bike. Hard to blame KTM for me installing some third-party hardware and introducing some form of disturbance of balance. I can totally mitigate this effect by keeping my hands on the bars at those particular speeds. It doesn't bother me enough to leave the cases on the bike long enough figure out an improvement. The rack is already hanging back on the wall until the next long ride.

Otherwise, the bike did great. The earlier "ECU Failure" never showed up again and I'm comfortable saying it was my mistake that caused it in the first place.

Even with the fully loaded cases, the bike will hammer through twisty roads better than you could reasonably expect of any other bike.

Street mode still gives the full 160 HP, but it is not delivered in a satisfying way. Just keep using Sport mode.

Reliability on the SAS has been better than my Teneres, which had a few recalls and a cam chain tensioner issue. Both bikes have their own little issues unique to their model. The Tenere had the need to keep the shift lever lubricated, the SAS has had a couple of bolts vibrate loose over time.

Overall I can say it's an amazing bike for me. I recommend it to anyone who rides exactly like me. If you don't, it may or may not be a good choice

 

[TNWalker]

Great 2nd year review. Thanks for the report. I am absolutely enamored with my 22' model. I ride it every day that I can.

Steve

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Glad to hear you're still absolutely enamored. I understand.

I do love the idea there is a bike that out there that is a step up from mine. I'm not ready for it yet, but if I ever grow bored with my current SAS (seems unlikely), making the switch is a true no-brainer.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Clock is ticking... extended warranty, no extended warranty...

The initial 2 year warranty will expire in about a week. I have the opportunity to buy an extended warranty at a reasonable price before July 24th. I've been offered anywhere from 6 months to 48 months of coverage. The price of one repair would justify the cost of the warranty.

At the moment I'm having a very hard time in my head justifying any money towards a warranty. Often it's purchased for "peace of mind." The SAS has been so perfect that I already have peace of mind. The bike has been so perfect that I just have no worry about it.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to trap the service manager in the GMs office of the dealership and really quiz him on what he sees going wrong with the SAS. He told me if there's going to be an issue, it shows up very early in the bike's life. Talking first few miles kind of stuff. Once addressed, that's it, issue over. He's never seen a TFT failure come into the shop. In his opinion, with the miles I have on the bike, if there was an issue I would have known it long ago.

Later I was buying the oil filter kit for the SAS. I have a good relationship with the parts manager and ask if he sell many of those kits. He said they have a lot of SAS owners and the kits are always in demand. I said something positive about the bike and that elicited a response of, "to a person, every SAS owner can't stop talking about how great the bike is." I get it...I really do.

 

[Jlq1969]

Wouldn't it be better to buy a 2022? ... You would have the free warranty for another 2 years, and with the effect of inflation, you would be buying it around 15% cheaper than in two years. …and the one you have, I would leave it covered and sell it 15% more expensive in 2 years…..if you keep the bills…in 2 years you will lose out

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Financial I actually see the logic to that. Having cash sitting around losing 10% a year is not the best idea out there.

My hesitation is I really, really, really, really love what my current SAS does for my level of riding enjoyment. Giving up that known experience for a different bike that should, theoretically, be even better, is a risk I don't feel ready to accept.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

This is going back a bit, but my current TrailSmart has only 4,300 miles and is dead now. Just made me think back to this post by Madhatter. I've learned some things about rear tires and this bike. The history:

OEM Scorpion: 5,791 - learning the bike, general riding. Rear was not totally dead, but replaced as a set.
TrailSmart(#1): 2,999 - replaced prematurely in prep for a trip
TrailSmart(#2): 6,782 - 4K miles trip out west to Tenere event last summer, plus general riding. Completely dead (and punctured) when removed.
TrailSmart(#3): 4,300 - dead - almost no off pavement, no power sliding - just the usual heavy right wrist activity this bike inspires.

TrailSmarts are no longer $100 per set, and my initial stock-up supply has been exhausted. I'll be trying a Continental Trail Attack 3 next. If that doesn't work I'll likely go back to the Scorpion.

This weekend DM and I did a "shake-down" ride in prep for a ride up north this summer. I put the top case back on and a loaded duffel on the back seat. My god, that sucks the joy out of this bike. 10 miles down the road I told DM if the bike always rode like this I'd sell it. 10 miles later I remember to change the rebound on the suspension, and 10 miles after that I realized I needed to update the dampening from the Comfort setting I used on the highway the week before. Once the suspension was all correctly set, and I adjusted my thinking to travel and not piloting a rocket, all was good again. A shake-down is necessary get my perspective in alignment.

This bike is amazingly versatile once you get all the settings adjusted. There's no question I am the weak link in switching from hammering twisty roads as best I know how, to carrying a load of stuff to some distant place. Attitude adjustments can be challenging for me. I know what this thing can do.

Have a great riding season in 2022. Hoping there will be an event in 2023 that brings all of us together again. Ride safe.

Front tire consumption has been as bad or worse than the rear. This third and final Dunlop Trail Smart is pretty much done at just 5,500 miles.

Once again, worn out on the left side. For all the reason discussed earlier in the thread.

Having a SAS does mean you need to understand frequent tire changes are part of the ownership experience and cost. It's worth it. The GM at the dealership tells me, "You are very hard on tires." I think it's more the bike than me. I do notice the TCS light flashes once or twice on each shift from 1st to 2nd to 3rd. I'm guessing that may have some contribution to the longevity of the rear tire.

Based on reports from another SAS owner and his eforts with big KTM to workout a headshaking issue, I'm going to try an Anakee 3 front. I was concerned about going to a 80/20 over a 95/5 or 90/10, but it hasn't been reported to be an issue, so I'm going to try

Even at 23K miles I'm still learning stuff about the bike. Last few rides have felt down on power a bit. Not dramatic, but I noticed. At times I even wondered if the clutch was slipping in 2nd gear. Most of those recent rides have been in mid to high 90 degrees, with high humidity. Today was a 73 degree day. The bike was in absolute beast mode. Pulling as hard as ever, and giving every ounce of that excitement factor that is so addictive. No clutch slipping concerns today. So the performance of this bike is definitely something you can feel in the butt-dyno when the air is hot and humid. I don't remember being able to notice that on the S10.

 

[TNWalker]

So much fun to ride.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Nice skid plate.

How do you like the factory cases? Are those the ones that "float"? Any headshaking when hands off the bars at 25 to 45 MPH? I know you have different geometry so curious if that issue still exists. Mine only does it when the after market cases are installed.

 

[Donk]

I know how you feel abut the 1290 and it's exactly the way I feel about the 890 Adventure. My 1290 SAR/S is an amazing bike that sits in my shop on it's center stand waiting to be ridden. I do ride it every couple of weeks because I get to feeling about it sitting there. Problem is I like riding the 890 more. The 890 just works for me.

I have gotten great mileage and grip from Conti Trail Attacks on the 1290. I'm using the new Bridgestone's on the 890 just to try them and I'm very impressed. I tried the Battleax AT41 which is 80/20 road/trail and 5000 miles in they have not disappointed. Going to try the A41 which is 90/10 next.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I get it. It's great to have a bike that completely excites you. I really, really, really enjoy riding my 690. But 50% of the time when I go to ride it I see the SAS sitting there and I just can't help myself. Quick switch of keys and 365 miles later I put the big beast back next to the 690 and tell the little guy maybe next week. I don't think it believes me.

I currently have Trail Attack installed on the rear. So far it's doing a good job for me.

 

[magic]

I recently returned from a 4 week Alaska trip with a side trip to Kodiak island. Most of the big ADV bikes that I saw were KTMs, GS and GSAs were a close second with some S10s and Honda ATs mixed in. Talked to a few KTM owners and they just raved about their bikes. I trailered my DR650 this time. I stopped and helped out a guy with a cut tire on his KTM 1190. We loaded his bike in my trailer and then he road my DR650 about 50 miles to a motorcycle dealer. We had a good laugh when I warned him to be careful with all that power when he fired up the DR!

 

[TNWalker]

Nice skid plate.

How do you like the factory cases? Are those the ones that "float"? Any headshaking when hands off the bars at 25 to 45 MPH? I know you have different geometry so curious if that issue still exists. Mine only does it when the after market cases are installed.

The skid plate is by AXP. It's very light weight and offers much better protection than what came on the bike. The cases are the factory floating cases. I was unaware that they are supposed to float like that during installation so at first I thought something was amiss. They do work really well and I like the way they integrate with the bike. Certainly there are after market cases that are much more robust but these suit my needs just fine. I haven't experienced any head shaking on the bike with cases or without, at any speed. I find the bike to be very smooth. Tires are Mitas Terra Force R Adv and with 2500 miles on them seem to be wearing evenly so far. They are primarily a street tire and I may look for a better tire when the time comes for replacement.

Steve

 

[Checkswrecks]

The Predator was supposedly based in the old Star Trek Klingons but I think they saw early KTM sketches myself.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

The skid plate is by AXP. It's very light weight and offers much better protection than what came on the bike. The cases are the factory floating cases. I was unaware that they are supposed to float like that during installation so at first I thought something was amiss. They do work really well and I like the way they integrate with the bike. Certainly there are after market cases that are much more robust but these suit my needs just fine. I haven't experienced any head shaking on the bike with cases or without, at any speed. I find the bike to be very smooth. Tires are Mitas Terra Force R Adv and with 2500 miles on them seem to be wearing evenly so far. They are primarily a street tire and I may look for a better tire when the time comes for replacement.

Steve

Thanks, good info. Does floating mean they move around in the wind?

The Predator was supposedly based in the old Star Trek Klingons but I think they saw early KTM sketches myself.

I'll admit, the KTM look is an acquired taste. At this point I see it as a beauty.

 

[Sierra1]

The Predator was supposedly based in the old Star Trek Klingons but I think they saw early KTM sketches myself. . . .

I was thinking more the aliens from the movie Battleship. When I watched the movie, the first thing I thought was KTM.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

First 500 miles with the Anakee III have alleviated my concerns with this particular 80/20 on the front. I've pushed it about as hard as my skills will allow and no negative behavior observed. No idea if it will reduce headshaking with cases because I'm just not willing to install cases until forced.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Question for Donk..

First, here is what generated the question..

Coffee talk this morning with DM
DM: blah blah 690 blah why am I blah
DD: blah 690 knobbies blah
DM: you should go to Larry's and buy a bike
DD: you are pure evil

Text with Larry (GM at KTM dealership)
DD: Morning buddy, do you have any dirt versions of the 890 in stock?
Larry: You mean the 890R? I sold my last 2 on Saturday. Don't have any '23s in yet.
DD: Thanks, you just saved me from an impulse buy.

So Donk, how's the power on the 890R. Will it wheelie at will with just a flick of the wrist in the first 3 gears?

I love my 690 in the dirt, but it gets pretty tedious on the pavement getting to those distant dirt areas. The 690 has a lot of dirt capability that, in my mid-50s, I'm just not interested in utilizing. I don't mind scraficing some dirt capability I'm not using and replacing it with added road comfort which I would use.

I'm not a rock crawler, it's just not what I enjoy. I'd much rather be doing 45 to 55MPH on some rolling dirt trails with lots of power sliding and wheelies at every hump.

So Donk...is the 890R a good fit for me?

 

[TNWalker]

Question for Donk..

First, here is what generated the question..

Coffee talk this morning with DM
DM: blah blah 690 blah why am I blah
DD: blah 690 knobbies blah
DM: you should go to Larry's and buy a bike
DD: you are pure evil

Text with Larry (GM at KTM dealership)
DD: Morning buddy, do you have any dirt versions of the 890 in stock?
Larry: You mean the 890R? I sold my last 2 on Saturday. Don't have any '23s in yet.
DD: Thanks, you just saved me from an impulse buy.

So Donk, how's the power on the 890R. Will it wheelie at will with just a flick of the wrist in the first 3 gears?

I love my 690 in the dirt, but it gets pretty tedious on the pavement getting to those distant dirt areas. The 690 has a lot of dirt capability that, in my mid-50s, I'm just not interested in utilizing. I don't mind scraficing some dirt capability I'm not using and replacing it with added road comfort which I would use.

I'm not a rock crawler, it's just not what I enjoy. I'd much rather be doing 45 to 55MPH on some rolling dirt trails with lots of power sliding and wheelies at every hump.

So Donk...is the 890R a good fit for me?

FWIW, I'll offer my insights on the 890. I had one for a year, a 790 before that, The 890 was way better than the 790 engine. 890 will definitely wheelie for you although not as powerfully as your 1290. It's a wonderful engine and the bike handles beautifully. I had the S version and it was fine on getting to those dirt areas. It is still a bit on the heavy side compared to your 690 but still very capable off road. It would likely be a great trade off for your 690 although there will be significant overlap to the uses of your 1290. With DM's blessing I would say go for it . I am admittedly a bikeaholic though so take that as you will. I currently have a 2022 Tiger 900 RP and the 22 KTM 1290 S for my stable and am very satisfied (for now).