The next chapter...KTM Super Adventure S

[Dirt_Dad]

I'm not sure if it was this thread or one of the ADV threads, but I did a bit of reading around the "single cylinder" at startup issue. There seemed to be something tied to getting the fuel system cleaned out of manufacturing residue that some thought made a difference. Like a full-on dealer fuel system flush thing. It sounded extensive/expensive and not just "drop in a bottle of Techron" sort of service. But I'm curious if that might be something that could cause an issue w/ the fuel pump (manufacturing residue).

I've got no idea, obviously. Just made we wonder. I've been going down KTM/Husky rabbit holes lately.

Eville Rich
2016 S10

I definitely have the single cylinder start thing with my 890. People say letting the bike go through a series if clicks before hitting the starter address it. Basically, let it boot-up first. I'm yet to prove that to my self. If if works, that sounds electronic to me and not fuel system.

My SAS has never started on just one cylinder. The words "flushing the fuel system" were said by the dealership when describing one action they were taking.

Fortunately I have great respect and trust of my dealer. This will get worked out.

 

[bimota]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=646837857405806

 

[Jlq1969]

I definitely have the single cylinder start thing with my 890. People say letting the bike go through a series if clicks before hitting the starter address it. Basically, let it boot-up first. I'm yet to prove that to my self. If if works, that sounds electronic to me and not fuel system.

My SAS has never started on just one cylinder. The words "flushing the fuel system" were said by the dealership when describing one action they were taking.

Fortunately I have great respect and trust of my dealer. This will get worked out.

It is not designed to rob a bank…. (look at “jester’s” comments)

KTM 890R cold start procedure

the best way to start a cold KTM890 R

www.youtube.com

 

[Dirt_Dad]

It is not designed to rob a bank…. (look at “jester’s” comments)

KTM 890R cold start procedure

the best way to start a cold KTM890 R

www.youtube.com

Makes me think it's electronic related. (didn't see any comments)


Back to the big bike.

Talked to the Service Dept today. They have done the usual 36K mile service (valves), flushed the fuel system, replaced the plugs, re-something (can't remember the term used) the computer to basically reset it, removed the fuel pump and performed whatever bench testing they could do, and rode and rode it. I'm told it runs wonderfully. The one thing they couldn't do was take it out at 84 degrees or higher. There's nothing more for them to do at this point.

Sooner or later the weather will get hot again and I'll inevitably run it up into the same or higher RPM range. We'll see what happens. I'm not going to worry about it until there's something that gives me reason to worry.

Between the burned out stator, and whatever happened to make it stumble on the most recent trip, there is no second thought on this bike. It has been, and remains the most exciting and satisfying motorcycle I've ever owned. The idea of having a negative thought about it really isn't conceivable. I'm not sure what it will take to eventually make me consider something else, ...this ain't it.

 

[Sierra1]

As long as you like it. (just told CW the same thing, about a different thing)

 

[Jlq1969]

didn't see any comments)

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Thanks, I'll be giving it a shot Saturday morning...after I ride the V-Strom back to the dealership, pick up my SAS, ride home, grab the 890, ride back to the dealership for the software updates and maybe some tire changes, then back home. The poor 890 has been very neglected in the last 6 weeks.

I got a chuckle last week when the dealership's new employee with 3 days employment there asked me, 'have you ever been here before?'

I'm pretty sure I've been there before.

 

[thughes317]

Factory 9300 mile scheduled dealer service (actually 9800 miles.....close enough) on the 1290 SAS done this past week (less than $300 bill)......so far, so good. I'm loving this thing.

(Hope this doesn't jinx it)

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Factory 9300 mile scheduled dealer service (actually 9800 miles.....close enough) on the 1290 SAS done this past week (less than $300 bill)......so far, so good. I'm loving this thing.

(Hope this doesn't jinx it)

If I remember correctly, even the valve check dealer service isn't much more expensive than the 9000 mile service. It's not an expensive bike to maintain.

Glad to hear it's working out for you. I'm as pleased with the bike as i have ever been.

 

[Boris]

DD, which VStrom have you been riding? What do you think of it?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

DD, which VStrom have you been riding? What do you think of it?

2020 V-Strom1050.

As a former 2006 V-Strom 1000 owner and fan, I can say the updates are dramatic and well done. Actually, it's a totally different bike. Easy to ride, smooth, instantly at ease on it. Very nice. Not an exciting bike, but good solid motorcycle.

 

[thughes317]

If I remember correctly, even the valve check dealer service isn't much more expensive than the 9000 mile service. It's not an expensive bike to maintain.

Glad to hear it's working out for you. I'm as pleased with the bike as i have ever been.

First ride after the service....they must have made an adjustment to the quick shifter (it's an item on the checkup list) because it's a different animal now. Was kinda clunky on the 1-2, 2-3 upshifts, didn't really use it much until I got to the 3-4 shift....now there is no need for using the clutch at all except when starting/starting. Joy......

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Cool, yes it should be snick smooth in every gear. I had them do a relearning on my 890 and it helps a lot.

Now go flog that beast hard. It likes it.

 

[thughes317]

Cool, yes it should be snick smooth in every gear. I had them do a relearning on my 890 and it helps a lot.

Now go flog that beast hard. It likes it.

Yes sir!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Been a while, and I've been neglecting putting anything up about the SAS...so finally put something out into the universe.

 

[paleozed]

I just came back to an S10 from a 1290 SAS. I agree that the motor in the SAS is a hoot, and it has much more responsive steering. Some of the bells and whistles are novel and convenient, but my experience was pretty negative across the board. The electronic gremlins were constant, the front end never really gave me confidence inspiring feedback, and the front suspension at low speed (below about 35mph) always felt like there was a loose steering head bearing. It was kind of clunky. My brother has a 2015 Super Adventure, a 2017 Super Duke GT, and a 2020 Super Duke GT and they all have that same front end clunkiness at low speed. I was stranded multiple times because ether bike wouldn't recognize the key fob. The electronic suspension was always showing an error code and wouldn't move from one setting. I had to have the electronics upgrade package added back onto the bike multiple times.THe functions would just stop working and disappear from menu (quick shifter still isn't working). As exhilarating as the engine can be, I just never have grown to like my SAS as much as the S10. I have both now, with my SAS up for sale. I took a 16 day trip through British Columbia last summer and did it on my KLR because I didn't trust the KTM not to leave me stranded. No matter how exhilarating the engine can be, it isn't fun if you don't trust it to bring you home or if it is in the shop getting ANOTHER software update/reload/patch/etc.

 

[Donk]

paleozed what year was your 1290?
Sorry to hear of your issues with it.
The steering head bearing on most KTMs seem to need constant retorquing. I have learned to live with it and check mine every 7-8000 miles. That clunk you mentioned is a telltale sign. As for the electronic issues I make no excuses.

 

[paleozed]

paleozed what year was your 1290?
Sorry to hear of your issues with it.
The steering head bearing on most KTMs seem to need constant retorquing. I have learned to live with it and check mine every 7-8000 miles. That clunk you mentioned is a telltale sign. As for the electronic issues I make no excuses.

Hi Donk.My 1290 is a 2020 Super Adventure S. I still have it...it's for sale! Trust me, I torqued the steering head bearings multiple times...even had it into the dealer to have them to a front end alignment and have bearings checked out. They re-torqued it, test rode it, said it was doing what it was supposed to do. Once you get over about 30-35mph it isn't clunky, but the feedback is really numb, and I almost feel like the front end isn't strait. I changed tires, had dealer put it in a rack to check that everything was straight. It just doesn't feel right to me. However none of my brother's KTM's feel quite right to me either. Many of the electrical gremlins seem to be solved by replacing battery. The old battery was good enough to start the bike faithfully, but was apparently triggering lots of errors in the ECU. Those just compounded on each other. However it sill has issues recognizing the fob sometimes, even with a new battery in the fob and new battery in the bike. The engine in the bike rocks, and it does feel much lighter than the Tenere, but I feel much more confident going into a corner hot and leaning over on the Super Ten than I do on the KTM. The KTM forums are full of "I have this issue, does anyone else?" And most of the issues are just software glitches, which is frustrating because you have to take it to the dealer. I understand the appeal of the 1290, but I will stick to a bike with less "character", as the moto journalists like to call it!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Certainly don't like hearing you've had so many issues. It was stories like yours that made me queasy about buying my SAS. Despite hearing similar stories, I took the chance under the theory the guys with great experiences are likely to be less vocal than those who have experienced frustrations. It was a theory.

My firsthand experience has been very positive with my 2020 SAS being equal to the most reliable bikes I've owned. Not perfect, in fact, that burned out stator over the summer was highly inconvenient. It also led to a premature replacement of the battery, which may not actually be a bad thing.

I'm happy my decision to stop wrenching coincided with finding a great KTM shop and skilled KTM tech. I know they stay on top of my of my steering bearing for me. Adding a steering damper this summer definitely fixed the annoying headshaking I'd get with cases installed.

I'm positive it's not a bike for everyone. It couldn't be, because it feels like KTM built it specifically for me. That's a pretty narrow target audience.

Glad you found/rediscovered a bike that works best for you, paleozed. That's all any of us could hope for.

 

[Jlq1969]

Been a while, and I've been neglecting putting anything up about the SAS...so finally put something out into the universe.

Life is short and it is only one….