Don't buy a KTM 790 / 890 Adventure r or s until you watch this review

My detailed review of things about the KTM 790 Adventure that no other review covers. I cover the good the bad and the ugly so you know what you are really getting if you choose to join the KTM 790 890 Adventure riders.

I cover bike set up, suspension adjustments, the problems with the KTM and the things that make is stand out. I also cover the items that have been covered under warranty including my catastrophic brake failure.

[Atomic_Chemist]

I got the 890 a few weeks ago. after only 400 miles I started having the issue with cold starts and had to start it 5 times one morning. The problem is that it only starts on 1 cyl and and the other one doesnt go until it warms up. Adding a little throttle on start seems to help but definitely an absurd issue for a brand new bike...

[lovelessissimo]

Honestly, I can't take reviews seriously when they don't cover negative aspects. This type of "pull no punches" review is the best for those considering a purchase and it speaks volumes (good volumes) about a bike.

[breezewoodable]

First time viewer. Loved this review: straightforward, to-the-point, all the pros & cons, no fluff, and a joy to watch even at 23+ minutes. Learned much more about the KTM than in other vid's. Thanks, a bunch!!!

[davidrsmith]

I have finally decided on the '23 KTM 890 Adventure (non-R) bike. I have studied maybe 12 different reviews of this bike, and several reviewers said something like "Clearly, KTM has been listening (to owners + reviewers) and this model has dozens of tweaks over previous models that prove it. We all owe a huge thank you to Brett Tkacs for speaking 'truth to power'! His fine reputation of being an intelligent and fair reviewer and trainer go a long way to encouraging companies like KTM to make improvements. It all about the details and proof of those details. Thanks again Brett. You da man!

[motojojo_]

When YouTubers say "Don't until you watch this video" it's always clickbait and I feel my time has been wasted.

But when Brett Tkacs says it, I click and never feel my time is wasted. Top stuff 👍

[MrPepsilon]

Have an 1190 Adv MY 2013 which was the first year edition. Side stand spring and air filter changed on factory recall, plus moisture in one turn signal fixed on warranty. One leaking fork seal at 63 000 km and ball bearing in front wheel at 72 000 km. Sprockets and chain changed twice. The rest is just normal service and now I have happily reached the 80 000 km mark. I go long camping trips ranging from weekend- to several weeks long and preferably on small roads, gravel of various quality and down to bigger (in case I have to turn the beast around ; ) ) trails. Love the bike and with Mitas E07+ it is quite capable for my needs.

[MrRplo]

Unbiased, detailed, and accurate. This is video is one of the numerous reasons I subscribe to this channel and watched all your stuff when you produced for Motortrek. Hopefully I can get out to one of your classes next year.

[MaxFromSydney]

Bret,
In Australia, we call a vehicle with all of these problems a “lemon”.
I have a dream to be able to ride a bike around Australia on all roads, but KTM over here has a reputation for these kind of niggles and failures that make me want to have a bike with fewer bells and whistles but a lot more reliability.

Thank you for another great video, but your experience confirms my fears of buying a KTM.

[AlexxZhulin]

Wow, thanks. "Ready to race part" is true but they never said it's a race to repair shop.

[wfodavid]

One of your best videos yet. I'm an off-road racer and Ive tweaked my 790 quite a bit. You hit some nice single track and it makes your videos very good. Thanks for sharing!

[patrickdelaney]

KTM is an excellent premium bike, the company needs to step up and resolve many of the issues
Software updates adjustments etc

[lecler]

Bret,
As always spot on and you just don't throw anyone under the bus. Hat's or helmets off to you for doing the industry right and keeping things professional and excellent. Always enjoy watching your videos and will remember your course for a very very long time. Thanks. -Brad

[haraldsimon]

Many thanks to share real experiences! Everyone knows that other manufactures/motorcylces having issues too. This is not related to a particular manufacturer. It depends even on the model itself. But an issue on the breaks is more seriously and should be handled with sensibility by KTM. Unfortunately, even in respect of the quality and pricerange of the motorcylces, KTM always tries to avoid to take over any responsibility. This is what KTM has definately to change. The feedback to KTM is really important for improvements.

[Zeth]

The rear rotor did the same thing on my 2020 790. I was able to get it covered by warranty as it damaged the caliber bracket. I've also have issues here and there with curse not staying engaged, normally it will be fine the next day. Glad to know my is not the only one that takes three tries to start in the mornings! Very annoying

Otherwise, I'm REALLY loving the bike. I had a Versys 650, and Concours 14 before it and it is by far my favorite motorcycle.

The only thing I'd like to add to this video is that you should make sure to get a skid plate that bolts onto the foot peg brackets. The foot peg bracket on the right side bolts to the engine and people have reports that if they hit that peg pretty hard on something. It rips the bolt off the engine and takes a chunk with it.... The really good skid plates will bolt up to that bracket to keep it from moving.

[cloud]

"I like this"
Edit - in all seriousness as someone who is new to this - you describing the down hill ABS scenario was truly inciteful. It hadn't sank in how serious it is with ABS in offroad situations. Can't thank you enough for shedding light on that for me. Your description hit home.

[zedpoutine]

You have a Friday bike, I've had a "sneeze" bike; that's when a part is missing due to a bike passing by a sneezing worker on the assembly line.

My Tiger 800 came without an air filter. Found out the hard way after riding in dusty conditions. Engine rebuild under warranty but took 5 weeks. And the irony is that I had to pay for the new air filter, amongst other things!

[BillCairns]

Good fair review.. had a chuckle at the Friday bike comment..👍 on a more Serious Note:- I owned the 790r for 16 month...it was in the repair shop or broken for over 6 month, required full engine rebuild that KTM would not cover warranty because I rode it off rd🙈. 800miles after rebuild it shit itself again... guess what., required full rebuild again KTM refused warranty because I changed the oil within that 800mile period (as a precaution after build)...your a well know personality with in the Adv rider world and appear to be struggling to get them to cover warranty!! Think what it’s like for “average Joe”. I wrote to KTM Uk & The Factory in Austria... guess what, not a single reply🙈🙈🙈. Eventually sold the bike broken with 2, 100 miles on the clock...for £3, 500. The bike with extras cost me in the UK £13, 000 I have been purchasing & riding KTMs for over 15yrs.... NO more after the way the Dealer & Factory have been treating me...Shame🙈

[Moichl]

Sure, this bike has a great performance! But this typically KTM related tiny, little issues are the reason, why i decided to buy a Yamaha Tenere 700. Less fancy bullshit, more reliability!

[charlesfichter]

Thx Bret good review - I've read the ABS reset is actually an EU regulatory requirement to insure new riders never are on pavement with ABS turned off.

[marscruz]

Very rare to have something so truthful and accurate about a popular new motorcycle. I've thought about buying one of these. Now I have an idea of what the REAL ownership experience would be like. If I buy one... it's your fault!
Excellent....