THE BEST big bike, and it’s cheap! A 2018 KTM 1090 R 1090 (similar to 1190), evaluated years later…

In 2024, with the release of the Norden 901 expedition and KTM 890R and other “more capable” bikes, the 1090R became relegated to be an under-appreciated killer, best bang for buck off-road touring bike. In my opinion nearly EVERYONE should be riding these (except for very very short people), over BMW, the Tiger Rallye, and many other bikes in my opinion. I personally see NO difference between this bike and a 890 (I am just as fast as these riders on all terrain) and it’s ok and totally solid to buy used. In fact it may still be more reliable than modern bikes!

Followup items since video was made:
1 -- The Shinko 700 has been *awesome* and is whisper quiet and great on the street and dirt roads and very technical stuff. Big fan. I'm not sure why these aren't more widely used. I'm unsure what my next rear tire will be. I have a good clean 150 Dunlop 908 but these are pretty chunky. I really like the Motoz GPS rear as its so smooth on the street and seems to give up little off road. You can get away with a lot with heavier bikes on DRY (but mud prone) tires as the heavier bikes stick much better due to their weight.

-- I sold the Nelson Rigg stuff and went with Tusk Olympus panniers and mounts. They are dramatically smaller though advertised as larger. My guess is they are maybe 25L max. They are way more durable and considerably lighter. They collect mud a bit more (like the Mosko Backcounty panniers, which they are mostly ripped off from) but really take a beating and ARE LIGHTER than even the Rigg Hurricane stuff, which looks better and is larger (can be adjustable to be smaller), and the mounting plates are much better.

-- I rode hard with 890 and even a 690R rider, as seen, and 100% kept up in some cases was faster and more consistent. I see pretty much no difference between the 890/901 and this bike other than maybe a little more lower weight placement on the 890s, which I personally don't feel at all. The bike feels balanced and like a dirtbike even when fully gassed, when up (I obviously feel it when lifting it). The only time I notice its size and lack of knobbies is when braking, or when it's fallen over. Generally you need less knobby on bigger bikes when it's dry as the weight adds traction. Cheers!

Видео THE BEST big bike, and it’s cheap! A 2018 KTM 1090 R 1090 (similar to 1190), evaluated years later… канала Shoumatoff Automotive Consulting