KTM 890R- The Super Scalpel!

[weeksy]

I had the cracking pleasure of riding this today.

First things i noticed,
1. It's got a fruity sound to it
2. the pegs are quite high
3. the Front end is REALLY close to you !!!

Riding it, i was massively impressed by just how smooth it is... it was in Sport mode which on the 790 is quite on/off at times, but in this context it was really nice and smooth. The gearbox was nice and smooth and effortless. The brakes, a little weird there really, there was quite a bit of free play before you get any bite in there, when they bite they're ok, but not life changing.

Handling wise it's sharp, not quite unstable sharp, but deffo on the twitchy end of sharp and responsive.

All in all it was only 10 miles, but was really nice to ride.

[Bigyin]

The tail tidy looks way better than standard ....but i had to put a hand over the luggage rack to see it clearly without being distracted by the scaffolding

[Tricky]

Well, that didn't take long- approximately 350 miles up and I'm soon to be 890-less.

It's got "low Oil Pressure" warning covering the dash when its running

Plenty of oil in it, no unusual noises or oil leaks, so hopefully it's nothing serious, but obviously don't want to ride it just in case
Premier are saying it may possibly be a software update, , so it's being picked up early tomorrow and going back to them for diagnosis and remedy

[weeksy]

Well, that didn't take long- approximately 350 miles up and I'm soon to be 890-less.

It's got "low Oil Pressure" warning covering the dash when its running

Plenty of oil in it, no unusual noises or oil leaks, so hopefully it's nothing serious, but obviously don't want to ride it just in case
Premier are saying it may possibly be a software update, , so it's being picked up early tomorrow and going back to them for diagnosis and remedy

Oh man, that's a proper disappointing thing right there.

[crust]

Nightmare.

Lets hope it just a few jumbled up 1s and 0s.

Fingers crossed for you.

[Supermofo]

Bugger.

Chatting to Weeksy today about the 790 when discussing my next bike and it's these things that put me off. Oil leaks, 44 teeth's test bike showing 'immobiliser fault' on the dash for half the test, the 690 rocker arms etc.

Hope its just a re-set type thing

[Dodgy69]

Ktm do seem to have these type issues with their newer bikes . Bloody shame, cos their bikes are absolute crackers.

[2xtwins]

Sorry to hear this Rich.

Hopefully it's easily sorted - gotta be worth a free first service in recognition of the hassle involved though, eh?

Kev

[Tricky]

Sorry to hear this Rich.

Hopefully it's easily sorted - gotta be worth a free first service in recognition of the hassle involved though, eh?

Kev

That would be nice, we shall see.
When it was on the truck earlier this morning with the sump at eye-level, I noticed it's disappointingly a little bit oily around the front sprocket area, so looks like they still haven't managed to stop em leaking there, really don't understand why not but its obviously not just a bad batch of seals if 890s are still doing it...

[Tricky]

Well, it's time for a bit of an update- following investigation it has transpired that basically the motor is indeed seriously fooked and not repairable, and a complete brand new motor (filled with oil and sealed in the factory) has been sent from Austria.
Whilst Premier Bikes (the supplying dealer) provided options for loan bike etc whilst this happens, and have been brilliant, an engine change in a 2-3 week old and 350-mile bike hasn't sat well with me, so I have formally rejected the bike , and they are issuing a full refund.

It's really disappointing for me, as although of course due to our relatively short time together, I hadn't yet got to really stretch its legs and find out how good the 890 was, the signs were that it would be everything I had hoped it would be riding experience and performance-wise, but after this, and a little bit of reading of one of two other experiences in Germany and the US, I would be not be comfortable riding it hard, and of course even if the new motor proved 100% solid forever, there would also potentially be the question of how it might affect re-sale value.

Anyway, onwards and upwards etc, Premier have been brilliant in sorting a refund, and as of a few hours ago, a new (non-KTM) replacement for the 890 has been ordered and is in the process of being PDI'd and having a few extras fitted- should be in my possession within the next couple of days or so- all will be revealed in due course...

[KungFooBob]

That's a shitter. Does save trying to explain to people why it's had a new engine, who would assume its because you thrashed it.

Look forward to the next new bike thread!

[Dodgy69]

I'd reject it aswel. Seems like there untested engines. Brand new, new models can have concerns, especially with ktm it seems.

Yep...nowt wrong with a Triumph.

[MrLongbeard]

Bugger

[weeksy]

Gutted for you as per our WhatsApp but I am excited about the next chapter!!!!

[MingtheMerciless]

Damn, thats rubbish. KTM really seem to have dropped the ball on reliability which is a shame. Super Duke or the 890 was on my shopping list initially but reliability and niggles seem above the norm so its looking more like the other K will make an appearance in my life.

[Taipan]

Damn, thats rubbish. KTM really seem to have dropped the ball on reliability which is a shame. Super Duke or the 890 was on my shopping list initially but reliability and niggles seem above the norm so its looking more like the other K will make an appearance in my life.

Personally i don't think they ever held the ball. They've always been plagued by reliability issues and from what I can gather, they can now add electrical/software gremlins to their reliability issues. Shame as they are cracking bikes to ride...

[crust]

I guess you can't blame the bike, you did stick half a ton of scaffolding on the back of it and then threaten it with a trip to scotchland.

Did you get the rack back?

Fair play to Premier for sorting it. Gutted for you, you waited a long time for that bike and seemed to be into it. Fingers crossed the Triumph is more robust.

[Skub]

What a nightmare.

At least they got you sorted,but the more I hear about KTM,the less I want one. I thought they'd got past all the unreliability issues.

[Couchy]

That’s a shame, but lucky they could source you a Harley what with them not being a dealer. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and embrace the change in pace

[G.P]

For me it would be the potential resale value with the V5 showing a replacement engine number etc. Oil weeping out of the sporcket seal is really unforgivable, they've had years to sort that out.
Real shame.