![]() ![]() Serious braking power is required for 150 horses. After a quick 180 for a redo, the “comfort” setting provided a more comfortable ride. With the setting still on “sport” damping, my first ascent up El Teide Volcano’s badly damaged road was a hard and bumpy ride. Via the onboard computer, the rider can choose four rear-spring pre-load settings (solo, solo with luggage, two-up, and two-up with luggage) and three damper settings (sport, street, and comfort). The rear features a WP monoshock with the electronic-damping system (EDS). The male-slider front fork with 48mm tubes can be adjusted for preload, 25 clicks each for compression and rebound damping. The LC8 engine of the RC8 R was the right choice after a solid five years in the service as a base for the Adventure. In combination with KTM’s patented tubeless wire-spoke wheels, they add to the agile riding dynamic. They’re the first travel enduro tires rated for speeds in excess of 150 mph. The Continental Trail Attack 2 tires provided excellent grip even when toying around with the traction control turned off. Chassis and HandlingĪs this is a more street-oriented Adventure (the off-road Adventure R version is coming soon), it rides on a 19-inch, wire-spoke wheel in the front (as opposed to the 21-inch wheel used on the 990), and a 17-inch rear. The 1190 consumes approximately 20 percent less fuel than its predecessor, giving it another plus as a travel enduro. ![]() Good enough for the Dakar, good enough for everyday use! The chain helps keep weight down and avoids power loss. KTM’s engineers decided on an X-ring chain as the final-drive option. ![]() ![]() Rear-wheel hop under forceful downshifting is also eliminated by the slipper clutch. The result is a clutch that can be pulled with one finger and contributes to the easy-to-ride and fun factor of the Adventure. By increasing pressure on the clutch discs in proportion to the engine torque, softer clutch springs can be used. Most impressive is the centrifugally assisted clutch, however. The short first gear (for all you techies, 12:35) avoids having to ride the clutch in difficult terrain or in slow traffic. The six-gear transmission worked well in extremely tight curves and at interstate speeds. In waning light it automatically switches from DRL to the headlight's low beam. The daytime riding light and indicators both use LEDs. We did notice some engine heat rise through the seat as well as laterally to the legs. The air temperature was between 75 and 85 degrees while riding, and the roads were a mix of open and very tight curves. In addition, ABS and traction control can be completely disengaged in all riding modes, unlike many other brands’ systems.ĭuring testing, we noticed minor rear-wheel slippage on two occasions while accelerating hard out of corners before the traction control automatically actuated. “Off-road” and “Rain” cut power to 100 hp, but where the latter has all safety technology on high alert, the “Off-road” mode allows 100 percent rear-wheel slippage at twice the wheel speed. “Street” mode still has 150 hp, but it regulates it in a smoother manner. “Sport” mode allows access to all 150 hp, and the traction control intervenes late. Some of the competitors’ riding mode controls and screens aren’t nearly as intuitive as the KTM’s. The large, square LCD display that is next to the tachometer makes it practical to navigate through the 14 menu pages, with the “Favorite” screen showing key information that can be customized. It offers smooth power delivery and four riding modes to choose from via four buttons (up, down, back, and set) on the left side of the handlebar that manage the settings on the onboard computer. Whereas the predecessor 990 Adventure used a conventional cable throttle, which had a rather twitchy character, the new incarnation now features a state-of-the-art, ride-by-wire system. The 75-degree V-twin engine comes alive with classic KTM sound and without hesitation. Powertrain and PerformanceĪt the heart of the Adventure lies the light-weight mill stemming from the 1190 RC8 R superbike. Dual, floating, perforated 320mm Brembo disc brakes with two radial four-pot calipers and a radial master cylinder ensure stopping power in the front. After about 120,000 working hours that included every department at KTM, the result (at 150 hp and only 507 pounds) is one of the most fun bikes on the market, and it has a wide range of uses. They wanted to create the lightest, most powerful, and versatile travel enduro they could. The engineers in Mattighofen started with the concept three years ago. With the all-new and versatile 1190 Adventure, the Austrian manufacturer brings the soul and character that defines its “Ready to Race” motto to the street. 6 min read The fact that KTM has been dominating the off-road circuit for years is evident by a sea of orange commonly seen along motocross tracks and trails across the country. ![]()
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