All Tests – KTM 1190 Adventure Test: ora (n) ge among maxitrails! – The charge of the Austrian cavalry

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KTM 1190 Adventure test: ora (n) ge among the maxitrails !

All Tests - KTM 1190 Adventure Test: ora (n) ge among maxitrails! - The charge of the Austrian cavalry

To make its place in the contested niche of maxitrails, the new KTM 1190 Adventure intends to highlight one of the characteristics common to all KTMs: fun! Site tested it in travel conditions for 1500 km… Test.

The charge of the Austrian cavalry

"Ready to Tracer" far and comfortably, the 1190 Adventure bends over backwards to put the rider at ease thanks to well thought out and almost fully adjustable ergonomics: the seat height is set at 860 or 875 mm and the handlebars moves forward or backward 10mm, just like the footrests.

Add to that the adjustable levers in five positions and you have a motorcycle on which it is difficult not to find its place, especially as the 23 liter tank fits quite easily..

However, in good maxitrail, the KTM is not intended for small sizes: its proportions are generous, its saddle height remains selective even when set to the lowest, and its wide handlebars result in a certain separation of the arms..

Its announced weight of 230 kg fully loaded, although contained in this category of motorcycles (but most have a gimbal), also requires a minimum of physical condition and a certain habit. Especially when you have to move it when stationary or perch it on its central stand. The occasion to note that the solidity of this equipment seems questionable, in particular when exerting a torsion while moving the crutched motorcycle….

The sidestand didn’t make a stronger impression on us. Not because of its resistance, but because of its too short format and its perfectible positioning: when stationary with the suitcases loaded, the steering gear does not remain firmly riveted to the ground. The front wheel even gives the impression of being ready to lift if you are not careful to park on the flat !

Suitcases in "Karton"…

The operation of suitcases is also open to criticism: opening and locking them correctly already requires a certain practice, but removing them or replacing them on the motorcycle requires real know-how … At the beginning, MNC was said that with practice, the right reflexes would set in and this annoying feature would go away.

But no: even handling them at each stage of our week’s journey over more than 1,500 km, these suitcases gave us a hard time until the end. !

For the rest, we find the classic elements that we are entitled to expect on a good road-trail: the windshield adjustment is sufficiently intuitive so that it is possible to intervene on it while driving, the door -luggage has a multitude of anchor points for securing straps or tensioners, while a 12V socket placed under the dashboard allows you to recharge the phone or GPS.

At the mechanical level, the 1190 Adventure arouses the same satisfaction: the increase in displacement, the new light pistons, the redesigned cylinder heads, the double ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) and the completely revised intake succeed very well in the twin LC8, in particular regarding its availability.

While in its 990 cc version, it was reluctant to go below 2500/3000 rpm, the 1195 cc now resumes without knocking at low revs. Driving pleasure in town and in "ride" mode is considerably increased..

But beware: who says flexible does not necessarily say soft! Because if the KTM can resume quietly on a trickle of gas, it is just as capable of tearing your arms off with a simple rotation of the right wrist, when its 150 hp can gallop freely. What MNC had plenty of time to appreciate since our test bike was driven with an Austrian plate, so in "Full".

More efficient than the 990, the LC8 now shows impressive enthusiasm below 5000 rpm, regardless of the gear engaged. The second half of the tachometer is swallowed with even more energy, which ensures frankly muscular raises. It’s fun, but sporty: KTM DNA flows freely in the hoses of this bike, which must be taken into account before purchasing.

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