All Tests – KTM 1190 Adventure test: ora (n) ge among the maxitrails! – Big sporty trail!

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

All Tests - KTM 1190 Adventure test: ora (n) ge among the maxitrails! - Big sporty trail!

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.

Big sport trail !

In action, switching between drive modes doesn’t make much difference in performance or response to the "electronic" throttle. Only the choices "rain" and "all-terrain" significantly smooth the acceleration and logically show themselves to be softer, since the power is reduced to 100 hp..

Another aspect on which these modes intervene: the sensitivity of the traction control. Very active in "rain" mode, the intervention is postponed in "sport", so as not to overly restrict the bike when exiting curves. Since the 1190 Adventure enjoys good traction thanks to its well-designed chassis and excellent tires (Continental ContiTrail Attack 2K), the yellow warning light indicating its entry into action does not flash often.

In "street" mode, all the power is retained, but the traction control is triggered earlier, in a preventive manner. Finally, in "off-road" mode, skating is authorized up to 100%, that is to say that the rear wheel can turn twice as fast as the front. On the ground, the most seasoned will also appreciate that the traction control and the ABS are both disconnectable at any time..

Regardless of the mode engaged, the 1195 cc LC8 performs with obvious goodwill in all uses. Well supported by a hydraulic clutch control, the gearbox fulfills its role perfectly: it is fast, precise and well staged..

The "chip-free" accelerator has the good taste of being forgotten, which is not always the case with other motorcycles equipped with "ride by wire". Another positive aspect: the clutch is equipped with an effective anti-dribble as standard.

The KTM sauce trip…

A KTM, you can stick a large windshield and valos to it, it is generally quite fun, even if it means sacrificing a few points of comfort. And this 1190 Adventure is no exception to the rule: it manages to reconcile the comfort and versatility – except in off-road – of a 990 Adventure with the fun of a 990 SMT..

Admittedly, its saddle quickly becomes uncomfortable and its screen does not offer the same degree of protection as the best of its competitors, but its dynamic potential largely erases these minor faults..

Agility, liveliness, stability: the resulting cocktail is incredibly tasty, whatever the type of road. Even in the rain, the balance of the chassis and confidence in the electronics encourage clowning !

On the other hand, the large travel combined with insufficient hydraulic restraint at the start of the race cause significant mass transfers, even by opting for the firmest electronic suspension adjustment..

The bike dives under braking and settles down during heavy acceleration: this is surprising at first, until we see that this character trait already sensitive on the 990 Adventure ultimately has little impact on the overall efficiency.

Braking operation sticks to the target program: less biting than a good number of Orange brand motorcycles, this Brembo device nonetheless ensures formidable and finely manageable decelerations. A last precious point in casting and duo driving, as well as during "off-piste" excursions.

By gaining three liters of capacity compared to the 990, the 1190 Adventure’s fuel tank allows you to build on 300 km of autonomy without stressing and at a sustained pace..

MNC thus measured an average consumption of 6.26 l / 100 km, over more than 1,500 km traveled at a good pace with loaded suitcases. Considering the size of the motorcycle and the fishing of its engine, this result is quite correct..

But if the 1190 Adventure is capable of long stages 300 km, it will not be the same for your seat which will give up arms long before! Blame it on a frankly average saddle comfort: the seat is too thin and the protruding ridges "chew" the inside of the thighs. The guest is better off at this level, but a top-case to help him not to fly off at acceleration will not be too much !

Verdict: common sense and a zest of orange !

Apart from some early problems that are easy to solve (crutches, suitcases and saddle comfort in particular), the new 1190 Adventure is very well born. And if it moves away a little from the sandy tracks, it is the better to devour greedily the asphalt ribbons !

Its twin-cylinder is undeniably moving in the right direction and helping to enhance the driving pleasure of this KTM. In the end, like many models in the Austrian offer, the new "Orange" sticks the "banana" on you at all times. Except maybe when paying the bill…

Much more expensive than the previous Adventure (around 1000 euros more), the 1190 Adventure justifies this inflation by its complete – and successful – engine overhaul, as well as by its larger and more sophisticated equipment..

At this level, the increase remains correct. Especially since in this category, motorcycles from 13,995 euros also richly equipped (combined ABS, driving modes, anti-skating and Bosch MSC stability and grip control on the 2014 vintages) are as rare as a French expressway without radar !

On the other hand, as on most of its competitors, the addition rises very quickly as soon as we turn to options frequently requested in this segment: suitcases, heated handles and piloted suspensions. Without forgetting the practically essential optional equipment (central stand, comfort saddle) for this maxitrail without gimbal and whose seat ends up tanning the buttocks…

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