2017 KTM 1090 Adventure review: more is better !
The 1050 Adventure, launched in 2015, became 1090 Adventure two years later, with a power leap of 30 hp. Now assisted by a "Low Power" version for A2 licenses, this bike for access to the KTM trail family multiplies the advantages to seduce. Test.
KTM 1090 Adventure test page 1 – Static: goodbye to the 1050, hello to the 1090 !
The KTM trail offering was simplified in 2017 with the bestial at its peak – available in S, T and R variants – and at its base the 1090 Adventure, available as in 2016 in standard and all-terrain (R) models as well as in a new "Low Power" version (L). Restricted to 35 kW (47.5 hp), hence its name, it is intended for new A2 motorcycle licenses.
- Test MNC 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 :
The reason for this reorganization is precisely this L version, which allows KTM to meet the new licenses without having to restrict the original version to 95 hp, the maximum threshold for a motorcycle to enter the A2 frame. Thanks to this two-input offer, the Orange brand can now give back its full potential to the twin LC8: from 95 hp when it was released in 2015, the power increases to 125 hp through camshafts and specific mapping. (all technical details in).
This release is accompanied by a change of name: finished the "1050 Adventure", place to the "1090 Adventure"! This increase in the numbered prefix is also purely marketing, since the original displacement (1050 cc) remains … The fact remains that this increase in power places the 1090 Adventure more in the sports philosophy dear to the brand … while rushing the end of the career. The latter, until now responsible for stretching a bridge between the "small" 1050 and the "big", disappears because it has become too close to the 1090 Adventure.
- KTM 1090 Adventure test :
Apart from the 30 hp which separate them, everything is identical between the 1050 and the 1090 Adventure: the tubular steel frame, the WP suspensions with the high travel of 185 mm and 190 mm (adjustable only at the rear), the brake callipers Brembo or traction control subject to the three driving modes and disconnectable Bosch ABS (all details in). The billhook cut lines are also renewed as they are, as is the oblong front optic with LED in its lower part..
On the other hand, the finish evolves positively through in particular new mirrors more stylish than the previous round models. Some surface treatments previously subject to criticism also appear to be more careful. Overall, the bike looks good, even if some details are still twitching like the multicolored terminals near the rear cylinder, any engine hardware or the water pump and its hoses exposed to view..
Entry level ? Not on the equipment !
The entry-level KTM – while waiting for – is making up for it thanks to its well-supplied standard equipment: handguard, adjustable windshield (without tools but with effort because it is hard to unlock), ultra-complete instrumentation with scrolling on the handlebars , height-adjustable footrests and handlebars, passenger handles, integrated luggage racks, luggage rack and angled valves. Not all of its rivals are so well stocked, especially at this rate. At € 12,990, the 1090 Adventure is for example 709 euros less expensive than the (€ 13,699), while € 900 separate it from the (€ 13,890) !
- Comparo MNC :
Other details are also a pleasure to discover, such as the small storage compartment to the right of the dashboard (enough to slide a bank card), the notched footrests with removable rubber wedge, or the well thought out design of the guard. -mud which protects the dip tubes from projections. So much attention would almost forgive the absence of a center stand to maintain the chain and height-adjustable saddle…
"Almost", because this seat perched at 850 mm requires you to lift your leg like a French cancan dancer! Despite the narrowness of the 23-liter tank, pilots under 1.75 m will be uncomfortable on their downforce. Blame it on the large suspension travel, a heritage of Katoche’s off-road culture. And to make matters worse, this saddle appears insufficiently padded to lend itself to long stages: a common complaint with the 1290 Super Adventure.
Ready for a ride? Continuation of this essay in our dynamic part in !
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