KTM 1190 Adventure R: First Look!

[alphabet man]

I have a friend  that owns a recreation retail store that sells KTM,   for the first time ever KTM cooperate is taking some select retailers to Austria for demo rides, can't wait for his opinion/report he is an extremly aggresive rider with a long history of dirt racing his perspective will be intersting. Sadly I am not a good enough friend to tag along and carry his bags. But the Multi will probably be for sale in the spring  

[crispiegee1]

I always liked the idea of a small adventure tourer, such as the BMW F800GS, but when Triumph announced the Tiger 800, it meant that I could have the sound of a triple in an adventure bike. Perfect!  

Then the Tiger Explorer was announced, with shaft drive!   The tradeoff was more weight and an engine bigger than I need.

This KTM, aside from having way more engine than necessary (for me), seems to have eviscerated the competition: Much less weight, more than enough horsepower AND shaft drive. If it doesn't cost $20k and my feet can touch the ground, it will definitely be my top choice.

[garry]

This KTM, aside from having way more engine than necessary (for me), seems to have eviscerated the competition: Much less weight, more than enough horsepower AND shaft drive. If it doesn't cost $20k and my feet can touch the ground, it will definitely be my top choice.

Look closer at the photos. No shaft drive on the KTM. And I'm fine with that as I change the gearing on every bike I've owned (always geared too tall).

[DogBoy]

I see a chain.

[crispiegee1]

Look closer at the photos. No shaft drive on the KTM. And I'm fine with that as I change the gearing on every bike I've owned (always geared too tall).

I'm so bummed. I really had looked and didn't see a chain. I hate chains... I've had to do so much adjust of my latest chain on my Yamaha that I'm sick of it.

I still love the KTM, but I have to ponder how I'll be using it. If it rarely goes off road, will I really mind the extra 60 pounds of a Triumph Tiger Explorer? Or should I save another 35 pounds, stick with a chain and get the Tiger 800XC at just 470 pounds. The KTM has all the cool suspension technology, plus, it appears that it will be aggressively priced for such a capable bike.

[Kraz]

I still love the KTM, but I have to ponder how I'll be using it. If it rarely goes off road, will I really mind the extra 60 pounds of a Triumph Tiger Explorer? Or should I save another 35 pounds, stick with a chain and get the Tiger 800XC at just 470 pounds. The KTM has all the cool suspension technology, plus, it appears that it will be aggressively priced for such a capable bike.

I dunno if it matters to you, but the price delta b/w the Tiger 800XC and this monstrosity will probably not be slight...  I'd say price, weight, reliability and ease of maintenance all go to the Triumph.  If you want a huge, heavy, shaft-driven Adv bike for occasional hard pack trails and gravel, I'd point to the Stelvio... or you're fine with the Explorer.

[black hills]

I'm so bummed. I really had looked and didn't see a chain. I hate chains... I've had to do so much adjust of my latest chain on my Yamaha that I'm sick of it.

I still love the KTM, but I have to ponder how I'll be using it. If it rarely goes off road, will I really mind the extra 60 pounds of a Triumph Tiger Explorer? Or should I save another 35 pounds, stick with a chain and get the Tiger 800XC at just 470 pounds. The KTM has all the cool suspension technology, plus, it appears that it will be aggressively priced for such a capable bike.

no point in the KTM if youare not going off road. Off road is where they shine, there are far better choices for road use