KTM 1190 Adventure R

The 1190 Adventure R has the heart and soul of the original KTM Adventure - puristic, raw, sportily challenging for rider and machine.  it is also comes equipped for the first time with Bosch's new MSC: Motorcycle Stability Control. MSC enhances the existing package consisting of lean-sensitive traction control and ABS featuring a combined braking function with a world first: the first ever lean-sensitive cornering ABS. Together with its sister model, the 1190 Adventure R has been turned into what is currently the world's safest motorcycle - yet still with undiluted riding pleasure. This is increased by a further optimised chassis with even greater reserves. Hence, the Adventure R is aimed at all those who take the term "adventure" even more literally. The 1190 Adventure R is without doubt the twin-cylinder enduro with the greatest offroad ability. Period.

Complete MSC as standard

Wider aluminium handlebar with "ball-burnished" finish
Single-piece/full-length seat for offroad use
Longer suspension travel for improved offroad ability
21" and 18" wheel diameters for improved offroad ability
Standard tyres (90/90 ZR (260) 21 and 150/70 ZR (260) 18)
Smaller windshield
Steel crash bars as standard
Centre stand as standard
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) as standard

POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

The outstanding combination of lightweight engineering in the chassis and likewise very light and extremely powerful engines make the KTM 1190 Adventure R top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics. Its weight of only 235 kg – fully tanked with a substantial 23 litres of fuel – makes the 1190 Adventure R, in typical KTM manner, one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment. Further reasons for the fantastic ride dynamics are the outstanding geometry, the very well-balanced stiffness distribution and the high quality of suspension components used. These ingredients not only result in nimble handling, but also in a boost to safety, since it is far easier to guide a lightweight motorcycle around a source of danger than a heavy one.

FRAME

Chrome-molybdenum steel tubular space frame made from chrome-molybdenum stainless steel. The frame contributes to an excellent chassis geometry, it's extremely stable and weighs only 9.8 kg. Consistent lightweight construction that contributes to the low overall weight of just 217 kg (ready to ride, without fuel) and 235 kg fully tanked.

Features:

Highest welding standards
Precisely manufactured tubes (laser-cut for perfect clearances, robot-welded, minimal welding stresses, etc.)
High quality surface finish

SUSPENSION COMPONENTS

Thanks to multiple setting options, the stable upside-down telescopic fork with 48 mm internal tube diameter and the shock absorber from WP Suspension allow optimum adjustment of the chassis to suit the individual operational use of the versatile 1190 Adventure R. For 2014, they offer even greater reserves in tough offroad use - with unaltered versatility!

Fully adjustable suspension components
Suspension travel: 220/220 mm

SWINGARM

The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is not only particularly light and stable, it's also very precisely manufactured, with a design optimised in terms of flexural behaviour and stiffness.

BRAKES

Precise application, powerful and free from fading: More than adequate deceleration is ensured on the 1190 Adventure R by Brembo brakes with the very finest components, such as 320 mm brake discs, radially mounted, four-piston brake callipers and a radial hand pump. At the rear, the braking energy flows into a generously dimensioned 268 mm disc. And not to forget: Everything supported by MSC with Bosch 9ME C-ABS.

TYRES

Offroad standards demand suitable tools: The 1190 Adventure R rolls on wheels with 21" and 18" diameters - those who really want to ride off into the desert will find a wide selection of genuine offroad tyres in these dimensions. Ultra-grippy and durable Continental Trail Attack II are fitted as standard in sizes 90/90 ZR (260) 21 and 150/70 ZR (260) 18 - extremely versatile and incidentally also incredibly suitable for offroad use.

TUBELESS SPOKED WHEELS

Wire-spoked wheels for tubeless tyres featuring airtight rim beds patented by KTM - appropriately for the offroad aspirations of the Adventure R in 21" and 18" diameters. The rims on the 1190 Adventure R combine all the benefits of a tubeless tyre (easy fitting and dynamic advantages due to no inner tube) with the stability and robustness of a wire-spoked wheel. This set-up makes the Adventure R's rims substantially more resilient than all the competition's cast and spoked wheels – an added bonus, especially in hard offroad riding.

STEERING DAMPER

With so much propulsive power, the front wheel can become very light, which can quickly lead to unpleasant kick-back on uneven roads or following a slight stimulus at the handlebar. The Adventure R prevents this safely with a reliable and sensitive WP steering damper.
C-ABS (COMBINED ABS) AND OFFROAD MODE

The ultimate in safe deceleration: One component of the comprehensive Bosch MSC assistance package is the world's first lean-sensitive cornering ABS. Based on the high-quality 9ME modulator, it unites the talents of combined braking and lightning-quick, efficient pressure modulation with the high quality Brembo hardware to make the most advanced braking system on the market - no-one brakes more progressively or safely.

Benefits and properties of MTC-ABS:

Safest and most effective deceleration on the market - even at extreme angles (optional)
Extremely short braking distances
When the front brake lever is actuated, the rear brake is always applied purposefully in parallel in order to optimise ride stability when braking
If required, not only can it be switched off, but also placed in offroad mode
Complex computation algorithms contribute to the prevention of endos

Offroad mode:

Offroad mode allows the rider to block the rear wheel as and when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, even in offroad mode.

MTC (MOTORCYCLE TRACTION CONTROL)

As an integral part of the MSC package, MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) also regulates subject to the angle of lean. It guarantees sporty yet completely controllable propulsion on all surfaces. Its intervention is indicated with a flashing LED in the completely new VDO multi-function display. For different levels of permissible rear-wheel slip, the disengageable MTC system provides four different modes, selected in connection with the engine modes using the multifunctional switch on the left handlebar grip. Developed in close collaboration with Bosch, it reacts in a matter of milliseconds if the rear wheel begins to rotate too rapidly for the riding conditions. It also makes use of the quick intervention time of the ride-by-wire system to reduce propulsion to a safe level, subject to the angle of lean. Depending on the MTC mode, the EMS (Engine Management System) also makes available a suitable level of power – for example, "only" 100 instead of 150 hp in rain mode.
 

Four different MTC modes are activated by changing the engine modes:

Sport: Something for the courageous to try: Allows a respectable and perceptible amount of slippage - drift-feeling all-inclusive!
Street: Smooth control for comfortable, undisturbed riding with full engine power.
Rain: Early intervention and minimum slippage in the wet, with engine power reduced to a maximum of 100 hp.
Offroad: Up to 100 per cent slippage - i.e. double wheel speed - for ambitious offroad use. Have a go at controlled offroad drifts, with engine power reduced to a maximum of 100 hp.
Off: Those who know better than the MTC can enjoy maximum propulsion at all times, completely to their individual tastes, without electronic assistance.

TPMS (TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM)

As its name implies, the standard TPMS monitors tyre pressure (visible in the display) and warns the rider in the event of pressure loss, for example due to tyre damage.
PRICE/PERFORMANCE

The KTM 1190 Adventure R is not only lighter, more powerful and more dependable than ever; thanks to low fuel consumption, a 23-litre fuel tank and long service intervals of 15,000 km, it also hardly ever needs to take a break.

OUTSTANDING PACKAGE PRICE

Work it out for yourself: Just like its sister, the KTM 1190 Adventure R is not only the lightest, most powerful and versatile travel enduro, but also the one with the best equipment package. As a result, you get - at an already very affordable entry-level price - so much more for your money than from any of its esteemed competitors.

Extensive standard equipment:

MSC featuring lean-sensitive cornering ABS
C-ABS
MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control)
Multi-function cockpit
Daytime running light
LED indicators
Adjustable ergonomics
Adjustable windshield height
Ultra-stable offroad spoked wheels
Immobiliser
Aluminium handlebar, ball-burnished and tapered
Luggage rack and case brackets
Servo fan
Handguards
Centre stand
Steel crash bars
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
 

INCREASED FUEL ECONOMY

Although extremely powerful and comprehensively equipped, the 1190 Adventure R consumes about 20 per cent less fuel than its equally heavy (230 kg fully fuelled) predecessor with a smaller tank. Together with an impressive 23-litre tank capacity, the range is suitable for desert use.

LONG SERVICE INTERVALS

A unique mix of the highest quality components combined with a fully developed and reliable engine allows extremely long service intervals of 15,000 km.
VERSATILE AND ERGONOMIC

The KTM 1190 Adventure R sets standards for the whole travel segment: 150 hp with a weight of only 235 kg fully tanked combine to produce a power-to-weight ratio previously unheard of in this class and therefore delivering unrivalled ride dynamics. At the same time, the powerful, economical and cultivated engine enables either particularly relaxed and comfortable riding or, if required, super-sporty propulsion – with every conceivable level in between. The chassis combines lightness with outstanding geometry and fantastic suspension, which, together with completely new tyres for the travel enduro class, allow undreamed of riding pleasure in all conditions and whatever speed you desire, from very relaxed to very, very fast.

FIELDS OF USE

The field of use of the 1190 Adventure R extends progressively from pleasurable touring comfort to uncompromising acceleration. This extremely wide application range is made possible not least by the first ever deployment of the ground-breaking electronics package featuring Bosch MSC. What's particularly impressive is that the bike's different characters lead to virtually no perceptible compromises. Those who use the Adventure R for relaxed locomotion don't feel any of the sportiness at their disposal (for example, due to sharp responsiveness or a taut chassis set-up). Those who ride more sportily don't have to put up with a rocking horse. The many riding modes naturally support the user's tastes as well. Whether it be alpine pass or coastal road, motorway or bone-shaking track, winding curves or urban jungle, the new 1190 Adventure R is the ultimate travel enduro for adventures on all the world's roads.

ERGONOMICS

Not only are the top-notch ergonomics of the 1190 Adventure R suitable for all riding situations from comfortable outings - alone or two-up - to lively acceleration on asphalt and furious offroad shredding - whatever the surface or location. The ergonomics can also be adjusted in many ways to suit individualists and riders of any stature:

Two handlebar clamping positions: horizontal +/- 10 mm
Two footrest positions: diagonal 10 mm high and back
Plus hand levers with 5 reach settings

SEAT

The single-piece seat is perfectly suited to the need for freedom of movement when riding offroad. Thanks to its state-of-the-art 3D foam padding, it also provides more comfort over longer periods and a better feeling for what's happening at the wheels than a softer seat cushion - an orthopaedic benefit from tourers for tourers, from sportsmen for sportsmen.

ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD

The height of the windshield can be varied individually as desired or to suit the rider's stature in next to no time with the easily operated champing mechanism (+25 mm).
ENGINE

The potent V2 engine with 1195 cc displacement supplies everything that a top-class travel enduro could ever need: powerful acceleration for offroad use, a powerful punch for tours fully loaded up, and 150 hp peak power when the chips are down. Fully developed after five years in a superbike, not only does the extremely light, high-performance, four-valve engine consume considerably less fuel than its predecessor, it also extends the service intervals of the 1190 Adventure R to a wallet-friendly 15,000 km.

The most advanced technology helps in adapting the superbike twin to use in the Adventure R:

Twin ignition sinks both consumption and emissions and ensures smooth running and superior power from the very bottom up.
Ride-by-wire ensures perfect application of the readily available and plentiful torque.
 MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) guarantees sporty yet completely controllable propulsion on every surface and in all situations.

The new slipper clutch prevents rear wheel chatter and reduces the hand force required for shifting gear.

RIDE-BY-WIRE

The guarantee for smooth throttle response, not just no throttle control cable: The ride-by-wire system on the 1190 Adventure R ensures perfect application of the readily available and plentiful torque. It also electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into throttle valve positions perfectly suited to the riding conditions. The DBW system is fully compliant with the strict DIN 26262 safety standard from the automobile sector.

SLIPPER CLUTCH

Not only does the new slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also closes when you open up the throttle. The former prevents annoying rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating; the latter reduces the hand force required for changing gear, hence allowing the clutch to be controlled with the little finger - which saves energy when riding.

CYLINDER HEADS

The main reasons for the outstanding performance of the V-twin with its 75° cylinder angle are the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads with twin plug ignition, flow-optimised ducts and cam follower drive via DLC-coated cam followers, each with two overhead camshafts.

CRANKSHAFT

The smooth shape of the crank webs results in low-loss running of the crank drive; the modified weight distribution of the crankshaft and alternator rotor improve the ride quality. Together they optimise the load change behaviour of the engine.

DLC COATING

DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) stands for an extremely hard, durable and tribologically (i.e. in terms of sliding behaviour) particularly well-suited coating, that KTM uses in many engine parts (cam followers, piston pins, etc.).

PISTONS

The forged piston structure borrowed from Formula 1 results in a high loading capacity, despite an extremely short and lightweight design. In this way, the reciprocating weight can be minimised and the responsiveness and free-revving nature of the engine maximised. New since 2013: all piston skirts have a state-of-the-art, hard-anodised finish. Not only is this particularly hard-wearing, it also minimises friction.

TWIN IGNITION

The twin plug ignition system controls the two differently sized spark plugs in each cylinder head independently of each other in such a way that more efficient combustion and a smoother, optimally controlled combustion sequence are achieved at all times. The result: even more and even better controlled power, lower fuel consumption, and less emissions.
COCKPIT

State-of-the-art instrument cluster from automotive supplier VDO: central permanent LCD for displaying all riding conditions (plus speedo and rev counter with adjustable gearshift light), another LCD on the left for displaying the adjustable features:

 Favourites page

MSC ride modes
Riding conditions page for additional info, e.g. outside/oil temperature, on-board voltage, various trips, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, range, distance to next service

MODE SWITCH

Different modes for the various assistance systems can be selected using a mode switch on the left side of the handlebar. It's very simple and intuitive: "up" and "down" through the menu selection, select the desired menu item with the left button, confirm it with the right, job done!

Review

As the ADV market has matured, the bikes have evolved into quasi sport-touring machines that can competently handle light off-road terrain. None of them, though, have ever been able to go blow for blow with KTM’s 950/990 Adventures in the dirt. The flip side of this? The big KTM Twins were seriously lacking in features, overall comfort and on-road performance. But after riding the brand-new KTM 1190 Adventure on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands earlier this year, I saw that KTM had begun addressing these issues. The engine, chassis, electronics, handling and rider comfort had all improved dramatically. One big question, however, remained: Would the yet-to-be-released R version maintain its huge advantage over its competitors in off-road handling and composure?

Having just spent two mostly off-highway days on the new R at its press launch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I can state unequivocally that the off-road-oriented bike lives up to the reputation earned by its predecessors. KTM has managed to make a huge leap forward with the new-generation R as a streetbike, while also simultaneously improving the 1190 as a dirt machine.

KTM’s Adventure has always defied physics; it feels far more lithe in the dirt than any 500-pound machine has a right to. One of the key attributes is a chassis that instills confidence in the rider, which means it’s easier to ride at an aggressive pace you’d never try on some of the competitor’s bikes.

For riders who ride most of the time on the road, the single most noticeable improvement will be the engine. But for those who spend a larger chunk of time on the dirt, it’s the ABS. KTM’s Bosch 9ME combined-ABS is the perfect complement to a great chassis. Unlike BMW’s R1200GS, which requires a little plug-in dongle to access Enduro Pro mode, the KTM (when stopped) allows you to quickly scroll through the menus on the info screen and switch ABS to Enduro mode. In this mode, the rear wheel is allowed to lock and the front is tuned to bite more.

2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R static side view

On the 1190 R, gone are the days of grabbing the front brake off-road and discovering a bike that seems to freewheel while causing panic with dramatically longer stopping distances. Get into an off-camber downhill corner a little hot on the 1190 R, and you can brake aggressively—even trail brake—without fear of locking and tucking the front. A little brake slide will also help get the bike turned. Further experimentation with panic braking on dirt revealed that a huge, four-finger handful of front brake could be grabbed and the 1190 R would stop quickly and safely without any drama. The Continental TKC 80 knobby front tire would grab and release as the ABS cycled quickly, the steering remaining light and controllable the whole way. It may be possible for a world-class rider to stop quicker with the system off, but certainly not as consistently. Liter-class ADV bikes attain ridiculous speed off-road in a hurry, and KTM’s ABS lets the rider scrub it off just as efficiently.

With those fantastic braking manners and a chassis inspired by KTM’s winning Dakar bikes, the 1190 R clearly has the makings of a potent ADV bike. The R’s WP suspension has a little more than an inch of extra travel front and rear (there’s 8.7 in. of travel versus 7.5 for the standard 1190). At 35 in., the fixed seat is higher than the standard 1190’s, which is adjustable from 33.8 to 34.5. The fully adjustable fork felt soft when landing from water bars, even with the compression damping almost maxed out. KTM says the U.S.-spec models for 2014 will have updates not present on the European-specification 2013 models we rode.

For the sake of simplicity, the EDS (electronically adjustable suspension) is not offered on the 1190 R, but there is an easily accessible remote preload adjustment knob that allows quick tuning of the shock. Tubeless, wire-spoke wheels (21 in. front/18 in. rear) allow the use of more aggressive knobbies such as the Continental TKC 80s on the testbikes, although Conti Trail Attack 2 tires are standard. At 62.2 in., the wheelbase of the R is 0.8 in. longer than a standard 1190’s, but a Steering Head Angle of 26 degrees is shared by both bikes. The R also has a bit more trail, 5.1 in. versus 4.7.

2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R off-roading action shot

The abundant off-highway riding around Steamboat offered everything from graded dirt roads to OHV double track littered with rocks, mud holes and ruts. In this environment, it didn’t take long to develop confidence in the 1190 R. Whether broadsliding the bike along gravel roads or flicking it from berm to berm in the tighter stuff, the R felt positively lively, like it weighs 100 pounds less than KTM’s claimed wet weight of 518-lb. Without a doubt, the 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R is the most confidence-inspiring ADV bike I’ve ever ridden off-road, much of that attributed to how much easier it is to get the bike stopped with the Enduro ABS.

As fun as the 1195cc V-Twin is on the road, it’s only amplified when you get into dirt. With four different drive modes, including Sport, Street, Rain and Enduro, the 1190 R tackles any type of road or trail condition. The first two modes allow the bike’s full claimed 150 horsepower to be tapped, while the latter pair are limited to 100 hp. Sport mode has the most aggressive power delivery and least TC intervention, while Street provides a bit more of a safety net. In Rain mode, rear wheel slip is virtually eliminated, while Enduro allows the rear wheel to spin at twice the rate of the front for beautifully controlled slides. After sampling the Enduro mode, I soon discovered that the Twin’s power delivery is so smooth (and its fueling so well mapped) that TC could be shut off completely when in Street or Sport mode and traction was still readily available in the dirt. Throwing huge roosts, however, was much more entertaining.

Rider comfort has been significantly improved compared to the 990 Adventure Baja. The 1190 R’s seating position is great for long stints in the saddle (although the seat could be bit cushier), while the handlebar and footpegs offer a small range of adjustment for optimization. Wind protection provided by the adjustable screen is excellent, with buffet-free airflow. The high seat will definitely be a challenge for riders under six feet tall, but that extra travel is well worth the compromise. The rider will find the multi-functional cockpit to be well laid out, with menus that are easy to browse (and set) and electronics that are simple to navigate. My only complaint: It would be nice to be able to turn off TC on the fly, in the same manner as the ride modes can be changed.

As always, KTM’s Power Parts accessory division has a large selection of bolt-on products to enhance functionality, protect and personalize the 1190 Adventure R, which is a lot of motorcycle for $16,799. BMW’s standard R1200GS starts at $15,800, but that’s a base model that most dealers don’t even order. And we’re still waiting to see what premium BMW puts on its upcoming Adventure version. As for the rest, the KTM undercuts the Triumph Explorer XC and Ducati Multistrada, while also being only $2000 more than Yamaha’s more street-oriented Super Ténéré.

KTM’s 1190 Adventure is a huge step for the company, a bike that’s in contention to win any ADV shooutout. But when it comes to off-highway play, the new 1190 Adventure R is in a class of its own.

Source Cycle World