KTM 1050 Adventure

The 1050 Adventure will sit as the entry level to the four bike travel enduro series underneath the 1290 Super Adventure and the recently-revised 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R.

The 1050 Adventure features a 1050cc 4-stroke, liquid cooled v-twin lump similar to the power-plant found in KTM’s 1190 range.  It might be the smallest of KTM's Adventure family but the 1050’s v-twin motor produces a fair 95bhp and with overall weight at 212kg,

Despite being the ‘entry level’ model, the 1050 Adventure comes with KTM’s top spec Ride Mode Technology electronics package as standard, including ABS and a traction control system that allows more or less slippage on the rear wheel depending on the chosen ride mode.

KTM are positioning the 1050 as a perfect first adventure bike and to promote that position an optional power restriction kit is available opening the bike up to motorcycle newbies with an A2 license.

GLOBAL PREMIERE: KTM 1050 ADVENTURE

A bike perfectly calibrated to all who love a dynamic travel enduro, and place importance on reasonable purchase and ownership costs, but who are unwilling to do without a generous measure of power and modern equipment.

Based on the same first-rate technology platform as its sister models, the new KTM 1050 ADVENTURE has a different engine, which may have less displacement and power but has lost neither its refinement nor its fizzy punch thanks to elaborate adaptations. ABS and traction control are standard here as well.

The value conscious, the all-rounders, the gourmets, the connoisseurs, the I-take-my-bike-everywhere riders – for all of them, four great KTM protagonists form a coherent and complete ADVENTURE family and the most attractive model range in the whole travel enduro segment in 2015.

If you are one of those people who think that less can be more with a travel enduro, that touring is mainly about agility, straightforward functionality and absolute predictability, but you still would not want to miss out on the typical KTM virtues and technological progress per se, then the new KTM 1050 ADVENTURE is the bike for you. At 95 hp of power out of 1,050 cc of displacement and at 212 kg of weight, it has an exemplary power-to-weight ratio, as well as a fuel mileage that goes easy on your wallet and also allows for a great range. In addition, the refined V2 engine with a state-of-the-art engine management and ride-by-wire throttle offers everything that a top quality travel enduro needs. And with first-rate WP Suspension components and the unsurpassed brakes by global market leader Brembo, the chassis easily copes with all challenges arising from the wide range of missions the KTM 1050 Adventure is capable of.

EVERYTHING ENDURO TRAVELLERS NEED

Even though the concept of the 1050 is based on a certain restraint and a return back to the original values of the Adventure concept, the entry level bike of KTM's Travel range cannot really be seen as a technologically reduced or sparsely equipped motorbike. For example, the KTM 1050 ADVENTURE would not deserve to be among the MY 2015 Adventure models without KTM Ride Mode technology, ABS and a traction control that allows more or less slippage on the rear wheel depending on the chosen ride mode. Those who think this proposal still does not quite cover all their bases might find the comprehensive KTM range of accessories has what they are looking for to upgrade the KTM 1050 ADVENTURE to their individual specification. From the luggage system to heated seats and grips to an alarm system, the PowerParts program has everything that touring riders might like, no matter if they plan to use their KTM 1050 ADVENTURE for short weekend trips, long holiday journeys or extended adventure travelling.

THE KTM PHILOSOPHY IN A NUTSHELL

The scope of the KTM 1050 ADVENTURE spans the complete bandwidth from enjoyable cruising to aggressive corner surfing, from commuting to holiday trips and even excursions into the fascinating world beyond the tarmac. With its unbeatably low weight, its impressive riding dynamics and its exemplary safety, it is a paragon of all the traditional KTM virtues. And since it is such an exceedingly capable touring bike, highly versatile and with razor sharp precision, it does not have to fear a single one of its competitors. Not the least in view of its price, it is a top choice for all purists as well as riders buying their first travel enduro, and thanks to an optional power restriction kit, it is even for beginners with A2 licences.'

Review

The so-called entry level travel enduro bike in KTM’s four bike series is the 1050 Adventure. It’s from the same stable as the 1290 Super Adventure and the recently-revised 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R.

But did KTM need another adventure bike meaning this four-bike range is only covered by less than 250cc?

Thankfully, the Austrian’s thought so.

Competition in this dual-purpose sector of on-road adventure bikes is stiff for the brand new KTM.  Yamaha’s awesome MT-09 Tracer, BMW’s forthcoming S1000XR, Kawasaki’s revamped Versys 1000, Triumph’s all-new Tiger 800XRx / XCx as well as Honda’s new VFR800X Crossrunner are all vying for the same type of customer.

The 1050 Adventure uses a revised version of the existing 1195cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine to produce 1,050cc. Bore and stroke were reduced from 105mm and 69mm to 103mm 63mm respectively while low-rev performance was enhanced to offer a very healthy and surprising mid-range torque. The first time I rode the 1050 Adventure I’d just hopped off the extraordinary 2015 Yamaha R1 after speed runs at Bruntingthorpe proving ground so I wasn’t expecting eye-popping performance.

Though the spec sheet shows max power of 95bhp at 6,200rpm and 79 ft-lbs of torque, on paper the bikes performance doesn’t immediately appear mind-blowing. Ok, it’s not designed to challenge litre sports bikes off the line but it’s got plenty of grunt to startle. As you’d expect from a V-Twin, the lower revs are soft and unintimidating but mid-range is where it springs alive. If accelerating hard with throttle wide open, the little red needle soon powers ‘round the tachometer to the 8,500rpm limiter and if the stutter in performance isn’t enough to prompt an up-change, a red flashing light on the instrument panel will be. That said, the torque curve peaks at 6,500rpm so changing up before limiter is wise move for more rapid forward propulsion.

The bike can be restricted to conform with A2 licence regulations which encourages less experienced riders a great opportunity to step up to a big traily bike. This option simply restricts the amount of throttle offered which in turn restricts the power. Naturally, it can be derestricted once the appropriate test is passed.

For the shorter rider it is worth noting the standard-fit seat height is not adjustable. While it is the lowest in the KTM adventure range, at 850mm it’s taller than all of the aforementioned rivals except the highest setting on the Tracer. Weighing 212kg (dry), the KTM isn’t a heavyweight in its class and has a narrow enough seat/tank to make the bike easy to manoeuvre around town and in the faster corners. WP suspension and standard-fit Metzeler Tourance Next road-biased tyres offer excellent stability in the corners and overall the 1050 impressed on the road, it felt easy to ride. This is helped along with the ride-by-wire throttle which makes acceleration non-hesitant or juddery. Couple the torquey mid-range and an agile balance and you’ve got a practical, versatile bike with enough power to get the adrenaline pumping.

The one-piece rider/pillion seat is shaped well for a comfortable riding position but after an hour or so on the bike I found it a little firm. Firm enough to want to stretch my legs and move around the seat but not bad enough to stop and get off. As with the 1190, KTM offer an accessory seat as an optional extra. When riding two-up my pillion, the 5’5” Mrs Mann, noted the comfort of her seat position particularly with its height. She pointed out minimal wind buffeting behind me and that the foot pegs were positioned low enough down the sub-frame to be comfortable and not too tall to mount/dismount ungracefully.

In terms of additional comfort and riding position options, the windshield is adjustable but not on the move. Unlock two clamps with a quick flick and the screen slides up or down through 25mm and at 6ft I would certainly recommend the highest possible position unless you fancy tucking in. The handlebars are wider than the 1190 and are adjustable through 20mm while the foot pegs are adjustable by 10mm.

Technologically, the KTM offers plenty of options to tailor the ride depending on road and weather conditions. ABS is switchable as is the clever MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) lean-sensitive cornering system which can be found on the 1190 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure. The three riding modes offer a choice between Sport, Street and Rain – each offers a differing degree of available power and traction control. Off-Road mode is an optional extra and can be fitted subsequently.

The left-hand side of the info-packed instrument panel is operated by a four-way directional pad, back and action buttons on the left-side of the handlebars. It’s fairly user-friendly although looks-wise is a little dated and dull yet offers plenty of information. From MPG to tank range, date/time to odometer there are plenty of options to select for your Favourites page.

While on the right-hand side of the dashboard is a large, analogue rev counter and digital information including gear change indicator, time, fuel gauge, speed and current riding mode.

Source Bennetts