KTM 1190 Adventure R Press launch

[SGB]

So today it was the "R".  It followed yesterday's launch of the 1190 Adventure, some thoughts shared here:  https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=122317.0

The two bikes are from the same DNA, with differences as follows:

• The R has no electronic suspension adjustment.  The suspension is adjusted manually.  Front forks have rebound damping on the right and compression damping clicker on the left.  Seems like this arrangement is the new trend.  No need for clickers at the bottom of the fork, both conveniently located on top of the fork.  Rear preload adstment knob is within easy reach.  Suspension travel is 20 mm more on the R.
• Wheel sizes:  The R has a 21 x 2.5" front rim with the normal 90/90-21 tyre size and the rear is an 18 x 4.5" rim with a 150/70-18 tyre.  Same tyre sizes as the 990 - but the 1190 has the centre spoked tubelss design same concept as the 1190 Adv.  Stock tyres also the Conti Attack.  It needs knobbly tyres for off-road use, and the options are on the way.  Continental is brining a TKC 80 and the Metzeler Karoo 3 is also an option if I understand correctly.  Tyres are going to be costly....
• Seats:  The R has a one piece seat which is not height adjustable.  I found it more comfortable than the 2 piece seat on the Adv.
• Paint:  Paint and stickers leave no doubt about which one is the R...."
• The R comes with crash bars.
• The R has a smaller screen.
• Handlebars are wider on the R

 

[SGB]

These bikes are good looking - the pictures do not do them justice.  You need to see it in real life.

 

[SGB]

The riding was once again a pleasant experience.  The performance is the sweetest part of the bike.  It picks up velocity rapidly as it very willingly revs through the gears.  Off the tar, I prefer the ABS and Traction Control off.  You have to switch these off every time you turn off the key.  It will take some getting used to, but we have to live with it in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are going to be saved by the electronics.  Handling in the loose stuff is brilliant.  The bike tracks straight and feels light.  The steering damper (which comes as standard equipment) does the job.  It is a non-adjustable unit which is set up for high speed damping.  No head shaking.....  On a big bike like this it is a sensible piece of kit.  I did not like the tyres and their pressure, made things feel a bit harsh, but I know the difference that a proper set of off-road tyres will bring about.  I would have no problem at all taking the R for a trip like the Angolan Doodsakker or Van Zyls pass.  The bike feels light and is easy to turn at low and high speeds.   And it tracks straight when it has to.  We did not do any really high speed riding on gravel, mostly twisty roads in the area of the launch venue.  I left the riding mode in "Sport" as I figured that I can limit the power to 100 hp with the throttle too.  It is nice to smack all 150 ponies on the bum when you hit the straights again.  As long as someone else pays for the tyres.....

The 1190 R is not quite as fast as the Adv.  It seems to top out at about 250.  I suspect it has to do with the the wheel sizes / gear ratios and higher suspension.  For limited off-road use, the Adventure is still the choice.  It runs so smoothly on the road with the 17/19 tyres and lower seating position.  But if you are going to see lots of dust, the R is your machine.  I do not see the R as a replacement for the 990R.  It does a lot of things better, but it will not crash as well as the 990.  If you know what I mean..... I like the protection of the 990, and the sound of the twin pipes is still a litte sad to lose.  The Adventure is a head-on competitor for the 1200 GS.  The R is a new market segment.  Nothing else competes in this segment at present.

The new bike does not make noise.  Even with the Akrapovic pipe, you do not get the bark you are used to.  Times are changing - this is 2013.....

 

[Mooch]

Interesting Stuff.... Keep it coming.  :thumleft:

 

[SGB]

Little things I noticed "in passing":

• I like the new swing arm design.  No hollow structure that can trap water and it looks like an engineer desinged it.
• A bash plate is essential
• The fuel pump can easily be removed with the tank and crash bars in place.
• The rubber pads need to be removed from the foot pegs.  Yesterday it felt like I was standing on sponges.
• The oil tank is at the bottom of the engine, with level glass.  Similar to the 950 SE idea.

The tool kit has everything you need to remove wheels and do roadside repairs.  A tubeless tyre repair kit and an air source will be needed.
Installing a tube with the valve sitting where it is may present some challenges.  One would have to see what the inside of the rim looks like.

 

[SGB]

So, what is the verdict?

The new KTM's are really amazing bikes.  If you need a new Adventure tourer, this one has to make the short list at least.  I suspect that the R will be in great demand, and the Adv will be under sold.  Some riders who should have an Adv will buy the R for the wrong reasons.  The Adv is the more comfortable bike.  The seats are interchangeable, so you can choose the one that suits you best.  For commuting, touring and riding gravel roads, the Adv is the one.  If most of your riding is going to be gravel road to single tracks, the R is your machine.  I do not think it is right for bashing rocks in Lesotho.  Is is just too good looking and the pipe and plastics are vulnerable.  It will take some serious protection to hide them.  Like I said, you can do a lot with the bike, but there are good limits to the extremety of what is good for you and the bike.  It will just feel wrong to roll it down a mountain.....

If I have to say something that I would have done differently....  (Just for the sake of completeness)

• Would be nice if the indicators were self cancelling.  Software can fix that.  It is a small thing, but nice to have seeing all the wires and computers are already on the bike.
• Would have liked the ability to switch ABS and Traction control off on the run.
• Would like the ability to set the tyre pressure alarm level.

More info and technical data here:

https://www.ktm.com/za/travel.html

Accessories (Power Parts) calculator: 
https://www.ktm.com/za/travel/1190-adventure-r/ktm-powerparts-calculator.html

 

[SGB]

I say thank you to KTM SA for the invite.  I had a great time with all the good people there and I do not underestimate how privileged I am.  Wishing you all the success you deserve with a great product!

 

[Mooch]

Little things I noticed "in passing":

• I like the new swing arm design.  No hollow structure that can trap water and it looks like an engineer desinged it.
• A bash plate is essential
• The fuel pump can easily be removed with the tank and crash bars in place.

Now that makes sense..!!

• The rubber pads need to be removed from the foot pegs.  Yesterday it felt like I was standing on sponges.
• The oil tank is at the bottom of the engine, with level glass.  Similar to the 950 SE idea.

The tool kit has everything you need to remove wheels and do roadside repairs.  A tubeless tyre repair kit and an air source will be needed.
Installing a tube with the valve sitting where it is may present some challenges.  One would have to see what the inside of the rim looks like.

 

[Bundu]

Thanks for your feedback and impressions SGB!  :thumleft:
this report is starting to sway me more to the KTM and away from the BMW

 

[BatmanGS]

Thanks SBG

It makes for good reading and I'm sure that the sales are going to be extremely good in this market, there seems to be a lot of motorcycle here................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more suited to a 80-20 type of rider.

and for now we will have to stick with a 690 for the 40-60 rider being 60 % on dirt.

it Could prove to be a handfull on the Dirt paths found on most Dual sport festivals like the one in Mooi River

We'll have to see if they can maybe deliver us something like a 800cc SE machine then we would have the perfect bike for Us 40-60 riders and the SA market that ride without a pillion.

Thanks

 

[Sandban(g)k]

Dankie vir die ordentlike report, no mess, no fuss!

Om een of ander rede gee jy my weer n rustigheid oor my huidige keuse, maar tog ook die lus om te spaar vir n jaar of 3...lyk of 2 dalk beter as een kan wees.... :biggrin:

 

[Metaljockey]

Lekker Stefan. My dealer also says that he prefers the Adventure above the R.

This sounds like a serious amount of bike. What always pissed me off about the 950/990 was
Fuel range
Consumption
Tubed tyres
Turning circle

Three of these appears to be sorted. What is the turning circle like?

The other thing thing that I always felt lacking on all big dualies is the ability to comfortably run above 180km/h for extended periods. This too has been sorted.

One question, is that crash bar fixed through the radiator?

 

[White Rhino]

:imaposer: - I see Metaljockey's moved away from the 990 ....  :laughing4:

 

[Malibu]

Super report.  

Just a question, if the settings are lost with key turn, I seem to remember that there was pre-programmed profiles you can set up.  Would the profiles not be used so you don't have to re-program your settings again after start-up? Just select Profile 1 or 2, etc...

 

[SGB]

Three of these appears to be sorted. What is the turning circle like?

One question, is that crash bar fixed through the radiator?

MJ, the turning circle is smaller than a 990.  I have not measured the difference, but I would like to pack out some cones and do a proper test.  Will do as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

The crash bar link bar goes in front of the radiator.

Are you getting one?  :biggrin:

 

[Malibu]

:imaposer: - I see Metaljockey's moved away from the 990 ....  :laughing4:

:laughing4: :laughing4: :laughing4:

 

[SGB]

Super report.  

Just a question, if the settings are lost with key turn, I seem to remember that there was pre-programmed profiles you can set up.  Would the profiles not be used so you don't have to re-program your settings again after start-up? Just select Profile 1 or 2, etc...

Malibu the "profiles" thing was not mentioned at the launch.  And I have not read through all the info.  Would be nice if it can be done.

 

[Malibu]

On the 4 button toggle on the left, the down arrow takes you to the modes (Sport, Street, Rain and Off-road) and then on through the other settings...

I'm fairly sure that the first up press would take you to the Profiles...

If I remember correctly...

 

[Mark Hardy]

Thanks for the report SGB, after the little ride I had on both of the Katooms I will aggree with your comments.

I agree the best all round touring bike will be the 1190ADV

BUT

WOW that 1190 R was an absolute pleasure to ride. Very very stable....at 170km/h I stood up and the bike did not very move/wiggle...nothing. It just held it's line and carried on.

Can't wait to have a nice test ride  :thumleft:

 

[Brandt]

Sounds awesome....