Author Topic: KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test  (Read 3206 times)

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JosepM

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KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test
« on: October 30, 2013, 22:40:43 »
Hello friends,

as my dealer and trusty mechanic happens to sell KTMs nowadays, he promised he'd lend me his brand new Adventure 1190 for a test (it looks like he both trusts me as a rider and thinks I may buy a 4th bike from him  ;) ).

Well, this day was yesterday, and I must give the bike back to him tomorrow morning. But I've had the chance to ride over 100 km in some of my twisty favourite roads!  :)







I must say that our Vara is clearly behind this bike in some things. Namely, IMO:
-power (well, that's figures, not opinion :) )
-electronic suspension setup
-weight

but Vara is better in:
-aerodynamic protection
-overall smoothness
-comfort

This KTM has a deeper sound and a more noticeable way to deliver power. Also, it has a clutch and gearbox very gentle to operate.

There are a series of minor details that I didn't like very much.
One is the silencer; I just hate this current trend of bulky elements just at half height, making it impossible to have large, symmetric luggage at either side. Another are the small mirrors. And its geometry made me need some learning, I mean that when I tried the CrossTourer, I could tackle corners as usual, but this toy behaves different.

I didn't like the "Street" setup, too unbalanced front and rear suspensions IMO, but the "OffRoad" and "Sport" were better. Maybe the brake power is much higher than Vara's, but I still find that the ABS operates "too early", which gives somewhat a feeling of "this damn thing is unbraking me and I'm going to hit there!"

Greetings,

Josep

BTW. If Honda makes really an AfricaTwin of the 21st century, who among us will consider buying this KTM or a Triumph or a VStrom 1000 or...?  ;D

BTW2. I believe Bernard would love these tyres! ;D
« Last Edit: October 30, 2013, 22:42:42 by JosepM »

Two Plugs

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Re: KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2013, 00:07:37 »
I had a go on it as well, Josep... Including the near to perfect tires...  ;D

I have written it after I tested its predecessor, the LC8...

And I am going to repeat my-selves again...

This bike should have been the new Africa Twin. Again. Period!

Founder of VIM, that's why I am in!
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Madero

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Re: KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2013, 14:33:35 »
Lucky you Josep!
 ;D
Great that you had the oppertunity to ride this big and powerful bike. It surely looks very impressive!
And the sun still shines in Catalunia!

Thanx for sharing!

Athanman

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Re: KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2013, 10:42:32 »
And I am going to repeat my-selves again...

This bike should have been the new Africa Twin. Again. Period!

I also agree with you mate ,too pity for Honda not to have something like this!

italy1

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Re: KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2013, 11:56:41 »
Honda have flopped with a few models and I am sorry to see that as I have been an aficionado for many years. The VFR have sold very little in the UK and they have now resorted to flogging them to the Police at, I assume, discounted price.....not many CrossT'rs either on the streets in London. Not sure what the official figures are but I doubt Honda is making even the smallest of dents in the BMuu share of the market.....
"...we are all more or less insane...." (E. Fromm)

varonda

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Re: KTM Adventure 1190. Brief test
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2013, 20:46:50 »
 Think it's time Honda broke from tradition and listened to what bikers/customers really
 want instead of producing what THEY think we want. VCIF_a_008
If the truth fits---wear it !!!!

 

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