WildWood
Race Dog
KTM1050 Adventure. The model that should be the 'go-to' bike for the vast majority of large capacity adventure bike buyers. Quite a big statement, but hear me out.
At the heart of the beast is the LC8 engine found in the considerably more pricey 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models, detuned at higher rpm's . That puts it in the same league as the previous 990 models,only a little smoother and refined. How many of us need more performance than the old 990R? Up to about 6500 rpm it gives nothing away to its big cousins and 200kph comes up fast enough.
The suspension lacks the adjustability of the flagship models, but for most that makes not a jot of difference seeing as we don't touch those nobs anyhow. Mag rims are the clue this bike wasn't designed for serious off road, although it soaked up the gravel roads I did this weekend. Lower seat hight, lower weight and a less manic engine inspire confidence and enhance the smile on your face behind that exremely effective screen. For a big litre class bike it is ridiculously easy to ride and turn.
The 1050 is a go anywhere machine. A great commuter, sporty breakfast run mountain pass eater (Du ToitsKloof this morning) and a great tourer. Speak to your KTM dealer about the great available luggage racks. A roomy seating area makes pillion touring super comfy, even for two full sized adults.
Even with the mod cons like ABS, a great non invasive traction control system, slipper clutch for smooth down changes, self cancelling indicators and three riding modes, 'sport',' street' and 'rain' the 1050 comes in about a whopping R45000,00 less than the 1190.
Considering all this I can only deduct that the reason I've seen so few of this bike on the streets is that KTM's marketing of this model has been poor or non existent. All this from the guy that fired away on social media that bringing out a less powerful version of the 1190 made no sense. Eating my words.
Thank you for the bike KTM Cape Town. I might bring it back monday.
At the heart of the beast is the LC8 engine found in the considerably more pricey 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models, detuned at higher rpm's . That puts it in the same league as the previous 990 models,only a little smoother and refined. How many of us need more performance than the old 990R? Up to about 6500 rpm it gives nothing away to its big cousins and 200kph comes up fast enough.
The suspension lacks the adjustability of the flagship models, but for most that makes not a jot of difference seeing as we don't touch those nobs anyhow. Mag rims are the clue this bike wasn't designed for serious off road, although it soaked up the gravel roads I did this weekend. Lower seat hight, lower weight and a less manic engine inspire confidence and enhance the smile on your face behind that exremely effective screen. For a big litre class bike it is ridiculously easy to ride and turn.
The 1050 is a go anywhere machine. A great commuter, sporty breakfast run mountain pass eater (Du ToitsKloof this morning) and a great tourer. Speak to your KTM dealer about the great available luggage racks. A roomy seating area makes pillion touring super comfy, even for two full sized adults.
Even with the mod cons like ABS, a great non invasive traction control system, slipper clutch for smooth down changes, self cancelling indicators and three riding modes, 'sport',' street' and 'rain' the 1050 comes in about a whopping R45000,00 less than the 1190.
Considering all this I can only deduct that the reason I've seen so few of this bike on the streets is that KTM's marketing of this model has been poor or non existent. All this from the guy that fired away on social media that bringing out a less powerful version of the 1190 made no sense. Eating my words.
Thank you for the bike KTM Cape Town. I might bring it back monday.
