KTM 1050 Adventure
KTM 1050 Adventure
. .The 1050 Adventure will sit as the entrylevel to the four bike travel enduro series underneath the 1290 Super Adventureand the recently-revised 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R.
The 1050 Adventure features a 1050cc4-stroke, liquid cooled v-twin lump similar to the power-plant found in KTM’s1190 range. It might be the smallest of KTM's Adventure family but the 1050’sv-twin motor produces a fair 95bhp and with overall weight at 212kg,
Despite being the ‘entry level’ model, the1050 Adventure comes with KTM’s top spec Ride Mode Technology electronicspackage as standard, including ABS and a traction control system that allowsmore or less slippage on the rear wheel depending on the chosen ride mode.
KTM are positioning the 1050 as a perfectfirst adventure bike and to promote that position an optional power restrictionkit is available opening the bike up to motorcycle newbies with an A2 license.
GLOBAL PREMIERE:KTM 1050 ADVENTURE
A bikeperfectly calibrated to all who love a dynamic travel enduro, and placeimportance on reasonable purchase and ownership costs, but who are unwilling todo without a generous measure of power and modern equipment.
Based on thesame first-rate technology platform as its sister models, the new KTM 1050ADVENTURE has a different engine, which may have less displacement and power buthas lost neither its refinement nor its fizzy punch thanks to elaborateadaptations. ABS and traction control are standard here as well.
The valueconscious, the all-rounders, the gourmets, the connoisseurs, theI-take-my-bike-everywhere riders – for all of them, four great KTM protagonistsform a coherent and complete ADVENTURE family and the most attractive modelrange in the whole travel enduro segment in 2015.
If you are oneof those people who think that less can be more with a travel enduro, thattouring is mainly about agility, straightforward functionality and absolutepredictability, but you still would not want to miss out on the typical KTMvirtues and technological progress per se, then the new KTM 1050 ADVENTURE isthe bike for you. At 95 hp of power out of 1,050 cc of displacement and at 212kg of weight, it has an exemplary power-to-weight ratio, as well as a fuelmileage that goes easy on your wallet and also allows for a great range. Inaddition, the refined V2 engine with a state-of-the-art engine management andride-by-wire throttle offers everything that a top quality travel enduro needs.And with first-rate WP Suspension components and the unsurpassed brakes byglobal market leader Brembo, the chassis easily copes with all challengesarising from the wide range of missions the KTM 1050 Adventure is capable of.
EVERYTHING ENDURO TRAVELLERS NEED
Even thoughthe concept of the 1050 is based on a certain restraint and a return back to theoriginal values of the Adventure concept, the entry level bike of KTM's Travelrange cannot really be seen as a technologically reduced or sparsely equippedmotorbike. For example, the KTM 1050 ADVENTURE would not deserve to be among theMY 2015 Adventure models without KTM Ride Mode technology, ABS and a tractioncontrol that allows more or less slippage on the rear wheel depending on thechosen ride mode. Those who think this proposal still does not quite cover alltheir bases might find the comprehensive KTM range of accessories has what theyare looking for to upgrade the KTM 1050 ADVENTURE to their individualspecification. From the luggage system to heated seats and grips to an alarmsystem, the PowerParts program has everything that touring riders might like, nomatter if they plan to use their KTM 1050 ADVENTURE for short weekend trips,long holiday journeys or extended adventure travelling.
THEKTM PHILOSOPHY IN A NUTSHELL
The scope ofthe KTM 1050 ADVENTURE spans the complete bandwidth from enjoyable cruising toaggressive corner surfing, from commuting to holiday trips and even excursionsinto the fascinating world beyond the tarmac. With its unbeatably low weight,its impressive riding dynamics and its exemplary safety, it is a paragon of allthe traditional KTM virtues. And since it is such an exceedingly capable touringbike, highly versatile and with razor sharp precision, it does not have to feara single one of its competitors. Not the least in view of its price, it is a topchoice for all purists as well as riders buying their first travel enduro, andthanks to an optional power restriction kit, it is even for beginners with A2licences.'
Review
The so-called entry level travel enduro bike in KTM’s four bikeseries is the 1050 Adventure. It’s from the same stable as the1290 Super Adventure and the recently-revised 1190 Adventure and 1190Adventure R.
But did KTM need another adventure bike meaning this four-bikerange is only covered by less than 250cc?
Thankfully, the Austrian’s thought so.
Competition in this dual-purpose sector of on-road adventurebikes is stiff for the brand new KTM. Yamaha’s awesome MT-09 Tracer, BMW’sforthcoming S1000XR, Kawasaki’s revamped Versys 1000, Triumph’s all-new Tiger800XRx / XCx as well as Honda’s new VFR800X Crossrunner are all vying for thesame type of customer.
The 1050 Adventure uses a revised version of the existing1195cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine to produce 1,050cc. Bore andstroke were reduced from 105mm and 69mm to 103mm 63mm respectively while low-revperformance was enhanced to offer a very healthy and surprising mid-rangetorque. The first time I rode the 1050 Adventure I’d just hopped off theextraordinary2015 Yamaha R1 after speed runs at Bruntingthorpe proving ground so I wasn’texpecting eye-popping performance.
Though the spec sheet shows max power of 95bhp at 6,200rpm and79 ft-lbs of torque, on paper the bikes performance doesn’t immediately appearmind-blowing. Ok, it’s not designed to challenge litre sports bikes off the linebut it’s got plenty of grunt to startle. As you’d expect from a V-Twin, thelower 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 performanceisn’t enough to prompt an up-change, a red flashing light on the instrumentpanel will be. That said, the torque curve peaks at 6,500rpm so changing upbefore limiter is wise move for more rapid forward propulsion.
The bike can be restricted to conform with A2 licenceregulations which encourages less experienced riders a great opportunity to stepup to a big traily bike. This option simply restricts the amount of throttleoffered which in turn restricts the power. Naturally, it can be derestrictedonce the appropriate test is passed.
For the shorter rider it is worth noting the standard-fit seatheight is not adjustable. While it is the lowest in the KTM adventure range, at850mm it’s taller than all of the aforementioned rivals except the highestsetting on the Tracer. Weighing 212kg (dry), the KTM isn’t a heavyweight in itsclass and has a narrow enough seat/tank to make the bike easy to manoeuvrearound town and in the faster corners. WP suspension and standard-fit MetzelerTourance Next road-biased tyres offer excellent stability in the corners andoverall the 1050 impressed on the road, it felt easy to ride. This is helpedalong with the ride-by-wire throttle which makes acceleration non-hesitant orjuddery. Couple the torquey mid-range and an agile balance and you’ve got apractical, versatile bike with enough power to get the adrenaline pumping.
The one-piece rider/pillion seat is shaped well for acomfortable riding position but after an hour or so on the bike I found it alittle firm. Firm enough to want to stretch my legs and move around the seat butnot bad enough to stop and get off. As with the 1190, KTM offer an accessoryseat 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 pointedout minimal wind buffeting behind me and that the foot pegs were positioned lowenough down the sub-frame to be comfortable and not too tall to mount/dismountungracefully.
In terms of additional comfort and riding position options, thewindshield is adjustable but not on the move. Unlock two clamps with a quickflick and the screen slides up or down through 25mm and at 6ft I would certainlyrecommend the highest possible position unless you fancy tucking in. Thehandlebars are wider than the 1190 and are adjustable through 20mm while thefoot pegs are adjustable by 10mm.
Technologically, the KTM offers plenty of options to tailor theride depending on road and weather conditions. ABS is switchable as is theclever MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) lean-sensitive cornering system whichcan be found on the 1190 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure. The three ridingmodes offer a choice between Sport, Street and Rain – each offers a differingdegree of available power and traction control. Off-Road mode is an optionalextra and can be fitted subsequently.
The left-hand side of the info-packed instrument panel isoperated by a four-way directional pad, back and action buttons on the left-sideof the handlebars. It’s fairly user-friendly although looks-wise is a littledated 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 Favouritespage.
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