KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 — Specifications

The promise of KTM Adventures: to go far, fast, everywhere, without limits. Crossing a few rivers, then matching a Porsche at the lights – these are the promises of KTM Adventures. The 1190 roars loudly, the 1290 pushes the limits. The competition is so fierce that it's on par with the hypersport clan. Is the world of maxi-trails truly shifting towards premium and a wealthy clientele?

No, says the 1050 Adventure. It's the little sister of the family, the one who wants to share KTM’s enduro-GT spirit with as many people as possible. And although presented as an entry-level model, it starts the journey with plenty to talk about. Let’s be clear: in terms of equipment and power, the 1050 and its big sisters don’t play in the same league. But when you’re talking about a twin with a displacement exceeding one liter, you’re immediately regarded with a certain respect. This Adventure has the same physique as the 1190, and smells exactly the same dusty scent. So, what does it really hide beneath its numbering?

You’re going to understand that this Adventure is less powerful in terms of displacement and therefore watts. The engine is still the LC8 block derived from the sporty RC8-R. A little less bore and stroke brings the block's fury into values closer to everyday use. Here, we have 95 horsepower and a still substantial torque of 10.7 mkg. Okay, you can't go taunt a 911, but these are almost the same values as a 2008 990 Adventure, which already managed very well on its terrain. And, a small bonus, this "good alloy" power allows the 1050 Adventure to be restrictable for the A2 license. Its two power profiles and a more aggressive price (around €2,000 less than the 1190) greatly expand its area of influence. Besides the lower displacement, the block shares the same technology as the 1190: dual ignition, forged pistons, DLC coating, slipper clutch, 15,000 km service interval. To justify the more flexible price of this version, the manufacturer has removed some trim from the pizza, without sacrificing the taste. Quite a balancing act. Let's see what stands out and what we leave on the dough:

First game to differentiate the family members, the 7 errors. Place a 1190 and the 1050 side by side to really perceive them. So, a little less paint on the flanks, spoked wheels, a monoblock seat, the fork settings are going away while the shock retains the rebound and preload adjustment knob, narrower tires, 43 mm fork tubes instead of 48 mm, loss of the cruise control and removal of the center stand.

So, less power, less equipment, but we are far, very far from a low-cost machine. The 1050 has managed to retain the essence of the Adventure, with plenty of parts in its pocket to allow the rider to go scrambling wherever Katoche sings to him. First, we get comfortable: the footrests and the handlebar can be adjusted by 10 mm, the bubble is adjustable by 25 mm, and we take the time to go to the amenities because the 23 liters of the tank allow you to see some beautiful stages; especially since the 95 horses will be less thirsty than the enraged herd of the 1190. We've seen the ergonomics, let's move on to the chassis. True to KTM, a tubular trellis frame made of chrome-molybdenum weighing less than 10 kilos, Brembo brakes with radial 4-piston calipers and a 320 mm front disc, a 268 mm rear disc, 19 and 17 inch wheels, a very reasonable dry weight of 212 kilos (same as the 1190) and a typically Mattighofen railed swingarm. By abandoning the spoked wheels, the 1050 misses out on pure off-road but does not prohibit a few excursions into the forest and similar activities. The WP suspensions with 185 mm of travel at the front and 190 at the rear put the Adventure high on its legs and more comfortable for clearing a few benign or mischievous bumps. In everyday life as on weekends, the Adventure, like all maxi-trails, will spend most of its time on the road. The standard equipment, although somewhat reduced compared to the big sisters, is still generous, or even more than enough for the use of this motorcycle.

An Adventure wants asphalt and dust, and since the arrival of the 1190, it contains as much electronics as a sports car. The 1050 carries most of it. Bosch provides ABS, disengageable, in its 9M+ version; here, the "off-road" mode is optional, and the MSC stability system is not integrated. Traction control is also present, with 3 modes (sport, road, or rain) and an off position. As with ABS, an "offroad" mode is in the options list. The different injection maps will allow the rider to tune the motorcycle to his mood. We also find the same dashboard, complete and perfectly intuitive.

The 1050 wants to allow the Adventure to rediscover the essence of its first models, without the madness of horsepower. Less demanding, it will allow you to keep the taste of trekking from its big sisters for a less salty bill, with greater ease of driving and the same flattering stature. You just have to accept losing 35% of power, 2 mkg of torque, a few settings and some electronic assistance. The KTM enduro-GT can now be enjoyed in multiple ways. Enjoy the fundamentals with the 1050, travel sporty with the 1190, roam on the 1190 R, or meet the pinnacle of the segment with the 1290.

M.B - Photos constructeur