Motorcycle specifications KTM1090 Adventure 2018 The gateway to the roads

Born as a 1050, this Adventure has now become a 1090, and while its name might suggest an increase in displacement, this is not the case, and it's still the 1050cc V-twin that's been grafted onto this little adventurer. But be warned: the engine-makers have done their bit, and power has jumped by almost 30bhp! The main attraction of this 1090 Adventure is its 125 horsepower (up from 95) and increased torque. This major power boost is due to the arrival of an 'L' version, limited to 47.5 hp, which will be open to A2 license holders. Freed from this administrative constraint, KTM can finally let its LC8 breathe, thanks to revised mapping and reworked camshafts.

For the rest, the Adventure 1090 remains identical to the previous version, and only the different rear-view mirrors and improved plastics will visually betray the new look. Much more playful than before, this 1090 also hastened the end of the 1190 's career, which disappeared in 2017. Simply too close. What was the smallest member of the family is now the runner-up to the 1290 Super Adventure Let's be clear: equipment-wise, the 1090 and its big sisters are not at all in the same league. But when you're talking to a twin with more than a liter of displacement, you're immediately regarded with a certain respect.

as you'll have gathered, this Adventure has less cubic capacity, and therefore fewer watts. The engine is still the LC8 block derived from the sporty RC8-R and shares the same technology as the late 1190: dual ignition, forged pistons, DLC lining, anti-dribble clutch, 15,000 km service interval.

Less power, less equipment, but far, far from a low-cost machine. The 1090 retains the essentials of the Adventure, with plenty of parts in its purse to allow the rider to ride wherever Katoche pleases. First, you get comfortable: the footrests and handlebars can be adjusted by 10 mm, the bubble is adjustable by 25 mm, and you take the time to go to the amenities, as the 23-liter fuel tank allows you to see some nice stages. We've seen the ergonomics, now let's move on to the chassis. True to KTM form, it features a chromium-molybdenum tubular trellis frame weighing less than 10 kilos, Brembo brakes with 4-piston radial calipers and 320 mm track at the front, a front, a 268 mm disc at the rear, 19" and 17" wheels, a very reasonable dry weight of 212 kilos and a typically Mattighofen grooved swingarm. By abandoning spoked rims, the 1090 foregoes pure off-roading, but doesn't rule out a few excursions into the forest and the like. For that, you'll have to look no further than the 1090 Adventure R. WP suspensions with 185 mm of travel at the front and 190 mm at the rear put the Adventure up on its feet, and make it more at ease over benign or mischievous bumps. In everyday life as well as on weekends, the Adventure, like all maxi-trailers, will spend most of its time on the road. Standard equipment, though somewhat reduced compared to its larger siblings, is still generous, and more than sufficient for the bike's intended use.

The other big difference between the 1090 and 1290 is ease of handling. Less impressive, less tall, less of a "power monster", this Adventure makes you feel at ease. Its more accessible seat height means you won't be 'wobbly' at red lights or during small manoeuvres. Above all, you get the feeling that you're going to ride without thinking, in a relaxed manner, whereas the 1290 lets you know that you need to have a bit of a job on your hands. The twin turns out to be torquey, readily available and impeccably up to the job. Just the right amount of watts.

an Adventure is all about asphalt and dust, but it contains just as much electronics as a sports bike. The 1090 carries most of it. Bosch supplies the disengageable ABS in its 9M+ version; here, the "off-road" mode is optional, and the MSC stability system is not integrated. Traction control is also available, with 3 modes (sport, road or rain) and an off position. As with ABS, an "offroad" mode is also available. Different fuel injection mappings allow the rider to set the bike to his mood. The same comprehensive and perfectly intuitive instrument panel is also available.

The 1050 has allowed the Adventure to recapture the essence of its first models, while retaining its big sister's taste for trekking at a lower price. With 30 more horsepower, the 1090 reveals a face more in keeping with KTM's fiery spirit...

Seb De Malfin - Manufacturer's photos