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In January I had the opportunity to ride the new KTM 1190
Adventure thanks to my local dealer, Spunky’s Motorcycles and the local KTM
Canada rep who left the motorcycle at Spunky’s for a few days. At the end of April I was able to join
KTM Canada on one of their test days and take the 1190 Adventure R for a
spin. I also took the new 1290
Super Duke, dubbed “The Beast”, out for a ride.
1290 Super Duke R:
2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
“The Beast” is the most insane motorcycle I’ve ridden to
date. With 180-horse power and 106
ft-lbs of torque on tap in a package that weighs less then 450 lbs loaded with
fuel, this motorcycle can be a handful.
With the aid of a great chasse, sophisticated electronics, Brembo
brakes, and a well though out cockpit, the Super Duke is manageable if you want
it to be. I found that it was
happy going slow, however it loved to accelerate and corner.
Dislikes:
- It needs a fly screen.
- Slick foot pegs.
Likes:
- The comfort was impressive for a high performance motorcycle.
- The electronics work.
- It likes corners as much as I do.
1190 Adventure R:
2014 1190 Adventure R
I’d tested the 1190 Adventure in January and now it was time
to ride the more dirt ready 1190 Adventure R. The Adventure R has larger front and rear wheels, manually
adjustable suspension (The Adventure has electronic adjustable), standard
engine guards, a smaller windscreen and a more dirt bike styled one-piece
seat. These seemingly little
things make a huge difference in the looks and handling of the Adventure
R. Oh ya, the seat height is
taller as well. If you’re under
5’10”, grab the Adventure and add what you need.
If I were to choose between the two, I’d personally take the
1190 Adventure R mainly because I grew up on dirt bikes and this feels like a
dirt bike.
Dislikes:
- Low handlebar height.
- Manual adjustable suspension.
Likes:
- It’s a high-powered dirt bike that likes the road. By dirt bike, I mean something that will cruise all day on gravel and dirt roads and some wide single track.
- The electronics all work smoothly.
- The motorcycle is comfortable and would be close to perfect with bar risers.
- The long service interval.
The KTM 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R and Super Duke R are amazing motorcycles that can be easily setup for touring. Yes, the Super Duke has a touring version and with the addition of a fly screen would be quite comfortable on long rides. My guess is that KTM did this to allow the rational part of the brain to justify what the primitive part really wants.
Gerald Trees
