I 'swapped' bikes on a ride with a fellow on a KTM 990 (enduro...? I think...), and, even tho' I'm used to a high seat (KLR and Versys), the one on his REALLY got my attention when I almost dropped it at the first stop. Think it's around 36".
The current KMT is apparently the best of the adv. bikes off road but a bit of a pig on road. It's also ugly as sin. Good to see they improved the styling on the new one. They also seem to have moved to a more street oriented platform with versions with a 19inch or 21inch front wheel. Wonder what will happen to the SMT, KMT's 990cc version of the Versys?
I tried a 950r ktm enduro and didnt really like the engine...or the handling for that matter (though I was on the road...it's certainly more in it's place off-road). I think the new adventure looks much better over the last model...but just like with many Ducatis (less of an issue on the latest models), the maintenance on these bikes scare the crap out of me.
Can't opine much on the bikes themselves but the KTM riders I've met seem to be serious adventure riders willing to talk and even ask questions about the V.
With the GS crowd I get the impression they think I'm riding a Kymco 150.(If there is such a thing.)
Because KTM have adopted the 19" front and 17" rear wheel sizes, the new bike is much more short-arse rider friendly. I'm 5' 11" with a 31" inseam and I can flatfoot the 1190 easily. The Adventure R version keeps the more off road bias wheel sizes.
990 wasnt big enough to take offroad?:dgi:
i like the older model better. i think ktm is dumbing this bike down in many ways. the tubeless 21" rim, for example. i dont see how that's a plus for riding offroad.:blah:
Me, if I ride off-road I'm buying a dirtbike. I owned a KTM 620rxc dual sport. Very capable off road but felt like a pig in the whoop-di-dos and it weighed 308lbs dry. I can only imagine how much work one of these new ones must be. No thanks.
KTM is releasing two versions of the 1190. The standard runs 19/17 F/R in sizes that match the new BMW GS. The Adventure has a 21" Front. Both versions have spoke wheels but run tubeless tires.
finally watched these vids, i've had that page open on my desktop for days. yes, that one was very convincing. he emphasized that it is not dumbed down, but more like an old 990 than a current big trailie. not sure i'd buy this over a Tiger cub, but i'd certainly have a look.
tubes have no advantages offroad, or anywhere else.
spoked wheels have advantages offroad... impact resistance and repair-ability.
tubeless + spoked is a match made in heaven.
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