KTM 1090 Adventure

Built:2017-1820172018

The KTM 1090 Adventure is available as a discontinued model at the dealership, it is no longer built. This is a case for bargain hunters, because there is a hefty discount. Is it worth buying for other reasons?

Performance fully

Discontinued models are popular – in addition to a hefty discount, you get proven and sophisticated technology delivered. Especially among the Austrians of KTM. These, one feels, sometimes have very short model cycles. This is what happened with the KTM 1050 and the 1190, both of which were only on the market for about two years. The successor to the two 95 and 150 hp models is now in front of us, but she also only ran off the production line for two years. The 125 hp of the 1090 mark the Golden Center between the replaced machines.

The Golden Center was also in the KTM model range, which still offers the big 1290 with 160 hp and the small 790 with 95 hp on adventure bikes. The official price was not small: it was excellent with 13,395 €, now it is ready for departure for around 11,500 €.

No torque miracle

The engine sounds almost a little shy when idle. This changes when the first gear is inserted in the easily switchable and precise gearbox and it moves forward. Yes, that's how a real V2 has to sound!

Added to this is the intake noise, for fans of pure enjoyment. However, the KTM provides not only hot exhaust gases but also plenty of propulsion. Without a hole or a hanger, it turns up to 10,000 at lightning speed and does not appear to be laced up, as the 1050 has always been accused of.

By the way, the engine still has 1,050 cubic centimeters, the 90 in the name KTM probably from a standardization of the model designations. Be that as it may, the V2 is an all-round successful engine. One thing you have to know: Although the maximum torque of 109 Newton meters is already at 6,500, this is not a hero bike for fans of low speed. Under 3,000, it's accelerating, but quite honestly? That's nothing, let them cheer first and then you.

Despite the normally large front wheel (19 inches) for an adventure bike, the KTM willingly stings into any form of curve. The comparatively narrow tyres of the 1090s play their part in the pronounced handiness. Overall, it feels lighter than it is without forgetting the necessary stability on the slopes. Prima!

The wind protection, on the other hand, is not very pronounced. At the latest after a longer motorway stage, the adventure pilot decides to go to the dealer of the trust in order to get a higher disc, which should then also be quieter.