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Press bikes come and go, and we learn not to get too attached to any one of them. Well, that’s hard to do with the KTM 1190. After over 6,000 miles with the KTM, it’s difficult not to want to ride it all the time, everywhere—and I mean everywhere. And the 1190 satisfies just about any off-road situation you can throw at it, leaving other manufacturers scratching their heads as to why the big KTM is so popular.

Ergonomics

Being that I’m on the short side of the measuring tape, the 1190 Adventure offers an adjustable two-position seat—low and standard heights. I opted for the low for better footing in off-road situations. The seat itself has a nice, narrow shape at the knees, with a wider butt pan for long distance adventures. Riding the bike from Ohio to Virginia on its first outing, the seat was perfectly comfortable. Over time, I did notice that it has a hot spot from engine heat, which can be welcome in colder weather.

Handlebar positioning was perfect out of the box with a wide, almost off-road feel, but still comfortable for distance travel. Footpeg position worked impeccably, too, for both off- and on-road riding, with room for a slight bend at the knee. Taller riders may opt for bar risers.

Windscreen, gauges and handlebar-mounted controls are positioned for easy use on the fly. Luddites won’t approve of the fully electronic warning system but KTM’s efforts at making the onboard computer intuitive have paid off and it’s easy to use without having to constantly refer to the manual.

Luggage

Our long-term 1190 was equipped with the OEM KTM luggage system that worked flawlessly for the first six months. With time, the locks became difficult to use, although it’s likely it was just the buildup of dirt and grime. Other than that, the system worked flawlessly. While hard luggage adds extra security for travel and around town, soft luggage would be a better choice for those taking the 1190 off road.