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Performance and Handling

Thanks to the 19″/17″ wheel combo, performance on the 1190 is absolutely mind-blowing, from sheer acceleration to the street bike-like handling. For more off-road bias, we would have preferred the R version with a 21″ front wheel, but that would have made it taller.

The basic engine design was borrowed from the RC8, with its 75-degree V-twin, producing a whopping 150hp at 9,500 RPM. Believe me, you smile in your helmet every time you twist the throttle of this 470-lb. bike. Power is initiated via ride-by-wire of two 52mm throttle bodies, delivering smooth, controllable power.

Some may think that 148hp would be a handful off road; KTM has covered that with an electronics package that is well thought-out, and a breeze to navigate. While riding off road, I usually shut off the MTC completely, which made sliding through corners much more fun. With four different drive modes to choose from, the 1190 can conquer anything you throw at it. For most of my seat time, I chose the Sport mode which gives you the full monty of its horsepower, keeping me smiling 100% of the time.

There are those in the dual-sport crowd who aren’t into the electronics that some of the new bikes are equipped with, but KTM’s system has worked flawlessly for me. Whether riding in a late spring snowstorm or on wet, muddy, single track the 1190’s electronics didn’t hiccup even once.

Suspension is full WP Electronic Damping System (EDS). The handlebar-mounted switch allows you to adjust preload depending on whether you’re solo, solo with luggage, two-up, or two-up with luggage. Damping settings are preprogramed for Sport, Street and Comfort, and also controlled via handlebar switch. Although initially I would have preferred the R’s manual adjustability, I’m glad we tested the electronic set-up.

Stopping is truly impressive with the Brembo-powered dual 320mm disk front brakes and a large 268mm rear disk. With complete control of the Bosch-developed combined ABS system, the rider has the choice whether to ride with it on or off. This is perhaps one of the biggest factors making European big enduros more dirt-worthy than their Japanese counterparts.

When riding off road you have the option of shutting off the ABS completely, or using off-road mode which turns off the combined ABS and allows the rear to rotate independently. The front, in turn, allows a higher degree of slippage for controlling the front end in dirt situations. I have tested the off-road function many times, and it works amazingly well.

I know this bike has been compared to the BMW R1200GS, and the GS does have its merits in the ever growing adventure market. With that said, if you plan on getting out and doing big bike adventuring, the KTM is one of the best purpose-built adventure bikes on the market. From its comfortable and sporty street bike manners to its off-road heritage, the KTM fits the bill no matter what you plan on doing with it—and those are big shoes to fill!

As with most of the community, we’d like to see KTM go in more directions as far as displacement is concerned. I hope in the near future, we’ll see something in the 700–800cc range coming from Big Orange. If that happens we’ll all be drinking more Orange Kool-Aid. MSRP: $16,499.00 KTM.com

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