Test - KTM1190 Adventure R

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

One of the highlights of this year was testing the KTM1190 Adventure R. I don't think a lot of people got it, but the first half of the video was a tongue in cheek, 'let's treat this baby like a BIG dirt bike'. Having said that, rider John Reeks really demonstrated what this bike could do. Frankly I don't think 95% of the riders who purchase this bike will take it this close to it's limits. Mind you Australian, South African and riders of the back country and mid west of the US, will get it close.

[@antallen1319]

I just took delivery of my 2014 1190 R here in Cape Town and I'm really impressed (I rented one from a mate for the month of Feb to get acquainted) and I'm super happy. I shed the stock tail pipe and fitted a REMUS Hexacone saving nearly 5kg and sounding MUCH better. Seeing your video, the riding and hearing your comments confirmed it all for me. Very well done on a great video production too!

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

I have that bike . Its 2024 now . Just did 620 miles on it in late october . Zero complaints 👌

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Excellent

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Good question. You will find detailed video reviews of the Super Tenere on this chanel. Both are excellent bikes. I prefer the Kato for a couple of reasons. I ride the adventure bikes primarily on dirt and I like being able to lock the back brake to turn.

[@MadbencoFS]

Finally! Someone reviewing the bike that can actually ride it!! Others cant ride for crap!

[@svracer2001]

The quality of this review is generally better than what's produced here in the US. Thanks for showing us in detail and depth how much potential this bike has. (Eat your heart out, BMW [.... I can't talk because I just bought a Stelvio...])

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I caution I have a bias towards smaller bore adventure bikes. Frankly, if I had my way I'd like a 500 or less with huge service intervals. I'm not sure of which country you're from, but in Australia, the good rides require big fuel ranges. With it's bigger tank and improved fuel economy the 1190 is closer to that range than the 990 ever was. My leaning, 690 well set up.

[@moulin680]

This is the best KTM review yet! thank you so much ,it was awesome!!!! keep making them!!

[@ChrisKTMKurtz]

To all the N.Americans, the line forms right behind me for purchase's when ever it FINALLY gets here. Awesome bike. Thanks so much for the great review. Seems like you hit it spot on for those of us who ride these things to their full potential.

[@kiwipirate60]

As you said in the closing lines Dave, 'if you have never considered a KTM before'... and to be honest I never have, but this thing has finally got me thinking. Nick Jeggo and Adam Riemann do an excellent review riding down south here in WA and those boys push the big 1190 hard. Looks like an amazing piece of machinery, good vid mate, cheers

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I think it was a great replacement and an improvement on the 990, but I've just come back from riding in Siberia and the Russian adventure riding community firmly do not believe the 1190 has anything on the 990. The say the 990 is a far better adventure machine. I simply don't agree. The 1190 is about the same weight, equivalent handling and wonderfully long fuel range and frankly I found it fun in the bush. The Russians are waiting for the Kato800 adventure, if they are lucky, out in 2018/19 as announced by the ceo of KTM recently.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Ah John, It has 150 HP. You've made a mistake. I'm not sure you get what we were trying to do in the clip. It's about having a fun look at where this bike can go in good hands. 95% of riders wouldn't dream of taking on some of the stuff we took it on. It is not a big bore dirt bike like the XRRRR. We all love XRs but that's a big call, I'm pretty sure the Suzuki DR600 riders, the BMW800 GS and 650 riders, the Kawasaki KLR600 and KTM690, 640 and 990 riders would agree :)

[@blancolirio]

100-150 HP ?! off road? Yikes! "If yer spinnin' yer wheels....all you're doin' is spinnin' yer wheels!"... Scott- 3 Step Hideaway, Utah Looks exhausting to me to ride that hard for very long in the tight stuff. GREAT review, and good comments all. Juan

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Seriously though the KLR650 is a great bike and the other thing I like about them is the way large groups of blokes can be found on them in the outback having a great time.

[@wasca]

Great review, those riders make it look effortless, very talented.

[@2stroke2012]

I've had the pleasure of recently riding sandy fire roads, red mud, and pavement on my 2014 KTM 690 ENduro R ABS with a 2014 1190 Adventure R, 2014 BMW F 800 GSA, and 2014 KTM 350 EXC-F. Tried my best, but the 1190 was by far the best in the nasty stuff. The BMW 800GSA required the most skill by far to keep pace. Only the two "big" KTM's were able to cruise over 60 MPH on the rutted dirt roads. In the sand, it got worse for the smaller bikes. BMW and KTM had TKC-80s. I had stock MT-21's. Can't comment on the 350. Rider was not as aggressive, but never far behind either.

[@rroche0123]

Love seeing a full size adventure bike being ridden seriously on the dirt; great review!

[@MrMojoRisin22]

I'll concede that the 1190 is superior in the dirt. My comment was in regards to the features of the bike. The Multistra 1200 paved the way with the engine modes that also changed the traction control and ABS. And for nothing else, it benefited the motorcycle world as KTM and BMW have both stepped up their game with their most recent 2013 models. Great review

[@camas77721]

OMG I"M DROOLING! Thanks for the review! You've just reaffirmed that this is EXACTLY what i want!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Dear salisburyplain, I have removed your last comment on the Test - KTM1190 vid that seems to arouse your passion. You've had more than enough space to publish your thoughts. In Australian parlance, "you've had a fair go, and that'll do." There is one more element to that saying that has an action that I won't carry out at this stage, provided you are prepared to be reasonable and that's, "or piss off! " But that's only a click away, so, "Pull your head in."

[@edvaldosilva9719]

vj xm

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

!st gear is reasonably low, but it's not a dirt bike andyou will be using the clutch. The remaining gears are the same as the road bike, I think?

[@krassfilms]

Great review....as a side note, I would have liked to see a mention of the bike's handling in the dirt when loaded up with large panniers.

[@middleeastexperience3727]

i so agree after owning the bike for just three weeks, im in love

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Believe me I understand. All the Kiwis I know also say they don't use gloves, coz they have their sheep. And I think you need to see a bit more of Australia than just Bondi. You are way out with your temps....unless you had your Merino with you? Anyway colourful contribution, makes the world go round.

[@Kaivalaginiviti]

Best review on this bike yet, thanks. I have a 2011 SMT and was toying with trading in for a non-R...but held back as it's the first year of production and instead I've added to the stable with a rocket III instead...maybe in a couple of years I'll trade in the SMT for a 1 year old non-R ;)

[@JustinSmithWY]

Too funny, I was thinking "when is the last time I saw a GS/Triumph/Tenere/Multistrada review where they actually rode in the dirt...."

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I had a 990. Trade it in and forget that helmet buffetting and short fuel range. Yeah 1st low, can't remember my first on the 990. Not sure.

[@GenkiDamaSSJ]

WOW. 150bhp AND off-road prowess..... speechless.

[@TheBalrog111]

Another fantastic video , helpful,respectful and no bull reiveiw. More power to ya mate. Subscribed.

[@WarDogTheAwesome]

Ahhhh, KTM 1190 or GS1200 ahhhhhhhhh I can't choose, to people who tried either or both, what do you recommend?

[@funinsun23]

i rode a KLR650 from Canada to Argentina over a year with 0 problems! Just flats. Buying a KTM now though because i want some crazy power. but at a cost i know.

[@andikoru1450]

Awesome, been waiting for your review for a while! Nice

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

In our country there is not a $25000 dollar difference. At a guess it is a $15,000 AU difference. But that is comparing the wrong bike. Price wise you need to compare with the Super Tenere, Triumph, BMW 1200 GS Adventure.

[@RicardoFailace]

Fantastic bike. Is it better than the Supertenere?

[@beaggyboy]

It's not only a threat,but she's got everybody else & of especially the age old-famed Beemer GS finally beaten in almost everyway,except for looks alone.KTM has seriously gotta also impress her clients with sufficient good looks & enuf pampering amenities,befitting a dignified Hi-end bike,as the GS,Explorer,CrossTourer,V-Strom or Multistrada.As for now,tho' the 1190 is already the "Top-Dog!" of the lot,albeit she is but still so much only a seriously hyped-up (upped engine capacity) motorcross dirt bike.Do that!,KTM,U need to swoon buyers with appropriate aesthetics & sweep the market right-off,as how the GS had in the early days,decades ago.

[@fahadm8260]

another excellent video, i cant wait to see you compare this one to the Africa twin

[@joeianniello]

Great review. Great music. Great video. Nice improvement in KTM's big boy. But, the BMW is the only way to go.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I'll be testing the BMW800 GS Adventure early in the New Year, so we will have an opportunity to compare. However next quick test is the big Triumph Adventure.

[@mynamejeff2759]

it is not mate

[@maccas44]

Awesome review Dave

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Long time ago

[@maccas44]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV yeh sure was …. What a bike … still up there in my books

[@phillswanson5157]

Looks like an amazing bike!

[@jnk210]

Debating going Small or going Big... I love riding SuperMoto & light trails need overall commuter/canyon carver/light trails.. would you recommend 1190Adventure R or 690 Enduro.. moving away from proper sportbikes... have a dedicated SuperMoto 450 racebike

[@Kerogas_]

I'm not a motorcyclist and I can't understand the function of a small transparent jar with fuel nearby of a right hand. Can someone explain it?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Brake fluid reservoir for front brake.

[@JohanOlivier_nz]

Oj, you are awesome :)

[@GerbenGeeraerts]

Not everyone has warm hands 'bro'. Australia isn't the world and since this bike is launched all over the globe KTM needs to fit it so it is suitable everywhere.

[@CPSJSMSUUMUGA]

It doesn't have 150HP. Officials Specs from KTM state 115. The weight at 500, plus, pounds is still massive for serious off road riding. The same is true of the KLR, which weighs 425 and is further handicapped by a max of 40 HP. IMO, the best bike for this sort of dual-purpose riding is a Honda XR650R, obviously with appropriate mods. 300 - 320 pounds wet, depending on the size of the aftermarket gas tank, and 60-65 HP if fully uncorked. It is a wickedly fast, fun bike, on, and off, road.

[@Nerb1]

Cool... much more professional review than mine! In fact one of the few reviews I've seen on this bike.

[@Endureromex]

Great test, thanks from Mexico

[@jnk210]

I'm based in Los Angeles California (US) I agree with your point about 500cc long intervals, range maybe an issue and freeways jaunts are required, Did you guys test 2-up on either bike?

[@marker20]

Great review. Looks like a fabulous bike.

[@JacobHayden]

Great review of bike and footage

[@gianluciano]

thank you, i'm just evaluating either to buy another HP2 to use it on the road (leaving the off-road riding to my other hp2), buy the GS LC or purchase this beast. But i'm afraid i would air this thing out like crazy ruining the bike for good... uhm difficult choice. Anyway, thank u a lot for this test! Good job!

[@Gravyspoon]

Good stuff, good channel! Thanks guys.

[@sudopeople]

I'm really interested in a jewel purpose bike. Too bad they're only available in Australia. I'll have to settle for a dual sport until KDM brings them to the US.

[@WarnerKrause]

Hahahahaha

[@borat15151]

I'm really interested in a dool purpose bike. Too bad they're only available in America. I'll have to settle for a dual sport until KeyTM bring them to AUS.

[@sudopeople]

borat15151 What dialect speaks the letter K like the word key? Americans and Australians say the letter K the same, lol.

[@tranixter]

Whammy! Dnt tlk any sheet

[@DoctorYoda2]

+borat15151 We don't pronounce the K as Key xD

[@Setsf800]

edog200 you make me want it so much this bike, i have f800gs, but i´m crazy about this kato 1190 r, my problem is my height. great vid, thank you.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Front Continental TKC80, back Kenda big block.

[@TheDancinFarmer]

Which KLR are you using, cos I have 62HP out of mine on the dyno, with a little work done in and on it of course, and it weighs 390lb with a full 26L safari tank.

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Great review! How's the 1190 stack up against the BMW 1200 or Triumph tiger?

[@WiltshireByways]

A great review, thanks. I'd love it over my 620SC or my CR450X for the 99.99% of the time that I am on the bike. The 0.01% of the time that the bike is on me would really, really suck with a 230kg bike.

[@Dark1Stranger]

Hows the gear ratios on it? Ive really got to work my clutch on the 990 in the tight twistys. I imagine it would be fairly similar? Great review... trade in imminent.

[@camas77721]

Would this Bike be suitable for a cross-country highway trip as well?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Other gears are same as the road model.

[@sirjolly81]

Too right.. Just come over the mountains to lithgow/bathurst/oberon and see just how cold it gets.

[@Reapers261]

Great Bike! Hopefully one day I'll be able to afford one.

[@SUPERCOOLZZ]

Why does everybody rave about heated hand grips? As an all-season Melbourne rider, there have only been a couple of times where my fingers got numb, and that was at 100+ kph mornings at about 0 degrees, where I was wearing ill-fitting worn down gloves which didn't insulate properly

[@TheBalrog111]

yep ya got me , maybe cause they go further afeild than Melbourne and possible ride at birds fart after scraping the ice off the seat.

[@SUPERCOOLZZ]

I don't think going further afield than Melbourne has any relevance to my point. Yes I am a Melbourne commuter, but I recreationally ride VIC high country. AFAIK temperatures don't average below -5deg anywhere in Australia, and at those temperatures I'd be much more concerned with my core temperature and camping overnight, than how cold my hands are once on the bike. As for speeds (wind chill factor), the limits are what, 110kph? You aren't going to be hitting those speeds anywhere remotely technical, and it's better to keep the chill out with decent gloves rather than trying to warm up your hands through a glove where the heat disperses at speed anyway. Just seems really inefficient to me, especially at speed. I'd understand heated grips for the BMW crowd that uses 'adventure bikes' to putter around town at 50kph, but I'm surprised that they are so well-received on a KTM.

[@TheBalrog111]

luxuries are there for those who want to use them. its a small luxury, affordable, hardly weighs a thing and makes cold wet hands, atleast warm wet hands. what takes up more room? a set of big bulky feelingless gloves or a little wire ? neither here nor there..... You gotta say this though , KTM has still got its Chain drive, when they change that... they've lost!!

[@ashwalk85]

amazing review, amazing bike. thanks for this!

[@grysnlvfr]

Excellent review, thanks

[@beckychang7592]

Awesome review. Thanks mate!

[@richmoto1]

Rock it John!

[@dozerjohn]

It stil looks brutally heavy and I'm not even going to ask what the price is, but now I know all I wanted to know about this bike, thanks edog.

[@corbinez]

Thanks Edog n Co enjoyed that- Great in h.d. too :-)

[@bandostyle]

niiiiiice! which tyres were you mounting?

[@mototaco2132]

I found my KTM hard to pick up after a drop. Due to length and weight, and falling flat as a pancake, its challenging to pick up by yourself.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Fortunately I didn't drop one.

[@JeroenReymer]

Great test !! Thx a lot !

[@manmedel]

good video edog200 ... than good "flying" that bike off road ... but I prefer to see the rider in the video ... like everything you are doing "would be great". A greeting Medel

[@RohithRot]

i wish this bike would come to bangalore !! India.. until it comes. 390 DUKE it is for me !!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

+Rohith Rot If your really lucky, maybe Bajaj will produce a KTM390 Adventure that would be brilliant for your roads and trails.

[@RohithRot]

+Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV , hey thanks for the reply Chris.. well yes !! actually i have heard adventure series might come next year. but my duke 200 is freakin dead.. so i need a change asap, so 390 DUKE is the best ( after lookin at all available bikes in the range) . and for various reasons.. i just love KTM. u R MAD AMAZING on this Chris.. i so envy u. u r awesome. very inspirational and motivating .. Cheers

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

+Rohith Rot Errr it's Dave......Chris comes and visits MAD TV :)

[@sustainableliving880]

Great review

[@TheMrocznyZbyy]

Born to ride

[@80hitultracombo]

Nice review. I want one.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

long live the Africa Twin!

[@Hadgerz]

Scouring these adventure bike videos because I've somehow gotten myself addicted to trail riding...unfortunately on my sport bike...with the same Pirellis that I take to the track every month! Man, can't wait til i get an adventure tourer. Is this the one with the lean sensing headlights? Maybe that's a future model since this is a 2013. Love it :D

[@Portella999]

Hi, I'm thinking of changing bike, and I'm in doubt between Ktm 1190 BMW R1200GS Adventure R and Adventure. What do you recommend? I wonder if BMW is good for off-road? I run on average about 18,000 miles per year, and of these 18,000 miles, I run 2000 miles on dirt road.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

+Yago Portella Either bike is good. they are very different and the only way to know is get you bum on the seat of both of them.

[@jamesbillings9617]

such a nice bike

[@LGR_LGR_LGR]

I starting to like the thought of an adventure bike,rather than a straight roadbike 👍would need to test ride one first.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Adventure bikes shit all over road bikes. They are just so versatile. But I would caution, I'm very biased.

[@fernandomunguambe7938]

hi, i have ktm 1190 adventure, can i use like a motorcross?

[@JohnDoe-uc7et]

Did you take traction control off with offroad mode?

[@MrMslotta89]

hammer... mit unserer NEUEN wird es für mich das ERSTE MAL.......

[@IchibanMoto]

this might be a sweet purchase after I sell my youtube build project !

[@waynekerr8003]

Did u get one?

[@waynekerr8003]

Doesn't look like it bud

[@philtripe]

looks like a really fun bike in the desert/street...i wouldnt take it to the mtns though

[@JohnDoe-uc7et]

No buffeting....right

[@Matteopivo]

This is a real bike!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Reeksy did well, he didn't drop the bike once :)

[@Micidiale870]

Great review...thank you

[@R1get]

Good review man, like it alot! :) And even though i like the old 990 adventure looks more, this is clearly a beautiful beast!

[@grahamgillette5393]

thanks for the reply so... have you had the opportunity to put the adventure R through its paces on the tar ?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Graham Gillette Lovely on tar, just doesn't tip in as quick.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

The problem with making a big claim like that on youtube is you've got to show us the vid, or that my friend is one worthless brag. Look forward to the vid, not the words.

[@opmike343]

Uh, you are aware that this bike is sold internationally and not just in your country, yes? You are aware that in these other countries, the weather will dip below freezing for months at a time, yes? Other bikes in this class sometimes have heated grips as either standard or an option. It's certainly worth mentioning in a review.

[@errezerotre]

my Africa Twin did this 20 years ago, and it's yet doing this today!

[@prashantya]

nice review

[@BOYCOL83]

Try riding somewhere off the coast bro! The Victorian Alps is where its at, name your poison, road or off road bike I'll take you out and you'll welcome heated handgrips!

[@chainsawversustree]

I'm getting one!

[@pwlao]

Other great video edog, congratulation ! This bike is awesome but I think the 990 has a better design.

[@ernestochamorro1]

Ktm 1190 adventure r missing screw ? Help is this normal? or is there really a screw missing ? thank you !

[@americanrequest]

I have the same issue....I could not install the engine protection shield because of this....I am puzzled

[@Zaudi_Jonas]

Der bewegt die dicke 1190, wie wenn es eine kleine/leichte wäre. Wahnsinn.