I own one (fortunately) and I subscribe everything you said. I already put 6.600 kms (mostly on road and short commuting trips, only some 15 kms in the dirt at a very low speed) on it and I keep geting amazed everytime I ride it. The kind of road you took it to in your video really doesn't do justice to the bike. Regardless of taking pillion and luggage or not this bike is the ultimate overtaking machine; believe me! At an open road there aren't many bikes as capable as the KTM 1190 Adventure, I suppose. I tested the new BMW 1200GS (actually it was an Adventure model, full extras), which is also a great bike, but I chose the KTM because I found it even more accomplished and sophisticated than the beemer. And the extra 25 hp make for a sensible difference... I am far from being an experienced rider and I bought this bike because just 2-3 kms after I took one for a test ride I felt so much confidence, like if I was used to ride one - which I wasn't, as I used to ride scooters (and only scooters) before (125cc, 400cc and 650cc). Like you said, the being does everything well. It is full of electronics - everything is electronic in this bike: engine, suspension, brakes, you name it! - but this should be one the rare examples where all gizmos are superbly put together.
I agree, the Adventure is a great bike. A good rider can ride it like a dirt bike with off road tires. Fantastic on twisty two lane roads or getting somewhere in a hurry on the slab. Gobbles up dirt roads, fire roads and easy trails with the stock tires. Waiting for the ice to melt around here.
They are almost in a different class. The BMW is quite the pack mule and pretty competent. In the real world the ktm is quite a bit less expensive. The BMW has shaft drive, the KTM chain. There is far more chance for damage on the BMW but the KTM is less suited for long road trips. The KTM is far and away lighter and the better off road performer. I hope that answers your question. It all depends on your needs. For me, I would choose the KTM, because i tend to due a lot of off-road and therefore tip over and crash a lot.
sixthisoverdrive thanks for the info .. yes you answer it good where i live and travel to is 85% rods even if i go off rode its not mud and Mountains its only long dirt rode all go for the bmw thanks again
I liked your review. Nice to see a Canadian review. When I decided to upgrade from my 650 VStrom I ended up getting this bike. There are a couple of downsides that you didn't mention. It does get a little buzzy in the upper revs, but when it does 140 kmph at 5 on the tac in 6th, you only need to use the upper end for fun. It does kick out heat from the seat. That's not necessarily all bad for those of us in The Great White North. They are hard to get. My province got one standard and 2 Rs for 2014. That's it. I put down a deposit in the middle of winter without ever seeing the bike. I see that their stock price has more than doubled. A lot of people with a lot of money think that they have a good product and are going to grow. Hope so. For me, the dealer, good as he is, is not close. Good thing I don't have to see him often. My top case has been crap. It doesn't latch nor lock as easily as it should. I find the bike tall with my 32" legs. I have to be careful as I've not got a lot of foot on the ground if it does get away from me. But boy is it an awesome bike! The power is very cool. Drop it into 4th when you're doing 120kmph and you scoot up to 140 in the time it takes to grin. Makes passing the family with the half-ton and the trailer a lot safer. Everything just seems easy. Tight turns. Hard braking. No drama. Just easy. Awesome suspension. Again, rough roads with no drama. I've no idea what it's upper speed limit is personally, but you have to watch the speedo; I crept up to 160 cruising and it just felt easy. The seat is more comfortable that what I had. When I first got it, mileage was around 38 mpg; now I can get over 50 on the highway. I'm still working on the off road part, but so far gravel roads and locking up the rear, again has been easy. No drama. Very cool bike. I'll probably ride as long as I can get my leg over.
It would have been great to have more time to get to know the bike. Unfortunately, this was a pretty short ride and pretty controlled. Thanks for the input, I'm sure someone will find that useful. Thank you for watching.
I sat on one of these last year at a motorcycle expo, I wasn't as impressed as I had hoped to be. At 6'4" I found this to be a bit uncomfortable. I would be more inclined to go for a newer GS if for no other reason than comfort.
Did you try the adventure r? They both had seats that you could move very simply. I had mine in the low position. Either bike is great though. This I think would be better off road, and the GS would be better on. I guess that's the way it's always been!!!
sixthisoverdrive Yeah I did, but they both felt cramped. The gs still felt more comfortable. I liked that the new gs had the height adjustable seat and didnt feel like a brick wall. The ktm's felt too much like trail bikes. I think you are right though, the ktms would probably be better offroad
Been eyeballing one for over two years, just bought a gold one, all I need now is a railroad driverslicense , because this thing is a freakin' freighttrain I came from a 390 Duke, but the 1190 steers almost more light and accurate
The guys in town like my videos and just let me come out and ride sometimes. I actually went to some of them and showed them what I did, and told them if they ever needed something reviewed just let me know, and I would link it to their Facebook page for free. They call me quite a bit actually.
sixthisoverdrive That's really cool that you do it for free, I try to make a living doing video, corporate, sales, training, you know! How cool that gig would be! Good stuff man!
omentummajus It's close...depends if your legs are longer than mine. It was okay for me and I have a 30" inseam. (you might have to check that in cm!!! lol)
I know I'd be on the top of my fingers which doesn't bother me since i'm experienced driver.But if the handlebars are too far away and I have to lean to much and put all my weight on hands that's a no go. The thing is I'm planning on doing ride of a lifetime with some of my friends: Croatia-Vladivostok-Hong Kong-China inland via back to Europe. I see no other bike to do it with.BMW is even bigger
It fits as good as anything. I am quite short as well, and it is a very neutral riding position. Very comfortable. Maybe you can check on an even lower set. The one that comes is adjustable on two heights. You could always go to the ultra reliable and much lighter KLR or DR with low seat heights, but if the other guys have bikes like these, on the road you will never keep up.
The guys signal and lever assembly came loose. I saw that on one other review where the whole assembly came loose and was spinning around. It just meant tightening a couple of screws. He was the actual KTM dude, and that was his own bike.
UZIMike! ! Where are you from? In Canada we are taught to drive in this manner. It allows us to see what's ahead of us down the road, and allows us to be in the cagers mirrors at all times. Also, it is even more emphasized in this video because it was a KTM ride, in which we ride in staggered formation. I get a lot of comments like this from people in the UK especially. lol
![World' Best Adventure Bike: KTM 1190 [Full Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ve-B8k2JatE/mqdefault.jpg)
![World' Best Adventure Bike: KTM 1190 [Full Review]](/img/tr.png)
Thanks for the encouragement!!!
I own one (fortunately) and I subscribe everything you said. I already put 6.600 kms (mostly on road and short commuting trips, only some 15 kms in the dirt at a very low speed) on it and I keep geting amazed everytime I ride it. The kind of road you took it to in your video really doesn't do justice to the bike. Regardless of taking pillion and luggage or not this bike is the ultimate overtaking machine; believe me! At an open road there aren't many bikes as capable as the KTM 1190 Adventure, I suppose. I tested the new BMW 1200GS (actually it was an Adventure model, full extras), which is also a great bike, but I chose the KTM because I found it even more accomplished and sophisticated than the beemer. And the extra 25 hp make for a sensible difference... I am far from being an experienced rider and I bought this bike because just 2-3 kms after I took one for a test ride I felt so much confidence, like if I was used to ride one - which I wasn't, as I used to ride scooters (and only scooters) before (125cc, 400cc and 650cc). Like you said, the being does everything well. It is full of electronics - everything is electronic in this bike: engine, suspension, brakes, you name it! - but this should be one the rare examples where all gizmos are superbly put together.
'the bike does everything well', not 'the being does everything well'. Excuse the typo.
Yeah...the power plant is to die for in this bike. Super flexible, and very exciting!!!
ZeZeZoom1 haha im in your spot right now - ive also only ridden maxi scooters in the past and i am considering buying one of these beauties (used)
Great vid! Love hearing what others think about different bikes!
Well...thanks for the feedback!!!
I agree, the Adventure is a great bike. A good rider can ride it like a dirt bike with off road tires. Fantastic on twisty two lane roads or getting somewhere in a hurry on the slab. Gobbles up dirt roads, fire roads and easy trails with the stock tires.
Waiting for the ice to melt around here.
I really wish I could have given this more of a go off road. It felt very capable for a bigger bike. Thanks for watching
i've got one, expeienced the same windscreen issue. Move it up all the way and problems solved!
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the video.. so if i want like to buy one
And thinking like bmw r1200gs 2014
What is your advice?
They are almost in a different class. The BMW is quite the pack mule and pretty competent. In the real world the ktm is quite a bit less expensive. The BMW has shaft drive, the KTM chain. There is far more chance for damage on the BMW but the KTM is less suited for long road trips. The KTM is far and away lighter and the better off road performer. I hope that answers your question. It all depends on your needs. For me, I would choose the KTM, because i tend to due a lot of off-road and therefore tip over and crash a lot.
sixthisoverdrive
thanks for the info .. yes you answer it good
where i live and travel to is 85% rods even if i go off rode its not mud and Mountains its only long dirt rode
all go for the bmw
thanks again
I liked your review. Nice to see a Canadian review. When I decided to upgrade from my 650 VStrom I ended up getting this bike. There are a couple of downsides that you didn't mention. It does get a little buzzy in the upper revs, but when it does 140 kmph at 5 on the tac in 6th, you only need to use the upper end for fun. It does kick out heat from the seat. That's not necessarily all bad for those of us in The Great White North. They are hard to get. My province got one standard and 2 Rs for 2014. That's it. I put down a deposit in the middle of winter without ever seeing the bike. I see that their stock price has more than doubled. A lot of people with a lot of money think that they have a good product and are going to grow. Hope so. For me, the dealer, good as he is, is not close. Good thing I don't have to see him often. My top case has been crap. It doesn't latch nor lock as easily as it should. I find the bike tall with my 32" legs. I have to be careful as I've not got a lot of foot on the ground if it does get away from me. But boy is it an awesome bike! The power is very cool. Drop it into 4th when you're doing 120kmph and you scoot up to 140 in the time it takes to grin. Makes passing the family with the half-ton and the trailer a lot safer. Everything just seems easy. Tight turns. Hard braking. No drama. Just easy. Awesome suspension. Again, rough roads with no drama. I've no idea what it's upper speed limit is personally, but you have to watch the speedo; I crept up to 160 cruising and it just felt easy. The seat is more comfortable that what I had. When I first got it, mileage was around 38 mpg; now I can get over 50 on the highway. I'm still working on the off road part, but so far gravel roads and locking up the rear, again has been easy. No drama. Very cool bike. I'll probably ride as long as I can get my leg over.
It would have been great to have more time to get to know the bike. Unfortunately, this was a pretty short ride and pretty controlled. Thanks for the input, I'm sure someone will find that useful. Thank you for watching.
Good review! thanks! that's seems to be a Strong never stop bike.... In terms of road performance and corneering is it close to Multistrada?
lloiaful Very close, it feels a little looser because of the bigger front tire though. Really similar power though.
thanks
I sat on one of these last year at a motorcycle expo, I wasn't as impressed as I had hoped to be. At 6'4" I found this to be a bit uncomfortable. I would be more inclined to go for a newer GS if for no other reason than comfort.
Did you try the adventure r? They both had seats that you could move very simply. I had mine in the low position. Either bike is great though. This I think would be better off road, and the GS would be better on. I guess that's the way it's always been!!!
sixthisoverdrive Yeah I did, but they both felt cramped. The gs still felt more comfortable. I liked that the new gs had the height adjustable seat and didnt feel like a brick wall. The ktm's felt too much like trail bikes. I think you are right though, the ktms would probably be better offroad
You hit the nail on the head...especially for the tall guys!!!
Nice review - thanks.
how did you get so little wind noise in the video? Is the microphone inside your helmet?
+Paul Callahan It is and through a Zoom H1.
Been eyeballing one for over two years, just bought a gold one, all I need now is a railroad driverslicense , because this thing is a freakin' freighttrain
I came from a 390 Duke, but the 1190 steers almost more light and accurate
so capable at everything.
The darn beast takes ME out for a spin, it should be the other way around...
i have one i love it
nice!
Nice review man! How do you get gigs like that!
The guys in town like my videos and just let me come out and ride sometimes. I actually went to some of them and showed them what I did, and told them if they ever needed something reviewed just let me know, and I would link it to their Facebook page for free. They call me quite a bit actually.
sixthisoverdrive That's really cool that you do it for free, I try to make a living doing video, corporate, sales, training, you know! How cool that gig would be! Good stuff man!
No kidding. My job keeps me going full time, so this is just kicks and giggles for me. Plus if I don't get paid, they can't tell me what to do!!!
Soooo True!
I'm 170cm tall.Is it to big for me in ergonomics and leg distance?
omentummajus It's close...depends if your legs are longer than mine. It was okay for me and I have a 30" inseam. (you might have to check that in cm!!! lol)
I know I'd be on the top of my fingers which doesn't bother me since i'm experienced driver.But if the handlebars are too far away and I have to lean to much and put all my weight on hands that's a no go.
The thing is I'm planning on doing ride of a lifetime with some of my friends: Croatia-Vladivostok-Hong Kong-China inland via back to Europe.
I see no other bike to do it with.BMW is even bigger
It fits as good as anything. I am quite short as well, and it is a very neutral riding position. Very comfortable. Maybe you can check on an even lower set. The one that comes is adjustable on two heights. You could always go to the ultra reliable and much lighter KLR or DR with low seat heights, but if the other guys have bikes like these, on the road you will never keep up.
I want to get a cross tour touring bike and go to denali!!!
Iseekknowledge That would be a dream trip alright!!!
I love the bike but I would line it more if I was old enough to drive
seth sheffield Well, yeah...that would be a great start!
What did the guy say to you at 4:24?
The guys signal and lever assembly came loose. I saw that on one other review where the whole assembly came loose and was spinning around. It just meant tightening a couple of screws. He was the actual KTM dude, and that was his own bike.
You need to get over in you're lane and get off the line. Driver's in front of you don't know if you're gonna pass.
UZIMike! ! Where are you from? In Canada we are taught to drive in this manner. It allows us to see what's ahead of us down the road, and allows us to be in the cagers mirrors at all times. Also, it is even more emphasized in this video because it was a KTM ride, in which we ride in staggered formation. I get a lot of comments like this from people in the UK especially. lol
Its called the Z formation. It's the safe way to ride when you're ridding with other bikes.
I still prefer triumphs…
...lol