THERE'S a small amount of confusion when it comes to the differences between KTM's 1190 Adventure and the 1190 Adventure R. It's not just a case of different graphics and slightly larger wheel sizes.
There's a clue to the differences in KTM's own words: "With the new 1190 Adventure and R there is a more definite distinction between the two models than with the 990 Adventure. The R is definitely the bike for those who really will stray from the beaten path, fit some off-road tyres and go exploring - the bike is designed to do just that. The 1190 Adventure is more road biased, but still has firm off-road roots and was developed alongside the R with its off-road ABS and traction control functions."
So let's start with what parts the teo bikes share and over the page we'll highlight the changes to the Adventure R.
Both bikes feature the same frame and engine with the same displacement, the same power output and the same gear ratios. Both bikes feature the exact same version of the KTM/Bosch intelligent traction control system with four settings; Rain, Street, Sport and Off-Road and of course it can be switched off. They also both offer ABS, with an Off-Road mode that allows the rear wheel to be locked up completely while in this mode the front wheel's ABS has been designed to be less sensisitive than in road mode. The ABS on both models can be switched off completely.
The 23-litre tank size is exactly the same on both models, as are the Brembo monobloc brakes and the slipper clutch. The footpegs feature the same height adjustment and the bar adjustment on both models is identical too.
KTM's Electronic Damping System (EDS) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can only be fitted to the standard 1190 Adventure. It's worth noting that the majority of the 'standard' 1190 Adventures coming to the UK will be fitted with EDS. KTM UK ordered a majority with the factory-fitted EDS following customer feedback after the unveiling of the bike at the Cologne show last year but you will be able to find non-EDS versions of the standard model.
1190 Adventure R - what's different
1190 Adventure R differences
1. Wheelsize: The Adventure R has a 21" front wheel and 18" rear wheel as opposed to the 19/17 on the Adventure. The exact dimensions are 2.50 x 21" / 4.50 x 18". Both versions feature KTM's new spoked wheels with tubeless rims.
2. Suspension: Both bikes feature WP fully-adjustable suspension front and rear however the R version's travel is increased at the front and rear from 190mm to 220mm. Due to the taller suspension, the ground clearance is also increased on the 1190 Adventure R. It sits at 250mm, compared to 220mm on the 1190 Adventure. Most of the 1190 Adventures coming into the UK will feature EDS.
3. Screen: The screen on the Adventure R is shorter but it's still height adjustable.
4. Handlebars: The bars on the Adventure R are wider to allow greater leverage The steering head angle remains the same 64-degrees on both bikes.
5. Crash Bars: The Adventure R feature's KTM's crash bars as standard, for greater protection. These can be fitted to the standard Adventure.
6. Seat: The 1190 Adventure R features a one-piece seat as opposed to the Ergo seat on the 1190 Adventure. Due to the longer-travel suspension, the seat height on the Adventure R is fixed at 890mm whereas the seat height on the 1190 Adventure is 860mm at its lowest but adjustable up to 875mm.
7. Weight: The Adveture R weighs 5kg more than the Adventure. The larger rims and crash bars mean the 1190 Adventure R tips the scales at 217kg wet but without fuel.
8. Wheelbase & Trail: Although the steering head angle remains the same for both bikes, the taller suspension and larger wheels on the R contribute towards altering the trail and the wheelbase. The front wheel spindle is set directly in-line with the fork on the Adventure but slightly further forward on the Adventure R. The trail on the Adventure is 120mm and the wheelbase is 1560mm but on the Adventure R the trail is 108mm and the wheelbase is 1580mm.
9. Graphics: You'd be forgiven for thinking the front bodywork on the Adventure R is slimmer than the Adventure but the Adventure R's the light-coloured tank and graphics finish alters the bike's look. The bodywork is the same but the one-piece seat and two-tone paint makes the R look slimmer.
10. Price: The 1190 Adventure has a recommended retail price of £12,595 but with the 'Electronics Package' it'll cost £13,095. The 1190 Adventure R is priced at £13,195.
There you have it. Now the hard part: which one to buy?
