david a hall
Registered user
I rode one of these today.
New KTM 1190 Adventure/R
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david a hall
Registered user
It were an engine with two wheels. Had gears 6 I think, it had a computer that the lad set for me in a mode. I have ridden faster bikes and slower ones. seat wasnt to bad, not firm not soft. Lot of fucking money.
Recently changed from R1200gs TC to new 1190R and although not done any big trips or serious miles yet I am happy with things so far.
Not into the "my current bikes the best thing so whatever you've got must be bad" views that sometimes go with these reports so will just tell it as it applies to me.
Was really not sure about selling the TC as it is a great bike and I'm sure like a lot of previous bikes I've had I'll get all nostalgic as time goes on for the good times she gave me but I just wanted something that could do what the GS can but with a bit more fun thrown into the actual riding whilst getting wherever your aiming for.
And that's the main thing that comes across with the 1190 - it's Fun with a capital F.
For those who like pouring over the advantages and dynamics of one bikes handling/engine etc compared to another I'm not a road tester by profession but from where I sit most of what's been written about both bikes in mag tests etc is not a million miles from the truth so it really boils down to what you want from your bike.
I chose the R version over the stocker for a few reasons
1)Being a ludite I really don't want or need electronic suspension (more to go wrong/service?) and the stock version was not available without being a special order with no timeline for delivery if you wanted one.
I don't do any long two up tours anymore so once I've found the setting I want instant changes for different road conditions are not that crucial for the type of riding I'll do. (Wont be going as far as road of bones or Cambodia any time soon) We all dream so maybe one day when the lottery comes up one day hey.
2) comes with crash bars and centre stand already fitted on R which I would have needed to add to std version as it does not have one fitted unless you elect to pay for the elec suspension. KTM logic!!?
3) R looks better to me whith the differences on the R model suiting the style of bike better, looks are subjective so make your own mind up but I'll never admitted to going out with a munter!!
Was dubious about going the 21" front wheel route as type of off-road I'll ever do could be done on any bike if really pushed (roughties at the back feel free to snigger - much as I envy you now I don't have the fitness to do hard core any more,
age- not even you an dodge it forever!
However, having tested both a couple of times before buying there's not enough difference between the 19"" and 21"" set ups to make a real difference in the real world across country and would only come into play racing your mates on a track day.
What I will say with utter confidence is that the handling, slow speed to tight bends to fast sweepers et all is so much better on the KTM compared to the 1150's and TC even with the 21" front, and that's from someone who rides sports bikes as well and was always happy to extoll the underrated abilities of the GS's that some peeps have.
Which is the long way round to where I started - this bike is REALLY FUN to ride and it comes from the feel and handling in the twisties. For those that want the engine yes it's all they say but I tried it in rain mode which limits it to 100HP, and you know what, the bends are still just as much fun with 100HP theres just not as much shove when you pick it up out the other side. Full phat mode will definitely put a smile on your fizog right up until the officer points out the front needs to be touching the ground to provide what they technically call "in control"
Negatives -
1) cost
2) cost
3) if your other half has been on the back of a GS you better be a bloody good salesman/woman to convince them of pillion comfort levels on long journeys if you go for the seat on the R version. I don't have a problem with it but have not done more than 150 miles in one hit so far.
4) starting point with wind protection/noise is not quite as good but most people who have serious probs usually go for aftermarket solutions on any bike.
Boring stuff-
Spoked wheel/hub design on KTM is easier to clean than BMW xspokes
Plenty of nooks and crannies to clean on rest of bike after bad weather/muddy riding but for some reason don't seem to get the little cuts and nicks to hands that I always had with the TC.
Advantages of chain V shaft drive convenience - swings and roundabouts so personal preferences will decide whether either would be a deal breaker for you.
Conclusion : head and bank manager said keep 1200GS, heart and fun gland said ***k it, it's not perfect but its close enough - go have some FUN
apologies for withering on so much.
ps - had test ride on new WC and its gotten better, just not that much better than my old TC to get my signature where it counts for now.
Not into the "my current bikes the best thing so whatever you've got must be bad" views that sometimes go with these reports so will just tell it as it applies to me.
Was really not sure about selling the TC as it is a great bike and I'm sure like a lot of previous bikes I've had I'll get all nostalgic as time goes on for the good times she gave me but I just wanted something that could do what the GS can but with a bit more fun thrown into the actual riding whilst getting wherever your aiming for.
And that's the main thing that comes across with the 1190 - it's Fun with a capital F.
For those who like pouring over the advantages and dynamics of one bikes handling/engine etc compared to another I'm not a road tester by profession but from where I sit most of what's been written about both bikes in mag tests etc is not a million miles from the truth so it really boils down to what you want from your bike.
I chose the R version over the stocker for a few reasons
1)Being a ludite I really don't want or need electronic suspension (more to go wrong/service?) and the stock version was not available without being a special order with no timeline for delivery if you wanted one.
I don't do any long two up tours anymore so once I've found the setting I want instant changes for different road conditions are not that crucial for the type of riding I'll do. (Wont be going as far as road of bones or Cambodia any time soon) We all dream so maybe one day when the lottery comes up one day hey.
2) comes with crash bars and centre stand already fitted on R which I would have needed to add to std version as it does not have one fitted unless you elect to pay for the elec suspension. KTM logic!!?
3) R looks better to me whith the differences on the R model suiting the style of bike better, looks are subjective so make your own mind up but I'll never admitted to going out with a munter!!
Was dubious about going the 21" front wheel route as type of off-road I'll ever do could be done on any bike if really pushed (roughties at the back feel free to snigger - much as I envy you now I don't have the fitness to do hard core any more,
age- not even you an dodge it forever!However, having tested both a couple of times before buying there's not enough difference between the 19"" and 21"" set ups to make a real difference in the real world across country and would only come into play racing your mates on a track day.
What I will say with utter confidence is that the handling, slow speed to tight bends to fast sweepers et all is so much better on the KTM compared to the 1150's and TC even with the 21" front, and that's from someone who rides sports bikes as well and was always happy to extoll the underrated abilities of the GS's that some peeps have.
Which is the long way round to where I started - this bike is REALLY FUN to ride and it comes from the feel and handling in the twisties. For those that want the engine yes it's all they say but I tried it in rain mode which limits it to 100HP, and you know what, the bends are still just as much fun with 100HP theres just not as much shove when you pick it up out the other side. Full phat mode will definitely put a smile on your fizog right up until the officer points out the front needs to be touching the ground to provide what they technically call "in control"
Negatives -
1) cost
2) cost
3) if your other half has been on the back of a GS you better be a bloody good salesman/woman to convince them of pillion comfort levels on long journeys if you go for the seat on the R version. I don't have a problem with it but have not done more than 150 miles in one hit so far.
4) starting point with wind protection/noise is not quite as good but most people who have serious probs usually go for aftermarket solutions on any bike.
Boring stuff-
Spoked wheel/hub design on KTM is easier to clean than BMW xspokes
Plenty of nooks and crannies to clean on rest of bike after bad weather/muddy riding but for some reason don't seem to get the little cuts and nicks to hands that I always had with the TC.
Advantages of chain V shaft drive convenience - swings and roundabouts so personal preferences will decide whether either would be a deal breaker for you.
Conclusion : head and bank manager said keep 1200GS, heart and fun gland said ***k it, it's not perfect but its close enough - go have some FUN
apologies for withering on so much.ps - had test ride on new WC and its gotten better, just not that much better than my old TC to get my signature where it counts for now.
Davy F
Registered user
Conclusion : head and bank manager said keep 1200GS, heart and fun gland said ***k it, it's not perfect but its close enough - go have some FUN
Nice summary. I think this sums up my feelings after my demo rides on both of the new breeds. The BMW seems to be just a quick GS now. It'll still do everything it always has done with a tad more speed involved should you wish. But it's not KTM fast with the added bonus of being more fun to ride.
david a hall
Registered user
This fast thing interests me, how fast does a sit up and beg with a big front wheel need to be? how good do you have to be to be able to tell the difference in fractions of a second between 40 and 80 with poor wind protection? Interestingly there was a triple black with 1600 miles on it that had been traded in for one on the forecourt. so someone rated for exceptional reasons the KTM over the BMW.
Davy F
Registered user
david a hall
Registered user
It's not exceptional reasons, the KTM is an exceptional bike.
I believe he thought so.
1190 R
Hi Fireflyer
I am in the position you were and cannot make up my mind about whether to jump in or not and although, like you, I don't intend to go off road much at present , cannot decide whether to go for the R or not. I have a GS TC and would like something more involving.
I was wondering if you can tell the difference between the wheel sizes on the move. Our KTM dealers have a standard as a demonstrator but not the R.
At the moment I am trying to work out how to make the other half more comfortable on the back !
Many thanks
Hi Fireflyer
I am in the position you were and cannot make up my mind about whether to jump in or not and although, like you, I don't intend to go off road much at present , cannot decide whether to go for the R or not. I have a GS TC and would like something more involving.
I was wondering if you can tell the difference between the wheel sizes on the move. Our KTM dealers have a standard as a demonstrator but not the R.
At the moment I am trying to work out how to make the other half more comfortable on the back !
Many thanks
It's the pillion comfort issue which is stopping me. The 'R' seat is more extreme, i.e must surely be worse, but the R is considerably taller and I really like that. I am tall and liked the tall feeling of my GSA and the R feels just like that. My dealer hasn't released the R for test riding yet and I also need to know what effect the 21" front has on road riding.
p.s. I dont know if you saw my link last weekend, but I thought I'd seen my first R on the road in Bath:
Turns out it is a poseur, ordinary 1190, which will have the electronic suspension,lower suspension and smaller wheels, but with R body kit and that will have added over £1,000 to an already high price.
p.s. I dont know if you saw my link last weekend, but I thought I'd seen my first R on the road in Bath:
Turns out it is a poseur, ordinary 1190, which will have the electronic suspension,lower suspension and smaller wheels, but with R body kit and that will have added over £1,000 to an already high price.
Davy F
Registered user
I know one guy who has a 1190 R. He says that the handling/road holding is much the same as the standard model. And don't forget, the original 950/990 only ever came with a 21" front hoop and there weren't too many complaints from owners about that.
Hi Fireflyer
I am in the position you were and cannot make up my mind about whether to jump in or not and although, like you, I don't intend to go off road much at present , cannot decide whether to go for the R or not. I have a GS TC and would like something more involving.
I was wondering if you can tell the difference between the wheel sizes on the move. Our KTM dealers have a standard as a demonstrator but not the R.
At the moment I am trying to work out how to make the other half more comfortable on the back !
Many thanks
Hi Jasper
Handling differences that I noticed between std & R models-
As soon as youre moving both versions of the bike feel a lot lighter and more nimble than the wet weight would suggest. The R is about 5 kilos heavier but most of this is down to the engine bars and larger wheel rims so its not weight carried up high.
The 19" set up does feel more 'normal' - it's the same sizes as the GS but they have got the KTM chassis to feel a whole lot more nimble than the GS TC.
On the std 1190 I felt more like I was "sitting in" the bike as they had the seat set in its low position - both feet flat on ground (although compared to the GS it still felt higher which may be an illusion due to the fact the GS has more in front of you cosseting you from the wind)
Dont know if this matches your assessment on your test ride of the std model?
You don't need the stats to tell you your higher up on the R - I definitely feel like I'm "sat on top" which I actually like as it feels right for the bike. I can still get both my feet on the ground (31" inside leg not quite flat footed but stable).
Sitting that bit higher up and together with the narrower profile tyres of the bigger wheels it feels to me like the bike actually falls onto its side quicker than the std model. Not really a techie so don't know whether the physics of the changes in wheelbase/rake/trail from the different front forks backs up what it feels like to me.
Forks do dive on the brakes a little more on the R (may start playing with adjusters) but it certainly does not feel like you're on a pogo and I've had dedicated road bikes that haven't felt anywhere near as good as the KTM suspension.
The handling other than that is not different enough to the std model to make a real difference on roads.
I'm confident I can ride the 1190R as fast/faster than any type or style of bike bar full on sports bikes on A & B roads. ** note - this is not a challenge to people with those bikes, I mean I couldn't ride any other type of bike any faster!!
Like a lot of people on here I have owned more bikes than the other half thinks healthy so can make direct comparisons.
I've no doubt that the 19" set up will ultimately provide better road handling and side grip than the R's 21", especially if you opt for road specific tyres that will be available in those sizes. However, I've not once been pushing on wishing that I was on the std model so I could corner faster. I can hold my own in fast group on track days which is not a brag but merely intended to put into context what I mean about pushing on i.e. not riding and cornering soooo slow that it wouldn't matter what wheels were on.
Regarding the comfort for two up touring I can't vouch for their comfort as only had 40-50mins in the saddle on the std bike but the std seats will apparently fit straight onto the R as the frame/bodywork is exactly the same. If you did this you might think about getting the heated ones if it keeps the other half happy. It would also allow you to adjust the height.
Bottom line - found the R just as much fun as the std model with no real downside other than the harder seat.
Happy with the GS - much happier with the 1190R.
Cheers - sorry for delay in reply just got in from work - hope this helps a bit.
I am in the position you were and cannot make up my mind about whether to jump in or not and although, like you, I don't intend to go off road much at present , cannot decide whether to go for the R or not. I have a GS TC and would like something more involving.
I was wondering if you can tell the difference between the wheel sizes on the move. Our KTM dealers have a standard as a demonstrator but not the R.
At the moment I am trying to work out how to make the other half more comfortable on the back !
Many thanks
Hi Jasper
Handling differences that I noticed between std & R models-
As soon as youre moving both versions of the bike feel a lot lighter and more nimble than the wet weight would suggest. The R is about 5 kilos heavier but most of this is down to the engine bars and larger wheel rims so its not weight carried up high.
The 19" set up does feel more 'normal' - it's the same sizes as the GS but they have got the KTM chassis to feel a whole lot more nimble than the GS TC.
On the std 1190 I felt more like I was "sitting in" the bike as they had the seat set in its low position - both feet flat on ground (although compared to the GS it still felt higher which may be an illusion due to the fact the GS has more in front of you cosseting you from the wind)
Dont know if this matches your assessment on your test ride of the std model?
You don't need the stats to tell you your higher up on the R - I definitely feel like I'm "sat on top" which I actually like as it feels right for the bike. I can still get both my feet on the ground (31" inside leg not quite flat footed but stable).
Sitting that bit higher up and together with the narrower profile tyres of the bigger wheels it feels to me like the bike actually falls onto its side quicker than the std model. Not really a techie so don't know whether the physics of the changes in wheelbase/rake/trail from the different front forks backs up what it feels like to me.
Forks do dive on the brakes a little more on the R (may start playing with adjusters) but it certainly does not feel like you're on a pogo and I've had dedicated road bikes that haven't felt anywhere near as good as the KTM suspension.
The handling other than that is not different enough to the std model to make a real difference on roads.
I'm confident I can ride the 1190R as fast/faster than any type or style of bike bar full on sports bikes on A & B roads. ** note - this is not a challenge to people with those bikes, I mean I couldn't ride any other type of bike any faster!!
Like a lot of people on here I have owned more bikes than the other half thinks healthy so can make direct comparisons.
I've no doubt that the 19" set up will ultimately provide better road handling and side grip than the R's 21", especially if you opt for road specific tyres that will be available in those sizes. However, I've not once been pushing on wishing that I was on the std model so I could corner faster. I can hold my own in fast group on track days which is not a brag but merely intended to put into context what I mean about pushing on i.e. not riding and cornering soooo slow that it wouldn't matter what wheels were on.
Regarding the comfort for two up touring I can't vouch for their comfort as only had 40-50mins in the saddle on the std bike but the std seats will apparently fit straight onto the R as the frame/bodywork is exactly the same. If you did this you might think about getting the heated ones if it keeps the other half happy. It would also allow you to adjust the height.
Bottom line - found the R just as much fun as the std model with no real downside other than the harder seat.
Happy with the GS - much happier with the 1190R.
Cheers - sorry for delay in reply just got in from work - hope this helps a bit.
1190 tyres
Hi Fireflyer
Many thanks for your detailed reply, much appreciated.
Have had two trips out on the standard, and the bike is stunning on the go, a couple of not so good details, but hey , nothings perfect.
I really can't think of any other bike as good at the present.
You are quite right about the seats, and our dealers, Jim Aim, will order an R with the standard seating, I am wondering if they could get it in with the standard screen also !
They are working on an extension plate to drop the rear pegs. If they work, with those other slight mods to the R would make it very adaptable and just what I was aiming for.
Cheers
Hi Fireflyer
Many thanks for your detailed reply, much appreciated.
Have had two trips out on the standard, and the bike is stunning on the go, a couple of not so good details, but hey , nothings perfect.
I really can't think of any other bike as good at the present.
You are quite right about the seats, and our dealers, Jim Aim, will order an R with the standard seating, I am wondering if they could get it in with the standard screen also !
They are working on an extension plate to drop the rear pegs. If they work, with those other slight mods to the R would make it very adaptable and just what I was aiming for.
Cheers
Hi Fireflyer
They are working on an extension plate to drop the rear pegs. If they work, with those other slight mods to the R would make it very adaptable and just what I was aiming for.
Hi,
Not sure how they would get on trying to move the pillion pegs down any more as its the exhaust on the right peg that stops any attempt to improve leg room even with the slightly smaller akro fitted.
Have seen a few people on South African KTM forum lashing up other makes of exhaust with different link pipes that would give more clearance for pillion pegs to move but not sure if the end cans will have been balanced to suit the gas flow of the 1190.
Anyway where there's a will I'm sure there's a way so good luck in sorting it out and post any details of how you get on as I'm sure there will be plenty of others who woould like to do the same thing with the rear pegs.
lowered pegs ?
Hi
Good to hear you're having fun on yours.
Yes, I know there isn't a lot of room to maneuver but will wait to see what they come up with. Will certainly let everyone know if it works out ok .
cheers
Hi
Good to hear you're having fun on yours.
Yes, I know there isn't a lot of room to maneuver but will wait to see what they come up with. Will certainly let everyone know if it works out ok .
cheers
excessive heat ???
Hi Fireflyer
or anyone else with a 1190, could you help with a query that seems to be cropping up on advrider alot, and that is riders are complaining about excessive heat from exhaust.
I didn't notice it too much on a fairly long test ride but it wasn't especially warm. Is it more of a problem now summer is here, ha ha ?
Thanks to anyone who can assist.
cheers
Hi Fireflyer
or anyone else with a 1190, could you help with a query that seems to be cropping up on advrider alot, and that is riders are complaining about excessive heat from exhaust.
I didn't notice it too much on a fairly long test ride but it wasn't especially warm. Is it more of a problem now summer is here, ha ha ?
Thanks to anyone who can assist.
cheers
Have noticed a little heat occasionally on left thigh/calf when stopped in traffic but in all honesty not really had blistering hot days on any rides (climate change - I wish it would!) and can't say that it's something that sticks in my mind or caused any probs so far.
There's a few forums in countries with a lot hotter climate than ours and they would be the people who would have a better idea than us Brits freezing our nuts off in summer.
Try looking on "Wild Dog Adventure Riding" as they seem to have quite a few members riding 1190's around South Africa.
Hi
Thank you for that, as you say could be more of a problem in hotter climates than ours !
Various discussions about mpg. Just wondering how you found consumption as compared to a GS. Some people say about the same while others are saying you get less miles to the gallon.
I know its going to depend on whether you are solo, and very dependent on how you ride, but what kind of mileage have you been getting from a tank, say, would be very useful.
Thank you for your input, it is very useful getting info from someone who is actually riding one.
thanks
Thank you for that, as you say could be more of a problem in hotter climates than ours !
Various discussions about mpg. Just wondering how you found consumption as compared to a GS. Some people say about the same while others are saying you get less miles to the gallon.
I know its going to depend on whether you are solo, and very dependent on how you ride, but what kind of mileage have you been getting from a tank, say, would be very useful.
Thank you for your input, it is very useful getting info from someone who is actually riding one.
thanks
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