TEST As KTM had no intention of abandoning their off-road heritage it meant developing two distinct models, which share new bodywork, an 1195cc engine and sophisticated electronics. This standard Adventure moves towards the street with reduced suspension travel and a 19inch front, 17-inch rear tyre combination. The soon-to-be-released Adventure R keeps the traditional dirt bias with longer legs and traditional 21in front, 18in rear wheel diameters.
The new 75-degree, dohc liquid-cooled V-twin engine comes from the RC8 R, and keeps that sports bike’s 1195cc capacity. It’s comprehensively updated, with redesigned valvegear and many other new parts. A new ride-by-wire injection system features four riding modes — Rain, Street, Sport and Off-Road — plus a fourway adjustable traction control system. Street and Sport give the full output of 150bhp at 9500rpm; the other two modes provide softer delivery to a 100bhp maximum.