Thursday 20th September 2012

PH2: new Duke and KTM adventure bikes

More 2013 multi-roaders break cover

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Both Ducati and KTM have unveiled new adventure bikes, showing once again how important this category of machine is to manufacturers.

Ducati has updated its Multistrada with a new look, a tweak to the Testastretta engine and the addition of a semi-active suspension system. Called Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), the system creates an imaginary ‘hook’ in the air that the electronics use to calculate the suspension’s movement and to keep the bike level and pitch-free.

Ducati will release more information when the bike is launched later this month. PH2 will bring you a full technical explanation when we get our heads around it!

KTM 1190: 150bhp on gravel anyone?

Over in Austria, KTM has updated the Adventure and Adventure R with a new 150hp 1190 engine that contains ride-by-wire technology, traction control and a slipper clutch. The chassis gets electronic WP suspension, a new look and adjustable riding position. Again, more info will be released later this month.

[Greenslade]

they need to get rid of that beak !

[shanes]

fk they are ugly and i love KTM's

[garypotter]

Ducati "Skyhook" Suspension
Other upgrades include - A long wait, Tartan Paint and a left handed hammer!!

[garypotter]

And a new bubble for the spirit level

[fwaggie]

Spot the PHer that hasn't heard of Maserati Sky Hook suspension
(which is apparently a lot better than what preceded it)

The Multistrada is a nice looking bike in the flesh, same power as this new KTM, I wonder if Ducati will tweak the power to get one up on KTM?!

[philkermeen]

that a 17 inch wheel on the new KTM? Is the 990 Adventure being dropped?

[Hooli]

Excellent, more bikes way to heavy to ever off road. Dead handy if used as advertised.

[Getsis]

garypotter said:

Ducati "Skyhook" Suspension
Other upgrades include - A long wait, STAND, Tartan Paint and a left handed hammer!!

[Rawwr]

All I see is this:

[graham22]

philkermeen said:

that a 17 inch wheel on the new KTM? Is the 990 Adventure being dropped?

It looks 19" in line with other big trail bikes (or what ever the Ewan wannabees want to call them). I guess there will be 'hotter' model with a 21" front?

Hopefully the Superduke will get this bigger motor very soon.

[998420]

garypotter said:

Ducati "Skyhook" Suspension
Other upgrades include - A long wait, Tartan Paint and a left handed hammer!!

Aaah, what fond memories of sending the ex into a hardware shop for some.


A non native English speaker, I told her that was what Picture Hooks were called, so being a feisty frippet, she took no st from the silly salesman who tried to talk down to the foreign blonde, kindly explaining it was a longstanding joke.

[bobbb9t9]

philkermeen said:

that a 17 inch wheel on the new KTM? Is the 990 Adventure being dropped?

The wheels do look the same size. Maybe the rear's gone up to 21" and the bike is a fugging monster!

[Jon Urry]

On the wheel front, the KTM is: Adventure 19-inch front, 17-inch rear while the 'R' is 21-inch front and 18-inch rear. I think this is what the current bike is, the SMT is the 17-inch version and superb fun to ride. Great for wheelies.

[Pothole]

Getsis said:

garypotter said:

Ducati "Skyhook" Suspension
Other upgrades include - A long wait, STAND, Tartan Paint and a left handed hammer!!

Or long WEIGHT, even...

[MarJay]

Is it April the 1st already! Wohoo, its my birthday tomorrow!

"Sky hook" Tee hee!