RE: KTM 1050 Adventure: PH2 Review
Tuesday 4th August 2015
Don't be deceived by the specification; the 1050 Adventure is much more than simply a reborn 990. The 1050 is actually a slimmed down 1190 Adventure and as such comes with a smaller capacity version of the LC8 engine, as well as ride-by-wire and a new chassis aimed at making the bike lighter and easier going than the 1190. But does KTM really need a 1050 Adventure as well as the 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure? According to KTM, the 1050 is there to provide an easier access point to the adventure bike market as it is designed to be more relaxed and accessible than the larger capacity machines. Fair enough, but the real proof will be in the riding.
Don't go thinking it's just a 990...The proof is in the pudding
Initial impressions of the 1050 are that it feels a lot like the old 990 SMT. The SMT is great at low speeds and the 1050 has that same lovely smooth compliance you get from a well-balanced machine. The throttle response is relaxed, the clutch light in its action and overall it was very comforting to ride. I'm over six feet tall, so seat height is never an issue, but despite it being a tall 850mm, the narrowness of the seat thanks to the V-twin engine makes it feel considerably less. Shorter riders have little to fear from this bike.
Relaxed handling suits the 1050 wellDeceptive speeder
The 1050 may only make 94hp, but it is still a remarkably rapid bike when it comes to getting from A to B. It's one of those machines that's so relaxed to ride you end up stroking along rather faster than you should be. Everywhere. The chassis is agile enough to handle bends at pace and a high speed becomes maintained without really noticing. While the suspension is certainly set on the soft side, this suits the 1050's character as a day-to-day bike like the 1050.
KTM 1050 Adventure: PH2 Review
KTM's new lightweight adventure bike tested
Don't go thinking it's just a 990...
Initial impressions of the 1050 are that it feels a lot like the old 990 SMT. The SMT is great at low speeds and the 1050 has that same lovely smooth compliance you get from a well-balanced machine. The throttle response is relaxed, the clutch light in its action and overall it was very comforting to ride. I'm over six feet tall, so seat height is never an issue, but despite it being a tall 850mm, the narrowness of the seat thanks to the V-twin engine makes it feel considerably less. Shorter riders have little to fear from this bike.
Once up to speed the 1050 really comes into its own too. At normal road speeds the KTM is incredibly relaxed and fun to ride. If you aren't wanting to go bananas the 1050 is the bike for you. The riding position is wonderfully relaxed (and also adjustable) and the engine thumps along merrily with an equally laid-back impression. When you give it full gas out of roundabouts the traction control button flashes, but it doesn't feel intrusive when it cuts in and is actually very smooth in its operation. Like the 1290 Super Duke R you need to be stationary to turn it off, but this isn't an issue as the need to switch it off never arose. With the 1050 it is all about relaxed riding; just don't be lulled into a false sense of security...
Relaxed handling suits the 1050 well
The 1050 may only make 94hp, but it is still a remarkably rapid bike when it comes to getting from A to B. It's one of those machines that's so relaxed to ride you end up stroking along rather faster than you should be. Everywhere. The chassis is agile enough to handle bends at pace and a high speed becomes maintained without really noticing. While the suspension is certainly set on the soft side, this suits the 1050's character as a day-to-day bike like the 1050.
A refreshing change
Though it may resemble a redone 990, the 1050 Adventure isn't anything of the sort. The 1050 is a brilliant day-to-day bike that is relaxing and genuinely great fun to ride. Unlike the very fast 1190 and 1290 Adventure models, there is no edge to the 1050 and it is a bike that helps you stay within reach of sensible road pace. The 1050 is probably preferable to the larger capacity bikes as it is so much easier-going, less likely to lose you your licence while still coming with ABS and traction control. Does it miss semi-active suspension? Not really.
The main gripe with the 1050 is its £10,999 RRP, which is a bit steep. KTM is currently running a promotion that sees its price drop £1,000 to £9,999 when you trade in a bike, which feels like correct price level. Why this promotion? You have to assume it is because the 1050 isn't selling, which is a real shame as it is a very enjoyable and fun adventure bike.
KTM 1050 ADVENTURE
Engine: 1,050cc V-twin, 8v
Power (hp): 94@N/A rpm
Torque (lb ft): 79@N/A rpm
Top speed: 120mph (est)
Weight: 212kg (wet)
MPG: 50
Price: £9,999 (RRP £10,999)
 |
 |
 |
 |
Discussion
Everyone keeps telling me not to compare it to my SMT990 but I'm afraid its inevitable, and 94hp and 212kgs mean it loses out on simple figures. I'm assuming they've pegged it so low to avoid affecting 1190 sales but that's short-changing those who might actually want the cheap 1050 IMO.
And that price puts it in premium bike territory as far as I am concerned, KTM can bleat all they want. I'll be keeping my SMT for the forseeable.
And that price puts it in premium bike territory as far as I am concerned, KTM can bleat all they want. I'll be keeping my SMT for the forseeable.
EvoBarry said:
Everyone keeps telling me not to compare it to my SMT990 but I'm afraid its inevitable, and 94hp and 212kgs mean it loses out on simple figures. I'm assuming they've pegged it so low to avoid affecting 1190 sales but that's short-changing those who might actually want the cheap 1050 IMO.
And that price puts it in premium bike territory as far as I am concerned, KTM can bleat all they want. I'll be keeping my SMT for the forseeable.
I think the power figure allows it to be restricted to the 45bhp limit for the A2 license class. Quite clever really as there's a rule restricting the pre limited BHP number.And that price puts it in premium bike territory as far as I am concerned, KTM can bleat all they want. I'll be keeping my SMT for the forseeable.
So would be easy for a newer rider to get on this and then have it derestricted by the dealer when they've got their full license.
So I think it sort of works as a viable first bike
bass gt3 said:
I think the power figure allows it to be restricted to the 45bhp limit for the A2 license class. Quite clever really as there's a rule restricting the pre limited BHP number.
So would be easy for a newer rider to get on this and then have it derestricted by the dealer when they've got their full license.
So I think it sort of works as a viable first bike
Yep, I think that's a major selling point of this bike, a 1050 engine should produce around 130+BHP, I mean the 1190 makes 150, so they've detuned it to appeal to A2 licence holders. And fair play, it's a big "adventure" bike but can be ridden on a restricted licence. The market for these bikes is growing (I too am falling for the 1190 adventure/multistrada as my next bike) and they want the younger riders to have a part in it.So would be easy for a newer rider to get on this and then have it derestricted by the dealer when they've got their full license.
So I think it sort of works as a viable first bike
It's still at least £2k over priced though. It's £11 grand FFS. A 94 HP run of the mill traile and they want to sell this to new young bikers.
Now I'm in the market again looking at another new bike I've started to realise just how silly pricing has got recently. All the style of bikes I was looking at last time around 3 years ago were £11k now they all seem to be £13K. Yes you get a load more "Active" this and "Control" that on the electronics side. Most of which is completely unnecessary. But start to tool any of the new stuff up and it's easy to spend £16 grand.
The old comment from non bikers "How much ? Good god you can get a decent car for that price" has never been so true.
Now I'm in the market again looking at another new bike I've started to realise just how silly pricing has got recently. All the style of bikes I was looking at last time around 3 years ago were £11k now they all seem to be £13K. Yes you get a load more "Active" this and "Control" that on the electronics side. Most of which is completely unnecessary. But start to tool any of the new stuff up and it's easy to spend £16 grand.
The old comment from non bikers "How much ? Good god you can get a decent car for that price" has never been so true.
Edited by Harry H on Tuesday 4th August 09:55
Mot
Tall_Paul said:
Yep, I think that's a major selling point of this bike, a 1050 engine should produce around 130+BHP, I mean the 1190 makes 150, so they've detuned it to appeal to A2 licence holders. And fair play, it's a big "adventure" bike but can be ridden on a restricted licence. The market for these bikes is growing (I too am falling for the 1190 adventure/multistrada as my next bike) and they want the younger riders to have a part in it.
I don't think it's detuned so much as it's electronically limited. I'm surprised this review didn't mention it, but apparently the power and torque literally just stops once it hits the electronic restrictions. It seems to be the only real flaw - I've been keeping an eye out for companies offering a remap to unlock the potential of that motor - would be a much more attractive proposition. This ability to half the 95bhp for new riders, suggests there's a market for £10/£11K starter bikes - I don't really think so, KTM! Which explains the sales promotion I expect.Edited by GingerNinja on Tuesday 4th August 11:57
I'd forgotten about the A2 licence stuff yeah, fair point, but as said above I don't think that's a big market for a bike like this anyway?! Just seems to me like they've forced it into a category that it doesn't want or need to be in, and giving it a more class appropriate power output would help it compete surely?
Chicken Chaser said:
Been looking at 990 SMTs as my next bike but notice that these are now down to £8999 new, and there are dealers selling ex demos with run in service miles for £7999. I've even seen a used one for £7700 privately. Some of the SMTs from 2 years ago are still up around £8k!
I too am eyeing up this genre of bike as a 2nd bike next year, I'd rather have an SMT out of the 990 SMT and 1050 (pending a test ride) - the 1050 seems to be built to a price, non adjustable forks and it just seems like the underpowered but too expensive little brother to the 1190 adventure. And it's value will probably plummet like a rock on the used market. KTM need to make another middleweight non-offroad bike, if you want a naked/tourer it's either a 75bhp 690 single or an 180bhp 1290. Where's the 120-130 bhp twin naked bike?However, there's a further problem with the SMT - a 2013 model as you say is still around £8k - you can pick up a non 'S' Multistrada 2011/12 or even a 2013 twinspark model for £9k max. Part of me would be thinking why not just buy a non S multistrada for the same money... better panniers, LED lights on the 2013 model, 150bhp...
Yeah I've spied a 12 plate SMT with 5k on the clock, Akras and Panniers for £7k from a dealer, but offered a 13 plate orange frame with a pair of pipes (not Akras) for just over £7k. I'm getting significant budget creep on this purchase, just got rid of a £2.5k bike and I'm now looking at splurging 3x the price! Ideally was looking at a budget somewhere around £5.5k but its difficult to get an SMT at that with relatively low mileage. I can just about get a 990SM for that.
1050 prices are dropping like a stone but they'll only go down to a point which is real market value. They seem to have sold so few so it'll be interesting to see if there are any further price reductions on new bike before the winter is up.
1050 prices are dropping like a stone but they'll only go down to a point which is real market value. They seem to have sold so few so it'll be interesting to see if there are any further price reductions on new bike before the winter is up.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff