KTM 1090 ADVENTURE (2017 - on) Review

The engine is great , you really feel like your sitting on something powerful, when you roll on the power out of a corner the bike growl's at you.

Not packed with technology, but rider mode's are good, mainly leave it in sport mode. It's an easy bike to ride.

Brakes are very good - front and back. Suspension is good if a little harsh sometimes on the rear. I'm 200lbs. Standard seat got replaced by a +20mm powerparts seat and is fine. Feels a lot more balanced than my previous bike as i think the weight is carried lower. Centre stand is way easier too.

Bike's best feature. Loads of power, sounds amazing on or off throttle (Skorpion end can), pulls very well and revs way more than i would have thought normal for a big v-twin. Has flashing redline warning lights (hilarious) which are very usefull as its too easy to hit the limiter. Fueling seems OK but engine needs to be above 3k.

Only done 3k miles but so far so good. Quality seems good, paint, lights, mirrors - corrosion doesn't seem to be an issue. Switchgear feels a bit cheap but it works. Uses a lot of torx headed fasteners which I prefer.

Gets nearly 50 MPG - once i changed from US to UK gallons!! Service bike myself so can't comment on KTM servicing. Parts prices seem normal. Shop around for decent oil.

Needed centre stand and heated grips. Grips are a little awkward via the menu but not a massive problem and seems warm enough. Standard screen was unbearable at any setting (even with earplugs!) and was so bad i actually had to remove it while i waited for the MRA (Vario) replacement to arrive.

Suspension could be more comfortable but its a KTM after all.. Wooden brakes from Brembo, not at all like the Brembo on my BMW R 1200RS.

A different animal coming from my BMW R 1200RS or Moto Guzzi Norge. Like a Jack Russell terrier compared to a Retriever.

After 10.000 miles. It takes some time to receive a 5. Forkseals leak so far.

Cheaper than the GS and the Africa Twin closed the deal for me.

Its not a 1290.. I have added bellypan (KTM), Centerstand, KTM), touringscreen (KTM), comfort seat (Touratech), tankbag (KTM), clutcgrip (Rottweiler) slipon (GPR). Funny l have never not even close to added so many equipments to a motorcycle..

Excellent in all regards, though I'm hardly a demanding user.

Endless power. Never need more than 5,000 rpm and 4,000 is more than enough for daily riding (that equates to 64mph in top). Heaven knows what it must feel like at 6,000+! Smooth and tractable at lower revs for a big V-twin. Gearbox is about the best I've ever experienced in 47 years of riding (and 41 bikes owned).

Only used in the dry - and very gently, so unsurprisingly no issues. There were, however, five minor quality control issues on my bike (bodywork things), which the dealer P&H in Crawley attended to meticulously.

Have only done one oil change myself. Was surprised it needs the more expensive 10W-50 oil. Service intervals very wide, though, so that would help high mileage users enormously.

Compared with the more modest bikes I have been riding in recent years, the equipment levels seem impressive, but I'm sure direct rivals must be just as good(?). Managed to mount my Givi Monokey topbox on it (from my previous DL650), using a Kappa conversion plate (£35).

very good at everything, only let down by spongey brakes

good but not as much torque from low down as I was expecting

poor plastics, have to be careful with the transfers

no better or worse than other marques

needs a comfier seat

Great bike for a Sunday blast or Long distance trip. Comfort is typical adventure bike. MRA split screen helps with buffeting and the standard seat is a plank after less than an hours riding. Easily sorted after I got a local seat company to fit a gel insert. Brakes are very good. No complaints there.

Great engine, lots of character without being lumpy or vibey. Gearing is just right. Spins up really quickly, particularly in sport mode which is where mine usually stays.

My first KTM. No issues so far.

Sensible servicing costs and 9k mile intervals. Fuel economy 45 to 50 + mpg and a proper 23 litre tank gives an easy 200 miles + between fill ups.

KTM heated grips are not as hot as expected and operation is clunky using the on screen menu. Oxford or Daytona grips are much better. Blanking off the 12v accessory socket is a cost saving too far, however the loom connections are there so no problem to fit if required. Definitely needs the seat sorting for longer trips.

It did everything it was asked to.

Still the best feature - very flexible but with real poke when you open the throttle.

No issues - nothing fell off because of the the corrugated roads.

Staggeringly economical for such a big bike with pillion & 30kg of luggage.

Offroad mode is worth the cost.

The 1090 is a Fantastic Bike it does the lot Brembo Brakes WP Suspension what more could you want.It has a 200 mile plus range you can ride that distance in comfort I take a pillion more often than not and the comfort is spot on.(although the standard single seat was not the best for my Pillion so I fitted the twin seats that are on the 1290)

The engine is lovely, sounds great when you get above 3000 rpm I think they have got this spot on. I hired an 1190 for a trip in Aus and tested the 1290 before I purchased my 1090, perhaps I am a lucky chap and the God of engineering has had a hand in bringing my engine to life but as good as the 1190 was in Aus and as breath taking as the 1290 is the 1090 lump in my opinion is the most useable.

Only covered 3500 miles so far not missed a beat an old engineering saying 99 times out of a 100 if it looks right it is right, every weld, every component looks right, built for a hard life she will be good.

The first service was just under £200 and I had Demo to try whilst they serviced mine, can’t fault the aftercare. Going forward the cost per service looks ok the 9000-mile interval for me will only be one service a year.

I like the clocks so no TFT is not an issue the three riding modes are more than enough for me so the only items missing to make it 5 out 5 are Heated Grips and a centre stand Standard.

To quote The Greatest, floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee. Supply ride that sharpens up when pushed hard. Brakes are amazingly effective.

Pulls like a train in all gears!

Looks great, finish is excellent & no warranty issues. Only issue is with the unlocking of the top box - this is really poor.

Costs for first service & dealer fitted extras seem very reasonable.

Equipment level is good for the price. Seat isn't particularly comfortable in standard form. Top box isn't worth the money - opening mechanism is very poor - so save £'s & buy a Givi.

Services are only every 15k, but expensive at official dealers.

Super strong and vivid engine.

1090 comes very standard.