KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Review & Buying Guide

The KTM 1090 Adventure was a short-lived model that failed to really gain the appreciation it deserved. Launched as a foil to the expensive and blisteringly fast 1290 Super Adventure, the 1090 Adventure (which came in standard and off-road focused R versions) was effectively a reworked 1050 Adventure which in itself was an 1190 Adventure with a smaller-capacity LC8 engine held within. Confused? All you really need to know is that the 1090 Adventure is a manageable mid-sized adventure bike with decent tech, a reassuring chassis and a fun-filled V-twin motor. With prices starting at £4499, it isn’t bad value for money and has a good reliability record, making it worth considering in the used market if you like the KTM brand but don’t want the slightly over-the-top 1290 Super Adventure, the more old-school 990 Adventure or even an early 790 Adventure parallel-twin.

Pros & Cons

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Price

In its day the 1090 Adventure cost £11,299, which was a small increase on the £10,999 the 1050 Adventure cost. Although, just as nowadays, this RRP was almost never paid as KTM ran lots of promotional discounts and generally they were bought for a more tempting £9999. When you consider the 1290 Super Adventure S was £14,299, this price difference certainly justified the 1090 Adventure’s existence. In today’s market the 1090 Adventure holds its value surprisingly well with used models costing between £4499 and £7999, although if you are willing to pay the top end value you are probably better off looking at an alternative as that’s quite a lot for a reasonably old middleweight adventure bike. There again, the 1090 Adventure does come with an impressive array of modern tech.

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Engine & Performance

The 1090’s engine is actually the same 1050cc capacity as the 1050 Adventure’s motor, which in itself is a smaller-capacity version of the 1190 Adventure’s engine. Ok, got that? Right, what makes the 1090 Adventure (and the 1050 Adventure as well) impressive is the fact that unlike the 990 Adventure’s engine, it has a ride-by-wire throttle. But, more interesting, is why KTM changed the 1050’s name if the 1090 runs the same capacity motor.

Where the 1050 made a claimed 95bhp with 79ft.lb of torque, the 1090 produces 125bhp with 80.4ft.lb of torque, which is quite a dramatic increase in performance. KTM actually deliberately restricted the 1050’s performance so it fell under A2-legal regulations, something they removed on the 1090 (although there was a 95bhp version), allowing it to rev higher (peak power is made at 8500rpm where on the 1050 it was at 6200rpm) and this in turn gives the 1090 a lovely dose of spirit.

Lively and entertaining to ride, the 1090 Adventure has enough power to be useable and thrill but never feels like it oversteps the mark or becomes too aggressive and feisty. Once well set-up (properly balanced throttle bodies make a big difference), the 1090 is an absolute joy to ride and will happily cruise at motorway speeds, shrug off the extra weight of a set of loaded panniers or respond with delight as you rev it to its redline on a twisty B-road. Not that you need to rev it, the V-twin has bags of mid-range drive, making it easy-going when required. It’s just a wonderfully well balanced machine and has power modes (Sport, Street & Rain) and variable-level traction control to make it even more compliant as well as a slick gearbox. And it’s also reliable.

With the current storm hanging over the head of KTM’s parallel-twin models, the 1090 Adventure brings a refreshing ray of sunshine with its reliability. The fact it is a de-tuned 1190 motor helps ensure very few major issues and aside from regular servicing, owners report there is little to worry about. A few bikes suffer hot start issues (which is generally traced back to the fuel pump or a blocked fuel tank vent) but other than that it is very solid. If in doubt, change the fuel pump and its filter and also replace the air filter, which can get quite clogged up. The 1090’s service intervals are every 9300 miles with the valve-clearances checked at 18,600 miles.

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

While KTM slimmed down the 1190’s engine for use in the 1050/1090 models, they didn’t repurpose the bigger bike’s chassis. An all-new frame for the middleweight bikes, KTM made every effort to ensure the small-capacity models felt light, agile and reassuring to ride. And they did a great job because the 1090 is a joy to ride.

Despite lacking any adjustment, the WP forks deliver excellent damping qualities and the WP shock (which features adjustable compression and spring preload) is equally effective. Very few owners feel the need to play with the suspension and aside from a few fork seals requiring replacing sooner than expected, there are no grumbles when it comes to the 1090’s ride quality. Or its Brembo brakes, which are excellent and have ABS (not angle-responsive) as standard.

One of those bikes that just laps up any challenge thrown at it, the 1090 Adventure may run a 19in front wheel (the R has a 21in front and 18in rear) but with a 110/80 front tyre it delivers an assured ride as well as lots of grip. And the rear’s 150/70-17 is also a pleasingly road-targeted size. Overall, there is little to moan about and as a relaxed middleweight adventurer, the 1090 Adventure ticks every box. And as with the engine, there is little to worry about when buying used. Aside from the standard checks (always inspect the head stock, they can become a bit loose) such as bearings, chain and sprockets, suspension and brakes, all should be well. On a final note, however, check the tyres. Overly chunky tyres can make the bike a bit light at speed and also create unwelcome road noise, which you don’t want when you are tarmac touring – fit tyres that are appropriate to your intended use.

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Comfort & Economy

Physically quite big and roomy, the 1090 Adventure is certainly up for a spot of touring. Featuring inbuilt pannier mounts and a luggage rack, many bikes come with luggage fitted as standard (dealers often did this to help sell bikes) and a lot of owners take full advantage of its mile-munching ability. A bigger screen and heated grips is all you really need to add and you have a wonderful lightweight adventurer. And one that isn’t bad on fuel either.

Owners report that 49mpg is to be expected from the 1090 Adventure with 55mpg also possible if you take it easy. Thanks to a decent 23-litre tank, that equates to a range of over 250 miles, which is more than enough before you will need to stop and grab a coffee. And have a wee...

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Equipment

As standard the KTM comes with ABS, three power modes (Sport, Street and Rain) and variable-level traction control, which is a decent array of assists. If you want to there is the option of adding ‘off-road’ power mode but that’s more aimed at owners of the R model as while the stock bike can venture onto the rough stuff, it’s far more a tarmac-tourer.

When buying used, it is a good idea to search out a bike with panniers already fitted (and ideally a top box) and for mile-munching heated grips, brush guards and a taller screen are good accessories. Lots of owners fit crash protection, which is a sensible addition, and a fair few also go for a fruity end-can (generally Akrapovič). There are soft luggage options but really you want hard panniers and top box and maybe a soft tank bag.

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Rivals

The middleweight adventure market is quite strong and there are lots of great options out there if you have the kind of budget that is required to buy the 1090 Adventure.

Triumph Tiger 800XRx (2015-2017) | Approx Price: £5500-£7500

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Power/Torque

94bhp / 58lb-ft

Weight

221kg

Yamaha Ténéré 700 (2019-current) | Approx Price: £5000-£8000

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Power/Torque

72.4bhp / 50.2lb-ft

Weight

204kg

BMW F800GS (2008-2018) | Approx Price: £3500-£7000

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Power/Torque

85bhp / 60lb-ft

Weight

201kg

KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Verdict

The more you research the 1090 Adventure, the more sense it makes. A wonderfully friendly and assured bike, it is fun to ride and has enough performance to thrill without the 1190/1290’s intimidation factor. As a middleweight adventure bike option, the 1090 Adventure is certainly worth considering and if you have a local KTM dealership or just are attracted to the brand, it is a good introduction that shouldn’t let you down.

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KTM 1090 Adventure (2017-2019) - Technical Specification