KTM is developing a new successor to the 990 Adventure motorcycle, called the 1050 Adventure. This was revealed by Mr. Stefan Pierer, chairman and CEO of KTM Power Sports, at the Indian launch of the RC200 and the RC390. He also added that the 1050 Adventure, a full-blown enduro motorcycle, will definitely make it to the Indian shores, a couple of months after its global unveil.
Expected to be largely based on the same tubular space frame platform, the 1050 Adventure might use a rebored version of the 999cc V-twin engine. The fuel injection 75-degree V-twin engine churns out 112bhp and 100Nm of torque in the 990 Adventure, through a six-speed gearbox.
The 1050 Adventure will get many features and equipment common to rugged enduro motorcycles to make it capable of withstanding the roughest of the terrains. It will get a tall windshield, tubular crash bars for protection of critical components and bodywork, hand guards, loads of storage compartments and a long seat comfortable for long rides on rough and broken terrain. It might retain the inverted telescopic forks at the front with multiple settings that allow adjustments to the chassis. The wheels are also expected to retain the wire-spoked wheels with all-round tyres.
Speaking about the scope of big motorcycles, Mr. Pierer said that it wasn’t feasible to bring the Duke 690 and the 1290 Super Duke R to India. While the former will soon be replaced by a twin-cylinder motorcycle, the latter is still considered too perilous for the Indian customer. The 1050 Adventure however, considering its controllable power output, might be more appropriate for the Indian market. The 1050 Adventure will compete with the BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere and the Triumph Tiger 1050 in its global markets, while in India, it will rival the Triumph Tiger Explorer and Suzuki V-Strom.
