The KTM 1190 Adventure, touted to be the world’s safest motorcycle, is purportedly being considered for an India launch. The big adventure tourer should arrive soon after the RC200 and RC390.

KTM started off their Indian adventure with the 200 Duke and then the more powerful 390 Duke, but now, their real Adventure is all set to take place. The 1190 Adventure is one of the most rugged, all-purpose motorcycles around today, and in the 2014 model, the introduction of the world’s first Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system from Bosch takes safety dynamics to another plane.

At the heart of the 1190 is the liquid-cooled, DOHC eight-valve, 1,195cc 75-degree V-twin making 150 PS at 9,500 RPM and 125 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. It is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a PASC slipper clutch. The safety aspect comes in with a four-mode traction control system, which is disengageable, and the newly introduced Bosch MSC system which monitors braking and acceleration to allow for maximum control in the most demanding situations, whether riding on wet surfaces or entering a corner at speed and at a very acute angle.

The bike’s abilities are further aided by the brakes, tyres and suspension. The stoppers from Brembo are a pair of 320mm discs with four-piston radially-bolted callipers up front, and a 267mm brake rotor with two-piston fixed calliper at the rear. The 120/70 R19 and 170/60 R17 rubber front and rear respectively provide optimum grip on the road and off it, while the WP suspension – 48mm USD up front and monoshock rear – round off a neat handling package.

Taking to the road and the rough stuff is easy with its 220mm ground clearance. A massive 23-litre tank allows for good range and the 212 kg weight doesn’t make it too heavy at all. It’s a surprisingly practical prospect. We know KTM have the option to import it as a CBU without homologation; the Adventure being over 800cc, but we hear that KTM plan to assemble the bike here. With the bike costing £12,999 (Rs 13 lakh) in the UK, that move would make for an appreciable price tag in India for sure. We can’t wait!

Story: Jim Gorde
Images: KTM Press