KTM 1190 ADVENTURE R

A Favorite Gets Better

- Ron Lieback

I've tested, thrashed and toured the best big-bore adventure motorcycles of the last decade, but the KTM 1190 Adventure R remains my favorite. The 1190R offers performance-bred character in stock form both on and off the road. Install 50/50 tires onto the 21/18-inch spoked wheels and the bike quickly feeds your needs, whether you're playing with sport bikes on your favorite canyon carve or crashing bars with the best enduro bikes on single track.

KTM offered the 1190 from 2013 to 2016, bookended between the 990 and 1290 Adventure models. The bike quickly became the standard for performance-focused ADV riders. I've owned my 2016 model since 2018 and have zero reasons to trade for any other adventure tourer that sees regular off-roading.

I'm particularly happy with my own machine because of the performance-focused tweaks I've made. With some modifications, I've extracted even more zip from the 1195cc, 75-degree V-twin powerplant (derived from the RC8 superbike). I also updated luggage capacity, protection, and comfort. Yes, much more is possible. But this setup needs nothing but a rider hungry for true, "Ready to Race" performance on and off the road.

Performance First

Most KTM enthusiasts have heard of Rottweiler Performance (RottweilerPerformance.com), the SoCal business launched in 2011 by Chris Parker. The business covers a tight niche performance parts for KTM and Husqvarna machinery. Parker is not only the founder but also the product designer. His vision makes Rottweiler a respected source for KTM upgrades, especially for those in the ADV space. Professional riders like Chris Birch and Quinn Cody use the Rottweiler upgrades. And the ultimate setup to wake up the KTM's 150-horsepower LC8? The Rottweiler Stage 4 intake system, which includes: