The latest model KTM Adventure is nothing new to the open class adventure riders. After all, not much has changed in the last year or 2 from the engine department. Sure the latest LC8 has a bit more oomph and can get you into trouble if your right hand is too greedy.

From an outside look it’s hard to distinguish year models. The 09 gets a new cockpit with a 12v power outlet and a hazard switch. The new bike also features ABS as standard. The new white colour also looks fresh and different. I must say, the array of orange bikes sometimes get to me, so it’s great to see some added versatility when it comes to choosing a new colour.

The Adventure does what it’s suppose to very well. The places I’ve seen these bikes in situations where you would doubt taking an endure bike. The bike feels well balanced and despite its heavy weight, it carries itself well over most terrain. There is obviously the R model with the higher suspension and about 15 hp more, but those are only really for power hungry hooligans.

The 20l tank should really take you about 300km on an average trip and a little less if you are throttle hungry. The bike is really at home on gravel. It’s so smooth and so predictable. Even with stock tires, things should be very smooth. Our particular bike had a TKC80 upfront and a Scorpion A/T in the rear and we never really had any trouble, apart from the dunes (it’s to be expected).

Stock gearing is 16/42, a little shorter than previous years 17/42. This obviously had a slight impact on the top end or cruising, making it run at a slightly higher RPM when cruising. The good part was the lower the gearing, the better it would handle off-road without abusing the clutch. But when things do get technical, you find yourself on the clutch anyways.

The ABS works like a charm on the road. I don’t want to experience it off road as I feel it could get you into some serious trouble when you need to ride more aggressively. I made a point of switching it off every time I started the bike. It just gets a little tiring that you can’t disable it completely.

The WP suspension works great, but I feel that you need a little bit more ground clearance off-road. There is nothing wrong currently but if the bike is loaded you will have some trouble getting over some obstacles. As per usual the front and rear suspension is fully adjustable.

The original 990’s from a couple of years ago had a snatch throttle. The new bike is much better, but I’m afraid it’s not completely cured yet. There are throttle aid’s available online though and that should get the last 20-30% of the snatchiness away.

The luggage rack at the back is a nice touch. This should make mounting your Kappa/Trax/Krauser top boxes pretty easy. Our test bike was fitted with crash bars and pannier racks at the back. A little uncomfortable for the passenger at the back when you need to stand up and ride, but riding one up this way should not be a problem. The racks at the back in conjunction with the front crash bars could really help minimise damage in the event of a drop.

The retail on the bike is R141 000 – 00. We would like to thank KTM Cape Town for the loaner. Please contact Donald at 021 511 7966.