Rumors of a smaller capacity, lower-priced KTM Adventure Bike have been circulating for months now, but few official details have been revealed. KTM Head Stefan Pierer confirmed plans for the new KTM 1050 Adventure at the launch of the RC200 and RC390 in India, “It is a new bike and we will launch it in two months in Milan. It will be a global big bike for KTM.” Further evidence appeared earlier this month, when a reference to a European spec 2015 KTM 1050 Adventure was discovered in the owner’s manual download section of KTM’s website.

KTM has already started listing the new 1050 Adventure on their website.

A new spy photo, in the latest issue of Motorcycle News (MCN) Magazine, helps clear up some of the speculation about where the bike fits in the Adventure Touring segment. MCN claims to have captured a photo of the 1050 Adventure outside of KTM’s Research and Development Department in Austria. The spy photo reveals an Adventure Motorcycle that looks nearly identical to the current KTM 1190 Adventure. The chassis, engine, skid plate, fuel tank, exhaust, wheels, tires, and seat all seem to be shared with the current KTM 1190 Adventure. The only noticeable difference appears in the bodywork. The front section of the fairing has a new curved design and some of the bodywork appears less angular than that of the 1190 Adventure.

The photo shows wire-spoked wheels instead of cast aluminum wheels, which implies this bike will be off-road capable like KTM’s other adventure models and not a replacement for the discontinued road-oriented 990 SMT.

MCN claims their inside sources say the smaller capacity engine is achieved by reducing the bore and stroke of the current KTM 1190 Adventure’s engine. The powerplant will produce less peak power, but maintain good tractability at low RPMs. Power is expected to be just over 100bhp. The bike is designed to be a more affordable, simpler, less aggressive option to the 1190 Adventure.

It may seem a bit strange to develop a new model with roughly a 150cc difference, but if priced correctly, it could compete with middle-weight adventure bikes like the BMW F800GS or Triumph 800XC. KTM is also in need of a model to compete with Suzuki’s budget oriented V-Strom 1000 and Honda’s much anticipated Africa Twin. With no middle-weight Adventure Bike in their lineup, KTM needs an alternative for those that can not afford an 1190 Adventure as well.

KTM 1050 Adventure Pricing
So how much will the KTM 1050 Adventure cost? Pricing information released by a Spanish KTM dealer “Moto Sport Carreres” reveals there could be some significant savings over the 1190 Adventure. According to Moto Sport Carreres, the price for the 1050 Adventure with standard ABS will be €12,690 Euro compared to €15,599 Euro for the 1190 Adventure. Assuming variances in pricing between models remain consistent between markets, we can estimate an MSRP equivalent of $13,599 for a US version of the 1050 Adventure.

It remains a mystery how KTM will manage to scrub $3,100 off the price of the 2015 1190 Adventure. Based on the spy photo, the bike appears nearly unchanged. We can expect some cost cutting to occur in the electronics, although the Moto Sport Carreres price list shows the bike will come standard with ABS. However, the lean-angle sensitive ABS and traction control, multiple power modes and electronic damping control will likely be absent.

Using less expensive materials or downgraded components could be another method KTM uses to reduce costs. This would kill any hopes for a lighter more off-road oriented KTM Adventure Bike. Considering the bike shares the same platform with the 1190 Adventure, we would not expect any significant weight reduction and possibly even an increase.

Moto Sport Carreres has said they expect to receive the 1050 Adventure in late 2015. KTM USA has confirmed that the new 1050 Adventure will not be included in their lineup for 2015. We’ll have to wait and see if the bike ever makes it to US shores.

There may still be more surprises to come from KTM. Stay tuned for the official launch of the 1050 Adventure at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy next month.

Competitors at a Glance

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.