Spy photos have surfaced online revealing what appears to be a new KTM 1190 Adventure model. The visible changes consist of a larger fuel tank, revised side panels and cowling, more robust crash bars and a larger windscreen with a touring lip.

The new features would improve fuel range, comfort and crash protection, transforming the KTM 1190 Adventure into a more capable round-the-world long-distance tourer. This suggests KTM may be building a direct competitor to the BMW R1200GS Adventure.

Increased fuel range can be a significant advantage when touring in the remote corners of the earth. Only the BMW R1200GS Adventure offers long-range touring capability right off the showroom floor in the liter class Adventure Bike category. With a 7.9 gallon (30 L) tank and a reported average of 38 MPG, the GSA has a range of roughly 300 miles. The current KTM 1190 Adventure with a 6 gallon (23 L) fuel tank and average 34 MPG, is only able to achieve a range of about 200 miles.

There is some speculation that this new model in the spy photos is a replacement for KTM’s upright sport tourer, the 990 SM-T. But the wire-spoked wheels, crash bars and large tank seem to point towards an off-road oriented bike.

The BMW R1200GS Adventure is the more off-road focused model of the big GS line with a larger front wheel and more suspension travel. We would expect this new KTM to follow the same pattern and utilize the 21-inch front wheel and longer suspension travel from the 1190 Adventure R. But the spy photos show the 19-inch front wheel found on the standard 1190 Adventure. It’s possible KTM feels that the standard 1190 Adventure is already superior to the R1200GS Adventure off-road and the larger front wheel and increased suspension travel of the Adventure R is unnecessary.

KTM has not confirmed or denied that this is a new 1190 Adventure model set for release. We will have to wait and see, but it does demonstrate the impressive versatility of the KTM 1190 Adventure. With a few simple changes, a bike that competes with the Ducati Multistrada can become a direct threat to the BMW R1200GS Adventure. Let’s hope that KTM goes through with building this new 1190 Adventure model and creates a lighter more off-road capable competitor to the BMW R1200GS Adventure. We all benefit when there is more choice and competition in the industry.

For more details and additional pictures go to motorcyclenews.com

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 Mexico, Africa, Europe, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.