KTM 1090 Adventure R Problems – Any Ideas How to Solve Them?

The KTM 1090 Adventure R is one of the many in the KTM motorcycle series. This dirt bike is common as it is suitable for users interested in an off-road experience. It is one of the many KTM motorcycles out there for users. This motorcycle is not void of issues and not knowing how to handle these challenges can be frustrating

The issues to expect in a bike may influence a buyer's decision whether to buy it or not. Produced in 2017, it has been around for a while and has many successors. Several reasons make the use of this bike worthwhile and others make it less worthy.

If you're looking for a workaround for the KTM 1090 Adventure R problems, then this is for you. Here, we will consider some of the common issues experienced by real-time users and discuss possible fixes.

Overview of the KTM 1090 Adventure R

With the 1090 Adventure R, KTM increased its selection of adventuresome motorcycles for MY2017, and the Austrian company continues this trend into the current time. When the blacktop goes to brown, the manufacturer advertises the "R" as its most competent vehicle, and it takes its significant knowledge of dirt motorcycles to the design table. 

Stealth knobbies and street-legal illumination make the "R" a genuine go-anywhere machine, and the liter-plus lump produces well over 100 horsepower, giving you plenty of power to work with. Ride-quality electronics complete the package, ensuring some built-in safety while venturing beyond civilized boundaries.

KTM reduced displacement and weight from the 1190 Adventure R to make the 1090 Adventure R in 2017. While the 1090 Adventure R lost some horsepower, it got new suspension settings, better handling, and pricing that rivals the Honda Africa Twin and BMW F850GS. In the same year, it was also named Best Adventure Bike.

KTM 1090 Adventure R specifications

• Engine

Before getting into the issues with this dirt bike, it is not a bad idea to consider the components. Packed with a 750 V-twin motor, this bike claims a 125HP, which is more than most in its class. This engine is designed with a well-designed fuel injection system that is suited to deliver its power. 

As a two-cylinder and four-stroke engine, it has a displacement of 1050cc and features an electric starter. There is a six-speed transmission with three oil pumps to manage its forced lubrication.

Due to its activity, it has a liquid cooling with a bore and stroke distance of 103 mm and 63 mm. These features allow the bike to reach an estimated maximum speed of 137 mph. Furthermore, it consists of a slipper-type clutch that is hydraulically actuated.

• Chassis

KTM 1090 Adventure R consists of a powder-coated frame of chrome-moly tubular space. Its front suspension is 48mm WP USD and a WP-PDS Monoshock rear suspension. It has a steering angle of up to 640 and suspension travel of 8.7 inches (front and rear).

This bike is packed with a fuel tank of 23 liters which may not be a lot but is enough for most adventures. While this may not last beyond 100 miles, it is a good idea to bring an extra fuel gallon. The weight of the bike is about 200kg and it has a seat height of 890mm. 

The maximum speed you can expect from this bike is 137 mph and with fuel consumption of 42 mpg. This means you can expect to be undisturbed for most of your adventure. 

• Price

The price for this motorcycle differs across year models, the price for a new KTM 1090 Adventure R was $14,999 in 2019, the last year it was on the market. The base price for the 2017 model was $14,699 and $15,499 with off-road accessories.

• Brakes

To bring this dirt bike to a halt, a pair of four-pot Brembo calipers pinching dual 320mm discs is installed. The brake unit is one of the most important components in any vehicle or bike. Since this unit will be scouting more dangerous grounds, this unit becomes more important.

To avoid worries from users, this bike has a front brake with two 320mm discs and Brembo 4-pot calipers. While the rear brake has a 267mm disc and a Brembo 2-pot caliper. The dimension of the bike is 2263mm x 893mm and is no trouble for the brake system.

Problems with KTM Adventure R and Solution

Here are some of the observed problems with the KTM 1090 Adventure R. Although these issues can be a deal breaker, it is noteworthy that no dirt bike within its year of production exceeds its capabilities.

• Side stand issue

One of the issues experienced by users of KTM 1090 Adventure R is the side stand quality. This part of the bike is known to break or dent quickly. The side stand is very important as a part of a bike. You can't ride all day and certainly will have stops during your daily adventures.

Having a side stand of less quality can be very threatening to the overall state of the bike. If the stand fails while the motorcycle is parked, the parts can break if the bike falls.

The most appropriate solution to this issue is to replace the side stand once you purchase the bike. If you're an old user, there's no expiry date to change the stand. One problem with this modification is that it can void your warranty.

• Engine heat

As they say 'with great power comes great responsibilities' the energy output of this engine is a worry. While the engine produces enough power to ensure a smooth riding adventure, it also produces a lot of heat.

• No Cruise Control

The cruise control is the unit in most vehicles than maintains acceleration without extra effort. Some models of KTM 1090 Adventure R do not have this unit and may interfere with the promised adventure. While this may not be a big deal, when present, it is one less thing to worry about.

Without worry, this unit can be installed on your bike but for an extra cost. Depending on your location and the installer, the charges for this installation can vary between $100 and $500.

• Reliability

One of the biggest downsides to this model of KTM motorbike is that it lacks reliability. While some users have reported no issues with theirs, this is still worth noting. Moreover, the issue of reliability in any product comes down to the maintenance and proper use of the product.

Although the product performs wonderfully as a dirt bike and gives users youthful experiences, it may not reliable as a motorcycle. With proper maintenance of the bike, the reliability can be improved. 

Despite the beautiful design of the motorcycle, the materials are not very reliable and can easily be dented. Hence, users are to beware of rash riding and objects that can reduce the integrity of the bike.

• Starting issues

Featured on this motorcycle is an electric starter, which makes the bike easy to start. However, some users have been placed in tough spots because of this feature. One of the issues with the starting is when the bike has been idle for a few days, it fails to start.

Since the bike is not useful if it refuses to start, finding a solution to this may be the next thing to consider. You can opt to take the bike to your dealer for a quick assessment or troubleshooting. If you intend to solve this issue yourself, you should check the fuel pump and try replacing it. That solves the problem in most cases, otherwise, you need to visit the local mechanic.

• Seat height

People that are a little short in the leg may find the seat of this bike high. Although most riders do not mind, it can be tough to handle when you need to get your feet on the ground. When taking a ride, the seat height may not matter much but after a while, it may get uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there is a fix for anyone that considers the seat height uncomfortable. The easiest step to take is to replace the bike seat. The seat on KTM 1190 can be a very suitable substitution in this case to aid comfort and stability.

Also, if you find a seat from any of the previous models of this same product, they can be swapped. That is, the seat on the 2019 KM 1090 Adventure R can be a replacement for the 2017 model.

Conclusion

The KTM 1090 Adventure R is one of the most interesting adventure bikes of its time. With KTM producing the model from 2017 to 2019, this bike has won the title of 2017's best adventure bike. Unlike regular bikes, this one is suited for long-road adventures while maintaining comfort.

However, this performance does not come without a price as some users have encountered issues while using it. Some of these include high-level heat production, material fragility, etc. Above is a broad description of these issues and possible ways to solve them.