Introducing the latest machine to make its home in the expanding stable of adventure bikes at KTM; this is the KTM 1050 Adventure which is due to be officially unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Trade Show (EICMA) at the beginning of November.

Just two weeks after the Austrian firm confirmed their 1290 Super Adventure at the Cologne Motorcycle Trade Show, we have a spy shot of the new, smaller, adventure bike for 2015. It will sit as the entry level to the four bike series underneath the aforementioned 1290 Super Adventure and the recently-revised 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R.

It is thought the 1050 will use a revised version of KTM’s existing 1195cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled v-twin engine. The new bike will also use the same clever MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) lean-sensitive cornering ABS system which can be found on the 1190 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure.

So, what else can we see from the spy shot? The tubular space frame, spoked wheels, digital instrument cluster, switch-gear, rear-view mirror, two-piece adjustable seat, swing arm, twin-calliper Brembo brakes, exhaust and adjustable wind screen (although it seems to have been removed from the bike in the photograph) have all been lifted from the 1190 Adventure. The fairing and front mud guard bear a striking resemblance to its bigger brother but on closer inspection and despite the disguise attempts, the 1050’s fairing appears deeper like the 1290 and in one complete piece.





KTM refer to the 1290 Super Adventure as a ‘luxury touring machine’ while the 1190 Adventure is called a ‘Travel Enduro’, the new smaller bike will be targeted at the entry level into the hugely successful and ever-more competitive category which continues to capture high customer numbers.

Brand new competition for the brand new KTM will come from BMW’s soon-to-be announced S1000XR, Kawasaki’s new-for-2015 Versys 1000, Aprilia’s Caponord 1200 Rally and Honda’s new VFR800X Crossrunner.

KTM are keeping any official information about the 1050 Adventure under wraps until EICMA on 4th November but keep your eyes on Bike Social for all the information on the new-for-2015 bikes unveiled in Milan which will begin trickling through on 3rd November with the bulk coming on the 4th.

How about the price? It’s a guessing game at the moment but considering the 1190 Adventure will set you back £12,999, then there’s a fair chance the new 1050 will be sub-£12k.

What are your initial thoughts? Does KTM need another adventure bike meaning their four-bike range is only covered by less than 250cc?