KTM Twins 1090 Adventure R Project Bike

KTM Twins approached me about a year ago to ask if I would be interested in “building” them a KTM 690 using parts from their website… Naturally, I said YES! The result of that project was what I called the “Ultimate 690”, and all parties involved were very pleased with how it turned out. I was lucky enough to put over 5,000 miles on that beast and ride some very epic terrain.

On the heels of that successful endeavor we decided to take on a new KTM 1090 Adventure R. I dubbed this bike the “Twins 1090” and set out with the goal of going just as nuts as I did with the 690.

Follow along with all of my progress here: ktmtwins.com 1090 Adventure R Project 

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KTM 790 Adventure R

The new KTM 790 Adventure R prototype was revealed a few weeks back at EICMA and I could not be any more stoked! It seems like KTM finally started listening to consumers that were begging for a middleweight adventure bike from them. The new 790 prototype has a lot of attributes to be excited about: rally styling, parallel-twin engine from the 2018 790 Duke, single seat and low slung fuel tanks. It really looks like KTM is trying to make this bike fit the “Ready To Race” bill and I think that is great! The only question is how much off road prowess will we lose between here and production?

 

In my fantasies the production version weighs in just shy of 400 pounds and makes 125hp but in reality it will probably weigh more like 425 and make 100hp.

Regardless this bike should fit nicely right between the 1090 Adventure R and 690 Enduro R. Having owned and ridden both I can say that the 790 could be the perfect adventure bike but unfortunately we will have to wait and see. I expect more production details in the coming year and hope to be riding one in early 2019.

 

I don’t know about you but I’m all in, my name is already on a list for one of the first 790’s to hit US soil.

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Packing For Your First Adventure Motorcycle Trip

Something I take for granted when leaving on trips now is how easy it is for me to pack and feel prepared. I am usually tinkering with my bike until the wee hours of the morning but I don’t worry about not having all that I need. I forget how intimidating it can be to pack for your first few big adventures even if that just means overnighters. Recently I have been getting a lot of messages asking about what I bring on trips or if I can provide a packing list. Maybe everyone is getting that mid-winter travel itch? I know I am!

What came to mind is a packing list that I made up for the two brand new riders we took on the First Ride Up The Divide trip. This is by no means a comprehensive “work for everyone in every circumstance” list but I thought it might be helpful for some of you that are just getting into the sport. I left several key items off this list that I was bringing for them like tools and spares. This was also intended for a three weeklong trip through sever different climates.

Packing Stuff:

Toiletries

-Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes $3.95 (x 2)

-Toilet Paper (1/2 roll in zip lock bag)

-Travel size Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash and Deodorant

-Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Body Wash $4.50 (3oz)

-Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Shampoo $4.50 (3oz)

-Aspirin/Ibuprofen, Allergy Meds (If Needed), Sleep Aid

-Q-Tips (wrapped in a rubber band)

-Bug Spray: Ben’s 100 Max Formula Insect Repellent $10.00 (3.4oz)

-Travel size Sun Screen

-PackTowel Ultra light Towel $34.95 (“Body” Size)

Kitchen

– Pot, bowl, Spork, coffee mug

– Coffee/Tea Stuff (Including powdered creamer and sugar)

– Travel size hot sauce (For spicing up all those freeze dried foods!)

– Sponge cut in half

– Pocketknife

-Lighter, fire starters

-Stove, Fuel

-MSR Dromedary Bag 4-Liter (Water Storage) $39.95

-Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Soap (For dishes and clothes) $3.95 (3oz)

-Hand warmers (5 sets?)

-Length of Para Cord (For miscellaneous and hanging bear bag)

-Food/Snacks

-Water Filtration?

Personal

-Tent

-Sleeping Bag

-Sleeping Pad

-Camp Chair

-Head Lamp (with extra set of batteries)

-Charging cables for all electronics (with wall plug ins for hotels)

-Sunglasses/glasses

-Riding gear: Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Helmet, Boots, and Balaclava

Clothes

-Shirts (4)

-Compression shorts (4)

-Base Layer (Top and Bottom)

-Mid Layer (Fleece or Down jacket, Synthetic shorts)

-Socks (4 pair/wool)

-Flip Flops or Sanuks

-Lightweight pants or shorts (One or the other!)

-Warm hat

The important thing to remember is that even if you forget something it’s not the end of the world! In a group chances are that someone else will have what you need and if not you have to get gas sometime right? As long as you aren’t traveling in one of the far corners of the earth there will be stores that have anything you might need.

I am always happy to answer questions about this kind of stuff at events, through email or some form of social media messenger so don’t be afraid to reach out.

 

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