ADVENTURE S

The adventure was Introduced as a prototype a couple of years ago, but will finally go into production in the Spring of 2003. The new bike is based on the 2002 Dakar winning "950 Rally" machine. The Adventure S uses KTM's new 950 v-twin motor as used in the 950 Duke (see below), which, according to KTM's press release, is a "short stroke V engine with 75 degree cylinder arms, compact with good swinging behaviour" (Yes I know it doesn't make sense)

The motor is a dry sump with a separate oil tank, and produces a respectable 97 hp @ 8,000 rpm, with a healthy torque output of 95 Nm @ 6,000 rpm. Oddly, it actually uses carburettors instead of fuel injection, but thankfully the engine is fitted with counterbalancers and has a six speed gearbox. Single cylinder KTM's, so I am told, are a five speed engines, without balancer shafts, and are great at extracting fillings on most road surfaces!

The frame on the new bike is made entirely of steel tubing and is exactly the same as found on the 950 Rally. WP provides the suspension both front and rear and it is fully adjustable with USD forks up front and single shock at the rear. 300 mm twin discs take care of braking up front.

Seat height is a very tall 920 mm and would not be suitable for 'shorties'. The tank is split on the new bike and has a total capacity of 25 litres, so you won't be needing to fill up that often!

At present we are not sure exactly when it will be available at the dealers, or how much it will cost, but we do know that the claimed dry weight is 198 Kg, and that it will be available next year at some stage.

It's a shame the engine and frame are totally covered from the side, I'm sure that it won't be the case for very long as the first slide off into a ditch, or tree, or something will take care of that!

950 DUKE

We have been told that officially this is still a prototype, but KTM are promising production for either late 2003 or early 2004.

The 950 motor is the same as the Adventure S (above) but with a higher state of tune, giving 115 hp at 9,500 rpm and a max torque of 96 Nm @ 7,000 rpm. The frame is different and is a trellis style steel tube construction and again features WP suspension with upsidedown forks and a single WP shock at the rear. The braking is provided by Brembo with 2 x four piston calipers up front, biting on a pair of 320 mm discs. The front wheel is 17" with an 18" on the back. Seat height is 855 mm and dry weight is 174 Kg.

That's about all we know right now, further news when we get it.

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