Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 KTM RC200

The KTM RC 390 is well known for its very approachable demeanour to both beginners to expert riders around the world.

But in some countries where they have access to smaller displacement budget-sport motorcycles, they have two options: one is the bargain-basement RC 125, and this one the RC 200.

Designed to compete with various 175-250cc budget (‘over-bone’) sportbikes, the KTM is well known for its power-to-weight ratio, powerful high-strung engine, and chassis balance.

Despite its engineering pedigree from the larger 1290, 1190, & 1090 motorcycles; will this Austrian-engineered, Indian-developed single-cylinder ‘thumper’ motorcycle shine above its contemporary rivals? 

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure-R

Before the 790, 390, and soon the 490 Adventure series of bikes, KTM’s bike lineup wasn’t as diverse as they are now.

The 1090 Adventure-R was the gateway to KTM’s Adventure line. Replacing the much-loved and iconic old-flagship, the 1190 Adventure series.

Slotting below the insane 1290 flagships, this 1090 competes with the likes of the V-Strom 1000, the F800 GS, the Tiger 800 XCA, and most especially the much talk-about Honda’s Africa Twin!

The 1090 Adventure-R is one of the few bikes I consider as “Adventure-Dirt” motorcycles as they put their emphasis on dirt riding rather than street riding. But it makes the 690 Enduro-R a spartan Dual-Sport compared to the 1090R.

Since I’ve already ridden all the 1290 Adventure series (S, R, & T), is this 1090 a watered-down boring beast? Find out here!

 

Host Manufacturer:

– KTM USA

https://www.ktm.com/us/

 

Host Dealer:

– Chaparral Motorsports (San Bernardino, CA, USA)

https://www.chapmotors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/chaparralmotorsports/

https://www.youtube.com/user/chaparralmotorsports/

 

Dealer (PHI):

– KTM Philippines

https://www.ktm.com/ph/

https://www.facebook.com/KTMPHILIPPINES/