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2018 KTM 1090 Adventure Overview
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure is an all-round motorcycle built around 1050 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Twin, four-stroke engine. The bore and stroke measures 103 x 63 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 1090 Adventure tips the scales at 205 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1,560 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 KTM 1090 Adventure compared with other bikes in the All-Round category
Here is how the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure stacks up against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 497 models.
- Seat height of 850 mm is taller than that of 293 of the other 325 bikes in the All-Round category.
- Only 68 of the other 496 bikes in the All-Round category have a larger engine displacement than the 1050 cc of the 1090 Adventure.
- Narrowing the field to the 192 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 850 mm is taller than that of 181 of the other 191.
Versus the 2017 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2017 model: displacement and seat height all match.
2018 1090 Adventure - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Strong front braking: The double disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
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Large fuel range: The 23-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: The 850 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The double disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the 1090 Adventure runs WP upside-down ? 43 mm and WP monoshock at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
1090 Adventure - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure with its 1050 cc all-round, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 8 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 1090 Adventure should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the 1090 Adventure's 1050 cc twin, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The 1090 Adventure's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2018 KTM 1090 Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure have?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1050 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure weigh?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure weighs 205 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure has a 23-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 383-460 km between stops.
Is the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure has a seat height of 850 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure have?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure uses double disc with ABS, four-piston calipers, Radially mounted and Brembo at the front and single disc with ABS, two-piston calipers and Brembo at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure use?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure runs 110/80-R19 front and 150/90-R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What fuel system does the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure use?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure uses Injection, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.
KTM 1090 Adventure Spec Evolution
The KTM 1090 Adventure was produced across 3 model years (2017-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
| Engine Type |
Twin, four-stroke |
Twin, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
| Fuel Capacity |
23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons |
23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons |
23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons |
| Displacement (cc) |
1050.00 cc |
1050.00 cc |
1090.0 cc |
| Displacement (ci) |
64.07 cubic inches |
64.07 cubic inches |
66.51 cubic inches |
| Brakes - Front |
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. Brembo |
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. Brembo |
Double disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper |
| Wheelbase |
1,560 mm / 61.4 in. |
1,560 mm / 61.4 in. |
1560 mm / 61.4 in. |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Brembo. |
Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Brembo. |
Single disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc |
| Suspension - Front |
WP upside-down ? 43 mm |
WP upside-down ? 43 mm |
WP upside-down Ø 43 mm |
Key Specifications
Weight
205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons
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Full 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure Specifications
Comments
Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Traction control with different modes.
Colours
Orange/black
Ground Clearance (in.)
8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
220 mm
Seat Height
850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase
1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Dry Weight
205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons
Displacement (cc)
1050.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
64.07 cubic inches
Engine Type
Twin, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.1 x 2.5 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
103.0 x 63.0 mm
Engine Detail
75° V arrangement
Fuel System
Injection
Engine Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pump
Ignition
Keihin EMS with RBW, twin ignition
Starter
Electric
Clutch
PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Frame Type
Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front
WP upside-down ? 43 mm
Suspension - Rear
WP monoshock
Rake
26.0°
Wheel Travel - Front
185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
190 mm / 7.5 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.5 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
267 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. Brembo
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Brembo.
Rims
Metzeler Tourance Next tires
Tyres - Front
110/80-R19
Tyres - Rear
150/90-R17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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