VIDEO: 2015 KTM 1050 Adventure

A Europe-only ADV machine built for riders with an A2 license. Should it come to the US?

Frankly, we were a bit surprised to see the new KTM 1050 Adventure when it was unveiled at EICMA 2014. After all, the Austrian make already has the 1190 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure in its stable. Did it really need another ADV bike in excess of 1,000cc? In Europe—where tiered licensing based on engine power is practiced—it did. You see, European legislation allows a restrictor kit for this bike, one that limits horsepower to 47 for new riders with an A2 license. But there's one caveat: The original unrestricted bike can't exceed double the amount of horsepower of the restricted bike. Hence, there's a big potential market for this new 94-hp 1050.

With its lower seat height and cast wheels, would the 1050 succeed in the US? Possibly. But we'd rather get a slightly smaller KTM ADV bike, perhaps an 800 twin made to be as light as possible.