The KTM 1190 Adventure R – Why I Ride The Orange Dragon

Words from a guest rider with a free mind—no structure, no rules, just raw thoughts on two wheels.

The KTM 1190 Adventure R – A Wild Machine With a Purpose

There are a lot of motorcycles that claim to be “do-it-all” machines—touring comfort, off-road capability, daily commuter convenience. But very few actually walk the walk. Enter the KTM 1190 Adventure R: a motorcycle that doesn’t just tick all the boxes—it tears the page out and wheelies over it. And let me tell you—this bike is not for the faint-hearted. It’s aggressive, raw, and focused… and yet, somehow, still incredibly refined and rideable.

At its core is a 1,195cc V-twin engine, pumping out a face-stretching 150 horsepower and around 125 Nm of torque. That’s a lot of horses to throw at a dirt road. In fact, it’s so torquey, it feels like you’ve got a runaway rhino under you—but one that listens surprisingly well to rider input.

The “R” model is the more off-road-oriented sibling in the lineup. That means longer-travel suspension, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, and more ground clearance—perfect for those of us who don’t believe in sticking to the tar. With fully adjustable WP suspension, it’s ready to take a beating and then beg for more.

• Tubeless tires on spoked rims – Practical and tough.
• Offroad ABS and Offroad Traction Control – Because KTM knows things can get sketchy when the terrain turns ugly.
• Multiple Ride Modes – Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad – all of which actually change the behavior of the bike, not just the dash graphics.
• Ride-by-wire throttle – Smooth and sharp, but not twitchy.
• Weight – Around 230kg wet, but feels lighter thanks to excellent balance and handling.

Despite its size, the 1190 R is incredibly nimble. The bike’s geometry and weight distribution make it surprisingly easy to maneuver in tricky conditions, even when fully loaded with gear. Whether you’re touring cross-country or sliding around a dusty trail, it keeps its composure—and keeps you grinning.

It’s not just a machine. It’s a multi-tool with an attitude, a rally-inspired monster that’s as comfortable eating up dirt tracks as it is chewing through highways.

If you want something that makes you feel like a Dakar racer every time you ride to the shop for milk—welcome to the party.

There are adventure bikes—and then there’s The Orange Dragon. My 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R, fitted with an Akrapovič exhaust, is not just a bike. It’s a fire-breathing, chain-chewing, trail-hopping beast with just enough manners to take you to work without getting arrested.

If you’ve ever ridden one, you’ll know what I mean. If you haven’t—well, buckle up. This isn’t your average two-wheeled commuter. This is a full-throttle personality on wheels.

From Africa Twin to Angry Orange – My Journey

Let’s rewind for a second. I used to ride a 2016 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L. It’s a great bike. Smooth. Capable. Comfy. Like an extremely polite bodyguard on wheels. It did everything I asked of it, and never once tried to wheelie without permission.

But I met The Orange Dragon, and my world changed.

The KTM doesn’t ask if you’re ready. It tells you. With torque. Loudly. It’s lighter, sharper, and feels like it was designed by mad scientists who love desert rallies and espresso shots.

• Where the Africa Twin gently hums, the KTM snarls.
• Where the Twin cruises, the KTM charges.
• Where the Twin says “let’s be sensible,” the KTM says “hold my beer.”

Is it a big difference? No, but it’s my personal experience, so get off my back!

What Makes the 1190 R so Addictive

• Torque & Power: Twist the throttle, and the front wheel starts writing poetry in the sky. Seriously, this thing pulls harder than my dog at the vet.
• Ride Modes: Rain, Street, Sport, Offroad — all actually useful. Sport mode is for when you want to test your soul’s grip on reality.
• Handling: Lightweight, nimble, and surprisingly composed. You can hustle it through tight trails or sweepers like it’s half its size.
• The Akrapovič: Sounds like Thor clearing his throat. Adds performance and character. Also adds a small following of people who turn to look every time you ride past.

It’s Not Perfect… But That’s Part of the Fun

Let’s be honest—KTM didn’t exactly build this thing for comfort or cuddles. Here are a few quirks that come with Orange ownership:

• Heat: It gets hot. Like thighs-on-a-braai hot. Fixable, but prepare to sweat before you mod.
• Electronics: Occasionally glitchy. Mine’s behaved (mostly), but KTM software sometimes seems like it’s written on a dare.
• Chain Wear: This bike LOVES torque. Your chain will need regular love and chain lube like it’s addicted to spa days.

But here’s the thing—I’ve never smiled this much while maintaining a bike. The quirks are worth the character.

Three Bikes That Put a Grin on My Ugly Mug

Right now, I’ve got three bikes that consistently make me grin like a kid who just found the cookie jar:

1. Honda Africa Twin (2016) – Like a Swiss Army knife with turn signals. Predictable, smooth, and a great companion when you don’t feel like wrestling a dragon.
2. Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE – Looks like Steve McQueen, rides like a pub brawler. It’s retro charm meets hooligan fun.
3. The Orange Dragon – My KTM 1190 Adventure R. It doesn’t just put a grin on my face—it punches it on there and tells me to hang on.

Final Thoughts – Taming the Fire, Loving the Ride

The KTM 1190 Adventure R is not a beginner’s bike. It’s not for riders who want soft suspension and softer personalities. This is a machine that rewards commitment, attention, and a little bit of wild.

But if you want something that can tour, trail, commute, and occasionally make you laugh nervously after a power wheelie, The Orange Dragon might just be your spirit animal.

And Finally… A Thank You

I’ve had the privilege of riding with Jean Murphy a few times—and those weren’t just road trips. They were proper, full-throttle, dust-in-your-teeth adventures that left us with stories we’ll be laughing (and slightly cringing) about for the rest of our lives.

But more than just a riding buddy, Jean was the one who dragged—yes, dragged—me into motorbiking, and more specifically, adventure riding. I didn’t know it at the time, but he was handing me a key to something far greater than just a new hobby. He was handing me therapy on two wheels.

As someone who was new to this world, I had no idea how much it would change me. The combination of open roads, mountain passes, mechanical noise, solitude, and camaraderie—all of it—it chipped away at the stress and the heaviness I was carrying in my daily life.

I can’t say this loudly enough: adventure riding is therapeutic.

There’s something about focusing on the road ahead, listening to the engine sing, and knowing that you’re in the moment, fully present. It has a way of quieting the noise in your head. Of resetting your system.

Jean helped me get there. Whether he knows it or not, through all our rides together, he helped me get through some personal battles, dark clouds, and emotional weight I didn’t even realize I was lugging around.

It’s been healing. It’s been life-changing.

So, to anyone out there who might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, get on a bike. Find your own version of The Orange Dragon. Ride with people who lift your spirits. Chase sunsets, dodge potholes, and find peace one throttle twist at a time.

Huge thanks to Jean for helping me put this post together. If it reads well, it’s because he knows how to translate “grinning wildly in a helmet” into words. If it doesn’t? Blame the Dragon. It probably melted the keyboard.