Ignore the duct tape and you’ll see the test bike here has a revised nose shape that will eventually include a reshaped headlight.
These plastic parts are obviously still in the prototype stage – the screen will be clear on the final version – and are being used to check that the new shape doesn’t cause aerodynamic issues like buffeting for the rider. They’re also testing a new screen adjustment mechanism that looks like it will be electrically operated.
What’s not clear is whether the facelift will be limited to a new nose and screen or if other panels on the bike will be changed as well. KTM obviously doesn’t intend to make major changes to the engine or chassis, but there’s scope for the bodywork parts to be altered to match the new front end.
The restyle and new headlight are likely to be applied across the KTM V-twin Adventure range, which currently encompasses the 1050 Adventure, 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure. We’re expecting the final version to appear at bike shows towards the end of this year and to go on sale in early 2017.
