This elaborate system brings a considerable reduction in size to the upper portion of the engine. No mention was made of counter-balancers in the engine, so it's a good bet there aren't any. V-twin is never going to be as smooth as a 90 degree iteration. So, expect some mild loosening of tooth fillings. Other nice touches include electric start, six speeds and a hydraulic clutch.
Thin profile means easy navigation through difficult terrain.
But the most impressive aspect of the KTM engine is its amazing lack of bulk. At 56 kg, it is a full 20 kg lighter than the BMW R1150GS' power unit and about 17 kg lighter than the Honda Varadero's VTR based-engine. Since the two other engines were born for road duty, it might not be the fairest comparison, but it definitely shows what sort of potential there is for a true lightweight, dirt-going twin. Engine weight aside, one lovable aspect of the Adventure is its narrow stance. This twin is as svelte as a single and could easily be mistaken for an elongated dual-purpose single.