KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Built:2018-242018201920202021202220232024

The Super Adventure 1290 is KTM's answer to the BMW GS Adventure. True to the KTM motto "Ready to Race", however, the 1290s is much more sporty and with 160 hp clearly clarifies the question of where the frog has the curls. Does so much power fit an adventure bike? We gave the gas and felt the almost 17,000 € expensive basic version on the tooth. The basic version must not be misunderstood here, because even without additional options, the 1290 is a more than fully equipped bike.

First impression of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Uff - quite a lot of motorcycle, this KTM Super Adventure S. In contrast to the previous T-model, however, the Super Adventure has at least visually slimmed down a little. Not quite as wide, not quite as massive anymore, a little slimmer and more well-trained, so the S-model stands in front of us. With a length of 2.25 m and a wheelbase of 1.56 m, it still inspires respect, and not too short. That doesn't change when you sit on them.

The seat height of 860 mm is a problem for smaller drivers, at least when standing or manoeuvring. However, small or petite riders will probably not choose a bike with almost 250 kg weight anyway, so we can overlook this limitation. The seat height can also be adjusted to 875 mm for larger drivers with just a few simple steps. By the way, the bench is a bit harder than the T-model, but still not uncomfortable. One sits almost majestically on this bike and also the passenger should not complain due to the lavish space. This allows you to survive even long tours without any seat or back problems, and that's exactly what the 1290 Super Adventure is made for.

This is how she drives herself

After working on the cockpit for about three hours, we want to bring the good piece to life. But where does the ignition key belong?! Quite simply, in the jacket pocket because of course the 1290 Super Adventure S has Keyless Go, which at KTM simply means "Race On".

Before we start, we take a quick look at the excellent adjustment possibilities of the KTM: The handlebars are adjustable in two positions, as well as the footrests. The hand levers (brake and clutch levers from Magura) of course also and the windshield can also be pushed up and down by knurled wheel, but only both hands, i.e. in the stand. You can see from many details that KTM has given a lot of thought to the travel topic during the 1290. A 12V socket below the display is just as little a matter of course as the mobile phone box to the right of the display with USB connection - simply great!

After everything fits and sits we bring the engine to life - a wonderfully bassy V2 sound surrounds us. What follows now is a real show event: The 160 hp V2 has as much power as we have experienced with another adventure bike. The motor can simply always, both below and at higher speeds. Even in the second gear, the machine goes up front when you are in sports mode and just throttle.

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With its 9.8 kg light chrome molybdenum lattice tube frame and 19 inch front wheel, the KTM rides as you would expect from an adventure bike: casual, confident, full, stable. This feels similar to a BMW GS, but the KTM is much sportier, see above. By the way, if you are standing on spoke wheels, you can order them from KTM for just under 1,000 euros. Of course, there are also plenty of accessories to make the beautiful KTM its own KTM. Be it CNC parts (in orange, of course!), carbon fiber parts, Ergo seat, luggage rack with suitcase sets/TopCase and also a fall bar kit is available. This allows you to bring the price over 20k very quickly, if it has to be. Optionally, there is also a QuickShifter+ (automatic shifter in both directions), mountain start aid and engine towing torque control.