Black and orange Austrian
KTM motorcycles have always stood out against the background of bikes from other brands with their aggressive design and the predominance of black and orange colors in the design. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure is no exception in this regard, and it looks, admittedly, very stylish and even somewhat futuristic. But at first its size causes bewilderment - how can you ride this colossus? Huge and heavy, this motorcycle is clearly designed for long journeys , and not for snooping through city traffic jams. However, the very first ride dispels this misconception - even in the city the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S feels like a fish in water, especially if you ride without side panniers.
In total, the Austrians released three modifications at one base - KTM 1290 Super Adventure T, R and S. They differ in seats, wheels, suspension settings and basic equipment. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and T also have slightly different frames. Without going into details, we can say that the S modification is more focused on driving on roads, albeit bad ones, and greater comfort. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, equipped with a stronger frame , different suspension and a larger radius front wheel , is better suited for the toughest conditions, while the Super Adventure T is a cross between the first two.
Perhaps it’s worth starting with the champion DNA of the flagship from KTM, which, for a second, has not given first place in the final standings of the Dakar Rally to anyone since 2001, and that’s worth something. In fact, the Austrians offered buyers an enduro with panniers: this is eloquently hinted at by the hard seat, which makes it possible to move around it in search of the necessary fit here and now. During a long ride, the passenger has to do the same thing, as the fifth point becomes numb. That is why many travelers change the seat, since it is relatively inexpensive. As you understand, there is no talk of a lack of power, since the 160-horsepower “veshka” comes with a lot of exclamation marks. At the same time, the bike is not jerky; its full potential begins to reveal itself around 4000 rpm, up to which it behaves compliantly. Of course, this is not the best option for city traffic, with its low end forcing you to play with the clutch. And yet, in traffic jams it is tolerable, the weight distribution allows your feet to remain on the pegs for as long as possible; the same Ducati Multistrada 1260S seemed to me more rolly in similar conditions.
The rattling of the windshield at low speeds was annoying, but experienced users say that the aftermarket glass solves this problem and further improves wind protection. Like the KTM 790, the heat from the engine makes itself known to your loins quite quickly. When it’s +35 outside, it’s still a pleasure, but I can imagine what a plus it can be in cool weather 
We can talk about the electronics of the bike for a long time. Almost EVERYTHING is customizable! A luxurious display that allows you to quickly access what you use most often through simple manipulations. For example, I found it convenient to have suspension settings at hand for solo and passenger riding. 1290 is created in such a way that it is as difficult as possible to drop it: you need to really “execute” it in order to achieve such a “cherished goal”. The computer constantly monitors you, and side ABS, already common on top bikes of various brands, greatly expands the possibilities of safe piloting. In enduro mode, the assists are naturally switched off, but will return as soon as you want them.
Predictably, Brembo brakes are designed to cope with all this power. They are at their best, but for some reason I get the feeling that the best braking systems are always found on Ducati.
It was a little strange not to see spoked wheels; they were saved for the version with the letter R, but for those who drive around the city more often, this is not so bad: casting gives sharper handling.
As a result, we get a starship that is able to cover most of your needs, gives you confidence in every turn and allows you to plan the wildest routes.
Technical specifications of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure
For the flagship of their entire line of touring enduros, the engineers did their best, cramming all the useful functions into the bike and at the same time avoiding unnecessary complication of the design with redundant electronics. Here you have a chrome-molybdenum frame with a variable cross-section , a slipper clutch , a steering damper , and electronic suspension adjustment ... And the engine is a fairy tale. The 1.3-liter V-twin sounds rather dull, like a screwdriver, but it provides the technical characteristics of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure simply fabulous. 160 hp and 150 Nm of torque - is it a joke?
The locomotive traction is felt from the very bottom , no worse than that of any Harley-Davidson. Moreover, thanks to the balanced torque curve, the dynamics of the KTM Super Adventure 1290 are simply frantic, but devoid of pick-ups and dips, so acceleration is easily predictable. After you develop a habit of using a motorcycle, because at first it seems that after turning the throttle, a teleport is activated in the bike, and it instantly appears a hundred meters ahead. You have to be careful with that kind of power.
It is admirable that a motorcycle weighing under 240 kg is so easy to control. In static conditions it seems very heavy, and the respectable seat height does not allow short riders to confidently reach the ground, but once you get going, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R immediately transforms. He darts between cars with ease, and on a straight line he picks up speed as if he intends to enter low-Earth orbit. All modifications of this motorcycle are equipped with an ABS system , and Brembo brakes . The front wheel has 4-piston radial calipers and the rear wheel has a 2-piston caliper . Braking performance deserves the highest praise.
TPMS
An extremely useful optional system that monitors tire pressure. Unfortunately, it reacts to the familiar and understandable 2.3 BAR in the front wheel and 2.2 BAR in the rear as if it were low pressure, displaying panic warnings on the screen.
Fortunately, the latter can be ignored only by pressing one key on the four-button control panel of this entire electronic world. Of course, this is only part of the safety electronics. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure is equipped with a fully electronically adjustable WP suspension, which is managed by an “office” called SCU.
Pros and cons of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure
Advantages
- The combination of crazy acceleration dynamics with the smoothness of this process. In addition, the bike does not try to jump out from under the motorcyclist.
- Ideal pendants . Neither subtract nor add.
- ABS is standard , as well as many other useful features such as cruise control.
- Extremely effective brakes .
- Huge power reserve. The gas tank holds about 30 liters of fuel .
- High level of comfort . It seems that the KTM does not drive, but floats along the road, absorbing all the bumps unnoticed by the driver.
Flaws
- High price . The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or R costs about 1.5 million rubles .
- Self-service is extremely difficult due to the complex design of the motorcycle. This also applies to repairs. And for dealers, the cost of any operation with a bike is very high.
- Expensive tuning . But there is quite a lot of it, for every taste.
- Great saddle height . This will create inconvenience for short motorcyclists. But the KTM 1290 Super Adventure T or S is 30mm lower than the R.
- Demanding on fuel quality . A touring enduro is a bike for long journeys, and in Russia, far from large cities, the quality of gasoline was and remains a lottery.
Similar models
- BMW R1200 GS in different modifications. This famous motorcycle needs no introduction.
- Ducati Multistrada 1260. Heavy touring enduro from sunny Italy, stylish and deservedly enjoying a good reputation.
- Yamaha XT1200ZE Super Tenere. One of the most versatile and reliable tourenduros. It features a close to ideal balance of all characteristics and a relatively reasonable price.
- Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer. Touring enduro oriented more towards roads than dirt roads. Perhaps it would be more correct to compare it with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.
- Triumph Tiger Explorer in XR and XC versions. An English gentleman who can handle the most difficult adventures.
- Aprilia Caponord 1200. Another muscular Italian, but it is designed more for roads than off-road. However, for primers there is the Caponord 1200 Rally model.
Security Service
What is a 1300cc V-twin engine without supporting electronics? This is a tool that requires a professional to drive the oil, burnt to the point of fully synthetic oil, and apparently not get off the motorcycle even in his sleep. Such specimens are rare and certainly do not make money for the manufacturer.
Therefore, the Austrians went even further than on the 1190 Adventure model (by the way, also by no means deprived of electronic spies), and equipped their “super” with so many chips, electronic boards and microprocessors that even an IT specialist could get lost in them. Here's what it looks like in practice:
Reviews from KTM 1290 Super Adventure owners
A limousine among tourenduros is similar to the Cadillac Escalade among SUVs, only, unlike the Escalade, the KTM is not only comfortable-beautiful-show-off, but also corresponds 100% to all the stated capabilities. There is only one downside - I want to cry over every scratch, remembering that I still have to pay the loan for two more years, but what can I do - the road... One day I was thrown with stones at a pass in the Carpathians, rubble flew in from under the wheels of an oncoming car - all the plastic was scratched, the headlight was miraculously didn't break it. The price tag for the body kit at the dealer is exorbitant. But what wouldn’t you do for a motorcycle like this... The best I’ve ridden, honestly. Alexander, Moscow, KTM 1290 Super Adventure T '2018.
Before Adventure I rode the previous generation Goose, I like the KTM better, but the comparison is not entirely correct, it should rather be put on a par with the fresh Goose of the same year. Wrapped on wheels for the 2022 season are 30+ thousand kilometers, almost all of Eastern Europe, Georgia, Armenia have been covered, and I know all the roads there in some places. The bike is comfortable and has never let me down. Andrey, St. Petersburg, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R '2018.
The owners' reviews don't lie, there are only two shortcomings - the price and the dealers, you have to pay a lot of money for any sneeze, and nothing worthwhile can be done with the motorcycle in the left service, so in any case, go to the dealer. Everything else is merit. It rushes like an airplane, comfort like in a leather chair, reliability like the Kremlin walls. Vitaly, Nizhny Novgorod, KTM Super Adventure S '2017.
Total
The Austrians have always been famous for good motorcycle technology, but the KTM 1290 Adventure is the choice for those who do not accept compromises and want only the best. The technical characteristics of this bike will be able to satisfy the needs of even the most experienced and demanding motorcyclists. True, you have to pay for everything, and for the flagship tourenduro from KTM you will have to pay a lot.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 160 hp (118 kW) HP |
| Working volume: | 1301 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | 2-cylinder 4-stroke gasoline engine, V-shaped with camber angle 75° |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
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| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
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| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Transmission (gearbox): | 6-speed, optional - Quickshifter+ |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Frame: | Powder coated chrome molybdenum birdcage frame |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
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| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1560±15 mm |
| Weight: | 222 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 30 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
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