KTM expands 1290 Super Adventure range for 2017

KTM HAS used the Intermot show in Cologne to reveal two new members of its 1290 Super Adventure range: the 1290 Super Adventure S and 1290 Super Adventure R.

The S is the road-biased bike, while the R is more suitably equipped for when the tarmac disappears.

They join the existing 1290 Super Adventure, which will be renamed to ‘1290 Super Adventure T’ for 2017.

The 1290 Super Adventure R and S share the same 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine as the existing 1290 Super Adventure, although the intake has newly-developed expansion chambers to make it more refined and give it the smoother power delivery that’ll be so welcome on rough terrain. Power figures are: 160hp at 8,750rpm and 103.26lb/ft of torque.

Harnessing that power are packing plenty of electronics systems including KTM’s/Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) with lean angle sensitive combined ABS and traction control.

Both models have the riding modes we’ve come to expect – Sport, Street and Rain. The 1290 Super Adventure R also includes KTM’s ‘Offroad Pack’. In Off-Road mode, the ABS is deactivated at the rear wheel, while the profile of the ABS at the front is changed to suit off road riding. Off-Road also alters how much the traction control will allow the rear wheel to slip.

More obvious differences between the S and R are visible at the wheels, with the 1290 Super Adventure R getting a 18-inch rear and 21-inch front wire spoke wheels, shod with either Continental Trail Attack II or Continental TKC 80 enduro tyre.

Both bikes have  tyre pressure monitoring system as standard, along with an all-new 6.5 inch TFT display. 

The headlights are all LED and the bike feature LED cornering lights too, which operate according to what the lean angle sensor is telling them.

There’s cruise control as standard, a waterproof mobile phone compartment and USB port, plus a keyless ignition system and the 3D foam seat is designed to offer long-range comfort and feel for what’s happening beneath the rider.

There are Brembo brakes all-round. At the front are a pair of radial four-piston calipers, biting on to 320mm discs, while at the rear there’s a 267mm disc.

Suspension-wise, the 1290 Super Adventure R features fully adjustable WP parts with 220mm travel front and rear. The upside down forks feature stiffened springs and the shock has a progressive damping rate, both of which are designed to enable the 1290 Super Adventure R to handle harsh terrain.

The 1290 Super Adventure S has semi-active WP suspension with four damping modes.