2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
KTM’s Super Adventure models offer an almost Superbike level of engine performance married to a capable chassis that offers a wonderful combination of comfort, agility and practicality.
For 2021 KTM have sharpened its edge yet further in the search of street biased adventure-touring supremacy from the third generation of their big-bore adventure models.
The 1301 cc 75-degree twin doesn’t boast any big increases in power but instead gains Euro5 certification, new pistons, an improved twin-radiator cooling system and improvements in economy. 160 horsepower at 9000 rpm and 138 Nm at 6500 are the vital statistics.
KTM are claiming major improvements to shift quality through Pankl’s work on the gearbox and improved clutch.
A new keyless triple-cell 23-litre fuel tank is encapsulated by updated bodywork that adds a fresher new look to the 1290 Super Adventure S.
KTM claim the seat is much improved and can be set at either 849 or 869 mm on its longer new sub-frame. This is 11 mm lower than before and no less than 11 different seats are available from the accessories division including a heated option.
The primary focus for this new generation seems to be improvements in the handling dynamics of the 220 kg machine.
Claims of improved weight distribution are made thanks to a steering head positioned 15 mm more rearward in a shorter frame. Changes to engine mounting points sees the engine rotated forward by two-degrees and the swingarm has been lengthened.
A new generation of WP Apex Semi-Active suspension debuts on the 1290 Super Adventure S with new valves and takes its cues from a six-axis sensor. The basic suspension modes are Comfort, Street and Sport while Off-Road and Auto modes are optional extras. Another option allows the rider to individually set their own preferences for the rear and front ends individually via the switch-gear. 200 mm of travel is available at both ends with the rear offering a wider pre-load adjustment than before.
The pace of improvement in electronic aids continues with a next generation suite of aids with the 1290 Super Adventure S also gaining a radar assisted and Bosch developed adaptive cruise control system.
A new seven-inch TFT screen and new connectivity unit promises smarter phone integration and features along with a new switch-cube and can be tilted to suit the riders view.
The larger screen is manually adjustable through a plane of 55 mm and the light-duty hand-guards are standard. The bars can be set in two different positions while all levers are adjustable.
A USB charging socket is also provided along with a storage unit positioned below the dash.
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is due to arrive in Australia in late April.
A ‘Rally Pack’ adds a Rally riding mode with adjustable throttle response and fine tuning of the traction control system.
‘Suspension Pro’ adds the ability to separate the adjustments between the front/rear and includes automatic pre-load adjustments with extra damping modes and the ability to tailor the anti-dive functions to suit the rider.
‘Tech Pack’ adds all the features of ‘Rally Pack’ and ‘Suspension Pro’ along with engine braking control, Hill Hold Control and a two-way quick-shifter.
As standard the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S ships with traction control, an off-road ABS mode, cruise control, Street, Sport and Rain Modes, keyless ride, tyre pressure monitoring and My Ride connectivity.
Joachim Sauer – KTM Product Manager
“The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a sporty bike designed to offer unparalleled riding fun in any terrain. With this model KTM enters its third generation of big Travel-Enduro bikes for street and gravel adventurers. Collecting feedback from the market, we focused on enhancing rider feeling and ergonomics while introducing ground-breaking advancements, such as the Adaptive Cruise Control, the KTM way. To appreciate the magic of our ACC, you need to consider that the ideal roads to experience the thrilling performance of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S may lie hours away. With highways in between, ACC will let you breeze through the transit keeping you ready to strike whenever possible. The new generation model will carry you as far, long and as hard as you want while keeping the original KTM DNA strong with its elevated performance potential.”
2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Specifications
| 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Specifications | |
| Engine | 1,301 cc, two-cylinder, four-stroke, V 75°, four valves per cylinder / DOHC |
| Bore x Stroke | 108 x 71 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.1:1 |
| Claimed Power | 118 kW (160 hp) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Claimed Torque | 138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Induction | Keihin EFI (throttle body Ø 52 mm) |
| Gears | Six gears |
| Clutch | PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, Aluminium, powder coated sub-frame |
| Forks | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm, 200 mm travel |
| Shock | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber, electronically regulated preload, 200 mm travel |
| Wheels & Tyres | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 19″; 5.00 x 17″, 120/70 ZR 19; 170/60 ZR 17 |
| Front Brakes | Dual Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper, brake discs Ø 320 mm |
| Rear Brake | Brembo two-piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 267 mm |
| Electronics | Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disenengageable), Keihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition, MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable) |
| Instrumentation | 7″ TFT |
| Dry Weight | 220 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 223 mm |
| Seat Height | 849 /869 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,557±15 mm |
| Rake / Trail | 65,3° / 109,2 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 23 litres / 5 l reserve |
| Service Intervals | 15,000 km |
| Warranty | 24-month |
| Available | Late April 2021 (Australia/New Zealand) |
| Price | N/A |
