KTM 1290 Super Adventure | By Trevor Hedge
KTM has pulled the wraps off their new range topping adventure machine, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure.
Utilising the larger Superduke R derived 1301cc engine instead of the already powerful 1195cc power plant of the current 1190 Adventure, the Super Adventure sure promises to be super!
The 1301cc v-twin has been retuned down from the 180hp of the Superduke R to 160hp at 8750rpm in Super Adventure guise complete with a heavier flywheel mass to suit the adventure and touring exploits of the Super Adventure. The cylinder heads and crankshaft are unique to the Super Adventure and the machine boasts an incredible 140Nm of torque at 6570rpm. For comparison sake, BMW’s latest R 1200 GS claims 125hp at 7750rpm and 125Nm at 6500rpm. KTM’s current 1190 Adventure claims 150hp at a higher 9500rpm than the new 1290 and with 15Nm less peak torque arriving 750rpm higher than its longer-stroke sibling.
The Super Adventure benefits from the latest lean angle sensitive ABS system introduced on the 2014 1190 Adventure along with the excellent traction control system, but also gains another motorcycling first with optional electronic hill hold control. Add to that lights that swivel around corners similar to that first seen on BMW’s K 1600 GT.
And if that’s not enough technology for you the Super Adventure also gets the WP semi-active multi-mode electronically adjustable suspension first seen on the 1190 Adventure, plus cruise control.
Geometry is identical to the current KTM 1190 Adventure with a 64-degree head angle, 120mm trail, 1560mm wheelbase, 220mm of ground clearance and 860/875mm seat height. However, at 229kg ready to ride but without fuel, the 1290 Super Adventure tips the scales 17kg heavier than the 1190 Adventure, and 12kg heavier than the 1190 Adventure R.
The rider is looked after with a heated seat and grips while the larger screen can be adjusted by one hand.
Touring range is greatly improved with a 30-litre tank on the Super Adventure seven-litres more generous than the 1190 Adventure.
KTM claim, that thanks to all the technological advances featured in the new Super Adventure, it is the safest motorcycle in the world.
While the wraps are off the KTM 1290 Super Adventure we believe that KTM also have another adventure machine they will announce within the next month. Instead of upsizing from the 1190 the next announcement we believe will feature a downsized 1190 Adventure with engine capacity reduced to 1050 and a few less features in order to try and compete on a price point with Triumph’s Tiger 800 XC and BMW’s F 800 GS.
Check out our full pictorial and video featuring the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure further below.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure Specifications
- Engine – 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 75-degree, v-twin, 1301cc
- Bore x Stroke – 108 x 71mm
- Claimed Power – 160hp at 8750rpm
- Claimed Torque – 140Nm at 6750rpm
- Compression Ratio – 13.1:1
- Gearbox – Six speed
- Induction – Keihin EFI with 52mm throttle bodies
- Slipper clutch
- Keihin EMS wih RBW and cruise control
- Four riding modes
- Chomium-Molybendum steel trellis frame
- WP semi-active suspension, 48mm inverted forks, 200mm travel
- WP semi-active monoshock, 200mm travel
- Brembo four-piston radial mounted calipers and 320mm discs. ABS
- Brembo two-piston caliper, 267mm disc, ABS
- Bosch 9ME combined ABS with cornering capability and off-road mode, disengageable
- 120/70R19 and 170/60R17
- 64-degree steering head angle
- 120mm trail
- 1560mm Wheelbase
- 220mm Ground Clearance
- 860/875 Seat Height
- 30 Litre Fuel Capacity
- 229kg ready to ride but without fuel
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