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ADV BikesThree KTM 1290 Super Adventure Models Announced for 2017

Three KTM 1290 Super Adventure Models Announced for 2017

KTM now has a 1290 Super Adventure model for different types of riders.

Published on 10.04.2016

KTM appears to be doubling down on its superbike-powered adventure bike with three new variants of the 1290 Super Adventure for 2017. Now the 1,301cc V-Twin Super Adventure platform will get segmented into three different bikes for three separate riding styles — street, off-road and long-distance touring.

1290 Super Adventure T

Last year’s 1290 Super Adventure returns with little more than a name change. KTM’s flagship long-distance adventure touring model will now be called the 1290 Super Adventure T. The bike fits the bill as a long-distance luxury adventure tourer, packed with comfort and convenience features, an oversized fuel tank and the versatility to travel over many different types of terrain.

2017 KTM Super Adventure T
The 2016 1290 Super Adventure returns mostly unchanged as the 1290 Super Adventure T (T=Touring) for 2017.

Beyond the name change, the 1290 Super Adventure has been updated to comply with Euro4 emissions standards. However, the cleaner burning engine hasn’t lost any of its edge and still delivers 160 horsepower and 103 ft-lb of torque. Its also said to have improved refinement and smoother power delivery, especially in the low to mid range.

1290 Super Adventure R


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The off-road variant of the platform, named the Super Adventure R is a completely new model. Like the KTM 1190 Adventure R, which it replaces for 2017, the Super Adventure R receives fully-adjustable WP suspension with 8.7 inches (220mm) of travel, a set of 21″ front/18″ rear wheels and crash protection for more aggressive off-road terrain. The R model also gets completely new styling with a split headlight design and distinctive LED lighting. The lower headlight area also incorporates small LED cornering lights that help improve safety during nighttime rides.

2017 KTM Super Adventure R
The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (R=Off-Road) is the more dirt-focused derivative with bigger wheels, more suspension travel, shorter windscreen and additional crash protection.

Like the Super Adventure T, the Super Adventure R gets many of the same electronic rider aids like adjustable fuel maps, traction control and lean-sensitive ABS that can be tuned to different types of terrain. The R model incorporates many of the luxury features as well, like keyless ignition, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and cruise control, and most things can be monitored or controlled through a new 6.5 inch full-color TFT display. Also new is a waterproof mobile phone compartment with integrated USB charger.

1290 Super Adventure S

The new 1290 Super Adventure S is the replacement for the standard 1190 Adventure, but with even more of a street focus. The S model rides on cast aluminum 19″ front and 17″ rear wheels with street-biased Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires and reduced suspension travel. The Super Adventure S is intended to be used as more of a sport touring or as a city bike, with the option to go off-road on occasion. It’s also less intimidating with a seat height than can get down to 33.9 inches (860mm).

2017 KTM Super Adventure S
The 1290 Super Adventure S (S=Steet) is the weapon of choice for the sport touring crowd, with cast aluminum wheels and a lower suspension.

Super Adventure S gets a smaller tank for shorter distance trips but utilizes the same electronically adjustable suspension as the T model, allowing riders to set damping rates and preload from a thumb-controlled dash menu. Additionally, it comes with the pre-set fuel maps, traction control and ABS that can be adjusted for different types of terrain.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure models
The new R and S models get a new split headlight design with distinctive LED lighting. An aluminium strip down the center helps draw heat away from the LED lights.

With three new Super Adventure models for 2017, KTM appears to have all their bases covered in the big-bore street, off-road and long-distance adventure touring segments. The new system of using a character at the end of the model name (S=Street, R=Off-Road, T=Touring) should help make the choice clearer for potential customers considering which bike to choose.

All three 1290 Super Adventure Models will be on display this week at the INTERMOT show held in Cologne, Germany from October 4th to the 9th, 2016.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure Specs:

KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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Dave
Dave
October 5, 2016 11:35 pm

Note to KTM. You build great bikes but you need to sort out your customer service and warranty reputation before I drop money into your company. Having to pay for a test ride here in Austria is the dumbist thing I have heard if in my 35years riding. I bought the new GS three years ago and this was the reason for my decision. Bmw offered me any bike I wanted while KTM needed me to pay for every half an hour I had their test bike.?? Also their reputation on warranty is deplorable. Then again if you have €20,000 to throw at these guys, then go for it and goof luck.

Semih
Semih
October 10, 2016 12:28 am
Reply to  Dave

Dave, its very interesting. Austria, home of the KTM, pay and test. Weird. In our country; KTM make Orange Days organisations. They bring the bikes city by city. No payment. One of these days, I fallen in love. After two weeks, bought a 1190 Adventure. Thanks to (free) organisation, I love my 1190 🙂 By the way I am from Turkey.

Scott Andrews
Scott Andrews
January 24, 2017 2:48 am
Reply to  Dave

Wow Dave, that’s outrageous having to pay for a test ride. When making the decision on which bike to buy, KTM Newcastle here in Australia helped with the process by throwing me the keys to a 1290 and said – we close in 2.5 hrs, have it back before then. Having had the bike for over 2 hrs , I got to test it on all surfaces and road types. Rode it on the Motorway, through the twisties and then the trails and was pretty very happy with it’s performance so I bought it. Haven’t looked back yet – hope your next experience is a better one.

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