Three KTM 1290 Super Adventure Models Announced for 2017
KTM now has a 1290 Super Adventure model for different types of riders.

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.

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
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.

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).

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.

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.
Notify me of new posts via email
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.
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.
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.
[…] have three different models – Three KTM 1290 Super Adventure Models Announced for 2017 – ADV Pulse All with the ridiculous 1301cc engine, one of which is advertised as “The new KTM 1290 Super […]
[…] and we’d expect it to incorporate the same vertically-split headlight design found on the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R — a new design style appearing on many of KTM’s street models. Look for the new KTM 790 […]
[…] from Southern California because it was the perfect opportunity to put a good chunk of miles on our 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S test bikes (reviews and comparo in the works). We planned two […]