New Details from Intermot on KTM 1290 Super Adventure
KTM raises the bar on performance, luxury and safety in the ADV liter-class.
KTM proudly unveiled their new 1290 Super Adventure today at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, after officially announcing the model in August. New details reveal a long-distance touring motorcycle with a no compromise approach toward safety and comfort.
KTM’s new flagship Adventure Touring model is built on the 1190 Adventure platform with the Super Duke’s 1301cc V-Twin powerplant stuffed inside. The engine has been detuned 20hp for enduro and touring characteristics, but is still able to achieve a category high of 160hp.
The 1290 Super Adventure is optimized for comfort with better wind protection and a windscreen that can be adjusted with a single hand. A semi-active WP suspension system adapts damping rates in real-time to the riding surface and rider, ensuring a smooth ride. Heated seat, grip warmers and electronic cruise control all come standard. A 7.9 gallon (30 Liter) tank should allow riders to continue riding over 300 miles without refueling.
KTM reports the new 1290 Super Adventure is “the safest motorcycle in the world” and the bike is packed with more sophisticated electronic rider aids than any previous model. Included are KTM’s advanced traction control (MTC) and ABS (MSC) systems, both designed to be lean angle aware with a range of selectable presets.
Newly developed LED cornering headlights and tire pressure monitoring sensors are also standard. An electronic hill hold control (HHC) is available as an option, as well as an engine drag torque control that prevents the rear wheel from losing grip, should the rider chop the throttle or pop the clutch on a downshift.
KTM claims the new 1290 Super Adventure weighs 505 lbs. (229 kg) with all fluids except fuel. That’s an additional 37.5 lbs (17 kg) of heft over the standard KTM 1190 Adventure, but still roughly 20 lbs. (9.1 kg) lighter than the BMW R1200GS Adventure. Suspension travel on the Super Adventure is .4 in. (10 mm) more than the standard 1190 Adventure, although both bikes have the same ground clearance and seat height.
No announcements have been made yet on price, but we can expect a pronounced increase over the standard 1190 Adventure. KTM will keep the existing 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models in the range for 2015.
Specifications
| Design | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, 75° V arrangement, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 1,301 cc |
| Bore | 108 mm |
| Stroke | 71 mm |
| Starting aid | Electric starter |
| Performance | 160 hp (118 kW) |
| Peak Torque | 103.3 ft.-lbs. (140 Nm) |
| Engine lubrication | Forced oil lubrication with 3 rotor pumps |
| Primary gear ratio | 40:76 |
| Secondary gear ratio | 17:42 |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump |
| Clutch | PASC™ anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated |
| Ignition system | Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment |
| Frame | Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated |
| Fork | WP Semi-active Suspension USD Ø 48 mm |
| Shock absorber | WP Semi-active Suspension PDS Monoshock |
| Suspension travel front | 200 mm |
| Suspension travel rear | 200 mm |
| Brake system front | Twin-disc brake with radially mounted four-piston brake calipers |
| Brake system rear | Single-disc brake with two-piston brake caliper; fixed brake disc |
| Brake discs – diameter front | 320 mm |
| Brake discs – diameter rear | 267 mm |
| Chain | 5/8 x 5/16” X‑Ring |
| Steering head angle | 64° |
| Wheel base | 1,560±15 mm |
| Ground clearance (unloaded) | 220 mm |
| Seat height (unloaded) | 860/875 mm |
| Total fuel tank capacity approx. | 7.9 Gallons (30 l) Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON) |
| Weight without fuel approx. | 505 lbs. (229 kg) |
Official KTM 1290 Adventure Promo Video
Photo Gallery
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.
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I think it is interesting and looks very nice. People are going to poo-poo the size and the fact that it is listed int he “adventure” category, but I think spec wise it fits the bill nicely. If you want a 690 then go for it, I like the Interstate/wind resistant/ long range/semi off-road bikes and have only ridden BMW’s thus far – I will test ride this bad boy!
This will certainly be an interesting bike to keep an eye on! If your adventures include miles by the hundred or thousands, this one might be a great candidate!
I’m with you jrd, I’ve been on the big GS’s for over 10 years now. I’m thinking about jumping ship to the KTM. After some test riding of the LC GS and V-Twin, I’ll have one or the other in my garage soon (ish). The hardest thing to give up (in my thoughts so far) is the BMW service loaner. That’s been a huge benefit for many years. I’ve debated the chain / driveshaft many times over the years and think the pros & cons are a wash for me.
[…] KTM 2015 models in their Adventure Touring range. Last August, KTM announced they will produce a 1290 Super Adventure offering a new level of comfort and sophistication. They also curbed rumors of a 2015 390 Adventure […]
[…] via New Details from Intermot on KTM 1290 Super Adventure » ADV Pulse. […]
[…] premiere live streaming event in Milan, Italy. Last September when KTM released details about the 1290 Super Adventure, the new model surpassed the Multistrada as the class leader in power and sophisticated […]
[…] of the recently revealed 2015 models were on display at the show, like the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, BMW S1000XR, Triumph Tiger 800 XCx, Ducati Multistrada, Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT and the Kawasaki […]
I put a deposit down on the 1290SA a few weeks ago. I was originally looking at the F800GSA which interestingly weighs the same 229KG but the small bimmer was soleless.
Expecting delivery April 2015… oh it’s going to be a long winter!
Congratulations on the new bike! We checked out the KTM 1290 SA at the Long Beach IMS and it did seem smaller and lighter than expected. However, the BMW F800GS Adventure is a lighter bike. The 230kg weight of the F800GSA is the fully fueled wet weight. The KTM 1290 SA without fuel is 229kg. Fully fueled, the KTM should weigh an additional 50 lbs. (22.7kg). Post some pictures of your new bike on our Facebook page so we can check it out. Hopefully, Winter ends quickly!
compare it to 1090 mate not to 1290 , best to husky 701
BMW officials should be really worried, finally some justice..