KTM Unveils Next-Gen 1290 Super Adventure S for 2021
KTM’s third-gen ADV tourer gets adaptive cruise control & a range of updates.
After months of spy photos and leaked details, the ‘Ready to Race’ brand is finally lifting the cover on the next-generation 1290 Super Adventure S. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, as well as a host of other visual and functional changes, the updated model is in KTM’s own words “the sportiest and most technologically advanced Adventure Bike to ever roll its wheels off the production line in Mattighofen, Austria.”
The question remains, is it enough to take on its rival in the high-tech Adventure Sport segment — a Ducati Multistrada fresh off a complete revamp of its technology-laden platform boosted by an all-new V4 powerplant. Read on for a closer look at the Fire and Fury KTM is bringing to the fight.

Technology Updates
One of the biggest electronics updates for the Super Adventure S is located between and below the headlights — a new adaptive cruise control system that will be standard for the 2021 model. Developed in collaboration with Bosch, the radar-based system automatically adjusts the safe distance to traffic ahead according to five stages that can be set with the re-designed handlebar switches.

Regulating the ride is a new generation of electronic aids with a less intrusive level of traction control in RAIN, STREET, SPORT, OFFROAD and an updated (optional) RALLY mode. The riding experience is further boosted with the brand new 7” TFT display that is hooked to a new Connectivity Unit for seamless smartphone pairing. The larger dashboard view has quicker and more practical menu systems as well as improved aesthetic infographics to clearly indicate various sections of the bike. The dash sits on top of a redesigned storage department with a USB charging socket. To communicate with the new display, the 1290 Super Adventure S comes with all-new switches on both sides of the handlebar, which offer a new and more seamless user experience. A new set of quick select and favorites buttons will allow for set-up changes on the fly and while the rider stays focused on the roads ahead.
Advanced Componentry
The heart of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the revised and Euro5 compliant V-twin pumping out 160 hp and 138 Nm. Overall, the engine is now 1.6 kg lighter and shifts with a revised PANKL gear mechanism that brings big improvements in the optional Quickshifter+.

New pistons have further raised reliability and the whole unit retains better cooling thanks to a new water/oil system. The two new radiators work with the redesigned bodywork to channel warm air away from the rider’s legs. A 15,000 km service intervals and low fuel consumption round-off the re-energized powerplant.
Furthermore, the lean angle dependent Motorcycle Traction Control has two different controllers, one for wheel slip and another for pitch angle, with their own data and strategies. The Cornering ABS and Offroad ABS systems are products of the new Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, while Motor Slip Regulation is optional.

The 2021 model also features a new generation of WP APEX Semi-Active suspension. The SAT boasts augmented damping thanks to new valves while the 6D lean angle sensor inputs directly into the unit for a thorough outline of rider behavior.
Part of the updated range of KTM PowerParts is the Suspension Pro package that offers individual damping for the fork and the shock, automatic preload adjustment and an on/off Anti Dive setting. There is also a Rally Pack featuring the RALLY riding mode and the respective MTC slip adjuster. All of the Suspension Pro and Rally Pack features together with the Quickshifter+, the Motor Slip Regulation, the Hill Hold Control and the adaptive brake light are included in the all-in-one Tech Pack.

Redesigned Ergonomics
The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S introduces a chassis overhaul that further enhances weight distribution and riding agility. A sharper cornering sensation is achieved by moving the steering head back by 15 mm and re-locating the front section of the engine. Additionally, the longer open-lattice swingarm contributes to a more stable feeling under acceleration. According to KTM, the subframe has been crafted to provide a lower seat height without sacrificing durability or practicality.

Surrounding the rider is a new 23-liter, keyless-cap fuel tank and bodywork that augments the bike’s agile feeling. Every centimeter of the paneling has been analyzed in order not to impede the riding sensation. Providing additional comfort for the long rides, the new seat is two-tiered and adjustable by 20 mm. Also customizable are the handlebar levers, the all-new TFT and the windshield that has been developed through wind tunnel testing and can be moved by 55 mm. Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S excels with a lower centralization of mass and refined weight balance. It begs to be ridden hard or caressed to speed over long distances.

Highlights
- New ergonomics -> new fuel tank, lower seat & new plastics
- Reworked bodywork -> shorter chassis, new subframe & longer swingarm
- Optimized weight distribution -> added agility & comfort
- New generation electronics -> innovative ACC & reworked cornering MTC
- More intuitive 7” TFT display -> optimal accessibility
- Redesigned handlebar switches, improved CCU
- Revised 1301cc LC8 engine -> 160 hp & 138 Nm
- Next generation of Semi-Active Suspension
- Remodeled optional technology -> Suspension Pro, Rally Pack & Tech Pack

The new generation KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will be available at KTM dealers internationally starting March 2021. Pricing is TBD. The U.S. is set to receive the new 1290 Super Adventure S later in the Fall as a 2022 model.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Specs
ENGINE TYPE | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
DISPLACEMENT | 1,301 cc |
BORE / STROKE | 108 / 71 mm |
POWER | 118 kW (160 hp) @ 9,000 rpm |
TORQUE | 138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
COMPRESSION RATIO | 13.1:1 |
STARTER / BATTERY | Electric starter / 12V 11.2Ah |
TRANSMISSION | 6 gears |
FUEL SYSTEM | Keihin EFI (throttle body Ø 52 mm) |
CONTROL | 4 valves per cylinder / DOHC |
LUBRICATION | Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps |
ENGINE OIL | Motorex, SAE 10W-50 |
PRIMARY DRIVE | 40:76 |
FINAL DRIVE | 17:42 |
COOLING | Liquid cooling |
CLUTCH | PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated |
ENGINE MANAGEMENT / IGNITION | Keihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition |
TRACTION CONTROL | MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable) |
CO2 (GRAM / KM) | 134 g/km |
FUEL CONSUMPTION | 5,7 l/100 km |
FRAME | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated |
SUBFRAME | Aluminium, powder coated |
HANDLEBAR | Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28 / 22 mm |
FRONT SUSPENSION | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm |
ADJUSTABILITY | Semi-active |
REAR SUSPENSION | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
ADJUSTABILITY | Semi-active, electronically regulated preload |
SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR | 200 / 200 mm |
FRONT BRAKE | 2 × Brembo 4-piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
REAR BRAKE | Brembo 2-piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 267 mm |
ABS | Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disenengageable) |
WHEELS FRONT/REAR | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 19″; 5.00 x 17″ |
TYRES FRONT/REAR | 120/70 ZR 19; 170/60 ZR 17 |
CHAIN | 525 X-ring |
SILENCER | Stainless steel silencer |
STEERING HEAD ANGLE | 65,3° |
TRAIL | 109,2 mm |
WHEEL BASE | 1,557 ± 15 mm |
GROUND CLEARANCE | 223 mm |
SEAT HEIGHT | 849 / 869 mm |
TANK CAPACITY | approx. 23 litres / 5 l reserve |
DRY WEIGHT | approx. 220 kg |
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??? Heated handlebars…. but again, no heated seats?????