1290 Super Adventure R 2023

ENGINE
With a sledgehammer hit of 160 hp and a massive 138 Nm of earth-twisting torque, the proven V-twin LC8 engine once again takes the accolades as the most compact, lightest, and best performing engine in the segment. Its greener too, meeting all EURO5 regulations and will deliver 15.000 km service intervals and low fuel consumption, trip after trip, mile after mile.

TRANSMISSION
Helping the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R shift – in more ways than one – is a 6-speed PANKL transmission with a new, lighter aluminum shifting drum with optimized tracks for faster, smoother gear changes. Shifting forks have also been coated in copper to reduce wear and tear. This also helps the Quickshifter+ engage quicker for ultra-fast, slick gear changes.

PASC CLUTCH
Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating; the latter reduces the lever force required for changing gears, allowing the clutch to be controlled with one trigger happy finger – saving you energy while riding.

CYLINDER HEADS
A key element in the smooth power delivery of the 75° V-twin is each cylinder’s state-of-the-art 4-valve DOHC cylinder head. These combine twin plug ignition, flow-optimized ports and a slick low-friction valve drive train with cams from each cylinder’s twin overhead camshafts driving DLC-coated cam followers.

DLC COATING
Diamond-Like Carbon – or DLC for short – is an extremely hard, durable coating used in many engine parts, such as cam followers, to assist sliding behavior. It improves performance and our engines love it!

TWIN IGNITION
The twin plug ignition system controls the two differently sized spark plugs in each cylinder head independently of each other. This results in improved combustion and a smoother, optimally controlled combustion sequence. What that means to you, is better-controlled power, lower fuel consumption, and reduced emissions.

PISTONS
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R’s forged piston structure is derived from Formula 1 technology. The result is a high loading capacity despite its extremely short and lightweight design. The piston skirts have an additional state-of-the-art, Grafal® finish. It further reduces friction and is particularly hard wearing.

CRANKSHAFT
The extremely low crankshaft reciprocating weight enhances the responsiveness and free-revving nature of the engine. With a flow-optimized crank web shape, the particularly low-loss running of the crank drive is further enhanced.

OVERDRIVE
The sixth gear serves as a long overdrive in the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R’s well-spaced gearbox. This saves fuel and adds to your cruising comfort.

RIDE-BY-WIRE
Smooth throttle response is what you get, beyond simply being free of a throttle cable, which is why the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R’s ride-by-wire system is so attractive. It ensures perfect dosage of the readily available and plentiful torque, while electronically translating rider throttle commands into throttle valve positions, which are perfectly adjusted to suit different riding conditions.

EXHAUST
Providing the bark for the bite, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R features a completely reworked exhaust system. Two new headers lead the exhaust gas to a hydroformed collector chamber with two catalytic converters. These, in conjunction with 3 lambda sensors allow the emissions to stay within the latest EURO 5 limits. Meanwhile, at the business end, a newly designed stainless-steel silencer provides a typically v-twin tone.

AIR FILTER
Thanks to a reworked airbox, riders can now easily access the air filter by simply removing 4 screws to remove the storage compartment ahead of the fuel filler cap. Also, the filter itself now features vertical ribs, instead of horizontal. Which helps direct dust or sand towards the bottom of the air box, without getting sucked into the filter slats. Overall, a better design for hardcore adventurers.

COOLING
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R now features 2 separate radiators instead of a one-piece unit. The result is better heat dissipation, and improved cooling all-round. Cleverly designed air ducts now also stream cool air towards the engine, not only keeping the motorcycle cool, but the rider’s legs cool too.

FRAME
A new, reworked, and lightweight, chrome-molybdenum stainless steel trellis frame featuring laser-cut tubes, combines with forged elements for an ultra-strong component on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. The steering head has been moved 15 mm rearwards, to shorten the overall frame for improved cornering behavior, while the front engine mount has been rotated forward by 2 degrees to aid in hard acceleration, keeping the front end firmly planted on the ground.

SWINGARM
Extended by 15 mm to optimize tracking stability in conjunction with the shorter frame, the die-cast, open-lattice swingarm retained it’s lightweight and pin-point manufacturing to provide stiffness and uncompromised control when hitting the dirt. 

WHEELS
Serious offroad exploration demands hardcore equipment. The spoked wheels of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R feature new and robust aluminum rims made for KTM by AKRONT, with an improved sealing system to make them 100% tubeless. What’s more, is that instead of the typical rubber band sealing the rim to prevent air from leaking through the nipples, the wheels have an O-ring seal on each nipple. 

SUSPENSION
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is fitted with high-performance WP XPLOR suspension which was co-developed with test rider Quinn Cody at the helm. A WP XPLOR fork with 48 mm inner tubes takes care of business at the front and has been derived from the successful KTM off-road models, and features split fork technology and all-new settings for even better offroad performance. At the rear, is a high-end PDS monoshock, which is fully adjustable in spring preload with an external handwheel, rebound, and compression including high and low-speed compression damping.

STEERING DAMPER
Heading off the beaten track often leads to encountering some pretty rough roads. Thankfully, things are kept in check by a WP steering damper as standard. Linked between the frame and the triple clamp, the steering damper ensures things are kept tidy when the road isn’t.

BRAKES
Precise. Powerful. Consistent. Just as you would expect from a set of BREMBO brakes. Up front you’ll find twin 320 mm diameter discs, which are radially mounted, plus 4-piston fixed calipers. At the rear, excess speed is taken care of by a generously dimensioned 267 mm diameter disc. And in case of an emergency, Bosch’s two-channel 9M+ ABS is there to save the day.

FUEL TANK
A completely redesigned 23 litre, 3-part fuel tank. This is made up of two large fuel cells on each side of the frame, with an upper, central vessel that supplies fuel to the lateral units. The fuel cap is also new and electronically controlled. But the best bit? A storage compartment reminiscent of the iconic KTM 990 ADVENTURE has been included in the new design, complete with a USB socket and big enough to hold your cellphone, sunglasses or wallet.

HANDLEBAR
Wide, adjustable, and ready for long hours in the saddle, the high-strength tapered aluminum handlebars are designed to provide riders with greater control, and uncompromised comfort. Newly developed and robust handguards have also been designed for optimal aerodynamic behavior when it comes to high-speed stability.

ILLUMINATED MENU SWITCH
Illuminated switches don’t only look good, but make sense when you’re out in low light conditions and need to locate the important buttons in the blink of an eye.

SEATS
Where you’ll be spending most of your time, the all-new seat on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is designed to guarantee maximum comfort, thanks to high-quality foam padding. This one-piece, stepped seat sits 880 mm off the deck and allows for seamless rider movement when traversing difficult terrain. Accessing the under-seat area is also made easier, with the seat latch released at the push of a button.

FOOTPEGS
Two foot peg positions: stock or 10 mm up and back (diagonally), allow riders to set the comfort level to suit their height and riding preference, which can make a big difference on a long adventure ride.

WINDSHIELD
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R boasts a short, adjustable rally-inspired windshield that has been optimized in the wind tunnel to provide maximum wind protection, but also rider movement when standing on the pegs and attacking tricky terrain. Adjustment is easy too, thanks to right and left mounted handwheels controlling 55 mm of screen height. 

LED HEADLIGHT
Turning night into day, the LED headlight on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R has been designed to light the way on any adventure. Flanked by cornering and day time running lights. This results in a clean, KTM-distinctive look which provides impeccable illumination with a wide beam pattern to light up the road ahead. 

DASHBOARD
Taking charge at the helm is a scratch-resistant 7-inch TFT display. Unmatched in terms of graphics and readability, adventurers can access information on the fly, quickly and easily without navigating complex menus. This comes thanks to a 6-way switch cube on the handlebar and the quick select and favorites buttons. Connectivity is also taken care of by way of KTMconnect, which connects via Bluetooth for Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, music, and even answering calls. Still catching glare? The TFT screen is tilt-angle adjustable.

USB PHONE SOCKET
No bar-mounted mobile phone cradle? No problem. A convenient compartment keeps your smartphone safe on the road. It keeps it charged too, thanks to its integrated USB socket. The optional incoming call and audio functions link the phone to the TFT via Bluetooth, so less time is spend staring at the screen, and more time is spent looking ahead.

RIDER AIDS
Electronic rider aids provide more control, performance and enjoyment to the rider under a wider range of circumstances. The latest ABS and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) technology is designed to enhance your riding experience. Different ride modes are tailored for easy adjustment of the rider aid functions to suit a range of riding conditions. The simple adjustability of these features maximizes the powerful V-twin’s innovative technology and equipment across a much wider range of terrain.

MSC WITH C-ABS
Controlling traction isn’t only relevant when putting the power down, but also when you back off the throttle and get onto the brakes. Thanks to the state-of-the-art MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) system made by Bosch, riders can push on in complete confidence. Lean-sensitive cornering ABS works in conjunction with the MSC systems to allows riders to always use the full power of their brakes while taking lean angle, stability, and road conditions into account. A unique Offroad ABS function will also allow you to push harder before there is any ABS interference.

TPMS
A critical part of your adventure ride is, arguably, your tire pressure. Thankfully, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is fitted with a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) which monitors front and rear tire pressure and displays it on the TFT for easy viewing. Should there be any pressure loss, a warning will display on the dash.

MTC
Lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) reacts to any disproportionate slippage of the rear wheel. This is done via two separate controllers, reading wheel-slip and pitch respectively, making calculations and adjustments in milliseconds. The result? Both straight-line acceleration and cornering efficiency are unhindered with power reduction less abrupt – even when the front wheel lifts off the deck. Want to take the power into your own hands? MTC can be turned off for hardcore offroad adventures. 

ATIR
Failure to indicate is one thing. Forgetting to cancel your tune indicator is another. Thankfully, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is fitted with an Automatic Turn Indicator Reset or ATIR. After 10 seconds of movement and 150 meters of riding distance, the turn indicator will reset automatically. A big improvement in terms of safety, as it is now impossible to forget to reset the indicators.

OFFROAD RIDE MODE
The real adventure starts when the tarmac ends. For that, we give you Offroad Mode. One engaged, ride-by-wire smooths out the throttle response and limits peak power output to better suit offroad conditions. This means riders can lock the rear wheel with the rear brake- a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides – while allowing some wheel spin out of corners. Most importantly, the rider is able to hoist the front wheel over obstacles. The rider can also activate the Offroad ABS function to get optimal control in offroad conditions while maintaining full safety.

OFFROAD TRACTION CONTROL
Offroad Traction Control allows a certain slippage at the rear wheel. This is for those moments when you want full control, without any unwanted interference mastering controlled drifts.

OFFROAD ABS
In this mode, three things happen – ABS functionality is deactivated on the rear wheel but maintains some ABS functionality of the front wheel, rear-wheel lift-up detention is disable, and cornering ABS is disabled. All this together means riders have complete control offroad with confidence. For advanced riders, it allows them to push harder before there is any ABS interference.

KTM RACE ON
Forget about ignition keys and mechanically locked fuel caps. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is fitted with a state-of-the-art keyless-go system with a unique Anti Relay Attack (ARA) system which reduces the risk of misuse of the keyless system by preventing the ignition from being turned on, without iteration on the key fob itself. Too complicated? The ARA system can be disabled completely in the dashboard menu. 

CRUISE CONTROL
The standard cruise control is ultra convenient on long motorway journeys. Switches on the left side of the handlebar and a display in the TFT dashboard allow the rider to intuitively set and change the requested speed, so you’ll arrive where the real fun begins with energy to spare.