Motorcycle specifications KTM1290 Super Adventure R 2022 Finally crush the German?

What's the last straw for a big Austrian trail rider? On paper, it has everything it needs to do well off-road, but its neighbor from Bavaria, who doesn't exactly have a string of Enduro victories to his name, has to step up to the plate and add an R to the name of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure.

Sporty heart, tractor sauce

And before looking at the fittings or the chassis, I'd like to start with the 1290 Super Adventure R's pièce de résistance: its mill! Packed with torque and power, it would almost make some sportbikes on the market pale in comparison. Now compliant with Euro5 standards, the LC8 V-Twin (which actually measures 1,301 cm3) delivers no less than 160 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. That's a lot, it's true, but in terms of engine availability, the BMW GS does slightly better, with torque of 143 Nm at the same rpm. On the other hand, the benchmark is well beaten for power, with "only" 136 hp. When it comes to surfing off-road at high speed, the KTM can rely on its maximum power output, which is delivered 1,250 rpm later than the BMW R 1250 GS, a sharp character? Perhaps..

For this new R model, KTM has lightened the engine a little with new crankcases, among other things. The final gain is 1.6 kg on the LC8 block. The Austrian engineers have also gone the extra mile by facilitating access to the air filter, which is housed in a new housing that simply unscrews to access filter maintenance. Handy when you're roaming the desert and need to remove sand regularly. The filter itself has also been redesigned to facilitate cleaning, with new grooves.

The interior of the engine has also been redesigned, with new pistons or internal surfaces (diamond-type on the camshaft rollers or a Grafal coating to reduce friction on the piston skirts). KTM is announcing a new, more reliable engine with service intervals of every 15,000 km, so heavy riders can look forward to the future. The gearbox has also been optimized and can be fitted with the optional Quickshifter+. This shifter makes it possible to upshift (or downshift) on the fly, without touching the clutch.

This engine is claimed to have an average fuel consumption of 5.7L/100KM

With this kind of energy, it's best to have a few safeguards in place

KTM is well aware that its engine moves and tears up asphalt... and that the fifty-something able to afford its super trail may not have the talent of its MotoGP racers. So the Austrian engineer is nice!

The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R comes with a host of electronic riding aids. These include four riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport and Offroad. A 5th mode is even available as an option. Called Rally, it allows a wider range of power-assist settings (9 levels). Both Rally and Rain modes restrict the engine to more or less 50% of its potential, to make it more docile.

The 6-axis 5D inertial unit offers traction control, stability control and cornering torque control, to avoid major loss of grip on corners in less-than-optimal conditions. The control unit also assists the ABS in off-road conditions. In these off-road phases, the ABS works only on the front, freeing up the rear (which can then be placed on the brake).

Although theoretically not intended for this playground, the Super Adventure R is equipped with cruise control for the long ribbon of asphalt known as the freeway.

Still on the subject of gadgets, the big Austrian benefits from a keyless start system called RACE ON Remote, with an anti-piracy data system to prevent copying. The 7-inch TFT color screen can also handle bluetooh telephony.

Surprise: real suspension!

For the chassis, KTM first took care to redesign the frame. Steel is either laser-cut or forged. The steering column has been moved back 15 mm for a more compact, easier-to-handle frame. Meanwhile, the innovative swingarm, an open aluminum die-cast trellis, has been lengthened to stabilize acceleration and enhance traction. The rear loop of the frame has also been redesigned, raising the seat height to 880 mm: Snow White can now ride without the dwarfs. Even if the whole thing is reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, KTM has thought it necessary to lower the center of gravity, or at least try to keep it at an acceptable level. The large 23-liter fuel tank is in 3 parts and positioned lower down.

The large grasshopper is particularly well damped, with simple mechanical suspension and no electronics. It features the very best of the WP XPLOR range. The 48 mm front fork is fully adjustable (adjustments are accessible from the top of the fork tubes), and offers 220 mm of travel. Compression, rebound or preload can be adjusted. The rear shock absorber comes from the same range and offers the same 220 mm travel. These travel values are virtually identical to those of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure. On rough terrain, you'll be able to tell which one climbs better. The shock absorber can also be adjusted "by hand" for rebound, compression or preload.

An important part of an off-road bike: the wheels are 21" and 18" Alpina spokes, shod with Bridgestone A41 tubeless (90 fwd / 150 rwd). Its Super Adventure S sibling makes do with a 19-inch rim at the front, but is more oriented towards touring on the road.

At the heart of these wheels are twin 320 mm disc brakes with Brembo 4-piston radial calipers. The rear features a single 267 mm disc clamped by a double-piston caliper. The Bosch 10.3 ME version features ABS.

the face of a praying mantis

Aesthetically, the R follows the styling cues of the Super Adventure S. The full-LED headlight gives it an instantly recognizable identity. This ultra-modern look is quite pleasing to the eye, and the eye will notice a few differences from the S. Farewell to the large bubble, the R benefits from a small windscreen. The hand guards are still there, and just below them are the generous tubular splash guards. The engine cowling is more generous than the bubble, providing effective protection for the lower part of the bike.

Behind the fairing, the budding adventurer in you will find a clever waterproof phone compartment with USB socket.

Pricing: get out the big check!

That's not going to make it any easier to sell this exciting machine! Priced at 19,599 euros (excluding options), the Austrian is an elitist trail bike. The Austrian manufacturer didn't even think it worthwhile to be even a little less expensive than the great rival BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.

For this price, you won't even have a choice of colors, since the Super Adventure R is only available in what some might consider a garish blue/white/orange color scheme.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos