Motorcycle specifications KTM1290 Super Adventure S 2022 A leggy sportswoman

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the third evolution of this powerful, high-tech trail bike. The beast from Mattighofen evolves more technically than from a purely aesthetic point of view on this vintage.

Even so, the seasoned eye of the KTM enthusiast will immediately notice the new design of the 23-liter fuel tank, now in three sections, with the sides sloping down on either side of the engine, as on the little sister 890. However, the silhouette remains less extravagant than on the latter.

This evolution allows for better downward mass centralization, thus enhancing handling. Other changes behind the lines are the appearance of two separate radiators instead of one, and a new air flow on the sides.

On the mechanical side, this Super Adventure naturally retains the high-performance 75°-open LC8 V-twin which, despite its surprising compactness for a 1,301 cm3 twin, develops 160 hp at 9,000 rpm and delivers 138 Nm of torque from 6,500 rpm, down 2 Nm on the altar of Euro5 standards. A minimal loss that should not be felt at all on the handlebars, as the range is already so extensive. It's also worth noting that the boiling hot engine loses 1.6 kg on the scales and gets a new exhaust system with two catalytic converters and three lambda probes, as well as a new, larger muffler.

despite this, the 1290 Super Adventure S gains weight, increasing from 217 kg to 220 kg dry weight. In addition to a new cooling system (two radiators instead of one), it also receives a number of internal upgrades, including a revised airbox, an optimized lubrication system, new pistons and crankcases, and new surface treatments. KTM has announced service intervals of 15,000 km.

The 2021-2022 model also gets a new gearbox, designed to make shifting smoother and more enjoyable. Unfortunately, the practical quickshifter remains an option.

On the chassis side, the steel trellis frame has been modified for greater agility, without compromising high-speed stability. The steering column has been moved back 15 mm and the swingarm lengthened by the same amount. For easier access, the seat height now varies between 849 and 869 mm, compared with 860 mm on the previous model.

Suspension-wise, the Austrian big trail features new WP Apex semi-active suspensions. The 48 mm inverted fork offers 200 mm of travel, as does the rear monoshock. As an option, KTM offers an anti-dive system to limit brake dive during hard, powerful braking, thanks to Brembo's radial-mount, 4-piston monobloc calipers. There's also an electronically adjustable rear preload system.

Of course, this top-of-the-range machine also boasts a first-rate array of electronic aids: 4-mode MTC traction control, disconnectable ABS, 6-axis inertial unit, 4 driving modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Offroad) plus an optional Rally mode, and more. All of this can be set from new commodos - which still have the good taste to be backlit at night - and via a large 7-inch TFT screen. A new Bosch-developed ACC (Adaptative Cruise Control) automatically adjusts the motorcycle's speed according to the vehicles in front, to maintain adequate safety distances. While this automatic function may seem partially justified in the car, on a motorcycle it seems less obvious and necessary, given that a motorcyclist's commitment and concentration are generally so different from those of the average car driver. Finally, in terms of comfort, the bubble is manually adjustable via a butterfly knob on the right-hand side.

Michael Levivier - Manufacturer's photos