KTM 1290 Super Adventure S [2021-2022]: The Apex Predator of Adventure Touring

Introduction

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2021-2022) isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Designed to dominate both asphalt and gravel, this Austrian beast redefines what it means to be a high-performance adventure tourer. With a lineage rooted in Dakar Rally dominance and street-focused aggression, the 1290 Super Adventure S walks a razor’s edge between raw power and refined technology. After spending days weaving through mountain passes, grinding gravel trails, and slicing through highway miles, one thing becomes clear: this bike doesn’t just adapt to terrain—it conquers it.

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Design & Ergonomics: Where Aggression Meets Comfort

KTM’s design philosophy has always leaned toward the radical, and the 1290 Super Adventure S is no exception. The 2021-2022 model introduces a sharper, more compact silhouette compared to its predecessors. The bodywork is taut, with angular panels that channel airflow away from the rider—a detail you’ll appreciate during summer rides. But it’s the ergonomic tweaks that truly shine.

The adjustable seat (849–869 mm / 33.4–34.2 in) is a revelation. Even at its lowest setting, it offers ample legroom for taller riders while remaining accessible for those under 6 feet. The two-tier design slopes forward slightly, locking you into position during hard acceleration. Pair this with the 20 mm adjustable windshield (55 mm total range), and you’ve got a cockpit that feels like a sports car—snug, focused, and windblast-free at highway speeds.

KTM’s obsession with mass centralization pays dividends here. The 23L fuel tank (6.08 US gal) sits low, keeping the bike’s 220 kg (485 lbs) dry weight feeling surprisingly nimble. The redesigned subframe and swingarm stretch the wheelbase to 1,580 mm (62.2 in), enhancing stability without dulling cornering reflexes.

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Engine & Performance: The LC8 V-Twin’s Symphony

At the heart of this machine lies KTM’s legendary 1,301cc LC8 V-twin. With 160 HP (118 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 138 Nm (101.8 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,500 RPM, this engine isn’t just powerful—it’s savagely intelligent. Throttle response is crisp, thanks to the 52 mm Keihin throttle bodies, and the Euro5-compliant exhaust growls with a bass-heavy snarl that’s addictive.

What sets this engine apart is its versatility. Below 4,000 RPM, it purrs like a commuter bike, making stop-and-go traffic effortless. But crack the throttle open, and the LC8 transforms into a missile. The revised PANKL gearbox shifts with rifle-bolt precision, especially when paired with the optional Quickshifter+. Fuel economy is reasonable for the class—5.7 L/100 km (41.27 MPG)—though you’ll likely burn through tires faster than fuel.

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Electronics & Technology: A Silicon-Coated Brain

KTM’s electronics suite is where the 1290 Super Adventure S laps its competitors. The 7” TFT display is a masterpiece—bright, intuitive, and customizable. Pair it with KTM’s Connectivity Unit, and you’ve got turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call management at your fingertips.

But the real showstopper is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Using a Bosch radar system, it maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead across five sensitivity levels. On a congested highway, it’s a godsend. The Cornering MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) and Bosch MSC Cornering ABS are equally brilliant, offering just enough intervention to save your skin without dulling the ride.

Want to play in the dirt? Engage Offroad ABS and Rally Mode (optional via Tech Pack), and the bike becomes a gravel-sliding hooligan. The WP Semi-Active Suspension adapts to terrain in real-time, softening for potholes and stiffening for aggressive cornering.

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On-Road vs Off-Road: A Dual-Personality Machine

Tarmac Dominance

On pavement, the 1290 Super Adventure S feels like a supernaked with luggage. The 48 mm WP APEX forks and 200 mm (7.9 in) of suspension travel swallow bumps whole, while the Brembo Stylema calipers (dual 320 mm discs up front) deliver stoppies-on-demand braking power. Lean into a corner, and the Michelin Anakee Adventure tires (120/70-ZR19 front, 170/60-ZR17 rear) grip like Velcro.

Off-Road Prowess

Switch to Offroad Mode, and the bike softens its throttle response, disengages rear ABS, and allows controlled slides. The 223 mm (8.7 in) ground clearance shrugs off rocks, and the revised swingarm keeps the rear wheel planted on loose surfaces. It’s no 450 EXC, but for a 220 kg behemoth, it’s shockingly capable.

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Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S exists in a fiercely competitive segment. Here’s how it fares against its rivals:

BMW R 1250 GS

• Power: 136 HP vs KTM’s 160 HP
• Tech: BMW’s Shift Cam tech is smooth, but lacks KTM’s ACC and Rally Mode.
• Weight: 249 kg (549 lbs) vs KTM’s 220 kg (485 lbs).
• Verdict: The GS is a better tourer, but the KTM dominates in agility and raw power.

Ducati Multistrada V4

• Engine: 170 HP V4 vs KTM’s torque-biased V-twin.
• Tech: Ducati’s radar system mirrors KTM’s ACC, but the V4 runs hotter in traffic.
• Price: Ducati’s maintenance costs are steeper.
• Verdict: The Multistrada is more refined, but the KTM feels wilder and more engaging.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

• Price: Far cheaper, but down 40 HP.
• Electronics: Yamaha’s suspension can’t match WP’s semi-active wizardry.
• Verdict: A budget pick, not a direct competitor.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning a 1290 Super Adventure S requires diligence, but KTM’s engineering minimizes headaches:

1. Oil Changes: Use 5W-40 or 10W-50 full synthetic (3.6L with filter). MOTOPARTS.store stocks KTM-approved kits.
2. Valve Checks: Every 15,000 km (9,320 mi). Intake: 0.10–0.15 mm (0.004–0.006 in), Exhaust: 0.25–0.30 mm (0.010–0.012 in).
3. Chain Care: The 525 X-ring chain needs regular cleaning. Opt for MOTOPARTS.store’s premium chain lubes.
4. Tire Pressures: 2.4 bar (35 psi) front, 2.9 bar (42 psi) rear for road use. Drop to 2.0/2.2 bar off-road.
5. Brake Fluid: Flush with DOT 4 or 5.1 annually.

Pro Tip: The air filter clogs quickly off-road. Keep a spare from MOTOPARTS.store in your luggage.

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Conclusion: The Ultimate All-Rounder?

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a motorcycle that demands respect—and rewards it with unparalleled thrills. Whether you’re carving canyons, touring continents, or exploring fire roads, this bike refuses to compromise. Yes, the seat could be plusher for 10-hour days, and the TFT menus take time to master. But when you’re leaned over in a hairpin, ACC set on the highway, or lofting the front wheel over a trail rut, none of that matters.

This is adventure riding, distilled into its purest, most exhilarating form.

Ready to upgrade your 1290 Super Adventure S? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of performance upgrades, maintenance kits, and adventure-ready accessories.

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Specifications sheet

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