2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S [Model Overview]

Engine
The 1301 cc V-twin engine’s 160 hp with 140 Nm of torque are equally suited to lazy street riding as they are to full-throttle blasts onroad or off. The combination of lightweight chassis engineering and a compact but powerful engine take the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S to the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics. A unique mix of the highest quality components combined with a fully developed and reliable engine allows extremely long service intervals of 15,000 km. That’s a lot of adventures.

Transmission
A spread transmission on the primary wheel transfers the power to the clutch basket without any backlash, which eliminates vibration and reduces engine noise. On the intake sides there is a newly developed resonator chamber, designed to polish the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms. This substantially increases the smoothness of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S’s power train.

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 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.

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 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
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) 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 more efficient 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 S’s forged piston structure is derived from Formula 1 technology. The result is a high loading capacity despite its extremely short and lightweight design. Although they have grown in diameter by three millimeters, the pistons are 47 grams lighter. This way, reciprocating weight is minimized, for responsiveness and a playful engine nature. The piston skirts have an additional state-of-the-art, GRAFAL® finish. It further reduces friction and is particularly hard wearing.

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 S’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.

Frame
The chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame makes a major contribution to the bike’s excellent chassis geometry. It’s a rugged, laser-cut, robot-welded thing of beauty with a glorious surface finish. At only 9.8 kg, it helps to keep the total, unfueled weight at a spectacular 215 kg. All muscle, zero fat.

Swingarm
The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is not only particularly light, it’s also precisely manufactured. The design has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics.

Handlebar
With two handlebar clamping positions: 10 mm forwards or backwards from stock; plus five reach settings of the hand levers, the rider has more freedom to set the bike up for greater control, and uncompromised comfort, which means a more satisfying adventure ride.

Illuminated Menu Switch
Illuminated switches don’t only look good, you locate the most important buttons in the blink of an eye. At night.

Menu switch
Different modes for the various assistance systems can be selected using a menu switch on the left side of the handlebar. It’s very simple and intuitive: “up” and “down” through the menu selection, select the desired menu item with the left button, confirm it with the right. Plus you can make it even easier by personalizing your settings screens with two quick-select menus. Job done.

LED Headlight
Form and function are integrated beautifully into the 1290 S’s design. The headlight for example has a central aluminum section holding the LEDs, which keeps the unit cool. Two more LED strips – acting as daytime running lights – surround it. Another set of LED cornering lights round things off at the bottom. They use the lean angle sensor of the MSC system to adjust their intensity in real-time. Unlit corners? A thing of the past. With a KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, the direction is clear.

Dashboard
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R gives riders all the necessary and desirable information on a state-of-the-art, clearly arranged 6.5-inch TFT display. Even in direct sunlight, vital data is displayed clearly and crisply thanks to its bonded, anti-glare surface made of a strong sheet of glass. In addition to obvious data (speed, revs, fuel level etc), the computer can show different ride modes, ambient air and oil temperature, onboard voltage, trip info, average speed and fuel consumption stats, plus range and distance to next service.

USB Phone Pocket
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 bike via Bluetooth. It’s always nice to let people know you absolutely have to take that enormous detour.