2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Bodywork & Graphics

• BODYWORK & GRAPHICS: The KTM 1290 ADVENTURE S is built to endure the most challenging long adventures - and it looks the part. The bike's graphics and bodywork reflect KTM ADVENTURE spirit and hint at the extreme performance you'll experience when you ride this ADVENTURE machine.
• 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.

Chassis

• CHASSIS: With its ultra-lightweight tubular trellis frame, a high-strength, die-cast, open-lattice swingarm and top-quality WP Suspension components, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S offers outstanding stability and control in any situation. Keeping asphalt lovers in mind, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is fitted with a 19-inch wheel up front and 17-inch at the rear, while excellent braking power is ensured thanks to world-renowned market leader BREMBO.
• 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 (21.6 lbs), it helps to keep the total, unfueled weight at a spectacular 215 kg (474 lbs). 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.

Engine & Exhaust

• ENGINE & EXHAUST: Each adventure is a true test of rider and machine. With a proven track record in the Dakar Rally, the toughest adventure of them all, KTM has gained the know-how to produce reliable powerplants that deliver top performance across a wide range of terrain. Whether you intend on pushing further, harder or more often, the compact and lightweight engines powering the KTM ADVENTURE range are built to take you to new extremes, and beyond.
• ENGINE: The 1301 cc V-twin engine's power and 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.
• 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.
• 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 S’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 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.
• LONG SERVICE INTERVALS: 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.
• POWER-TO-WEIGHT-RATIO: 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. This fully equipped ADVENTURE bike tips the scale at 238 kg, while carrying a substantial 23 liters of fuel. This makes the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S - in typical KTM style - one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment. Add an outstanding geometry, well-balanced stiffness distribution and high quality suspension components and you end up with a bike that's ready for anything. This also boosts safety, since it is far easier to fling a nimble motorcycle around a source of danger than a heavy one.

Ergonomics & Comfort

• ERGONOMICS & COMFORT: The KTM 1290 ADVENTURE S has several adjustable features to enhance rider comfort, including seat and handlebar options. With lessons learned from KTM's Dakar Rally success, its performance-oriented, long-distance ergonomics were designed with comfort and control in mind.
• 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.

Software & Electronics

• SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICS: The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S provides you with all the information you need and allows you to precisely channel the performance to suit the terrain, the conditions and your riding mood. Even when you're pushing to extend your boundaries, KTM's combination of the most advanced software and electronics allows you to maximize the thrill factor out on any ride. Its racy looks and performance are matched only by the ease-of-use that modern electronics offer. All you have to do is focus on the horizon - and chase it down.
• DASHBOARD: The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S 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, 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.
• 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: BOSCH's MSC assistance package is the world's first lean-angle sensitive cornering ABS system. It allows riders to always use the full power of their brakes while the system adjusts brake pressure to match the lean angle of the motorcycle, for more predictable braking across a wider range of conditions and scenarios. If required, not only can it be switched off, but also placed in "Offroad mode".
• TPMS: As its name implies, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) monitors tire pressure (visible in the display) and warns the rider instantly of any pressure loss, whether sudden or gradual, whether tire damage or a valve leak.
• MTC: The Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is a lean-angle sensitive system, which reacts in mere milliseconds the instant the rear wheel spins out of control. As smooth as it is quick, the system closes the throttle valves to regain grip for compelling yet completely controllable forward drive on all surfaces. The standard motorcycle traction control (MTC) offers four different ride modes - "Street", "Sport", "Rain" and "Offroad" - selected using the multi-functional switch on the left handlebar grip. Oh, and there's the off-switch for daredevils!
• ATIR: After 10 seconds of movement and 150 meters of riding distance, the turn indicator will stop automatically. When pressed again, it recounts from zero. A big improvement in terms of safety, as it is now impossible to forget to reset the indicators.
• OFFROAD RIDE MODE: Once this mode is engaged, the ride-by-wire limits the throttle response and peak power, putting you in full control wherever you take your bike. It also allows the rider to lock the rear wheel when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, even in this mode.
• OFFROAD TRACTION CONTROL: The Offroad TC mode allows up to 100% slippage - i.e. double rear wheel speed - for ambitious offroad use. Turn it on and master controlled drifts with ease.
• OFFROAD ABS: The Offroad ABS mode allows the rider to lock the rear wheel as and when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides or pivots. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, but it intervenes later than on the street and builds up braking pressure in a different way to find grip on loose surfaces more easily.
• 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.
• KTM RACE ON: Forget about ignition keys and mechanically locked fuel caps. All you need is the "keyless" transponder in your pocket.
• KTM MYRIDE: With the KTM MY RIDE system, a smartphone can be connected to the bike, which gives the rider the option of receiving phone calls, listening to music, and, using the optional app for navigation (further information available on www.ktm.com/my-ride).