KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: How the Austrian globetrotter fares

At KTM, when we talk about long trips, we're not just talking about endless highway stretches with the cruise control set to 130 km/h, but also about getting our wheels dirty in mud or sand. How, then, do you reconcile the bulk and size of the 1290 Super Adventure S (over 250 kg with a full tank of 23 liters of fuel) with this vision of motorcycle touring? Simple: by adopting a perfectly tuned chassis combined with electronics that take the rider by the hand and take him (almost) wherever he wants. Yes, because the infinite adjustment possibilities of this model, which retails for just over 22,000 euros at the dealership, are enough to make your head spin. Don't worry, though: those who don't want any hassles can set the bike to "fully automatic" and rely on the six-axis control unit's analysis to manage the engine, throttle, and suspension.

The beating heart is the renowned 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine, which delivers a whopping 160 hp at 9,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, figures that place this KTM among the most powerful in the road adventure segment. Despite its superbike-like performance, throttle management is extremely smooth, thanks to ride-by-wire and sophisticated electronic support. The engine delivers a robust power delivery even at low revs, and explodes decisively in the mid- and high-end range. It's a bike that can cruise smoothly at 3,000 rpm in sixth gear, yet is ready to unleash itself at the first hint of the throttle. Electronics play a key role in this: through the 7-inch TFT display (easy to read in all lighting conditions), you can set the bike as you prefer using the buttons on the left-hand switchgear (their ergonomics are excellent). The available variables are offered by Bosch Cornering ABS and traction control (both adjustable and disengageable), by the four riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Offroad and, optional, Rally), by the suspension: the semi-active WP Apex are completely managed by electronics that adapt their behavior in real time based on the terrain, riding style and the selected mode (Auto, Comfort, Street and Sport). Manual adjustments thus become – if desired – superfluous: the bike does everything. Also standard are the bidirectional Quickshifter+ transmission, for gear changes without having to pull the clutch lever, adaptive cruise control thanks to the front radar and Hill Hold Control, for uphill starts.

The 1290 Super Adventure S features a redesigned chrome-moly steel trellis frame that's been more compact and centralized. The trellis swingarm hugs the 17-inch rear wheel, while the fork sits on a 19-inch wheel that's capable of tackling even relatively simple off-road terrain (a WP steering damper is also standard), though it's surprising to see what experienced riders can do with this bike. The brakes are by Brembo: up front, there are two 320 mm discs and radially mounted 4-piston fixed calipers; at the rear, a 267 mm disc.

The seat-handlebar-footrest triangle of the 1290 Super Adventure S is designed for long-distance touring, but also for those who enjoy active riding. The seat, adjustable to two heights (849 or 869 mm), is well-profiled, doesn't sag, and allows for good movement from the rider; the passenger also has plenty of room. The handlebars are wide and adjustable, as are the footrests, to suit all heights. The bike also features keyless ignition (including a fuel cap and seat release), KTM My Ride connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, a USB port, a 12V port, call and media management, Bluetooth updates, and a ventilated smartphone compartment (provided the display is small enough: it won't fit an iPhone 13, for example). Aerodynamic protection is excellent thanks to the windshield, which can be adjusted by turning the wheels at the base, even while moving: at highway speeds, the ride is comfortable and protected from the wind, with the engine revving at 4,500 rpm. In this context, the adaptive cruise control is appreciated, which automatically maintains distance from the vehicle in front, accelerating or braking autonomously. On fast corners, the KTM's stability is surprising, as it doesn't flinch from joints in the asphalt or any bumps.

In the city, as long as you forgo at least one of the bags you see it photographed with (otherwise you'll obviously be stuck in traffic), our KTM demonstrated remarkable agility, with a fairly compact turning circle: the nearly 250 kg aren't particularly noticeable. And then the engine is truly a giant: always ready, lively, revving at a surprising speed and, in a moment, you're reaching speeds that will make the police antagonize you. On mixed terrain, it's fun without excessive fatigue, even if the Super Adventure S requires a somewhat decisive ride: when the bike enters a corner, it holds its line with precision and allows for very fast speeds even on winding roads. The brakes are well-tuned: braking is powerful, practically never compromising the bike's stability (there's also pitch adjustment), but it's well-measured.