KTM unveils three new 1290 Super Adventure models for 2017

The three-bike range has had a face lift courtesy of the long-term design partner of KTM, KISKA. The headlights are part of the new ‘face’ of the bike: a central aluminium carrier for the new LED lights which at the same time acts as a heat sink. Integrated into the lower part of the headlights are the LED cornering lights which are based on the data of the MSC lean angle sensor.

Thankfully, the three bikes get a new full colour 6.5” TFT display to replace the dowdy, grey Gameboy style version.

The 1290 Super Adventure R becomes the most off-road focused of the three with a smaller fuel tank than the 2016 model; 23 vs 30 litres yet stiffer springs in the WP upside-down front forks and 21” front and 18” wire-spoke wheels leading to 20mm longer rear shock travel and a longer wheelbase (by 20mm at 1580mm). Ground clearance is increased by 30mm up to 250mm over the S & T models while the new one-piece seat sits 30mm higher at 890mm. And not forgetting those all important orange engine crash bars (black on the T model).

In addition to the Sport, Street, Rain or Off rider modes comes a new ‘Offroad Pack’ mode; the ABS will allow the rear wheel to lock for a degree of hooliganism with “controlled slides” while the front wheel ABS is retained and controlled by offroad specific settings. Traction control (MTC) will allow up to 100% of rear wheel slippage for well-controlled drifting.

The 1290 Super Adventure S appears to take over where the 1190 Adventure leaves by being a more road biased Travel Enduro bike with its cast wheels.

It too shares the same 160bhp, 1,301cc 75° V-Twin lump as well as the MSC, MTC and semi-active WP suspension with the four damping settings; Comfort, Street, Sport and Offroad.

KTM claim an easier to operate windshield mechanism is new as is a waterproof compartment with USB charger.

The sportier cast aluminium wheels in 19’’ front and 17’ on the rear as well as a suspension travel slightly shortened to 200 mm lend the “S” a lower centre of gravity.

Keyless ignition and cruise control are included while Hill Hold Control (HHC), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and a quick shifter for up and down changes are optional extras on all three models.

The 1290 Super Adventure range for 2017 now competes with the standard GS as well as the Adventure spec version of BMW’s R1200 as well as Ducati Multistrada S as well as the Multistrada Enduro. The sports adventure market just got feistier.

The main specification differences between the three are:

• S & R have smaller fuel tanks; 23l vs 30l on the T
• S & T have semi-active front and rear suspension
• R is 30mm taller (21” front and 18” rear wheels) than S & T which are on 19” front and 17” rear, also reflected in the seat height – 30mm taller than the current model and the new S & T models
• The R also has an extra 20mm travel from the rear suspension
• R has a 20mm longer wheelbase
• R & T are on spoke wheels while the S has cast

Make sense?