KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
The 2017 world unveiling of the big KTM 1290 Super Adventure R took place in Peru, the perfect place to test a tourer with round-the-world ambitions. True, I, unfortunately, tested that version of the Super Adventure R far from Peru, and nevertheless this motorcycle pretty impressed me: under an experienced rider it is capable of doing things that, in my opinion, a large 1301 cc 220 kg elephant cannot do capable.
Alas, that experienced rider was not me, but one of my friends. I, like any normal beginner, was also impressed by the dimensions of the Super Adventure R, especially its height. It seemed catastrophically huge to me then, and this is sad, because on the move it is simply super, but its height frankly scares me. Fortunately, KTM has solved this “problem” in the 2021 version, thanks to a new subframe, lowering the seat from the stock 890mm to 880mm and making it narrower. It would seem, what is one centimeter? And yet, for me he moved from frighteningly tall to the category of simply tall.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021
Of course, the Austrians did not stop at reducing the seat height: the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R now fits into the more stringent limits of Euro 5 environmental standards, without losing any of its 160 horses. In addition, he received an even more complex set of electronic assistants, brought to life through a new 7-inch TFT display (and steering wheel controls, of course). The body kit in the 2021 version is completely new: a three-piece tank ensures a lower location of the bulk of the fuel (about the same as on the 790 and 890 Adventure), and the airbox has become much easier to maintain (which is nice in terms of the ability to quickly shake off the filter somewhere in the desert ). Plus, new LED light and much, much more.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is based on the same platform as the S version, but has more off-road capabilities. Semi-active WP suspensions have given way to traditional ones with manual adjustments, but with longer travel (220 mm instead of 200), and the ground clearance with them has become 24 cm. The spoked wheels are designed for tubeless tires, and the front one has become 21 inches (versus 19 on the S version) . Changes in wheel and suspension sizes have also resulted in a more relaxed steering geometry, which is good for straight-line stability. Plus, new colors and graphics, as well as a shorter, smaller windshield that won't obstruct your view off-road.
The old version was and still is cool, but the new R is another step forward in perfection.
Because of Euro 5, KTM had to work on the 1301 cc LC8 V-twin, making its exhaust cleaner. This required a major overhaul of the power supply system and the creation of a completely new exhaust with two catalytic converters. At the same time, the designers managed not to lose a single grain of power: the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R engine still produces 160 hp at 9000 rpm and 138 Nm at 6500 rpm at its peak. The peak power now occurs at slightly higher revs (250 rpm higher), and the maximum torque has decreased slightly, which, however, is not significant for such a high-torque engine.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
He pulls straight from the bottom, and pulls so hard that you forget to breathe. A motorcycle built for off-road use with large spoked wheels and long-travel suspension shouldn't be so amazing on the pavement. And yet, it is like this: I literally had to get used to the incredible acceleration at low and medium speeds. 160 horses, you say? At one time, only liter sportbikes, and not tourenduros designed for off-road use, could boast such power.
All this power and strength is controlled and harnessed by four riding modes: Sport, Road, Rain and Off-Road. They affect the engine's character, response, peak power and the settings of the electronic assistants (which now operate on the basis of a six-axis inertia measuring device, rather than the five-axis one of the previous version). Road and Sport modes allow you to release the full power. Rain and Off-Road have a limit of 100 hp (about what the Honda Africa Twin produces at full power).
Electronic assistants are great , but given the fact that KTM’s slogan is “ready to race,” their algorithms are rather aggressive. In Sports mode with a very sharp response and a “soft” mode of operation of the assistants, it lifts the front wheel quite high, but the return of traction after electronic intervention occurs softly and quickly.
The rear suspension is fully manually adjustable , unlike the S model with its semi-active suspension. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R version is more prone to wheelies, so the electronic assistants don’t have to relax: a jerk of the gas and you’re already hanging on the handlebars and shining the headlight into space above your head.
But don't be afraid - this monster is quite sane. Switch it to Road mode (or the optional Rally) and you can adjust the level of antiwheelie intervention, making it as calm as a boa constrictor (but fast as a cobra). It also goes on the highway with a calm calmness - high sixth gear, the engine works without straining, and if necessary, with a slight movement of the gas you shoot to overtake or break away from the BMW driver who has sat on the tail.
One of the disadvantages of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is the lack of a quickshifter in stock. It works so clearly and smoothly that you will miss it. Of course, with such a high-torque engine, it is not needed very often, because the first three gears are enough for driving without excessive speed... But for such a price it was still worth putting it in stock.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weighs 220kg dry. Plus a 23-liter tank, oil, antifreeze - all 250 kg. Given the rider's weight, long-travel suspension and 21-inch front wheel, it should handle like hell—and yet, it doesn't.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
WP Xplor suspensions are extremely effective, combining the ill-fitting combination of high-speed stability and off-road compliance. They work actively, the rear squats when the gas is opened, and the powerful Brembos fold the fork quite noticeably - but “perceptibly” does not mean “uncontrollably”. At the same time, the motorcycle remains assembled, the compression of the 48 fork on the brakes is carefully and thoughtfully smoothed out, and when you release the brake, it does not shoot, but unfolds smoothly and accurately, without losing its trajectory in the turn.
On a tall touring bike with long-travel suspensions, you sometimes feel a lack of connection with the road, but on the KTM this connection is perfectly felt through the assembled chassis and excellent standard tires. Having become slightly accustomed to its controllability, I began to weaken the interference of the assistants and relied more and more on sensations and mechanical grip. Many people, especially sportbike owners, underestimate the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R's tarmac capabilities - but damn, it GOES. On the asphalt, this thing feels like a huge supermoto - also because, like on a motard, sometimes you get carried away and slightly overestimate yourself. At such moments, I was very glad that I did not turn off the assistants completely (the tilting ABS especially helped out).
The brakes of the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R remain the same as on the previous version: Brembo radial calipers on two 320 discs. Said tilt ABS works great, and the rear brake ABS can be switched off if desired. And most importantly, in combination with the excellent Xplor fork, powerful and informative brakes work with filigree precision.
The best news on the off-road front is the new subframe, which makes the seat 10mm lower and narrower. It would seem, what is 1 centimeter? But KTM moved the engine in the frame and redesigned the tank, and thanks to this, the center of mass has noticeably shifted down and forward.
MY MOTORCYCLE
On October 4, at the Cologne International Motor Show Intermot-2016, KTM presented the new flagships of its model line: the completely new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.
The R version traditionally features improved off-road performance and is primarily intended for use on roads with poor quality road surfaces, dirt tracks and rough terrain.
The letter S, on the contrary, denotes a road character and a model with this index is designed for traveling on asphalt.
Both new products do not replace, but complement the base model, which from 2017 will receive the T (Travel) index and will now be clearly focused on the long-distance segment, maintaining a 30-liter fuel tank, while the S and R versions have a 23-liter tank. All models are equipped with the same LC8 engine with a displacement of 1301 cm3 and a power of 160 hp. and a torque of 140 Nm. A variety of electronic systems will help the driver cope with such energy levels, including the MSC stabilization system, tilt-able ABS and traction control.
The motorcycles have three switchable riding modes - Sport, Street and Rain. Version R is also equipped with the so-called. “offroad package”, which allows you to turn off ABS on the rear wheel, while braking at the front remains under control. Offroad mode also changes the traction control mode, allowing the rear wheel to slip.
The most obvious differences between the R and S versions are their wheels: the R gets spoked wheels measuring 18″ at the rear and 21″ at the front, equipped with Continental Trail Attack or Continental TKC80 enduro tires. Tire pressure information is available to the driver along with other information on the new 6.5″ TFT screen.
The headlights of the new motorcycles are completely LED. Like their predecessor, the new products have LED cornering lights, which are activated by a signal from the motorcycle's tilt sensor and make driving at night much easier.
Also standard is cruise control, a waterproof cell phone holder with a USB port, keyless ignition and a 3D foam seat for superior comfort on long motorcycle trips.
Options include HHC Hill Hold Control, MSR Slip Control and a KTM Quick Shifter that operates both down and up, in perfect coordination with other engine management systems.
The brake system on both wheels is Brembo. The front brakes are built on a pair of radial four-piston calipers and 320 mm discs. At the rear there is a 267 mm brake disc.
The off-road R model's suspension is fully adjustable WP with 220 mm of front and rear travel. An inverted front fork with spring preload and a rear shock absorber with progressive characteristics, indispensable in bad road and off-road conditions.
The 1290 Adventure S features semi-active WP suspension with four selectable damping modes.
source ktm-moto.ru
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R off-road
For less experienced riders, this difference is quite significant: the new big KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has become more obedient and controllable on the ground, it is now less prone to lying down and balances better. It makes it easier to get your foot to the ground (while staying upright), and that extra off-road confidence is invaluable for inexperienced and shorter riders. Previously, I had to literally eat the terrain with my eyes in order to find a bump, drive up to it from the side and stand on it with my foot (need I explain how sad it is when this bump turned out to be loose
