KTM 1290 Super Adventure
2015, 1301 cm3, 160 l. s., 229 kg (curb weight without fuel), 265 km/h, RUB 1,349,900.
text: Vladimir Zdorov photo: Alexey Akulshin, Stepan Berestov
In the photo: Vladimir Zdorov
>>It seems that the guys from Mattighofen were not only happy with the fact that they created a sportbike in the guise of a touring enduro – the KTM 1190 Adventure, which significantly undermined the hegemony of the frankly overfed “goose”.
So that marketers from Bavaria do not get bored and have something to do on long winter evenings, the Austrians noticeably “pumped up” their flagship in the world of “tourists”, and the result was the KTM 1290 Super Adventure - one of the most powerful and “evil” touring enduros available today, perfectly suited for ultra-long voyages to anywhere in the world.
Ducati Multistrada and BMW S1000XR? No, these are, of course, very powerful motorcycles, but “pure” crossovers. Then BMW R1200GS Adventure? Sorry, the “German” has 35 liters. With. less... In 2015, none of the motorcycle manufacturers have anything even close to the ultimate machine for conquering space and distances created by the Austrians.
Just think about it: the large touring enduro from KTM has a 160-horsepower engine - this is a figure that is only slightly short of modern liter sportbikes, and the torque of the “Austrian” of 140 Nm is “more fat” than that of many “athletes”!
Bravo to the guys from Mattighofen - they did not start the usual song of supporters of universal tolerance and same-sex marriage: no reduction in power, “straightening” of torque and other vegetable mixture steamed with kosher bread and milk of sacred lamas!
This entire adrenaline plant is tightly surrounded by all-seeing and all-consuming electronics, and it seems to me that all the fictions of science fiction writers about the confrontation between machines and humanity in the future have long ago turned into reality.
They think for us where and how hard to brake, what the efficiency of engine braking should be: the gas handle on all modern “monsters” has long been deprived of a direct, mechanical connection with the throttle - now it is a wire with which you simply send an impulse to the ECU, and then the computer will decide for you what and how exactly you wanted.
The next step will be to give up wires, then the electronics will draw us optimal and safe routes and ultimately simply remove us from control, because humans, unlike machines, tend to make mistakes... Does it look too fantastic? But the future is already here—you just need to look closely.
Hello everyone Next will be the story of the purchase of the “dream motorcycle” KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and the first impressions of ownership
I dedicated the entire “covid” year of 2021 to tuning my BMW F800GS - LED headlight, scottoiler, new tires, wheels, etc. I thought that in the fall I would definitely “shoot” into the sunset - Crimea, Pamir, Baikonur... or somewhere else on the globe
Unfortunately, the plans did not come true, and a pitiful 1000 km was added to the odometer during the short northern season. In a quiet mode, I put the goose up for sale and sat down to choose - Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (DCT with electric suspension), BMW R1250GS, Ducati Multistrada 1200 Suddenly it comes into view KTM 1290 Super Adventure R... at that moment something “clicked” and then it was difficult to sleep 
Time passed - the goose was not for sale, prices for all motor vehicles skyrocketed. In the spring of 2021, a strong-willed decision was made to remove the goose from sale, as I understood that I was 99% satisfied with the motorcycle, and at that time a lot of money had been invested in it. Three days after this wonderful thought arose, an acquaintance brought the buyer by the hand and the goose rode off into the sunset without me
I open advertisements for the sale of motorbikes and understand that prices have increased by 30 to 40% compared to autumn prices... A budget of 1 million definitely won’t buy anything
I monitor all sites in the Russian Federation/Belarus/Japan/USA.
A couple of options pop up in Japan and go for some crazy money, in the Russian Federation it’s deaf or not my budget
Suddenly, a 2021 motorbike with a mileage of 13 tkm and a price of less than 1 million pops up in Vladivostok. I ask for the standard one - VIN, condition. Send VIN, photo. Condition: only from Japan, ready to go straight around the world. I look at the photo and understand that it looks like he was just pulled out of the swamp. Dirty, bad off-road tires, no mirrors.
For me, this is an indicator that he participated in the race and apparently not very successfully. On the tank there are stickers from some Japanese company KTM KOBE. I thought it was a rental, but it turned out that it was an enduro school. That’s where everything fell into place. I contacted them and asked for details - they answered that yes, it was their client’s motorcycle, which was destroyed in the race and written off as a total frame-to-bar.
This option is definitely not mine :)) Let's continue our search
Initially, I was aiming for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - this is an off-road version with mechanical suspension, spoked wheels and high ground clearance. After chatting, it turned out that there is also a version S - electronic suspension, alloy wheels, slightly lower than the R
Then the realization came that even on my goose I had not stormed strong off-road conditions and perhaps 99% was asphalt. For the sake of a pitiful 1% of pseudo-off-road, you shouldn’t take a motorcycle with spokes at the expense of a customizable electronic suspension. Besides, I can buy spoked wheels in the S version, but I can’t push the electronic suspension into the R
In Moscow I looked at several motorcycles, but the owners were not ready to move the price down, and I up
Unexpectedly, at the beginning of April, in the KTM chat, the manager of the now former KTM dealer wrote to me and said that there was a motorcycle that had been in an accident, but it was being restored completely from original spare parts. The price is 1 million, but she will try to reduce it further. According to the plan, the motorcycle was supposed to be assembled by the May holidays, or “plus or minus” as they say at the Comedy Club :)) The result was such a “plus” that on May 9, when I saw it live, it was in the same condition, as in early April and the price increased by 100,000 rubles. What I saw in person certainly made me sad - a badly scratched headlight, a cut in the rear swingarm (apparently with a grinder), the tires on the front wheel were immediately due for replacement. Having decided that I definitely didn’t want to ride this *ovon, I boarded the plane and rushed off to Moscow.
He sped off to Moscow to a motorcycle that he had only seen in photos. It stood in one of the large showrooms, and according to the managers, “its condition is close to ideal.” But we all know everything about these managers of yours :))) In general, I was flying at full speed, because it was already quite hot, but inside I was ready for some kind of setup.
I arrived at the salon at the end of the day and realized that this was the car of my dreams... They started it up, checked the documents, examined it from all sides, kicked the wheels. Damn, how can this be - it’s real, like new
Money in the cash register, passport on the table. He is mine
Driving around Moscow without a phone mount is still a pleasure. Having predictably gotten lost a couple of times, I made it to a friend’s house
First impressions after 50 km in Moscow - compared to the F800GS - it’s just a spaceship. Adaptive light, a bunch of engine and suspension operating modes. And of course, the engine in which 160 hp delivers significantly - just have time to let off the gas
The next day I got ready to go home. During the trip, I had to calculate a comfortable speed, figure out the suspension and engine modes, and generally “roll in” and try to figure out what I liked/disliked compared to the goose.
I left exactly at 9.00. Ahead there were exactly 1100 km of the beautiful Moscow-Petrozavodsk road and an awesome weather forecast
In the morning in Moscow it’s empty, I quickly jumped onto the “Moscow-St. Petersburg” scarf and immediately cranked it up to 180 mph and then dropped it to 150, because I caught a light wobble... that’s a turn - they promised 220... I started playing with the engine and suspension settings, accelerating - reset, but didn’t achieve anything. As I read later on the forums, it’s a problem with the standard Pirelli tires. Well, let's wait until I roll up the set
The most comfortable speed for me was 150 km/h. I note that this is the mode that I kept on the toll road. Having moved to the usual speed, I dropped to the standard 120, because the task is to get home, and not to win the Dakar
Cruise control - on long straights you really enjoy it. Two clicks and you don’t have to keep your hands on the steering wheel. Before this, I had a “flag” on the throttle under my palm, but a real cruise is something completely different :))
Handling Gus was definitely more maneuverable. The steering angle on the KTM is smaller and the very first attempt to quickly turn around almost ended in an epic fall, because I was not prepared for the fact that I would end up in the extreme position so quickly. You should definitely take a ride around the site
Engine On the road I drove in RAIN, STREET, SPORT modes. RAIN turned on in the rain, SPORT on a bare track. In SPORT mode, driving in the city is simply unsafe - I turned it on and off several times, because the SPORT mode has a bright explosive character. Acceleration is simply scary, especially 2nd gear. For the city, STREET is just right. Catching a neutral is a different story. At 100% speed, the gearbox works more clearly. The engine is highly vibration-loaded. This is transmitted to the handlebars and footpegs. Very uncomfortable after a long trip. 4 days after the trip, my finger joints hurt. Solved with special steering wheel mounts (issue price: 20,000 rubles
The engine is VERY hot. Of course, I read about this in reviews and on forums, but I can’t describe how it manifests itself during operation. It’s almost as if you’re riding on a barbecue—hot air is blowing into your thighs. I had to order special panels from Ali that cut off the engine heat from the legs.
The suspension is currently in STREET mode. Compared to the F800GS, it is definitely much stiffer. You can no longer pass speed bumps while standing. You have to let off the gas or make a “peck” before the race. You should try OFFROAD mode
The seat This is what surprised me very much and not very pleasantly - it is hard.
The fifth point lights up 4 days after the trip. I have never had such discomfort on a goose. Well, I drove a total of 60,000 km on it, so I have something to compare with. Moreover, KTM already has expensive seats from KTM PowerParts. I can't imagine what's in stock. Will I be looking for some pillows or will I have to bother with upholstery entirely?
Ergonomics Overall, no complaints. Convenient computer remote control. You can set the buttons to quickly call some functions. Unlike the goose, the heated grips are turned on through the menu, and not displayed by a button on the steering wheel. Calling up the menu for changing engine operating modes and heated grips brought me to quick access. The heating of the pilot's seat will most likely never be activated, as the heat from the engine can warm up a couple of neighboring motorcycles. Convenient adjustment of the windshield. You turn the “lamb” and it moves up and down. Everything is done with one hand - either the right or the left
The journey home took exactly 11 hours. The motorcycle was washed, oiled, insured, and registered
Right upon arrival, I accidentally ended up at a photo shoot with one of the best photographers in the city.
A lot of letters. Whoever mastered it, well done
Security Service
What is a 1300cc V-twin engine without supporting electronics? This is a tool that requires a professional to drive the oil, burnt to the point of fully synthetic oil, and apparently not get off the motorcycle even in his sleep. Such specimens are rare and certainly do not make money for the manufacturer.
Therefore, the Austrians went even further than on the 1190 Adventure model (by the way, also by no means deprived of electronic spies), and equipped their “super” with so many chips, electronic boards and microprocessors that even an IT specialist could get lost in them. Here's what it looks like in practice:
MTC
This is traction control as interpreted by the Austrians. It works extremely intelligently, giving the pilot a deceptive feeling that he is simply a god of motorsport, capable of delicately mastering all 160 hp. With. 1300 cc power unit.
True, the off position instantly returns you to the ground: even in street engine operating mode, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure joyfully “spits” the front wheel into the air simply from the gas up to and including third gear. And even if the electronics are turned off, the motorcycle will slip at the first, even the most illusory, opportunity.
Total
The Austrians have always been famous for good motorcycle technology, but the KTM 1290 Adventure is the choice for those who do not accept compromises and want only the best. The technical characteristics of this bike will be able to satisfy the needs of even the most experienced and demanding motorcyclists. True, you have to pay for everything, and for the flagship tourenduro from KTM you will have to pay a lot.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 160 hp (118 kW) HP |
| Working volume: | 1301 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | 2-cylinder 4-stroke gasoline engine, V-shaped with camber angle 75° |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Transmission (gearbox): | 6-speed, optional - Quickshifter+ |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Frame: | Powder coated chrome molybdenum birdcage frame |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1560±15 mm |
| Weight: | 222 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 30 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
TPMS
An extremely useful optional system that monitors tire pressure. Unfortunately, it reacts to the familiar and understandable 2.3 BAR in the front wheel and 2.2 BAR in the rear as if it were low pressure, displaying panic warnings on the screen.
Fortunately, the latter can be ignored only by pressing one key on the four-button control panel of this entire electronic world. Of course, this is only part of the safety electronics. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure is equipped with a fully electronically adjustable WP suspension, which is managed by an “office” called SCU.
DIN 26262
The DBW (Drive By Wire) system meets this standard, and this little-meaning acronym, combined with the army of electronics listed above, takes the KTM 1290 Super Adventure's relationship with the pilot to a new level. The level when the most timid neophyte, afraid of even his own shadow, is able to cope with such a power potential as 160 hp. With. and 140 Nm.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure's dashboard has everything you need: from information about the current engine operating mode to the selected suspension settings. Moreover, the panel menu allows you to display on the “desktop” exactly the information that seems to be a priority to the owner.
The additional headlights on the sides are not fog lights at all - they turn on automatically when the motorcycle turns for better illumination of the road (accordingly, the right one is on the right, and the left one is on the left)! It is curious that the headlights always operate in this mode, regardless of the general lighting level.
Black and orange Austrian
KTM motorcycles have always stood out against the background of bikes from other brands with their aggressive design and the predominance of black and orange colors in the design. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure is no exception in this regard, and it looks, admittedly, very stylish and even somewhat futuristic. But at first its size causes bewilderment - how can you ride this colossus? Huge and heavy, this motorcycle is clearly designed for long journeys , and not for snooping through city traffic jams. However, the very first ride dispels this misconception - even in the city the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S feels like a fish in water, especially if you ride without side panniers.
In total, the Austrians released three modifications at one base - KTM 1290 Super Adventure T, R and S. They differ in seats, wheels, suspension settings and basic equipment. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and T also have slightly different frames. Without going into details, we can say that the S modification is more focused on driving on roads, albeit bad ones, and greater comfort. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, equipped with a stronger frame , different suspension and a larger radius front wheel , is better suited for the toughest conditions, while the Super Adventure T is a cross between the first two.
