2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Bike Comparison: KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

KTM unveiled its updated 1090 and 1290 adventure range at the 2016 Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, with three of the models making it Down Under in 2017: the 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Super Adventure R and the street-focussed 1290 Super Adventure S. You can read the Aussie launch report for all three models here.

At the launch, a KTM representative described the 1290 Super Adventure R as the perfect machine for the person "who wants to have it all". The quote was made during a discussion about the major differences between the 1290 Super Adventure R and the 1090 Adventure R, which is pitched more towards a hardcore off-road audience.

Features and amenities
As the flagship adventure bike in the KTM line-up, the 1290 Super Adventure R was the obvious choice to take part in the 2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Comparo, especially with similarly premium-specced offerings from BMW (R 1200 GS Rallye X), Ducati (Multistrada 1200 Enduro) and Triumph (Explorer 1200 XCa) taking a seat at the table, as well as the Honda Africa Twin and Suzuki 1000XT.

The list of premium 1290 Super Adventure R features is huge: cornering ABS, traction control, LED cornering lights, tyre, pressure monitoring, illuminated handlebar switches, a phone 'pocket' with USB charger, self-cancelling indicators, immoboliser, a stunning 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display and cruise control. An option is what KTM calls a 'Travel Pack', which incorporates motor slip regulation, hill hold control, KTM My Ride Bluetooth connectivity and a two-way quickshifter.

Incredible hulk
First-class appointments, no doubt, but what really does it for the 1290 Super Adventure R is that hulking 1301cc Super Duke R-derived V-twin engine. It's a powerhouse, with 108Nm of torque at just 2500rpm and peak torque of 140Nm at 6750rpm – all backed by unrelenting, super-smooth power.

Maximum power is 158hp at 8750rpm, and the whole package weighs in at 217kg dry – the lowest on the comparo by some margin.

Based on power- and torque-to-weight rations, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro (160hp/136Nm/225kg) was the closest match on paper for the 1290 Super Adventure R – but that's where the symmetry ended.

That the KTM dominated the acceleration tests wasn't a surprise – it has 300cc more capacity than the likes of Honda and Yamaha, and in a cutting-edge powerplant – but the biggest revelation was how easily it touched up the Ducati. The gulf was most pronounced at the bottom end, with the KTM walking away before the Ducati was out of its slumber.

That delicious bottom and mid-range torque is what makes the 1290 Super Adventure R such a fun bike to ride – both on and off road.

Despite all that internal combustion clamour, the KTM still managed to produce the third best fuel consumption figure on test, behind the Africa Twin and Explorer XCa and ahead of the R 1200 GS Rallye X, Multistrada 1200 Enduro and V-Strom 1000 XT.

With a 23-litre tank, we're talking an effective range of about 300km for the KTM.

Dirt demon
When we hit the dirt in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park for the first time, the 1290 was really its element – especially with the 21-inch front wheel leading the way. Only the Africa Twin shared the 21-inch front with the KTM, so no surprises they both took to the loose stuff with aplomb.

Garden-variety dirt roads or tighter tracks – the KTM didn't disappoint and felt beautifully balanced as the standard Continental TKC80 hoops got to work. It's a comfortable machine to stand up on, and hanging the back out on the Off-road riding mode is just so much fun.

KTM's electronics are close to the best in the business these days, and the ABS and traction control on the 1290 Super Adventure R are superb. And you can mix and match the settings with the four riding modes to suit your skill level or mood. What's particularly impressive is how intuitive ABS is on the dirt these days, and the KTM is a case-in-point.

The 1290 has Brembo brakes, which have superb modulation and offer great feel through the lever.

Like the BMW, Suzuki and Honda, it would be nice to have the ability to deactivate traction control on the fly rather than having to stop and then work your way through the menu. It's not a deal breaker, but I just enjoy the 'spontaneity' factor of seeing some loose stuff and being able to satiate that desire immediately.

Back on the blacktop, the 'sit on' nature of the 1290 Super Adventure R doesn't make it quite the bountiful machine it is off-road, and the seat does start to grow teeth after an hour or so.

Of the 25K-plus bikes on the comparo, the KTM was the only one without electronic suspension adjustment, which is a reflection of its more serious off-road leanings. And in an 'operational' sense it probably has the best boingers in the business in the form of the 48mm upside-down WP fork and link-less WP PDS shock, both fully adjustable. There's 220mm of suspension travel at both ends, more than the Ducati, BMW and Triumph.

There's quite a bit of wind buffering on the open road, as the small screen provides very little protection. The BMW also has a similar small screen – they simply can't be too high if you're punching through rough terrain.

The screen has manual adjustment via two turning knobs, but they are very stiff and hard to turn.

The TFT screen is a real treat, and navigation is simple through the four-way menu switch. The rider can also compose two quick-select personalised menus.

Like the Ducati, the keyless ignition means there is an electronic steering lock, and the KTM also has an electronic fuel cap. The illuminated menu switches on the left side of the handlebar is another great feature.

Heated grips ($318.17) were worthy additions from the KTM PowerParts catalogue during the comparo, while other accessories fitted were pre-filters ($99.99), an aluminium skid plate ($499.99), rally pegs ($299.99), a dongle ($199.99) to allow off-road ABS, and a carbon heat protector for the catalytic converter ($279.99).

Standard price is $25,995 plus on-roads for the 1290 Super Adventure R, but in comparo spec was $27,393.

Dynamic, fast and captivating: it's not hard to see why the KTM has so much pulling power, especially when the roads become less travelled.

SPECS: KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC, eight-valve 75-degree V-twin
Capacity: 1301cc
Bore x stroke: 108mm x 71mm
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 158hp (117.8kW) at 8750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 140Nm at 6750rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Slipper

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension: WP 48mm upside-down forks, fully adjustable, 220mm travel
Rear suspension: WP PDS onoshock, fully adjustable, 220mm travel
Front brakes: 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial calipers, ABS
Rear brake: 267mm disc with Brembo twin-piston caliper, ABS
Tyres: Continental TKC80 -- front 90/90-21, rear 150/70-18

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 217kg
Seat height: 890mm
Ground clearance: 250mm
Wheelbase: 1580mm
Fuel capacity: 23 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $25,995
Test bike supplied by: KTM Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres

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