2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Based on the most powerful travel enduro engine to date, the 1190, combined with 1301cc displacement of “The Beast” 1290 Super Duke R, this engine clearly sets a new benchmark in all categories: a powerful punch for fully-loaded tours, torque right from the bottom end, reducing gear shifting, easily controllable for offroad use and 160 hp peak power for when the chips are down.

An absolutely key element in the outstanding performance and smooth response of the 1301 cc 75° V-twin are the unit’s state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads. These combine twin plug ignition, flow-optimised ports and a slick, low-friction valve train with cams from each cylinder’s twin overhead camshafts driving DLC-coated cam followers.

The forged piston design of the 1290 Super Adventure, borrowed from Formula 1 technology, results in a high loading capacity, despite the extremely short and lightweight format. Although they have grown in diameter by three millimetres compared with those of the 1190 Adventure, the pistons on the Super Adventure are a whole 47 grams lighter.

The well-spaced gear ratios of the 1290 Super Adventure feature a longer sixth overdrive gear. This saves fuel and adds comfort for normal road cruising or fast mile-munching on the motorway.

With its ultra-lightweight yet extremely rugged tubular space frame, the high strength, die-cast, open-lattice swingarm and newly developed, semi-active suspension components from WP Suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure’s chassis meets and exceeds every demand in terms of stability, delivering total control to the rider.

The tubular space frame is made from chrome-molybdenum stainless steel. The frame is the key to the Super Adventure’s excellent chassis geometry, is extremely rugged and yet weighs only 9.8 kg, in line with the consistent lightweight construction that contributes to the low overall weight of just 229 kg (ready to ride, without fuel) and 249 kg fully fuelled.

Not only are the top-notch ergonomics of the 1290 Super Adventure suitable for all riding situations from comfortable outings - alone or two-up - to lively acceleration on asphalt and furious offroad shredding - whatever the surface or location; The ergonomics can also be adjusted in many ways to suit riders of any stature.

The 1290 Super Adventure is equally at home offering smooth pleasurable touring comfort or delivering uncompromising acceleration. This extremely broad span of rideability is made possible not least by the extensive ground-breaking electronics package.

A unique mix of the highest quality components combined with a fully developed and reliable engine allows extremely long service intervals of 15,000 km.