KTM 1290 Super Adventure T

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T is ready to travel to the top of the food chain, matching its need for speed with your lust for life. This extremely well-equipped 1,301cc powerhouse goes from cruising with a passenger to racing a local at the flick of your wrist. And without breaking a sweat, thanks to KTM’s advanced electronics that help you outrun and outsmart tricky conditions. It has never been more comfortable to leave your comfort zone. So go, chase the horizon. You might even catch it.

ENGINE

Based on the 1,301cc V-twin of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, aka “The Beast”, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T is clearly the Alpha in its segment. The engineers adapted the cylinders to a newly developed cylinder head and crankshaft to give this bike a powerplant that perfectly fits its sovereign appearance. It packs one hell of a punch for fully loaded tours, has truckloads of torque from the bottom up and hardly ever needs hurried downshifts. Therefore, the 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T is equally happy hunting horizons as it is giving Superbikes a run for their money when the chips are down. With 160 hp and 140 Nm of torque on tap, of which 108 Nm is already available at 2,500 rpm, we wouldn’t bet against it.

DLC COATING

DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is an extremely hard, durable and tribologically (i.e. in terms of sliding behavior) particularly well-suited coating that KTM uses in many parts (cam followers, piston pins, etc.). Our engines love it.

CRANKSHAFT

The responsiveness and free-revving nature of the engine are also enhanced by the very low reciprocating weight of its crankshaft. Moreover, the flow-optimized shape of the crank webs boosts the particularly low-loss running of the crank drive.

CYLINDER HEADS

A key element in the flawless power delivery of the 75° V-twin is each cylinder’s state-of-the-art 4-valve cylinder head. These combine twin plug ignition, flow-optimized ports and a slick low-friction valve train with cams from each cylinder’s twin overhead camshafts driving DLC-coated cam followers.

PISTONS

The forged piston structure on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T, borrowed from Formula 1 technology, results in a high loading capacity despite its extremely short and lightweight design. Although they have grown in diameter by three millimeters compared to those of the KTM 1190 ADVENTURE, the pistons on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T are a whole 47 grams lighter. This way, reciprocating weight is minimized, thereby maximizing the responsiveness and frivolous nature of the engine. The piston skirts have an additional state-of-the-art, Grafal® finish. Not only does this even further reduce friction, it is also particularly hard-wearing.

TWIN IGNITION

The twin plug ignition system controls the two differently sized spark plugs in each cylinder head independently of each other in order to optimize combustion. The result: more (and more controlled) power, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. That’s nice for everyone.

RIDE-BY-WIRE

At KTM, ride-by-wire is more than simply the absence of a throttle cable. It’s the guarantee of a smooth throttle response. Our system ensures perfect application of the readily available and plentiful torque. It also electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into throttle valve positions perfectly suited to the riding conditions. The RBW system is fully compliant with the strict DIN 26262 safety standard from the automobile sector.

SMOOTH SAILING

A spread transmission on the primary wheel transfers the power to the clutch basket without any backlash, which eliminates vibration and reduces engine noise. On the intake sides there is a newly developed resonator chamber, designed to polish the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpms. This substantially increases the smoothness of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T´s power train.

SLIPPER CLUTCH

Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating; the latter reduces the lever force required for changing gear, allowing the clutch to be controlled with just one trigger happy finger.

CRUISE CONTROL

KTM’s cruise control, another standard feature on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T, laughs at long motorway journeys. Switches on the throttle grip and a display in the dashboard allow the rider to intuitively set and change the requested speed, so you’ll arrive at the fun bits with energy to spare.

OVERDRIVE

The sixth gear serves as a long overdrive in the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T’s well-spaced gearbox. This saves fuel and adds to your cruising comfort.

DASHBOARD

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T supplies its rider with all necessary and desirable information on a state-of-the-art, clearly arranged instrument cluster from automotive manufacturer VDO. Core data is displayed on a central gauge that consists of an analog rev counter with an integrated, adjustable shift light and an LCD display. This display is dominated by a digital speedometer and supplemented with a digital clock, a gear indicator, bar graphs for coolant temperature and fuel level plus the display for the selected riding mode. A second LCD display is positioned to the left of the central instrument, which displays the adjustable features: Favorites page, Ride modes, Riding conditions page for additional info, e.g. outside temperature, onboard voltage, various trips, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, range and the distance to your next service. Everything is tidy, clean, clear, intuitive and simple to operate – even on the go.

MENU SWITCH

Different modes for the various assistance systems can be selected using a menu switch on the left side of the handlebar. It's very simple and intuitive: "up" and "down" through the menu selection, select the desired menu item with the left button, confirm it with the right. Job done.

CHASSIS

Stability and control are the foundations of riding fun. With its ultra-lightweight tubular trellis frame, a high strength, die-cast, open-lattice swingarm and top quality components from WP Suspension, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T will cement a grin on your face. Keeping asphalt lovers in mind, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T is fitted with a 19-inch wire-spoked wheel up front; 17-inch at the rear. Quality tires and proper suspension travel push its cornering skills to the next level and brakes from world-renowned market leader Brembo, coupled with assistance systems (MSC with MTC and lean-sensitive C-ABS) developed in close collaboration with Bosch, round off the package. Safe. Fun. Fast. Everywhere.

FRAME

The chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame makes a major contribution to the bike’s excellent chassis geometry. It’s a rugged, laser-cut, robot-welded thing of beauty with a glorious surface finish. And at only 9.8 kg, it helps to keep the total, unfueled weight at a spectacular 222 kg.

BRAKES

Precise. Powerful. Stunning. Just as you would expect from a set of Brembo brakes. Up front you’ll find twin 320 mm discs, radially mounted, 4-piston fixed calipers and a radial master cylinder. At the rear, excess speed is taken care of by a generously dimensioned 267 mm disc. And in case of an emergency, Bosch’s two-channel 9ME C-ABS speeds to the rescue.

TIRES

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T gets a set of extremely grippy and durable Pirelli Scorpion Trail II’s sized at 120/70 ZR 19 and 170/60 ZR 17. They are the perfect wingmen for this corner stormer and as it happens also very eager to take you off the beaten path.

POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

The combination of lightweight chassis engineering and a compact but powerful engine take the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T to the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics. This fully equipped adventure bike tips the scale at 249 kg, while carrying a substantial 30 liters of fuel. This makes the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T – in typical KTM style – one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment. Add an outstanding geometry, well-balanced stiffness distribution and high quality suspension components and you end up with one vivacious bike. This also boosts safety, since it is far easier to fling a nimble motorcycle around a source of danger than a heavy one.

SWINGARM

The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is not only particularly light, it's also precisely manufactured. The design has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics.

STEERING DAMPER

With so much propulsive power, the front wheel can become very light, which can lead to unpleasant kick-back on uneven roads. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T prevents this with a subtle WP steering damper that will be there when you need it.

WHEELS

We fit the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T in-house with our patented, tubeless, wire-spoked 19"/17" wheels. They combine all the benefits of a tubeless tire (easy fitting and dynamic advantages due to the lack of an inner tube) with the stability and robustness of a wire-spoked wheel. This set-up makes the SUPER ADVENTURE T's rims substantially more resilient than all the competition's cast and spoked wheels. You’ll see.

SEMI-ACTIVE SUSPENSION

The innovative WP semi-active suspension system introduces a new level of focus and safety in motorcycle riding. The rider can select four spectrums of use: ‘Comfort’, ‘Street’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Offroad’ while the SCU (Suspension Control Unit) adapts the damping rates in real-time to the riding surface and rider, based on the information provided by a set of stroke sensors and accelerometers. It also reads the vehicle load, making the suspension suited to different weights. The result: road-hugging handling all the way.

MSC WITH C-ABS (COMBINED ABS) AND OFFROAD MODE

The ultimate in safe deceleration: one component of the comprehensive Bosch MSC assistance package is the world's first lean-sensitive cornering ABS. Based on the high-quality 9ME modulator, it unites the talents of combined braking and lightning-quick, efficient pressure modulation with the high quality Brembo hardware to make the most advanced braking system on the market - no-one brakes more progressively or safely, even at extreme lean angles. When the front brake lever is actuated, the rear brake is applied simultaneously to optimize stability. If required, not only can it be switched off, but also placed in Offroad mode. This allows the rider to block the rear wheel when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, even in this mode.

MTC (MOTORCYCLE TRACTION CONTROL)

The Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), a lean-sensitive traction control system, reacts immediately if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the riding situation. In a matter of milliseconds, MTC reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention at the throttle valves, until the system has reduced slippage to optimum proportions for the selected ride mode and current angle of lean. Depending on that mode, MTC allows four different levels of traction slip at the rear wheel. ‘Sport’ is game for respectable drifts and a perceptible amount of slippage, ‘Street’ keeps things smooth for comfortable, controllable riding with full engine power, ‘Rain’ is all about early intervention and maximum grip in the wet and ‘Offroad’ allows up to 100% of slippage - i.e. double the wheel speed - for ambitious offroad use. And that’s not the end of it. Daredevils, we give you: the off-switch.

TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM)

As its name implies, the TPMS monitors tire pressure (visible in the display) and warns the rider in the event of pressure loss, for example due to tire damage.

STAMINA

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T is not only relatively light, powerful and dependable; thanks to low fuel consumption, a 30-liter fuel tank and 15,000 km service intervals it also hardly ever needs to take a break.

EQUIPMENT

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T offers so much more for your money than any of its esteemed competitors. Take a look. Do the math. WP semi-active suspension, MSC featuring cornering ABS, C-ABS (combined ABS), MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), Cruise Control, LED cornering lights and daytime running light (DRL), LED indicators with auto reset (ATIR), Long-range fuel tank (30 liter),Menu switch, Adjustable ergonomics, Heated grips, Heated comfort seats, Ultra-stable wire-spoked wheels, Easily adjustable windshield height, Immobilizer, Aluminum handlebar (black anodized and tapered), Luggage rack and floating case brackets, Handguards, Steel crash bars, Side and center stand, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), HHC (Hill Hold Control), MSR (Motor Slip Regulation)

HEATED GRIPS

Of course the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T comes fitted with heated grips. Cosy.

30 LITER FUEL TANK

The long-range fuel tank (30 liter), in combination with the low fuel consumption of the 1290 engine, provides up to more than 500 km of exciting riding without having to worry about a fuel station; an important benefit for adventures in more desolate regions. The fuel tank also protects the rider´s lower body from wind and weather.

AT HOME ON ANY ROAD

Laid-back touring? No problem. Scorching up and down the backroads? Yes, please. Feel free to throw in a stretch of dirt on the way. This extremely wide application range is made possible by the ground-breaking electronics package featuring Bosch MSC. And what’s particularly impressive is that the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T´s different guises result in virtually no perceptible compromises. When you ride relaxed, the bike follows suit. There is no overly sharp responsiveness or a taut chassis setup. But if you do want to turn up the wick, you won’t find yourself riding a rocking horse either. The bike’s many riding modes seamlessly fit to wherever you might find yourself. Whether that’s an alpine pass, a bone-shaking track, winding curves or simply the urban jungle, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T is the ultimate Travel Enduro for adventures on all the world’s roads. From the backyard to the outback.

OFFROAD ABS

The Offroad ABS mode allows the rider to block the rear wheel as and when required - a prerequisite for committed offroad riding and deliberately executed slides. The ABS function remains active on the front wheel, unless you turn it off entirely.

OFFROAD TC

The Offroad TC mode allows up to 100% slippage - i.e. double rear wheel speed - for ambitious offroad use. Turn it on and master controlled drifts with ease.

OFFROAD RIDE MODE

Once this mode is engaged, the ride-by-wire limits the throttle response and peak power, putting you in full control wherever you take your bike. Offroad TC is enabled at the same time. Some serious trail scorching awaits.

LED CORNERING LIGHT

On the left and right side of the fuel tank, there are cornering lights consisting of three LED segments, using the lean angle sensor of the MSC system. Depending on the lean angle, the KTM cornering light can use one segment or all three, always giving the rider the perfect view to where he is going to ride. Better visibility for more safety.

ERGONOMICS

At KTM, individualists are welcome. The bike’s ergonomics can be adjusted to suit the preferences and stature of any rider, wherever they may roam: Two handlebar clamping positions: horizontal +/- 10 mm, Two footpeg positions: 10 mm up and back (diagonally), Hand levers with 5 reach settings

HEATED SEAT

This is where you’ll - hopefully - spend a lot of time, so the seat has to provide support, feedback and freedom of movement. Thanks to KTM’s state-of-the-art 3D foam padding, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T has your back. No matter if you ride it to the local shops or the ones across the Alps, both rider and passenger will get there in comfort. Even when it’s freezing, because these seats are heated and can be operated independently.

ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD

The windshield’s height can be changed as quickly as you can change your mind, with only one hand, just opening the clamp and turning the setting wheel.

FLOATING CASE CARRIER (ONLY EU)

Certified at speeds way beyond what’s legal, this floating case carrier provides all the stability you could wish for. Even fully loaded.

THE BENCHMARK

The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE T sets new performance standards: 160 hp and a weight of only 249 kg (ready to ride - carrying 30 liters of fuel) produce a power-to-weight ratio previously unheard of in this class. The dynamics are stunning. At the same time, the powerful yet cultivated engine enables either particularly relaxed riding or, if required, super-sporty propulsion – with every conceivable level in between. The chassis combines lightness with outstanding geometry and suspension, which, together with every electronic riding aid we could muster, allow undreamed of riding pleasure in all conditions, at whatever speed you desire. From very relaxed to very, very fast.