KTM introduced the Super Adventure S a month ago, now it’s time for the more off-road variant: the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
Like the S, there’s loads of new parts that KTM say ‘will let adventurers discover the most hidden paths under the sky’… .
This Super Adventure R’s LC8 engine has had a fairly good going over. New pistons, lighter crank cases, and a new exhaust all help achieve the 1.6kg weight loss.
You get 160bhp at 9,000 rpm and 138Nm of torque at 6,500rpm which according to KTM, is the best in the sector.
The new PANKL gearbox means gearshifts are slicker, although you still have to pay extra for the Quickshifter+.
A new airbox has been designed which houses a filter with vertical instead of horizontal ribs, so dirt is more likely to drop to the bottom of the airbox.
It’s also been designed so that it can be removed really quickly by whipping out four screws.
All the bodywork has been tweaked and there is a new 23-litre three part fuel tank. The bulk of the tank is lower down in an effort to get the bikes overall centre of gravity as low as possible.
Or just get comfy as the screen, levers, pegs and handlebars are all adjustable.
The model differs from the S variant by its unique color combination of deep blue, white and orange. You can also recognize the R version by its spoked aluminum wheels from the Italian Alpina.
This 2021 model comes with WP’s reworked 2021 WP XPLOR suspension, front and rear. The fully-adjustable 48mm forks and the WP PDS shock both have a whopping 220mm of travel. You get Brembo four-pot brake callipers at the front to stop at a dime.
There been a few chassis adjustments, steering head has been moved back to help make the turning ability, there is a slightly longer swingarm for a bit more feeling when you’re hard on the gas, and the position of the engine within the frame has been altered.
The R comes with the new Bosch 6-axis IMU and RAIN, STREET, SPORT, and OFFROAD (with off-road ABS) modes as standard. RALLY mode is still an optional extra.
All settings can be adjusted as required on the all-new and more user-friendly 7 inch TFT screen associated with the new Connectivity Unit. The larger screen has more intuitive and useful menus and shows clear, turn-by-turn driving directions from the KTM MY RIDE app.
There’s keyless ignition, tyre pressure sensors and LED headlights with daytime running lights.
You can lust over the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R next month at a dealer near you.