KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R: 160 hp off-road adventure bike, 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin, 228 kg without fuel, no longer sold new. Specs and reviews.
At a glance
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is the off-road version of KTM's big adventure bike: a 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin with 160 hp and 138 Nm, 21- and 18-inch spoked wheels and WP XPLOR suspension with 220 mm of travel. It is no longer in KTM France's range, which replaced it with the 2026 1390 Super Adventure R (€21,549); this page covers its last model year, 2024, last listed by KTM France at €22,199. Reviewers praise its engine, suspension and off-road ability, but criticise its tall 880 mm seat, intimidating size, short screen and paid options such as the quickshifter and heated grips.
World press review
Meta-score
8 sources
Press ratings
Test of the 2022 model year: huge engine (19/20), useful, well-integrated electronics, handling clearly improved by the low-slung tank; still big, tall and intimidating.
Build quality, strong, full engine, enjoyable on the road too; high price, excessive power off-road (switch straight to the Offroad map) and optional quickshifter.
Fantastic engine, clear dash and true off-road capability; fiddly indicator switch, no option of more off-road-biased tyres and divisive looks.
Living-with test: WP XPLOR suspension among the best on the market, convincing engine and electronics; optional heated grips, short screen, Hill Hold could be better and high price.
One-year long-term test (2023 model): a weapon of an engine, conventional suspension ideal off-road; fiddly switchgear and menus, small screen, two failures (water pump seal, fuel tap) and too much bike for UK use.
The most accomplished Super Adventure, unmatched off-road among big adventure bikes, very effective Rally electronics; no adaptive cruise control as on the S and divisive front end.
Powerful, refined V-twin, high-quality WP XPLOR suspension, flawless off-road ability and a huge, very legible colour TFT; the Rally Pack costs extra.
Video test at the KTM Rally: powerful and highly versatile bike, from road to serious off-road, but demanding (tall seat, considerable weight, lively V-twin character).
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review covers the 2024 model year, which changes nothing documented: the eight reviews used cover the 2021-2024 generation, from the 2021 launch to MCN’s one-year long-term test of a 2023 model, published in 2024. The 89/100 meta-score is the average of this generation’s two numeric scores, given to the 2022 and 2021 model years: 92.5/100 from Motorcycle.com and 8.5/10 from Moto.it. Bennetts BikeSocial, Visordown, MCN, Cycle World, 1000PS and Moto Magazine (video test) tested it without a numeric score. Motorcycle.com breaks down its score: 19/20 for the engine, 14/15 for suspension, 5/5 for instruments, 9/10 for transmission, brakes, ergonomics, appearance and value.
What reviewers like: the LC8 V-twin, huge for Motorcycle.com, “fantastic” for BikeSocial, an “absolute weapon” for MCN, powerful and refined for 1000PS. The WP XPLOR suspension wins everyone over: one of the best setups on the market for Visordown, ideal off-road for MCN, high quality for 1000PS. Cycle World rates it unmatched off-road among big adventure bikes, Motorcycle.com praises useful, well-integrated electronics and handling improved by the low-slung tank, Moto.it its build quality and road manners, Moto Magazine its versatility.
What they criticise: a big, tall, intimidating bike (Motorcycle.com, Moto Magazine), excessive power off-road without the Offroad map (Moto.it), paid extras such as the quickshifter, Rally Pack and heated grips (Moto.it, 1000PS, Visordown), a short screen (Visordown, MCN), fiddly switchgear and menus (BikeSocial, MCN), no adaptive cruise control (Cycle World) and a high price (Moto.it, Visordown). MCN suffered two failures in a year on its test bike: a water pump seal, then a fuel tap left closed after the repair.
Key quotes
"With the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, you have a machine that can easily tour the country and provide exhilarating performance when the road gets twisty or when the pavement runs out – and there's a good chance that you won't be running into the machine's limit before you hit your own."
"So is this R an over-the-top bike in the end? The answer is yes. No doubt about it."
"A great bike, then, made even better – well done, KTM."
"Just as composed on the road, the KTM really feels like it can confidently hold its head above the sea of adventure bikes as a real trailblazer."
"I love the fact that machines like the 1290 R exist. It's one of the most unapologetic motorcycles I've ever had the pleasure of riding thanks to its 'all-in' 1301cc, 160bhp and 101.7lb.ft torque V-twin."
"So KTM's largest and most powerful Adventure continues to impress as it again raises the off-road bar while remaining a competent road mount."
"The new 1290 SA R becomes more willing to compromise, without denying its true nature."
"This bike is powerful and highly versatile (road + serious off-road) but demanding: tall seat, considerable weight and the lively character of the LC8 V-twin."
Pros
- 160 hp LC8 V-twin, powerful and full of character
- Fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension, 220 mm of travel
- Genuine off-road ability: tubeless 21- and 18-inch spoked wheels, 242 mm ground clearance
- Handling improved by the low-slung 23-litre tank
- Comprehensive, well-integrated electronics (cornering ABS, stability control, cruise control, TPMS)
Cons
- No longer in KTM France’s range
- Tall seat (880 mm) and intimidating size
- Quickshifter, Rally mode and heated grips are optional
- Short screen
- Fiddly switchgear and menus
- Power hard to exploit off-road outside the Offroad map
Our review
Is the 1290 Super Adventure R still on sale?
Not new: among big adventure bikes, KTM France’s Adventure range now only lists the 2026 1390 Super Adventure S, S EVO and R. There was no 2025 model year: the 2024 is the last, and its KTM France page shows a price valid for bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025. Its replacement, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure R, unveiled on 12 December 2024 as a 2025 model, moved to the 2026 model year after production was pushed back to October 2025; KTM France lists it at €21,549.
How much did it cost?
KTM France’s last listed price for the 2024 model year is €22,199 including VAT, excluding registration costs (€21,199 for the 2023). In the United States, KTM sold it for $20,999 plus $750 freight. One version, one livery: white with orange, dark blue and black graphics, orange frame. Optional extras were the Rally Pack (RALLY mode, slip and throttle response adjustment) and the Tech Pack, which adds the Quickshifter+, engine braking control, Hill Hold Control and the adaptive brake light.
What did the 2021-2024 generation change?
Launched in early 2021, it shares the revised chassis of the 1290 Super Adventure S: steering head moved back 15 mm, swingarm 15 mm longer and a three-part 23-litre tank, two sections of which sit on the sides, to lower the centre of gravity. It gets a one-piece seat at 880 mm, a 7-inch TFT screen and keyless ignition. The 2023 model year brought the white livery and Turn-by-Turn+ navigation; the 2024 changes nothing documented.
How good is the engine?
The 1,301 cc 75° LC8 V-twin (108 x 71 mm) moved to Euro 5 in 2021 while losing 1.6 kg, with two separate radiators. KTM claims 160 hp at 9,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 6,500 rpm, without a kW figure. On the dyno, Motorcycle.com measured 139 hp at 8,700 rpm and Cycle World 132.3 hp at the rear wheel. Motorcycle.com scores it 19/20 and MCN calls it an “absolute weapon”; Moto.it finds its power excessive off-road and recommends the Offroad map.
How does it ride?
The fully adjustable 48 mm WP XPLOR upside-down fork and the WP XPLOR PDS shock offer 220 mm of travel, with a standard steering damper. The tubeless 21- and 18-inch spoked wheels wear 90/90-21 and 150/70 ZR18 tyres, and braking combines twin 320 mm discs with radial Brembo calipers and a 267 mm rear disc. KTM quotes 228 kg without fuel, a 1,577 mm wheelbase and 242 mm of ground clearance. Visordown sees its suspension as one of the best setups on the market, Cycle World believes it raises the off-road bar again, and Motorcycle.com notes that the low-slung tank has clearly improved its handling.
What electronics?
Standard: IMU, cornering ABS with Offroad mode, stability control, switchable traction control, Street, Sport, Rain and Offroad modes, non-adaptive cruise control (radar is reserved for the S), KTMconnect connectivity and tyre pressure monitoring. Rally mode, the quickshifter and heated grips are optional, which Moto.it, 1000PS and Visordown regret.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
KTM quoted 5.7 L/100 km in 2021, without specifying the cycle. BikeSocial recorded 46 mpg (about 6.1 L/100 km) and Motorcycle.com around 40 US mpg (about 5.9 L/100 km), giving a range of 375 to 390 km from 23 litres. The 2024 manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months, and a valve clearance check and spark plug replacement every 30,000 km.
Recalls
A European recall (Safety Gate A12/01089/21, July 2021) covered 2021 Super Adventures: the plastic cap of the carbon canister drain hose could melt from exhaust heat, with a fire risk. It does not affect the 2024, and no NHTSA recall is listed for 2021 to 2024.
Who is it for?
A full A licence is required. It is aimed at experienced, rather tall riders who want a big adventure bike capable of real off-roading: Motorcycle.com finds it big, tall and intimidating, Moto Magazine demanding. Against the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally or the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special, it relied on long-travel conventional suspension.
Where does it come from?
The line starts with the 1190 Adventure R (2013-2016), followed by the 2017-2020 1290 Super Adventure R, which took the 1,301 cc engine of the 1290 Super Duke R. The 1390 Super Adventure R that replaces it moves to 1,350 cc with variable cam timing, 173 hp and 145 Nm.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1301 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 160 hp @ 9,000 rpm (KTM 2021 press release; KTM does not publish a kW figure) |
| Torque | 138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight | 228 kg (without fuel, KTM) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.43 |
| Seat height | 880 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 23 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.7 L/100 km (KTM 2021 press release, cycle not specified) — 134 g/km CO2 (KTM 2024 spec sheet) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months — Valves and spark plugs: 30,000 km (KTM 2024 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 75° LC8 V-twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, twin spark, dry sump, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, assist and slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €22,199 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 108 x 71 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 13,1:1 |
| Fuel system | Keihin electronic fuel injection, ride-by-wire, twin spark |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, DLC-coated rocker arms, chain-driven |
| Max power RPM | 9000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Chrome-moly tubular steel trellis frame, aluminium subframe; open die-cast swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25.3 ° |
| Trail | 112.8 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1577 mm |
| Ground clearance | 242 mm |
| Front suspension | 48 mm WP XPLOR upside-down fork with split functions, fully adjustable, 220 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | WP XPLOR PDS monoshock adjustable for preload (knob), rebound and high- and low-speed compression, 220 mm travel (224 mm according to the 2024 manual) |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, Brembo radial four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 267 mm floating disc, twin-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 (Bridgestone Battlax A41 according to the 2024 manual), tubeless spoked wheel |
| Rear tire | 150/70 ZR18 (Bridgestone Battlax A41 according to the 2024 manual), tubeless spoked wheel |
| ABS system | Bosch 9M+ cornering ABS (MSC stability control) with Offroad mode, rear ABS can be disabled |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Street, Sport, Rain, Offroad, Rally (optional) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Quickshifter+ optional (Tech Pack) |
| Cruise control | Yes (Standard cruise control, non-adaptive (radar is reserved for the 1290 Super Adventure S)) |
| Dashboard | 7-inch scratch-resistant colour TFT, tiltable |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth via KTMconnect (Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, music, calls; navigation display optional); storage compartment with USB socket |
| Other features | 6-axis IMU, Lean-sensitive MTC traction control, switchable, with Offroad mode, Bosch MSC stability control, KTM RACE ON keyless ignition with anti-relay attack protection and electronic fuel cap, Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), Full LED lighting with cornering lights and daytime running lights, Automatic indicator reset, Backlit switchgear, WP steering damper, Optional: Rally mode (9 levels of wheel spin), MSR engine braking control, Hill Hold Control, adaptive brake light, heated grips and seat |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Off-road adventure: upright, wide adjustable handlebars, footpegs adjustable in 2 positions |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Short screen adjustable by hand over 55 mm (two knobs), hand guards |
| Max total weight | 450 kg |
The 1290 Super Adventure R offers an off-road adventure riding position, upright, with wide adjustable handlebars and footpegs adjustable in two positions. Its one-piece seat sits at 880 mm: Motorcycle.com finds the bike big, tall and intimidating, Moto Magazine demanding with its tall seat and considerable weight. The three-part tank, two sections of which sit on the sides, lowers the centre of gravity, which makes it easier to handle according to Motorcycle.com. The short screen adjusts by hand over 55 mm with two knobs; Visordown and MCN find it small. Hand guards are standard. BikeSocial finds the indicator switch fiddly and MCN the menus complicated. Maximum permissible weight is 450 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
5.9 to 6.1 L/100 km (converted foreign press readings: Motorcycle.com around 40 US mpg, BikeSocial 46 UK mpg)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~375 to 390 km (calculated: 23 L tank / 5.9 to 6.1 L/100 km recorded by the press; BikeSocial quotes a theoretical 234 miles)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 15,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 30,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 30,000 km |
| Chain | Tension checked at 1,000 km then every 15,000 km or 12 months; chain, rear and front sprockets checked every 15,000 km; lubricated at every service (525 X-Ring chain) |
Warranty
2 years / 2-year manufacturer warranty + 2-year Premium Manufacturer Warranty (4 years in total) for bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025, subject to services in the KTM network
KTM’s 2024 owner’s manual calls for a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 15,000 km or every 12 months (Motorex 10W-50, 3.5 litres), with the air filter replaced at the same interval. Valve clearance is checked and the spark plugs (two per cylinder) are replaced every 30,000 km. Brake and clutch fluids are replaced every 24 months, coolant every 48 months. The 525 X-Ring chain tension is adjusted at 1,000 km then at every service, and the spokes are retightened at 1,000 km and then checked every 15,000 km.
MCN suffered two failures during its year-long test: a water pump seal, then a fuel tap left closed after the repair. For bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025, KTM France grants two years of Premium Manufacturer Warranty on top of the two-year manufacturer warranty, 4 years in total, provided services are carried out in the KTM network; a paid extension is available up to 12 years or 80,000 km.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | €22,199 | 160 hp @ 9,000 rpm (KTM 2021 press release; KTM does not publish a kW figure) | 228 kg (without fuel, KTM) |
| Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer2026 | €23,995 | 150 hp | 261 kg (wet) |
| Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Radar2027 | €29,490 | 170 hp | 240 kg (weighing condition not specified by Ducati) |
| BMW R 1300 GS Adventure2026 | €23,900 | 145 hp | 269 kg (BMW unladen weight, ready to ride) |
| Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports2026 | €18,599 | 102 hp | 243 kg (wet, manual gearbox) |
| Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special2026 | €20,800 | 150 hp | 263 kg (wet) |
Generations
Compare →- 1190 Adventure R2013 – 2016
1,195 cc · 150 hp · 125 Nm · 217 kg (without fuel)
Off-road version of the 1190 Adventure, with an engine derived from the RC8: 21- and 18-inch wheels, 220 mm WP suspension (up from 190), 890 mm seat, 250 mm ground clearance, Bosch ABS and traction control; 150 hp and 125 Nm claimed according to bikesales, 217 kg without fuel according to KTM's manual.
- 1290 Super Adventure R (2017-2020)2017 – 2020
1,301 cc · 160 hp · 140 Nm · 229 kg (without fuel)
1,301 cc engine from the 1290 Super Duke R, 6.5-inch TFT screen, LED headlight with cornering lights, Bosch IMU and MSC, keyless ignition, TPMS; 160 hp and 140 Nm claimed according to MCN, 229.3 kg without fuel according to KTM's manual.
- 1290 Super Adventure R (2021-2024)2021 – 2024
1,301 cc · 160 hp · 138 Nm · 228 kg (without fuel)
Steering head moved back 15 mm, 15 mm longer swingarm, three-part 23-litre tank, 880 mm seat, 220 mm WP XPLOR suspension, Euro 5 engine 1.6 kg lighter, twin radiators, 7-inch TFT screen and optional Rally mode; white livery and Turn-by-Turn+ navigation for 2023.
- 1390 Super Adventure R2026 – today
1,350 cc · 173 hp · 145 Nm · 231 kg (without fuel)
Engine enlarged to 1,350 cc with variable cam timing (CAMSHIFT), 8-inch vertical touchscreen TFT, new bodywork and LED lighting, stiffer frame and reinforced standard skid plate; unveiled as a 2025 model, built from October 2025 as a 2026 model.
Compare with this generation →
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1190 Adventure R2013 – 2016 Off-road version of the 1190 Adventure, with an engine derived from the RC8: 21- and 18-inch wheels, 220 mm WP suspension (up from 190), 890 mm seat, 250 mm ground clearance, Bosch ABS and traction control; 150 hp and 125 Nm claimed according to bikesales, 217 kg without fuel according to KTM's manual. | 1,195 cc | 150 hp | 125 Nm | 217 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Adventure R (2017-2020)2017 – 2020 1,301 cc engine from the 1290 Super Duke R, 6.5-inch TFT screen, LED headlight with cornering lights, Bosch IMU and MSC, keyless ignition, TPMS; 160 hp and 140 Nm claimed according to MCN, 229.3 kg without fuel according to KTM's manual. | 1,301 cc | 160 hp | 140 Nm | 229 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Adventure R (2021-2024)2021 – 2024 Steering head moved back 15 mm, 15 mm longer swingarm, three-part 23-litre tank, 880 mm seat, 220 mm WP XPLOR suspension, Euro 5 engine 1.6 kg lighter, twin radiators, 7-inch TFT screen and optional Rally mode; white livery and Turn-by-Turn+ navigation for 2023. | 1,301 cc | 160 hp | 138 Nm | 228 kg without fuel |
| 1390 Super Adventure R2026 – today Engine enlarged to 1,350 cc with variable cam timing (CAMSHIFT), 8-inch vertical touchscreen TFT, new bodywork and LED lighting, stiffer frame and reinforced standard skid plate; unveiled as a 2025 model, built from October 2025 as a 2026 model. Compare with this generation → | 1,350 cc | 173 hp | 145 Nm | 231 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Plastic cap of the carbon canister drain hose could melt from exhaust heat (possible fuel leak, fire risk), replaced with an aluminium cap. Affects 2021 Super Adventure, S and R models, not the 2024.
Voir le rappel →