KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: 160 hp adventure bike, 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin, standard radar cruise, 227 kg without fuel, no longer sold new. Specs and reviews.
At a glance
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is KTM's road-biased big adventure bike: a 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin with 160 hp and 138 Nm, WP semi-active suspension and radar adaptive cruise control as standard, a world first when it launched in 2021. It is no longer in KTM France's range, which replaced it in 2025 with the 1390 Super Adventure S and S EVO; this page covers its last model year, 2024, last listed by KTM France at €21,749. Reviewers praise its engine, stability and equipment, but criticise a firm seat, an imposing size and paid-for options such as the quickshifter and heated grips.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
Review of the 2021 generation: engine and ride rated 5/5, effective radar; against the BMW R 1250 GS, stiff chassis, fairly wild engine and uncompromising seat for long days.
Among the very best adventure bikes: astonishing handling, semi-active suspension, full equipment and genuine off-road ability; slim seat and looks too close to the old model.
Very clever and well-priced bike with an engaging engine and outstanding semi-active suspension; uncomfortable seat, clunky quickshifter, cramped switchgear and a few teething gremlins (warning light, seat dropping to its low position).
Long-term test: outstanding engine, cutting-edge electronics and a genuine all-round tourer; very tall for shorter riders, heated grips optional, reliability doubts.
Top-Test: quicker (0-100 km/h in 3.3 s) and stops shorter than its predecessor, convincing radar; rough low-down engine, vibrations, wide tank flanks and a fork that is uncomfortable on the motorway.
Exceptional machine, torquey engine and handling that hides the bike's size; imposing to manoeuvre and an overwhelming number of electronic settings that will put some off.
Pre-production test: sharper, more practical and more comfortable than the previous generation, convincing brakes and anti-dive; slightly slow steering.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review covers the 2024 model year, which brings no documented change: the seven reviews used here all cover the same generation (2021-2024), from a pre-production bike in January 2021 to a long-term test published in 2023. The meta score of 84/100 is the average of the two numerical scores for this generation: 4/5 from MCN and 4.4/5 from Autotrader. BikeSocial, Visordown, MOTORRAD, Cycle News and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a numerical score. MCN breaks its score down as 5/5 for the engine and ride, 4/5 for reliability, value and equipment; Autotrader gives 5/5 for performance, handling, practicality and equipment, and 4/5 for riding position, design, running costs and reliability.
What reviewers like: the LC8 twin, rated 5/5 by MCN, “a hoot” for BikeSocial and “an absolute joy” for Visordown, with performance measured by MOTORRAD (0-100 km/h in 3.3 s) improving on its predecessor. The revised chassis impresses: Autotrader talks of astonishing handling, Cycle News of agility that hides the bike’s size, Le Repaire des Motards of a sharper, more practical and more comfortable bike than the old one. The WP semi-active suspension (BikeSocial, Autotrader) and radar cruise control (MCN, Visordown, MOTORRAD, Cycle News) win unanimous praise, as does the extensive equipment.
What they criticise: a seat that is not comfortable enough for long days (MCN, BikeSocial, Autotrader), a tall and imposing bike (Visordown, Cycle News), paid-for extras such as the quickshifter and heated grips (BikeSocial, Visordown), a clunky quickshifter (BikeSocial), an engine that is rough low down and buzzy high up, wide tank flanks and a fork that is uncomfortable on the motorway (MOTORRAD), and slightly slow steering (Le Repaire des Motards). MCN, which preferred the BMW R 1250 GS in a twin test, and Visordown also raise reliability concerns, and BikeSocial suffered a few teething gremlins on its test bike.
Key quotes
"A stiff chassis, fairly wild motor and uncompromising seat mean that you don’t want to spend too long on the S, and while the WP suspension’s tech is impressive, dash stunning and the radar cruise control very good, that’s no use if you have to stop every 150 miles to ward off aches and pains."
"With 160bhp, the latest tech now including radar-guided cruise control and semi-active suspension on top of an already brilliant technology package not to mention astonishing road and off-road ability, the 1290 Super Adventure S is right up there with the very best of ‘adventure’ bikes."
"The incredibly engaging and smooth engine is a hoot."
"Overall, the engine is an absolute joy to work with. The ride feel is outstanding, the tech is next-level, and it certainly has that attitude that is oh-so-common with KTM machinery."
"Just like the Terminator, the "Enduronator" is the tough type: less a touring bike than a hard-charging big adventure bike."
"The 1290 Super Adventure S is an exceptional machine from KTM but it’s not for everyone."
"On this first contact, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S proved to be an even sharper long-distance runner than its predecessor, as well as a much more practical and downright more comfortable machine for everyday riding."
Pros
- Torquey, characterful 160 hp LC8 twin
- Stable, precise chassis for a big adventure bike
- WP semi-active suspension adjustable on the fly
- Radar adaptive cruise control as standard
- Low-slung 23-litre tank and a range of around 400 km
- Comprehensive electronics (cornering ABS, stability control, keyless ignition, TPMS)
Cons
- No longer in KTM France’s range
- Firm seat for long days
- Tall and heavy: 247 kg fully fuelled as weighed by MOTORRAD
- Quickshifter, heated grips and Rally mode are optional
- Rough at very low revs and buzzy at high revs
- Reliability concerns raised by MCN and Visordown
Our review
Is the 1290 Super Adventure S still on sale?
Not new: in the big adventure class, KTM France’s Adventure range now only lists the 1390 Super Adventure S, S EVO and R (2026 model year). There is no 2025 model year of the 1290 Super Adventure S, so the 2024 is the last one. Its page is still live on KTM France’s website, with a warranty note covering bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025. KTM unveiled its replacement, the 1390 Super Adventure S EVO, on 22 October 2024, followed two days later by a manual-gearbox 1390 Super Adventure S, with dealer deliveries from early 2025 (ADV Pulse, 1000PS). This page covers the 2024 model year.
How much did it cost?
The last price listed by KTM France for the 2024 model year is €21,749 including VAT, before registration costs; the 2023 model year was listed at €20,665. In the US it sold for $20,999 (plus $750 freight), in the UK for £17,499. Two colours were offered: orange (orange and black livery, orange frame) and grey (grey and white livery with orange accents). Quickshifter+, Rally mode, engine-braking control, hill hold control and the Suspension Pro pack were all optional. For comparison, KTM France now sells the 1390 Super Adventure S for €21,149 and the S EVO for €23,149.
What did the 2021-2024 generation change?
Unveiled at the end of January 2021, this third generation kept only the wheels, brakes and a handful of bolts from its predecessor, according to MCN. The chromoly trellis frame is shorter (steering head moved back 15 mm), the engine is tilted 2° further forward and the swingarm is 15 mm longer. The 23-litre tank is split into three sections, two of them low on the flanks, to lower the centre of gravity. It also gained a 7-inch TFT screen, keyless ignition with an electronic fuel cap and, above all, Bosch radar adaptive cruise control: BikeSocial called it the first bike in the world with radar-assisted kit as standard. The 2023 model year brought two new colours and Turn-by-Turn+ navigation (Visordown). The 2024 brings no documented change: KTM illustrates it with 2023 photos and the same colours, and only lists lower CO2 emissions (125 g/km instead of 134).
How good is the engine?
The 1,301 cc 75° LC8 V-twin (108 x 71 mm, 13.1:1 compression), a close relative of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R unit, went Euro 5 in 2021 and lost 1.6 kg (thinner cases, new pistons, according to Visordown), gaining two separate radiators and a twin-catalyst exhaust. KTM claims 160 hp (118 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 6,500 rpm; German magazine MOTORRAD measured 158 hp at 9,200 rpm on its dyno and 3.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. MCN rates the engine 5/5, and BikeSocial and Visordown call it the bike’s highlight. MOTORRAD, however, finds it rough below 2,500 rpm in the top gears and buzzy above 5,000 rpm. Offroad mode limits power to 100 hp (BikeSocial).
How does it handle?
The 48 mm WP upside-down fork and WP shock are semi-active (200 mm of travel), with electronically adjusted rear preload and a standard WP steering damper. Braking relies on twin 320 mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial calipers and a 267 mm rear disc; the Mitas Terra Force-R tyres are 120/70 ZR19 and 170/60 ZR17. KTM quotes 227 kg without fuel, a 1,557 mm wheelbase, 223 mm of ground clearance, a 65.3° steering head angle (24.7° of rake) and 109.2 mm of trail. MOTORRAD weighed it at 247 kg fully fuelled and stopped it from 100 km/h in 41.1 m, 2.7 m shorter than its predecessor. Autotrader praises astonishing handling for such a tall bike, MCN its stability and Cycle News an agility that hides its size. MOTORRAD criticises Mitas tyres that need a firm hand to turn in and a fork that struggles over motorway expansion joints.
What electronics does it have?
Standard: 6-axis IMU, Bosch combined ABS with cornering function and Offroad mode, MSC stability control, lean-sensitive traction control, Street, Sport, Rain and Offroad modes, radar adaptive cruise control, tilting TFT screen, keyless ignition, tyre pressure monitoring, LED cornering lights and self-cancelling indicators. Optional: Rally mode, Quickshifter+, engine-braking control, hill hold control, anti-dive and extra suspension modes, heated grips and seat. BikeSocial and Visordown regret that heated grips and the quickshifter are not standard at this price.
What about fuel consumption and servicing?
KTM claimed 5.7 L/100 km for the 2021 model year and only lists 125 g/km of CO2 for the 2024. Real-world figures agree: 5.4 L/100 km on country roads for MOTORRAD, 49 mpg (about 5.8 L/100 km) for BikeSocial and 50 to 53 mpg (5.3 to 5.6 L/100 km) for Visordown. With 23 litres, that means a range of around 400 km. The 2024 owner’s manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months, with valve clearance checks and spark plug replacement every 30,000 km, tank removed.
Have there been any recalls?
One European recall is listed for this generation: in July 2021 (Safety Gate A12/01089/21), the plastic cap on the carbon canister drain hose of 2021 Super Adventure models could melt from exhaust heat, creating a fire risk. It does not cover the 2024 model year, and no NHTSA recall is listed for the 2022 to 2024 US models.
Who is it for?
A full A licence is required: there is no A2 version. It suits experienced riders who cover long distances at a brisk pace, ideally tall ones: Visordown finds it perfect for a 6’3" rider but tricky for anyone under 6’, and Cycle News says it is not for everyone. Against the BMW R 1300 GS and the Ducati Multistrada V4, it bet on power, standard radar and genuine dirt-road ability.
Where does it come from?
KTM entered the big adventure market in 2003 with the 950 Adventure (MCN). The 2013 1190 Adventure (1,195 cc, 150 hp) was followed in 2015 by the 1290 Super Adventure, which borrowed the 1290 Super Duke R engine with 160 hp, semi-active suspension and a 30-litre tank. In 2017 the range split into the S (road-biased, 19- and 17-inch cast wheels), the R (off-road) and the T. The 2017-2020 1290 Super Adventure S claimed 160 hp and 140 Nm, with a 6.5-inch TFT screen and keyless ignition.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1301 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 160 hp (118 kW) @ 9,000 rpm (KTM spec sheet; 158 hp @ 9,200 rpm measured by MOTORRAD) |
| Torque | 138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight | 227 kg (without fuel, KTM); about 220 kg dry (2021 spec sheet); 247 kg fully fuelled (weighed by MOTORRAD) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.42 |
| Seat height | 849 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 23 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.7 L/100 km — 134 g/km CO2 (KTM 2021 spec sheet); KTM lists 125 g/km CO2 for the 2024 model year |
| 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, PASC slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €21,749 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 108 x 71 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 13,1:1 |
| Fuel system | Keihin electronic fuel injection, 52 mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire, twin spark ignition |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, DLC-coated cam followers, 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 | Chromoly steel tubular trellis frame, aluminium rear subframe; die-cast swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 24.7 ° |
| Trail | 109.2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1557 mm |
| Ground clearance | 223 mm |
| Front suspension | 48 mm WP semi-active (SAT) upside-down fork, 200 mm travel (optional anti-dive function) |
| Rear suspension | WP semi-active (SAT) monoshock, electronically adjusted preload, 200 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, Brembo four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | 267 mm floating disc, Brembo two-piston fixed caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR19 (Mitas Terra Force-R), jante coulée 3,50 x 19 |
| Rear tire | 170/60 ZR17 (Mitas Terra Force-R), jante coulée 5,00 x 17 |
| ABS system | Bosch 10.3 ME combined ABS with cornering ABS and Offroad mode, switchable; MSC stability control |
Performance
| 0 to 100 km/h | 3.3 s |
|---|---|
| Braking distance (100-0) | 41.1 m |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Street, Sport, Rain, Offroad, Rally (optional) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional two-way Quickshifter+ |
| Cruise control | Yes (Bosch radar adaptive cruise control (ACC) as standard, active from 30 to 150 km/h, 5 time gaps from 0.9 to 2 seconds) |
| Dashboard | 7-inch scratch-resistant colour TFT, tilt-adjustable |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth via the KTMconnect kit (Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, music, calls; some functions optional); storage compartment with USB socket |
| Other features | 6-axis IMU, Lean-sensitive MTC traction control, switchable, Bosch MSC stability control, WP semi-active suspension (Comfort, Street and Sport modes; Auto, Offroad and Advanced optional), KTM RACE ON keyless ignition with anti-relay-attack protection and electronic fuel cap, Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), LED headlight with cornering lights and daytime running lights, Automatic indicator reset, Backlit switchgear, WP steering damper, Optional: MSR engine-braking control, hill hold control, anti-dive, heated grips and seat |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Road-biased adventure: upright, wide adjustable handlebar, footpegs adjustable in 2 positions |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Good |
| Wind protection | Windscreen adjustable by hand over 55 mm (two knobs), handguards |
| Max total weight | 460 kg |
The 1290 Super Adventure S offers an upright adventure-touring riding position, with a seat that switches between two heights without tools, 849 and 869 mm according to KTM (the 2024 owner’s manual gives 845 and 865 mm unladen, and MOTORRAD measured 855 and 875 mm). The aluminium handlebar is adjustable, the footpegs can be moved 10 mm back and up, and the screen adjusts by hand over 55 mm with two side knobs; Cycle News regrets that it cannot be adjusted on the move. Handguards are standard.
The three-part tank lowers the centre of gravity and frees up space in front of the rider, but MOTORRAD finds its flanks too wide at the knees. The seat is the most criticised point: less padded than the BMW R 1250 GS’s for MCN, uncomfortable after 190 miles for BikeSocial, too slim for Autotrader. BikeSocial also found the seat-to-peg distance short for a 6ft rider. Visordown finds it perfect for a 6’3" rider but tricky for shorter ones. The passenger is well looked after, with well-placed grab handles according to MOTORRAD. The maximum permissible total weight is 460 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
5.3 to 5.8 L/100 km (MOTORRAD: 5.4 on country roads; BikeSocial: 49 mpg, ~5.8; Visordown: 50-53 mpg, ~5.3-5.6)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~400 to 425 km (calculated: 23 L tank / 5.4 to 5.8 L/100 km recorded by MOTORRAD and BikeSocial)
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 at every service (15,000 km or 12 months); chain, rear and front sprockets checked every 15,000 km (525 X-Ring chain) |
Average service cost
Not published in France; MCN estimates annual servicing at £270 in the UK
KTM’s 2024 owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 15,000 km or every 12 months, with the air filter replaced at the same interval. Valve clearances are checked and the spark plugs (two per cylinder) replaced every 30,000 km, with the tank removed; its 1390 successor pushes the valve check to 60,000 km according to ADV Pulse. Brake and clutch fluids are changed every 24 months, coolant every 48 months, and the radar sensor alignment is checked at every service.
On reliability, MCN gives 4/5 but reports owner reviews mentioning electrical and mechanical problems on 1290 models, and suggests considering an extended warranty. Visordown mentions rumours of patchy reliability, and BikeSocial saw a preload adjuster warning light come on twice on its test bike. For bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025, KTM France offers a Premium Manufacturer Warranty of up to 4 years, provided services are carried out in the KTM network. Tyres, the 525 X-Ring chain and brake pads are the main wear items, and Autotrader points out that chain drive costs more to maintain than the shaft drive of the BMW R 1250 GS.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | €21,749 | 160 hp (118 kW) @ 9,000 rpm (KTM spec sheet; 158 hp @ 9,200 rpm measured by MOTORRAD) | 227 kg (without fuel, KTM); about 220 kg dry (2021 spec sheet); 247 kg fully fuelled (weighed by MOTORRAD) |
| KTM 1390 Super Adventure S2026 | €21,149 | 173 hp | 227 kg (without fuel) |
| BMW R 1300 GS2026 | €21,300 | 145 hp | 237 kg (wet, tank 90% full) |
| Ducati Multistrada V42027 | €21,590 | 170 hp | 229 kg (kerb weight without fuel) |
| Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro2026 | €21,595 | 150 hp | 245 kg (wet) |
| Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special2026 | €20,800 | 150 hp | 263 kg (in running order) |
Generations
- 1190 Adventure2013 – 2016
1,195 cc · 150 hp · 125 Nm · 212 kg (without fuel)
1,195 cc LC8 V-twin (105 x 69 mm), Bosch combined ABS and traction control, WP EDS electronically adjustable suspension depending on version, 23-litre tank.
- 1290 Super Adventure2015 – 2016
1,301 cc · 160 hp · 140 Nm · 229 kg (without fuel)
1,301 cc engine from the 1290 Super Duke R, WP semi-active suspension, MSC stability control, cruise control, LED headlight with cornering lights and a 30-litre tank.
- 1290 Super Adventure S (2017-2020)2017 – 2020
1,301 cc · 160 hp · 140 Nm · 226 kg (without fuel)
Range split into S, R and T: the road-biased S gets 19- and 17-inch cast wheels, a 23-litre tank, a Euro 4 engine, a 6.5-inch TFT screen and keyless ignition (226.4 kg without fuel).
- 1290 Super Adventure S (2021-2024)2021 – 2024
1,301 cc · 160 hp · 138 Nm · 227 kg (without fuel)
Shorter frame (steering head moved back 15 mm), 15 mm longer swingarm, three-part 23-litre tank, Euro 5 engine, 7-inch TFT screen and standard radar adaptive cruise control; new colours and Turn-by-Turn+ navigation for 2023.
- 1390 Super Adventure S EVO2025 – today
1,350 cc · 173 hp · 145 Nm · 227 kg (without fuel)
Engine enlarged to 1,350 cc with variable cam timing, AMT automated gearbox, 8-inch vertical touchscreen TFT and standard radar; a 1390 Super Adventure S with a manual gearbox is offered alongside.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1190 Adventure2013 – 2016 1,195 cc LC8 V-twin (105 x 69 mm), Bosch combined ABS and traction control, WP EDS electronically adjustable suspension depending on version, 23-litre tank. | 1,195 cc | 150 hp | 125 Nm | 212 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Adventure2015 – 2016 1,301 cc engine from the 1290 Super Duke R, WP semi-active suspension, MSC stability control, cruise control, LED headlight with cornering lights and a 30-litre tank. | 1,301 cc | 160 hp | 140 Nm | 229 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Adventure S (2017-2020)2017 – 2020 Range split into S, R and T: the road-biased S gets 19- and 17-inch cast wheels, a 23-litre tank, a Euro 4 engine, a 6.5-inch TFT screen and keyless ignition (226.4 kg without fuel). | 1,301 cc | 160 hp | 140 Nm | 226 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Adventure S (2021-2024)2021 – 2024 Shorter frame (steering head moved back 15 mm), 15 mm longer swingarm, three-part 23-litre tank, Euro 5 engine, 7-inch TFT screen and standard radar adaptive cruise control; new colours and Turn-by-Turn+ navigation for 2023. | 1,301 cc | 160 hp | 138 Nm | 227 kg without fuel |
| 1390 Super Adventure S EVO2025 – today Engine enlarged to 1,350 cc with variable cam timing, AMT automated gearbox, 8-inch vertical touchscreen TFT and standard radar; a 1390 Super Adventure S with a manual gearbox is offered alongside. | 1,350 cc | 173 hp | 145 Nm | 227 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Plastic cap on the carbon canister drain hose may melt from exhaust heat (possible fuel leak, fire risk). Concerns the 2021 model year Super Adventure, S and R, not the 2024.
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