KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | Road & Off-Road Long-Term Test

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Thanks for watching! If you would like to read our full review go to: www.advpulse.com/adv-news/ktm-1290-super-adventure-r-review/

[@Xplorer.Adventures]

Now this is called a complete review of the beast. The superb allrounder with outstanding offroad capabilities. Love it.

[@ohenrycooper]

By far the BEST review on the KTM 1290R out! Nice job, love your coverage of every possible important to a motorcycle rider you could think of. You really invested yourself in the motorcycle. You really are making the decision easy for me.

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Thanks so much for your feedback. Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@williamb.6918]

Mine was good until I needed parts. I had 3 months of riding and 9 months of waiting on parts (I had to buy an additional bike or miss an entire riding season). KTM also prioritized building the next model year over making sure the parts supply chain was flush for existing owners.

[@apexslider1]

This. I’m watching this vid with my ‘23 701SM at the dealer for warranty work…after less than 1500 miles. Luckily it’s only been there a week, but some of the parts were ordered the day I picked it up, back in July.

[@skipole09]

Ktm dealer support is tragic. Heard of a lot of these being lemons.

[@codica666]

What an excellent review and what a rare thing these days. Here's a very knowledgeable person who can convey information in a concise, calm way. Someone who can put together whole sentences. In an ocean of terrible reviews and reviewers, rambling about wrong or useless information while using endless streaks of fillers words, this is a shining light. My congratulations to you sir.

[@bdrbound]

damn look at bro’s iphone! still has the circular home button! Dude is still rocking the 6

[@DansADV]

Great review. Nearly 10,000 miles on mine, no issues. Off road capabilities are very surprising.

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Always great to hear from an owner. Thanks for sharing!

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

I have the previous generation 1290 SA/R and it's seriously good at everything. You can commute, tour, and off road on it and it's crazy good. The suspension is, sublime. Truly. It's a little top heavy lifting it off the ground but it's worth it for it's off road prowess. It does need a taller screen for touring but that's a cheap fix. A Seat Concepts seat makes it all day comfortable. The engine is kind of a chore to get to but at least it's straightforward. I think the bike is severely underrated.

[@toddchristensen6949]

This is by far the best review of the ktm1290👍🏻

[@thomaskurek3524]

I just buy mine a few weeks ago 22 model 1290 r , I jumped from 390 adventure to 1290 R, This thing is a beast so comfortable so much power scary at times. Grade review, I like How you say so many good things about this bike. Me stay orange!!!!!

[@Wonambi-_-l]

What is the consumption like?

[@anthonylamarca4095]

Got a chance to ride one of these recently after not riding a bike for close to 10 years. Absolutely blown away by the power. Incredible machine.

[@paul.vanhout57]

A new standard in online reviews. Very impressive riding in terrain I would certainly avoid on a 500+ lb, 160HP adventure bike👍

[@peterhauer6745]

THE best bike review I have ever seen! I’m on the fence on a 24R and this review is exactly what I needed! THANK YOU for your time and effort on this incredible review!

[@gudgengrebe]

That was he best review I’ve ever seen! I don’t know who you are or what you’ve done before, so I had no expectations. Your review was so comprehensive. You’re obviously a highly skilled rider, because you put this wonderful bike through every permutation. I’m here totally by accident because I watched someone using this to fly up a twisty canyon like a rocket, which was fun to watch. So much fun that I researched the bike and then watched a video of someone flying through the bush in SA . His review consisted mostly of him shrieking and laughing and telling us how fast and powerful it was. And now here’s you. I can’t find the words to compliment you enough. I enjoyed listening to you so much because you rode so well and covered everything a rider would want to know. This bike is too expensive, too tall and too heavy for me, but I’d love to ride it through those twisty canyons. Anyway I’m going to look out for your reviews from now on, if I want a reliable opinion about a bike. Thanks so much for this review, I loved it and please give a shout out to whoever filmed this and the sound man/woman who made this video.

[@sinnombre2147]

This was the review that confirmed my decision to trade my R1250GSA on the 2024 KTM 1290 SAR. After five years on the BMW I made the leap and so far have really enjoyed the KTM and have not been disappointed with the switch.

[@officialomar3652]

Do you still enjoying it? What does this thing do better than the BMW?

[@saddlsor]

Quality riding videos, and very impressive. As I'm a more ah, ..."subdued" trail rider, I got a 1250 GSA. I loved my 950 Adventure S, but all 3 of these bikes are exceptionally more capable machines, than I am an offroad rider. As my good friend Clint Eastwood once told me, "A man's GOT to know his limitations." I'm still training, practicing and riding to improve, but as stated by another in the Comments here, "I'm no Chris Birch." Always loved KTM, though, always will. Thanks for the quality review.

[@Terran_tino]

top video BTW, thanks for going to all the trouble to share so much content, really appreciate it!

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Right on! Thank you so much for your feedback!

[@Bikesbikesbikes500]

I have one of these and i love it ( until i drop it!) Great detailed review that taught me things despite already owning the bike

[@christianmouraux7269]

The power of this bike is really addictive! And I love the way it goes of-road, it’s heavy and smooth, gives a lot of confidence! Excellent review, thank you 👍

[@22adv]

Great review. Had no issues with my 1290, embrace the technology, it will work with you, I run a quality front tyre with a HD tube and adjust tyre pressure to suit.

[@M5tworude]

Presented very professionally, thank you

[@CurtisBrandt]

What a detailed and well-illustrated review! By far the most useful commentary I've ever heard on a KTM ADV bike. I haven't ridden an SAR, but I ride with a guy who does, and own an SAS and 890R, and this description of the features and performance really resonates. These are (all) supremely capable bikes and really cause a re-think of what's possible on a giant bike. Thank you!

[@robvange]

OUTSTANDING REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Thank you so much!

[@kjonasson10]

The key takeaway from the video is the take on "proper decision making" ;) Coming from a 2007 990 ADVs (tall suspension) to this beast and I have also ridden the CRF1100 AT quite a bit off road. The 1290SAR is more stable and just 1st gear rocky stuff and easier to maneuver than the 990 and the AT1100. However, when speed picks up (which picks up fast) and you have not set the bike up for a turn, its definitely harder to last second turn it than the 990ADVs due to the 20kg (45lbs) weight difference.

[@davidpearce859]

Great review done by someone who knows the bike and knows how to ride. So frustrating to watch stuff by talking heads who take their info from the ‘catalogue’ and waffle on while they ride through some English village in peak hour traffic. I recently bought a new 2023 model Super Adventure S and like the name, I’m “super” impressed. Mainly used on the road but will probably fit a set of TKC70’s for some easy off road riding when the stock 90/10 Mitas’ need replacing. Love it.

[@digitohl5396]

What a great review! Stellar job!

[@Terran_tino]

so want one! Just test rode one today, loved it!

[@steveaustin1820]

Great review,in the market after selling my 2021 GSA and not impressed with the new 1300...is there any electrical issues on the late 1290 R's?

[@markjones3425]

Great review thanks Best review on this bike very well presented!

[@copajaus001]

Excellent Review. A bike not made for everyone but the best riders out there.

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Ready to race!

[@jetmuchacho]

What an outstanding review! Great to hear from someone who likes to attack. Watching those slow motion shots in the hard clay whoops, and the bike going up the rocky ascent makes me super excited at the thought of getting one of these over my T7. You have to really baby the T7 off-road to keep it on-line and up off the rims lol. Not to mention the excruciating long distance travel shortcomings...

[@harvindersekhon]

Thank you. That is really genuine long term review. Well presented, detailed and meaningful. Congratulations !

[@ADVPulseVideos]

You made our day. Thank you very much!

[@j0hn22]

Really well done review. I can't wait for KTM''s answer to the R1300GS, and even better, what Husqvarna does to that to make my eyes not bleed when I look at it.

[@gimbean4142]

Thank's a lot, that will be simplify my choice for the next big Adventure-Bike!

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Awesome to hear, thanks for watching!

[@csheltn]

I have a 2020 1250GS and a 2022 1290 SAR. Both phenomenal bikes. I have contemplated selling the 1250 because I ride the 1290 the vast majority of the time but the 1250 so good with my wife on the back. She does prefer the 1290 SAR suspension over the 1250 though, she also says I am smoother on the 1290. I had a 890 Adv R which is also a phenomenal bike. Another thing, non of my BMWs have left me stranded, all of my KTMs have and I choose them over the BMWs every single time. I ride for the smile 👍🏻

[@davideg5947]

Loved your review. Very detailed. Thank you!

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@christianmouraux7269]

Excellent review, thank you! 👍

[@Jungleland33]

I suffer from reliability anxiety with anything European.......and i live in Europe. Japanese for me all the way I'm afraid.

[@ronsmith9251]

I just want Japanese reliability with KTM excitement.

[@simonfredriklund]

Ktm has fixed most of their issues at this point.

[@Budschidau]

990 SMT - not a single problem in 12y, 36tkm

[@jeremyclutterbuck4665]

I have a 2015 1190 adventure with 53,000km so far no problems

[@Advcrazy]

The 1290 adventure platform has been around for 9 years now. Everything I’ve read suggests the 1290 platform is pretty well sorted now. I’ve just ordered one!

[@trout_man]

GREAT review!

[@scottmilo3429]

Maybe my next ride...current ride 2013 1190S originally from the worldwide dealer launch in Austria. Now has 130K ridden as much offroad as possible with lots of 2 up simply an amazing bike but like the new features also love big power. My 1190 is a rocket, have also ridden as a demo lead rider many hours on the 1290 engine. 1190 peakier 1290 smoother down low torque....not that it is lacking in the 1190..lol justification can go on forever. I just want one I ride lots and ride fast everyone should have one big smiles

[@degutube]

Nice one! Great review, Jon you’re one of the best reviewers going around. Was that an iPhone 8+ on the bike by chance? I only ask because I still use one. Cheers

[@motoadventure2539]

Thanks for the feedback! You’re 100% correct regarding the phone. My primary phone is a 12 Pro but I save the 8+ for use on these tests because they can be a bit rough and I prefer to not risk the main phone. I’ve found the older one is honestly just as good for nav use, as well as a drone controller.

[@degutube]

@@motoadventure2539 sounds good. My 8+ is still my ‘daily driver’ and going strong. I use it with a quadlock on my bike when I need gps but will keep using it until Apple stops supporting software updates. Cheers

[@dougi1967]

Big Bear to Lucerne Valley! I love that ride and you might've tried the single track to Deep Creek? That would be ballsy.

[@RedRupert64]

Too much praise. Please let us know more about the downsides.

[@Rayk76]

Fantastic review

[@bschoenecker]

Great review!

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Thank you!

[@dougmate2378]

what is the difference between the super adventure R to the S? I'm looking at one of these for riding across the US, i.e. Texas to Barrow trip.

[@scottieray]

The 'R' was no where near me to be found, so I 'settled' for the 'S'. Mine is a '22 with only 10k miles, but reliable so far. Even the 'S' is very capable offroad. One feature I enjoy on my 'S' is just how good the gas mileage is for such a powerful V-Twin. I average in the high 40's in mixed riding and if I'm not so aggressive I have seen low 50's.

[@flatgrindrides]

Great review, thank you

[@SlowishActual]

Where'd you get those silver sub-frame grab handles?

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Those are the KTM Powerparts Side Bag Carrier handles. Part #: 61912920044

[@ashtonmarrero7932]

this is great information and the best review ever! Why isn't anyone doing this for BMW GS 1250 0r 1300? Anyhow, I prefer KTM anyway!

[@lucsergerie1835]

Impressive review that end up me order one :) , what brand of saddle rack it is? i like the minimalist look they have!

[@k_plax]

Nice review, very thorough and I enjoyed the offroad footage. Never ridden one, just sat on one. I dont understand how riders ive spoken to or reviewers never mention the lack of foot space. I dont have the largest feet but found I cant position my foot with the balls of my feet on the pegs because the pillion pegs and exhaust are way too close. Does any 1290 rider find this an issue?

[@williamb.6918]

Yep, common issue. Most of the aftermarket pegs are "dropped" pegs meaning down or down and back. The 1290 is surprisingly cramped in the way it folds up your knees just like the 1090/1190/1290 that came before it. Those aftermarket pegs help a bit, but given all the ergo work they did for the 790 I was surprised to see the 1290 did not receive similar treatment. There are a few other design decisions that led me to a long wait for parts that I am not happy about as well.

[@k_plax]

@@williamb.6918 I imagine would be even more cramped with your pillions feet in the way too

[@williamb.6918]

Yep. I actually did a two up ride with my wife today as the 1290 will be finding a new home shortly (she typically rides her tiger but I figured it would be good to go for a two-up rip before it leaves). It was not too hard to work around, but there are definitely issues with spacing for pillion feet and those of the rider. @@k_plax

[@murraymark8037]

Fantastic review !! Thanks BTW where did you get the grab handles for the bike please ?

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Those are the KTM Powerparts Side Bag Carrier handles. Part #: 61912920044

[@nenadjosic8055]

💥Great review👌🤟 💪

[@2wheeledtraveler814]

Curious where the rear grab handles are from?

[@ADVPulseVideos]

Those are the KTM Powerparts Side Bag Carrier handles. Part #: 61912920044

[@brianmartin4035]

Concerning that the subframe and side stand bolts came loose. Hard to believe actually since I've owned both KTM 950 and now Norden 901 and I find most bolts are extremely tight from the factory. I wonder if this test bike had been disassembled at some point prior to this long term test? Looks like a fantastic bike though!

[@motoadventure2539]

To my knowledge this bike wasn’t disassembled prior to the test, but it’s possible. The symptom is a minor concern that can be lessened with Blue Loctite. I own a KTM 950 and 990 and have experienced the issue on both of those bikes as well, but only under extreme riding conditions (the upper subframe bolts on the 990 actually sheared completely off). These fasteners are some examples of things I prefer to hit with Loctite and periodically check, especially during harder rides.

[@davideg5947]

I have a KTM 890 ADV R. I enjoy the 890 off-road capability for a mid weight adventure motorcycle but I want something more comfortable for long range distances while retaining most of the off-road capabilities. The 1290 seems to be the answer. Thanks

[@DDTripleD]

I’m in the same boat.

[@deanmayke6959]

I’ve had the 1290r in 22’ and went back to the 890r in 23’, but sure miss that motor and thinking I may need to go back may just wait for the new 1390R model that is coming….

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

@@deanmayke6959 has a 1390R model been confirmed for the SAR? I know the Duke is coming...? Thx

[@deanmayke6959]

@@freidrichnietzsche6643 my dealer in Canada has said yes it is coming.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

@@deanmayke6959 that is awesome! Any idea on power numbers?

[@Jamaal_Tuhrik]

Not sure what else you’d wanna about the bike. Very well put together. How’s the wind protection n that lil ass screen??

[@ADVPulseVideos]

It's more effective than the older model but if you are doing a lot of touring you might want to put a taller windscreen.

[@J.king87]

hi, question how long are you ?

[@ADVPulseVideos]

5'11". Rider stats are shown at minute 3:21 👍

[@aarsenalfan]

KTM or R1300 GS ? That would be great comparison ! 👌

[@skipole09]

When the 1190R came out in 2014 and we all saw Chris Birch making it look like a dirt bike, I bought one. Loved that bike..but I ain’t Chris birch..and that ain’t a dirt bike..it’s a full size adv bike and unless you’re an expert, you shouldn’t bite off more than you can chew off road. That said, no real reason most riders should choose this over an 890 or a desert x. Just my opinion.

[@curtissmith8789]

Most may not, but if you're covering thousands of miles much on back roads and major roads you may want that 1190 back. The 890 is a very nice bike, but I don't want to ride it across country.

[@leanit5756]

Impressive bike, just know the switch gear is horribly non-ergonomic, the exhaust interferes with the rider's right heel, and the power is sufficient to be superfluous on dirt, and with the stock or other semi-knobbed tires, enough to make the peak power potentially unusable on asphalt too. Riding one-up, no luggage, the rear tire simply spins up. On dirt, the 890 ADV-R is much better due to its lighter weight, and it has better ergonomics that are enjoyed dirt or asphalt. Both bikes had poor wind management with buffeting and turbulence for me at 5'8". After owning both of the previous bikes, I now have a '24 Tenere 700. I ride mostly dirt, and one-up with no luggage. For this, I prefer the T7 to either of the KTMs... though I do miss the quick-shifters, and the traction control when on intermittent wet and cold clay/grass surfaces.

[@misfitfarm1937]

Man I’ve been looking hard.

[@alexstan5358]

All i see that i am not buying new GS1300 and getting this KTM instead… I am just going to install touring windshield

[@dtrex392]

That’s a cute antique iPhone! 😂

[@ADVPulseVideos]

😂

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Alter Schwede!

[@Ali.g.97]

3:21 that front wheel is bent af

[@MadDog-65]

Why can’t manufacturers just make simple powerful bikes no tech bullshit. Clearly the rider skills are garbage if they need all the tech.

[@Crust2013]

1090R best still....

[@PLRMoto]

All good having the power.. problem is the electrics and how pathetic they are. Bikes off the road more than it’s on it. Unfortunately the unreliability of the bike is a missive off put to anyone think g about buying one. Unless you’re thinking about a dirt bike.. stay away from KTM!!

[@superdukerandy]

I've owned 12 KTM's over the years. Minor problems at most. Compare to my old R1 that had to have the cases split under warranty.

[@Crust2013]

Shit knowledge .

[@ktmtravels3727]

Ditto here, 9 and counting, no issues (but tons of fun)