KTM 1290 Super Adventure 5,000 Mile Update

[@dgravatt]

Great update! I'm about a thousand miles behind you and the only issue I had was the fuel gauge stuck once for a few hundred miles. I did the canister removal so I could fit the tool kit under the seat and while the bike was apart I also did the SAS removal and installed the Rottweiler fuel dongles which fixed the slight low speed choppiness. Still love the Cali Sci Windscreen

[@2WR]

Thanks! I'm still messing around with the idea of Rottweiler airbox, SAS removal/fuel dongle kit...we'll see. By the time this video went up, I was over 6k yesterday but nothing new to report. I've been keeping the tool kit in the top case but I'd love to be able to put I under the seat. I'll have to look into the canister removal. Thanks for commenting and enjoy your bike!

[@sfcmathews32]

Nice update. I had the same problem with my gas gauge, left College Station for Arlington, TX, went through Cleburne to see my wife on the way, got to Cleburn and noticed my fuel gauge was still nearly full. After 149 miles. I had about 2K miles on the bike at the time. Went to the KTM dealer in Arlington where I bought the bike and they didn't change out the fuel sending unit, they bored it out a little bit so that the float would move more freely in the housing. Took them about 20 minutes and I was on my way. When I first got the bike, I was having some intermittent error messages on the display. I called the dealer and they suggested loosening then re-tightening the battery cables and that fixed the problem. I like the Conti tires too, they've been dependable and they're good in all weather conditions.

[@2WR]

Thanks Ray. Glad to hear you're enjoying your bike as well.

[@sfcmathews32]

Like it? On any given day I'd rather be on it than in a car; 105 degrees or 35 degrees, rain or shine. I love my 1290 SA.

[@tmark1301cc]

Thanks, looking forward to more 1290SA focused material. Fuel gauge, I would not be completely surprised if your second doesn't get stuck as well because the true fix is to shave the float from what I understand. Mine sticks occasionally, I will probably never do anything about it as it does not really bother me; what really is annoying to me is that the tank range displays in kilometers instead of miles. Safe travels to you, Kristen, and Noah this summer.

[@2WR]

Tod... you're probably right about the float (screw you EPA and you're name ethanal fuel). I've actually got my range to change over to miles instead of km. Text or call me when you have time and I'll walk you through it.

[@chouinard4485]

2 Wheeled Rider can you explain the process for switching this over to miles

[@PhantomRides]

Nice update bro.. Solid machine!

[@2WR]

Thanks buddy!

[@TrevorVera]

headlight upgrade is a must I did it, turned out awesome, also I'm with you on the exhaust, I ended up cutting out one of the pipes a d sounds better

[@2WR]

Glad to hear it turned out well for you! I'm loving the LEDs.

[@BigBadWolfMoto]

The KTM SA looks sweet even stock! Why mess with a perfect thing? LOL! I agree. Minor aesthetic mods, a few useful tools (GPS etc) and the rest of the $$$ for travel, experiences, memories! Ride safe and enjoy brother!!!

[@2WR]

That's the way I feel! I'm enjoying riding it like it is and seeing so many cool places.

[@cmmoto]

can't wait to see vids from that trip …6000 miles 2 weeks wow

[@2WR]

CM MOTO...you can me both. I can't freaking wait!

[@louiszc999]

Love your reviews!! Subscribed

[@2WR]

Thanks!

[@gustwowheeling7337]

Excellent review, nice bike. Motel 6 will leave the light on for you. Might even be LED bulbs....lol.

[@2WR]

HAHA! Thanks Gus! Been a few years since I've stayed at a Motel 6 but I do like me some Tom Bodett!

[@douglascassetty6553]

Just Sub now. I tour. Was at Hootenanny this year. Great time. Looking for another bike. I like the Yamaha Super Tenere do to the Drive shaft over the chain. Off/on road rider. But age is keeping me on road more then off. Skid plate a bike saver even on road.

[@2WR]

Thanks for subbing, Douglas! Coming from an FJR1300, I was skeptical of going to chain drive for a touring bike but honestly, it hasn't been near the nuisance I thought it would be. That said, the Super T is a great bike.

[@jordanguzman7768]

I have the same bike and been very impressed with it overall. Just got back from a trip to Big Bend in Tx and had a great time. My only complaint is the lights like you mentioned, I just don't like how you can't see them at all when I watched someone else ride my bike. I bought the cyclops LED lights and they sent me two sets by mistakes. If you want one send me a message and I'll send them to you for free. It'd be great if you could do an install video, because I need some help and I don't want to go to a dealership.

[@2WR]

Sproose Goose, glad you're enjoying the bike! We just got back from a 624 mile weekend and had a blast! I'll shoot you a PM about that lighting kit. I'd be happy to do an install video.

[@2WR]

Actually it doesn't look like your account is set up to receive messages. PM me or email me at [e-mail]

[@jordanguzman7768]

Sent you an email

[@daringries]

I woud've definitely bought the exhaust before the skid plate if I wasn't going to ride offroad.

[@2WR]

Well, this was 23,000 miles ago as the bike currently has 28k on it. I'm still running the factory exhaust with no plans to change. I'd estimate over the 28K, about 1,500 have been off road.

[@derrickmurphy9874]

I love the ktm 1290 I have a Yamaha super tenere a couple of yrs now and put around 20 thousand miles on it and it hasn't.missed a beat yet, love it.Problem is I have looked lately at a 1290 and I know the extra power would put a grin on my face.Shit do I stick with what I have which is totally reliable or go for total fun but always waiting or thinking something might happen it???

[@2WR]

I've put over 30,000 miles on mine in a little over 2 years with no issues other than a sticking fuel float.

[@derrickmurphy9874]

@@2WR I never had a sticking fuel float on any motorcycle. Strange on a motorcycle that is being used I wonder is it a problem with fuel at the gas station??

[@2WR]

Yes and no. The fuel is causing it but not from any particular place. I made a video about it. It's a simple fix but something many have had trouble with. The float is an Italian piece with a tolerance that's too close.

[@MarkusBBT]

Hi, if you are looking for a very good exhaust, then maybe the BOS Dessert Fox could be the right one. I drove this exhaust on my 1290SA about 15k and I love the sound of my maschine but also the very good quality. Markus

[@2WR]

Hi Markus, I'm planning on sticking with the stock exhaust.

[@e.simons6964]

I do enjoy your insight of this bike. I do have a question regarding the windscreen..Are/do you have any plans on changing out the windscreen? I find the factory screen to be a bit too hard to look at. I'd much prefer a smooth featured screen that does not have the "thick" sections up thru it. I've seen others that are far more better both functionally and aesthetically. A differently do for that far-west trip. Also, I'd add some LED lights for vision sakes!

[@2WR]

I'm not sure yet. I agree it's not the prettiest thing but functionally for me it works great. The LED light kit is on the way! Assuming it arrives by the weekend, an install video should be posted next week sometime.

[@craigwiddison4118]

Just my $.02 but I just put on a Puig wind screen. It’s not any better then the stock one. If I know that, I would not have got it. Probably just stayed with the original.

[@RidinCountry]

Hate that when battery is dead!! Good luck on the big trip! You going to the Hoot in NC??

[@2WR]

My stupid mistake. I am planning to get down to the Hoot. I'm riding about a 2,000 mile trip the days leading up to it but am still planning to ride down over the weekend.

[@nic8376]

1290 Super Adventure has a safety flaw in its design, the motorcycle has a major safety problem. I bought mine six month ago and since day one I have been experiencing head wobble at speed ranging from 100 to 120 mph. I contacted the dealer and they said “there is a software upgrade regarding the head wobble” I took the motorcycle to the dealer, after the software upgrade I discovered that the four setting for the damping is not working any more there is not difference in the performance between sports, street, comfort or off-road. Show less

[@parthiparthi4224]

How about the heat coming to the rider from the engine and radiator?

[@2WR]

?

[@johnhyry7772]

My 2016 1290SA shifting gets very notchy feeling on warm days when oil temp exceeds 200 degrees. Purchased this year and have 3,200mi. Shifting used to be smooth as butter and never feels that good now. Dealer prepped the new bike with full synthetic which surprised me. Dealer did checkup based on my complaint and made report to KTM in the event of future warranty claim. Any thoughts from your 1290 experience? Thanks and enjoy your videos!

[@2WR]

+John Hyry what weight and brand did they use? Since the first change I’ve been running Motorex 4T 20-60 synthetic. Bike (17k miles) still shifts smooth and runs cooler (the bike). And thx for the kind words.

[@Nexus-6]

Great information, thanks! I have a couple of questions. I currently ride a 2007 Suzuki V-Strom 1000. I popped into my local KTM dealer yesterday, here in northern British Columbia, Canada, since they have a demo 2016 Superduke 1290 GT. I sat on the GT and jesus, the seat on that thing is a hard slab, and I noticed how small the windshield is. How did you find the seat and the wind protection on the GT vs your Super Adventure? I sat on the Adventure and the seat seems way nicer and more like my V-Strom. How would you compare the performance and handling between the GT and Super Adventure?

[@2WR]

The SA has a much more comfortable seat and much more wind protection not to mention more comfortable overall ergos than the GT. Performance-wise the GT is quicker and handles better since it makes about 13 more hp and weighs about 100lbs less. That said, the SA handles extremely well and with 160hp, it's not exactly slow. Since my purposes for the bike were very touring heavy and a lot of two-up touring the SA was the answer. Hope that helps a little.

[@Nexus-6]

Thanks for the reply. Really enjoying your channel and videos. I hope your channel grows, you deserve more subscribers.

[@2WR]

Thanks holymolie!

[@marcpermentier6730]

Hi, Ihave the2017model and have .some smalli isues First:I have the feeling iff I put the6gear in at 95 km/h it feels to slow but no momentum iff I drive in 5the gear its is not given that relaxing driving for me. to high rpm Isthere a solution to help with this problem? Than the tirés, want to have some more 70/30 tyres on them becourse the scorpions ´dont give me that good comfort,theyare to hard .Some suggestions on both issues I have with my 1290T? Thanx Marc

[@2WR]

Anything under 60mph (approx 95km) I’m in fifth gear. If you want it geared lower you’ll have to change the gearing. Keep in mind most street bikes are geared tall to run a lower rpm to pass emissions. Can’t help ya on the tires with a 70/430 but the TKC70 is a good 60/40.

[@stephenpatton8690]

Are we back in the garage back in the garage back in the garage back in the garage? Jesus.

[@2WR]

I'm guessing that's a rhetorical question. As for Jesus, he occasionally chimes into the comment section.

[@stephenpatton8690]

@@2WR OK. That was good. Question, on my 2018 1290 sas, I now have 2k miles after a HARD break in. I did the 620 mile service (well, the dealer did). The oil is looking dark. Should I change it again? 10/40 synthetic moto 4t that the manual calls for if so?

[@2WR]

Stephen, it wouldn't hurt to change it. Personally I've been running the Motorex KTM Racing 4T (synthetic) 20w60 oil. We did some testing with it in both race (dirt) bikes and the 1290 engines. The heavier oil does a great job of displacing more heat allowing the bike to run around 8 degrees cooler. Probably the most extreme I've put mine through was riding through Death Valley when it was 121 outside. I usually change mine at around 8-9k (depending on trips) and the oil still looks very good. The one big downside is the price. It's kinda expensive. The service manual on my bike calls for 5w40 or 10w50 so it's possible the S model calls for something a little different. Any good quality synthetic should be fine but I've had good luck out of the Motorex products.

[@stephenpatton8690]

@@2WR Thank you!

[@northerniltree]

I've been riding a Kawasaki 125 2-stroke enduro for years, and want to upgrade to this. But I'm worried it will be one non- stop wheelie?

[@2WR]

Apples and Oranges. While this bike makes 7-8 times the power your Kawi makes, it also weighs more than twice as much. Really need to ride one to decide.

[@e.simons6964]

I think I'd fine a new video system that plays utilizing a common battery type. Spend the extra $ and have less drama in your life!

[@2WR]

I have a love/hate relationship with GoPro. Aside from the battery issue (it's my fault for "misplacing" my spare), I've got the Hero 5 sorted out pretty well lately. I'd love to see Canon get into the action camera business. I'd be the first in line.

[@dcmsr5141]

I hear that KTM is not giving Warranty to the electronics package. Is your warranty starting such?

[@2WR]

If you actually read the warranty (available for download on KTM’s website) you’d see CycleCruza is full of 💩

[@dcmsr5141]

2 Wheeled Rider thanks for the quick update. This bike has moved into the buy column.

[@daringries]

Does the KTM not have an accessory wire for GPS?

[@2WR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWG5kqFup9OJZ8U

[@e.simons6964]

Oh yeah! I did see this one! Never mind...

[@2WR]

no worries

[@andreybelous9880]

Do you have HHC on 1290SA?

[@2WR]

Nah. Never got it activated

[@TexRider]

yup save that money for gas way more fun Take care

[@slipthegreyhound]

sold my 2016 1290 SA after just 6 months! too many issues. The hand grips are really small, and I don't have large hands. I also had the suspension front fork knock but dealers not interested, along with really bad handle bar wobble at 45mph. For a £13000 bike not good.Going back to my 2005 R1200gs which i luckily hung on to. The suspension on my 'old' GS is far superior to the fancy electronic suspension on the KTM. 😢

[@2WR]

Sorry to hear that. Mine's still going strong with over 18k and a 10+k trip coming up next month. We'll see how it's doing at the 30k mark.

[@slipthegreyhound]

Doesn't yours suffer with any of the issues I've mentioned? How do you find the handgrips? The backs of my thumbs rubbed on the heated grip cable, which made them sore. There was no mod I could do. Look forward to your next trip. 10k! Wow!! 👍👍

[@2WR]

Nope. As for the grips they're a bit on the narrow side but not enough to bother me. A friend of mine just put some Grip Puppies on this that he likes.

[@slipthegreyhound]

Ah well must have had a rogue one. Anyway Mario keep up the travel vlogs I really enjoy them. Take care. Ride safe 👍👍

[@sostareci]

KTM has a problem with that fuel gauge for several years. That really sucks and shows that company just does not give a shit. Can't happen on 18.000 dollar motorcycle