KTM 1290 Super Adventure S revisited - KNOX Armour

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S revisited - KNOX Armour
We’ve featured the KTM Super Adventure S on the Knox channel a few times now and like all bikes when you spend more time with them and back to back them with other bikes like we did in our recent Super Adventure test • Super Adventure - Duca... , it gives you more experience and a bit more insight to its distinctives. So in this video, Im going to be sharing a bit more about that, where the bike excels, where it doesn’t and what I’d improve if it was mine.
As a spoiler, the main thing to say is this Super Adventure is amazing. Having taken it on all types of terrain, tough trails, mountain passes and some of the best roads we have here in the Lake District, its more than held its own against the very best in class.
For the latest spec of the KTM Super Adventure S, check here - www.ktm.com/en-gb/models/trav....
In this video we were wearing:
Knox Honsiter Jacket - www.planet-knox.com/product/m...
Knox Dual Pro Jacket - www.planet-knox.com/product/m...
Knox Oulton Glove - www.planet-knox.com/product/o...
Knox Urbane Pro Trousers - www.planet-knox.com/product/u...
Knox Richmond Jeans MK3 - www.planet-knox.com/product/r...
Knox Dual Active Base Layers - www.planet-knox.com/category/...
In this video, we quoted a Devitt Insurance price. These were based on the below.
*Devitt Insurance Quote is based on Mr Average.
Mr Average is: Based on a 40 year old married Bank Clerk, living in LA13. Kept in a Garage, held full bike license since 2000. Bike has Biketrac and a Datatool S4 C1 Red security. No accidents or claims. Comp cover, 3000 miles, 5 years protected NCD and just SDP use Please see www.devittinsurance.com/.
In this video, we quoted a Devitt Insurance price. These were based on the below.
*Devitt Insurance Quote is based on Mr Average.
Thanks for watching, please like comment and subscribe and we'll see you next time!
Aaron
KNOX

[@DayumSonny]

Every bit as fast as a Multi while using 60% less fuel and costs 33% less. Brain and heart says 'Yes'. Bank account and a full garage say 'No'.

[@54Rocketeer]

It’s not a Ducati

[@daviddavis6618]

My heart said yes, now it’s in the garage, and it’s great fun

[@margolish8220]

My hearth said yes too, love my V4S. Dont care if the fuel comsumption is higher tbh.

[@pearlfan61]

Have the 2018 KTM SAS since half a year. Bought it with 7000 km and now I am on 17000 km. I live in Peru and we have some of the most awesome mountain roads with twisty turns and passes of 5000 Meter plus. Did a day ride from the pacific shore to Lake Titicaca in one day, riding from 0 to 4870 Meters ending the day in 4000 at Puno. What fun this bike is! Did a tour last March with my wife from Peru - Bolivia - Argentina - Chile and back to Peru. No issues at all so far. My wife never had any comfort issues and enjoyed the ride, apart from crossing the mad traffic cities of El Alto and Potosi in Bolivia, where you cross red lights, because the guys behind you won't stop. Love the bike and she is so much fun to ride and flips trough the switch backs with such pleasure. Ride safe!

[@huambo]

Can confirm, my 2017 gets at worst 49.5mpg when riding half idiot and half commuting. Just did a 300 miles jour ey with average of 53mpg. Amazing bike!

[@carlosalbertomartinezespar7730]

KTM FOR EVER!!! KTM is the best in off-road and road..... it´s a crazy driving this bike!! smile all day

[@pablohumphs6060]

100% agree with the tyres, Michelin road 6 have transformed mine.

[@MarcSteenbeke84]

Great review. Have my ‘21 SAS for a year now, 24000km on it: daily commuting and the odd weekend trip. I upgraded the following: - ergo heated seats: well worth it - Puig Wind screen: I’m a tall 186cm rider so the stock windscreen gave me buffeting - Denali D3 Fogs with amber filter, connected to the EzCAN bus - Crash Bars and top case Absolutely agree on the MITAS tires. I rode the ANLAS winter tires through the cold, wet months and then switched to Michelin Road 5’s

[@JohnJay1745]

Your videos are absolutely fantastic! Thank you, for the great content. I'm in the market for a touring motorcycle with occasional gravel road jaunts. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is one of my top candidates.

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks, so glad you think so! Aaron KNOX

[@patrickpracht2921]

Again a great video on the KTM SA 1290. I bought one based on your comparison of KTM and Ducati V4S. I did not regrett it so far and can just confirm all yo said. Interesting ideas on weight saving, I might consider this

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks Patrick and so glad you are enjoying it! All the best, Aaron KNOX

[@devlinracing3553]

It was a well made and interesting video. I’ve sold my KTM Superduke 1290 GT recently and am considering one of these as a replacement. Looks like a good bike, I would invest in changing the tyres before the spending money on the exhaust and see no point in changing a battery to save weight. The average rider isn’t going to see a button of difference in doing that for road riding.

[@china-trip]

Wow... My best friend, Made an excellent video. I really liked it. Beauty is extraordinary. Thank you very much for the video.

[@cpuuk]

12K miles on mine: I didn't think I'd like the ACC, but now I use it all the time. Economy is outstanding, getting 60mpg on A road\ motorway runs! Hate the standard seat, hate the damn indicator switch. Dynamic suspension isn't that good, I use manual suspension settings option (buy the Suspension Pro option if you go with standard 1290, it's worth it). Agree on the handlebars mod, might do that one day. Waiting for Scorpion to bring out a replacement end can (good quality, reasonable price, decent sound, half the weight, UK made). Crash-bars are a must, assuming you can get them.

[@christianmouraux7269]

I went for the R version for its traditional WP Xplore suspensions that are just excellent, they work way better for me than the electronic one on the S version on bad roads. Thank you for this review.

[@aimeYM1]

Great, fun & informative video. Keep up the good work

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, will do!

[@SamVBikes]

Once again, a great balanced review, just like your comparison with the Multi V4. 14k miles in with mine and it's been faultless. Also, that Arrow can... it makes a HUGE difference to the noise, especially with the removable baffle. Pops and burbles a lot. Heated seat, crash bars etc all made a big difference too. Nice one as usual!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Sam and thanks for the insight, sure thats helpful to everyone. Do you like your arrow exhaust and would you recommend it as an upgrade? Aaron KNOX

[@SamVBikes]

@@KnoxArmour No problem. Yes definitely do recommend it. Completely changes the feel of the bike. Gives it that noise you'd expect from a 1290. Taking the baffle out makes a big difference, but it doesn't drone or get annoying either. Plus its £400 cheaper than the Akrapovic which barely sounds any different to stock! Cheers!

[@ralphwarom2514]

I'm not sure 10cm wider handlebars is a good thing. The bike also has to filter an overtake on highways. Every cm of being shorter helps with safety and not getting off the bike in those instances.

[@SamVBikes]

@@ralphwarom2514 The bars go over 90% of car mirrors and under big van/lorry mirrors. The only ones you have to judge correctly are MPV mirrors or small vans. I filter into London daily and have zero issues.. and if I can't fit through a gap, I probably shouldn't be going through it anyway

[@VARider1]

I have installed the Arrow Sonora on my 2022 1290 SAS for the weight savings and love it. As mentioned, the Ergo heated seat along with heated grips just makes this a better long distance touring machine for those days you need a some extra warmth.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelbmw1931]

They should have some hot air fan from the front....

[@scottieray]

The stock Mitas tires on my '22 SAS are done at nearly 4000 miles. Considering the SAS is still quite capable offroad (and that is comparing the SAS to the SAR) KTM could have gone with a 70/30 tire. I live the ACC and it is functioning quite well. I use 'Auto' mode for long highway stints and it works well too. I am most impressed with the fuel economy. I averaged 47mpg on a recent 2000 mile trip...and that included riding up Pikes Peak and 75-80mph the entire trip.

[@sahilbalmiki813]

My favourite Adventure Bike ❤️😍😍

[@tkmhamburg6032]

Man you can ride, respect.

[@wojciechsochon382]

Cześć! Zamowilem juz ktm super adventure 1290 r 2023 nowy z salonu mam nadzieję, że nie będę żałował zostawiając moją ATAS 1000 DCT ta skrzynia to poezja. Nie wiem jak nauczę się zmieniać biegi w ktm😂

[@Epicures]

When I bought my last new motorcycle, I made it a condition that it be delivered with different tires. the dealer was surprised. He said that customers wanted all kinds of extras in accessories, but that there has never been a customer before who wanted to have different tires fitted on delivery. This, while in my opinion this is most important. It’s a pity that many manufacturers make quality concessions with regard to tires in order to reduce the catalog price.

[@palkevin95]

a dream motorbike for me 😍

[@shuggsluggs9126]

I currently have a Street Triple but thinking of a change to Start Touring so Test drove the new 24 sas I didn’t give it the Beans or open it up but it felt light and nimble and went where you looked very easily it also has excellent wind protection,going to test drive the new Tiger 900 and 1200 gt-pro in a couple of days then make my choice.

[@sz5830]

A great review !

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks! :)

[@mikejenson6406]

No brainer for me.. Having ridden both, the K.T.M. is a winner in every way.. Add to that better m.p.g. and weight along with £7000 cheaper... Like the Harley the KTM is an individual choice, not following others....

[@batadaplinriver1665]

👍👍awesome>>

[@hermannschmidt9788]

I've swapped the Mitas for Conti Trail Attack 3 and everything is better now. The Mitas are too hard and only work well when really hot. I've not considered an aftermarket exhaust until you mentioned the weight loss. That made me think. The lithium battery is also a nice tip. Crash bars and heated power part seat are a must. What I find silly is that not every setting is available for the custom switch, for instance the suspension mode. I much more often change that than the engine mode.

[@daviddavis6618]

Interesting! I‘ve had the original Mitas for 10‘250km, and just replaced it for new ones. I am only driving on roads, 95% on dry roads. With this in mind, why change to Conti Trail Attach 3? I am looking forward to reading your thoughts!

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@daviddavis6618 Why? Because it is the better tyre in every conceivable aspect. That simple.

[@brucekendall52]

If you enjoy your Off Rd,rather get the 1290R and setup your suspension properly,get proper hand guards,pannier racks(Act as crash bars),rally foot pegs etc.The bike maybe be a bit big but it is surprsingly agile in the lower gears.The motor is a peach.Thanks.

[@aimeYM1]

Where can I find in UK that Arrow Sonara exhaust in UK? I mean can you please advise which shop sells them in UK 🇬🇧? Otherwise great insightful video with clear sections. Probably the best review of KTM 1290 Super Adventure 🎉🎉. Keep up the good work ❤

[@philwoods2534]

A balanced review with most of the points agreed upon, however I have just come from a H-D Pan American 1250S which had Michelin Scorcher tyres as standard and wiped the board with the unpleasant Mitas tyres which lack feel even in the dry. H-D's hill hold remained on from the point you applied the brakes to the time you moved off. It was only software based and was altered after much criticism. Its a pity KTM didn't do likewise as like the Radar cruise control, once you've tried it, its hard to go back to an inferior system. One thing I am amazed you didn't mention, is the indicator switch - on a bike that costs as much as the 1290S, I expect something a little better. Its like something off a Eastern Asian rip off..... I also get a bit pee'd off with the clanking of the chain on the guard over bumps.... All in all its a good attempt by KTM, but could do with a good number of refining points to make it utterly brilliant.....

[@DJPTEXAS]

I had a 2017 Super Duke GT and the switch gear was one of the problems I had with the bike.... cheap...... flimsy switches.

[@Verknechter]

Great video. As a owner of a SAS i agree with most points. Ich added crash bars and Pirelli Rally STRs. Even so i find the Mitas ok on the road (dry and wet). Just not good on gravel. On point i absolutely disagree is TC electronics. Maybe you are missing the Tech Pack with Rally Mode? With TC on level 2 or 3 i can do big drifts in the dirt and wheelies are no problem. What's also interesting is that the austrian guys from 1000PS measured the SAS at 246KG and the V4S at 255KG and the GS 1250 with crash bars 266kg. Overall I really love this bike. Only sometimes i think of upgrading to a SAR. But the lower seat, the electronic suspension and ACC say NO. :D

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks a lot! Re weight, we should be very accurate on this as we're using a proper industrial shipping equipment that we use for all our dispatches, so around +/-1kg. So far, our weights have been quite accurate. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@mickhep]

Love my 1290S after numerous GS's, I've put Conti TR3 on there brilliant tyres.

[@ScragNath]

Same here, traded my GSA for this in May, the only bike to prise me away from my BMW. Just finished a 2,500 European trip on it and it was flawless.

[@SaskRiderMoto]

​@@ScragNath and Mick - Why did you switch to the KTM from the 1250? Is there anything you miss on the GS vs the KTM? I am looking at the 2 right now and can't make up my mind. Most of the driving I do will benefit low-end to mid-end torq.

[@ScragNath]

@@SaskRiderMoto I had a 2018 R1200 GSA Triple Black TE. Fantastic bike and thought I would never sell it. After 13,000 miles and 4 years I fancied an upgrade to the GSA 1250. There wasn't enough difference for me to trade in mine plus £8,000 so I had a look around at the KTM the Ducati Multi strada and the Triumph 1200 Tiger. Almost bought the new Tiger, super bike and much improved. Settled for the KTM for cost reasons and features like Adaptive cruise control, programmable custom switches, self cancelling indicators, illuminated switch clusters but the best reason is that monster engine. 1300cc with 160 BHP and 138 nm of torque. It's basically a sports superbike in an adventure dress. If I was starting out without a trade in to buy either the BMW or the KTM I would be really be struggling to make the decision. I guess £2,000 price difference might sway it.

[@SaskRiderMoto]

@@ScragNath Thanks for the info. What about comfort? I will be mostly commuting to work, riding with my sone (he has his own bike) and some trips. Which would you say is better for that? Also for over all ownership?

[@ScragNath]

@@SaskRiderMoto Only had the KTM a couple Months but it feels great on long trips and short country hooligan blasts as well. The BMW will hold more of it's value because of it's popularity. For comfort, I reckon the BMW pips it. You feel more in the bike than on it. (Not that you don't on the KTM).

[@artmchugh5644]

Love my 2015 Multistrada I could never find that headlight good looking!!! 😀😀😀🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺

[@fjrboy]

I turned hill hold off, pain in the but when manouvering backwards, kept coming on and nearly had me off.

[@craigfoster294]

I have a 2022 1290 SAS. It is a great bike. It does, however, have typical Ktm reliability issues. Right now I’m dealing with a coolant leak that won’t go away. I will say this, in my opinion adaptive cruise control is a stupid, expensive gimmick for a motorcycle. It is completely unnecessary. Who the hell follows other vehicles on the highway when you’re on a 160 hp KTM? Give me a break. I’ve never used the feature on mine and never will.

[@nicks3783]

Mate just got a 2022 SAR and had a coolant leak issue. Was a radiator hose / clamp not installed correctly.

[@scottieray]

Adaptive cruise isn't a gimmick. I just completed nearly 2000 mile round trip from Arkansas to Colorado. There were many long stretches of straight roads and divided highways. Being able to set the cruise at 80mph and relax for a while made the trip much nicer. The adaptive cruise works very well on the SAS.

[@Harparz]

I have a new 1290 SAS also and the same coolant leak down one side of the bike. Dealership were quite dismissive and almost were trying to make it sound like I might have overfilled the tank which I hadn’t. In the end they replaced an entire half side of the cooling system (new rad, pipes and fixings) which fixed the problem.

[@JohannesDalen]

I own (and love) my 701 enduro, but lately the wife has been interested in riding two up. Same with my son when he gets a bit older. When the time comes, do you think a 1290 SAR could be the next step if I only can have one bike to do everything with? I load up my bikes with gear and ride TETs all over Europe, but with my 701 I can’t do trips with a pillion, and I don’t want to lose too much offroad capability. Interested in your thoughts as I know you really like the 701 too. Excellent video as always.

[@brucekendall52]

Get the 1290R,its like a big 701 in the dirt.Just set your sag and the rest of the suspension properly.

[@KnoxArmour]

I dont think you can compare 701 with 1290 in terms of off road capability. The 701 is a proper dual sport bike that is incredibly capable and weighs approx 80kg less than the 1290. Maybe an 890r would be the middle ground for you. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@pierrekawa76]

Bonjour,pourquoi ne pas avoir choisi la 1290 Adventure R? Plus adapter adapter à vos routes

[@harrisjack6263]

i love 1290 R

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

Great summary. I bought one 🤣

[@KnoxArmour]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@austinman1234567]

@Knox Have the 'bugs' been fixed by KTM? A lot of the review videos are 2 years old. I'd be interested to know if the later versions of 1290 have been updated. Having waited for the R1300GS to start shipping, and lusted over the V4 Rally, I have decided the KTM 1290 SAS is the one to keep my R1200RT company. The V4 Rally is a really nice machine, but the cost is difficult for me to justify.

[@Mtbjitsu]

How has the reliability been with it?

[@yf48353]

Thanks for great video.. But no one mentioned difference between 2022-2023 model is the engine the same? How about electronics? etc.. ist worth to buy 2023 model or shal i buy 2022 model? Thank you.

[@KnoxArmour]

Glad you thought so. I think they are mostly the same, just a styling update. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@flapjackbeans]

Good review I have done 15k on mine 2021 1290 agree with most of what you say but you should have also said how much easier the bike is to wheel around out of garage, in gravel car parks etc etc. Just come back from Taluvia Italy and we did all kinds of passes and the kangaroo you mentioned never happened ? our electronics were smooth and the WP suspension in auto mode worked relay well. My pet hate of the bike is the Headlight a sit can't be turned of and when you have dry on its switches and some car drivers think your flashing them out of auction etc... But that said what a bike i had the Multi v4 and then bought the KTM 1290 far better bike in lots of reasons.. V2 more fun... A question do Knox do armour for fatties?

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks. We did talk about impressive weight management, so maybe that half covers it? All the best, Aaron KNOX

[@michaelbmw1931]

Seat position is amazing On those. But Why everybody sell them due to service costs etc? :/. Are ktm really so bad?

[@jaronard1]

The fuel economy is a massive deal for 3 reasons: 1. Range 2. Wet Weight 3. Cost of Ownership And all of this for way less cost.

[@WorldBiker]

I have a question that perhaps someone here can answer: what's the payload on the 1290S? KTM does this weight on front/rear axle but I'm wondering if someone has just a simple number.

[@Hitman1962-vf2ql]

max: 460 kg

[@WorldBiker]

@@Hitman1962-vf2ql thanks. For clarity is the gross registered weight or the payload capacity? That seems awfully high.

[@Hitman1962-vf2ql]

@@WorldBiker The payload is 216 KG. The total weight incl. motorcycle is 460 kg

[@Englishbikerdan]

STOP IT. I must not buy this bike..............! Keep up the great content, loving your work. BTW, is Olly Mr LeanTuckTwist?

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks, glad you like the content! Yes, Olly works for Knox, is Leantucktwist and joins us on quite a few of our motorcycle pieces. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@KnoxArmour Ah nice, I didn't realise that. Met him at the Cadwell Triumph 1200 RR day. A lovely chap and boy can he ride!

[@KnoxArmour]

@@Englishbikerdan cool! Small world! We just finished up a superbike shootout together. Coming soon. 😀

[@arnoldtm31]

I traded in my 1290 sas just after 6 months and 2954 miles. The indicator cancellation doesn't work most of the time. Switches have moisture inside. The adaptive cruise control has issues for no apparent reason, ramming the bike into vehicles out front. My biggest disappointment was that coming from my 2018 v strom 1000 , I was expecting a bit more performance. The acceleration is fine, but you simply cannot go past 120mph due to a death wobble that starts at around 118mph. A lot of others have the same issue, it is the aerodynamics that cannot be altered. Also the frontal area even with an aftermarket screen which is taller and wider, is simply not enough/ set up properly resulting in horrible wind noise and buffeting. I tried the multi strada and the gs and the 1100 AT. All of them are much better.

[@pablohumphs6060]

Did 150+ today and no wobble

[@jaronard1]

Keeping the suspension damping on Sport makes a huge difference. I can run T rated tires up to the 120 mph rated limit with very minimal head shake, but only with suspension in Sport mode.

[@arnoldtm31]

@@jaronard1 Tried all settings mate. Hardest , sport and max preload.

[@arnoldtm31]

@@pablohumphs6060 There's only one video on KZbin that's faster than 120. I asked the dealer and sent an email to ktm. No reply.

[@pablohumphs6060]

I've done lots of things that aren't in KZbin.

[@MofoFunk84]

Great vid mate 👍. I've just had mine in for its 1st year service (7200 mi) and I agree with everything you said, esp with how shite the Shiteus tyres are! Whoever came up with that idea at KTM needs to be fired. Because I'm 90% road riding I put Road 6 tyres on and it's made the world of difference, esp in the wet which is where the Shiteus tyres are dangerous in my opinion (as illustrated here by myself 💩 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6K2p2qHlrCjsJY). I've had a fair few electric faults with it and I'm currently waiting delivery of some front discs (under warranty) as I've somehow managed to warp them 😐. Great bike, dispite it's flaws, let's hope they can iron out some of the issues as we go forward. Safe riding pal 🏍️💨

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Ash! Hope you get sorted out. Aaron KNOX

[@Crust2013]

To much tec but love the brand own 2.

[@abymathew295]

How does it compare to BMW S1000 XR..🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@tubejorrit]

The X1000XR is a road bike, it has a 17inch front tire. Litterly a racebike with a high seat just like the current Ducati V4 Pikes Peak. The KTM is more capable offroad. It's like comparing the S1000XR with the GS1250

[@abymathew295]

@@tubejorrit ...Naaah, KTM 1290 advs have 2 models...1290 Super Adv R which is the off-road version. And 1290 Super Adv S...which is a road bike... With similar specs to BMW S1000XR...

[@tubejorrit]

@@abymathew295 Have you seen the video? This is the S model and he rides it offroad. Not something you will ever do with the S1000XR It's not apples to apples if you compared it to the S1000XR. If you want to compare a KTM model with the XR then I would say the Superduke GT.

[@dcoops1]

Spelling error on weight management text.

[@KnoxArmour]

🙈

[@expatbiker6598]

Thanks to ktm for keeping these other over priced bikes. Ripping people off.

[@Unclefacts]

get a job and you'll be able to pay for one

[@abymathew295]

60% more economical than Multistrada...whaaaat...Hows that even possible.😰😰😰

[@martyn_g]

Quite easy! The Multi drinks like an alcoholic in a pub😂

[@abymathew295]

@@martyn_g ..LoLoL...😂🤣

[@El_Asturiano_Errante]

Ready to repair

[@Hitman1962-vf2ql]

Don't stress yourself. There are some people here who are clueless!

[@Jumacado]

it's a very ugly bike, version after version

[@michaelbmw1931]

No its beautiful.

[@niko9425]

what an advertising. disgusting