KTM 1290 Super Adventure test

It would be easy to think the 1290 Super Adventure is the biggest and baddest of the KTM Adventure bunch. Yes it is the biggest motorcycle, in engine capacity and sheer bulk, but it’s not the baddest. That’s not this bike’s purpose.
Instead of blasting through the desert or churning up fire trails like, say the 1190 Adventure R, the 1290 Super Adventure is more at home taking you to Birsdville, or a doing a lap of Australia. This adventure motorcycle is more comfortable and copes better with long distance road work than its more aggressive stablemates.

[@nikedoulou8210]

Even today its a very good bike, the only thing missing would of been a quickshifter, otherwise, size, cost and power more than acceptable today, and personally I like a KTM not with orange. Good review.

[@eticayestrategia]

LA MEJOR ktm construida entre 2010 y 2023....

[@keesketsers5866]

It's strange, all reviews talk about the 1190 adventure (r) as being more aggressive and I don't agree. I test rode both versions (super adventure and the 1190 adventure R) and I found the 1190 engine to be almost, dare I say it, doscile in comparrison to the 1290! It was way smoother at low speeds, easier to control and had a more acceptable torque curve. The 1290 I found to be more nervous at low revs, not as buttery smooth as the 1190. So in the end, which bike did I order? The 1290 Super Adventure!! Why? Because the 1190 R was brilliant, but the 1290 just makes you feel like it is something very special....it's like nothing else......it's completely mad! You sort of expect the 1190 R to be bonkers but the super adventure looks like it should be so absolutely ridiculous to ride.....I absolutely LOVE the 1290. It is by far the best bike I have ever ridden and I have owned more than 30 bikes in 20 years and ride every day. I'm totally awstruck how good it actually is.

[@berniebgf]

But can you get passed spending $25,000 (AU) on a KTM?

[@keesketsers5866]

+berniebgf Sure, why not? A Harley costs way more and uses way cheaper parts (brakes, suspension, frame etc.). Where I live the Ktm costs the same as an (less then) equal spec Yamaha Super Tenere or a Honda Crosstourer and is way cheaper then a bmw gs or Ducati Multistrada. So I don't think it's that expensive. Just got back from the Northcape (8000km in 3 weeks) two up and it was absolutely brilliant! Worth every cent it costs.

[@vtv8man]

Absolutely.

[@1compaqedr8]

kees ketsers how is/was the 1290 2 years later. Would you still make the same comments about it? Reliable?

[@chrispalmer8612]

How would you compare this bike offroad against the bmw 1200 gsa? Love your reviews by the way!! Cheers

[@taylor2105]

I've never ridden the GSA, but I own a super adventure. It's not great for off road. The wheels are smaller for better on road use, and they're not knobbies. The 1190 r is a more direct competitor to the GSA. And it's better off road because it's lighter with a better setup. Ktm makes better off road bikes all around. I chose the super adventure because I also ride dirtbikes. A GSA isn't nearly as good off road as a purpose built dirtbike. Like all season tires, I chose winter and summer so I'd have a better time wherever I went.

[@jackolbean4765]

how did you like the Multistrada in comparison?

[@georgedafifth]

Purchase the KTM floating carrying case and the wobble goes away.

[@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.

[@keesketsers5866]

Your dealer is an idiot. The software update was for the rear shock reliability (recall). Has nothing to do with the front. They should check your tyres or steering bearings. Is the woble at high speed when using the rear cases? If yes, there is a Ktm option to connect both rear cases together so the high speed wobble disappears.

[@nic8376]

My dealer instructed by KTM to disable the shocks due to safety and design flaw

[@keesketsers5866]

+nick be Wow....they are just screwing you. Your dealer probably doesn't want to pay to fix your problem in waranty. Do NOT agree to this! Contact your local importer! No way KTM is going to advise to disconnect the auto-suspension! No one else is driving around with disconnected suspension! Demand they fix or replace your suspension!

[@nic8376]

Kees ketsers. I see what you are saying however, if you go over 120 mpr you will get the head wobble, It a design flow and KTM are not welling to admit it yet.

[@keesketsers5866]

Nic : I just realized I'm talking to a troll. Piss off dude.