2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R: FIRST LOOK
Rennie Scaysbrook | October 4, 2016
Big Bore Adventure Riding Just Got Super Serious
The KTM Adventure line-up has come in for a complete overhaul for 2017, headlined by this new 1290 Super Adventure R.
The Super Adventure R now has the use of the 1301cc, 75° V-twin motor found in the 1290 Super Duke R, making it not just the largest capacity Adventure bike on the market (a title the Super Adventure line took in 2015) but also the most powerful, with a claimed 160hp pushing 476lb of claimed dry weight.
The Super Adventure R’s motor differs slightly to that sitting in the 2015-16 Super Adventure with its intake gaining newly developed expansion chambers smooth out power delivery and aid low-to mid-range torque. To that end, KTM claims the new motor delivers 79lb-ft of torque of an available 103lb-ft at just 2500rpm.
This will also be the first KTM with a quickshifter for clutchless up and own gear changes.
The Super Adventure’s orange (only available for the R models) tubular steel chassis rolls on an off-road focused 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel and has inverted, WP fully adjustable suspension, rather than the electronically-assisted units of the Super Adventure.
On the electronics side, the Super Adventure R comes with the Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system with lean angle sensitive ABS, three on-road riding ECU maps and an off-road map, traction control, cruise control and a tire pressure monitoring system, all viewed through a brand new 6.5” multi-functional dashboard, which equates to roughly the size of a standard iPad.
KTM’s also thrown in the cornering LED headlights, and a waterproof cell phone compartment for charging purposes. Available at purchase is also the KTM ‘Travel Pack’ which houses the Hill Hold Control (HHC) system, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), quick shift+, and KTM MY RIDE (hands-free kit and audio player).
2017 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R Highlights
- Revised fully adjustable WP USD front forks with separate compression and rebound systems for offroad domination.
- Fully adjustable WP PDS (Progressive Damping System) rear monoshock for greater control and bottoming resistance.
- Tubeless 21- and 18-inch wheels fitted with Continental TKC 80 tires for excellent offroad performance with sure-foot street manners.
- Highly developed 160hp LC8 V-Twin with dual-plug ignition, cutting-edge Keihin engine management, electronic fuel injection, Ride-by-Wire technology and slipper clutch.
- Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) package with multi-mode Combined ABS, ride mode technology and multi-mode traction control (MTC)
- Four-mode traction control (MTC) including Sport, Street, Offroad and Rain settings allow the rider to fine tune the power application in any situation.
- Offroad ABS mode allows for dirt-specific ABS application on the front wheel while disengaging the rear ABS for brake slides and total control in the dirt.
- Strong trellis frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel for optimal handling on the street and in the dirt.
- LED headlight with integrated corning lights and daytime running light.
- 6.5-inch TFT dash contains the all the important information clearly with a bright and vibrant display.
- Optional Travel Pack adds Hill Hold Control (HHR), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Quickshifter + (up and down clutchless shifting) and Bluetooth control of incoming calls and audio.
- Waterproof phone compartment keeps your smartphone dry on the road while charging via an integrated USB socket.
- Remote keyless system allows the rider to key start the 1290 ADVENTURE R, lock the steering, and open the gas cap.
- Restyled front end gives the 1290 ADVENTURE R a more aggressive look.
- Windshield adjustment is all new and easy to use with one hand.
- Auto-reset turn signals.
- Integrated pannier mounts
For more Cycle News Adventure motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more KTM motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
