2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R And T Preview

Troy Siahaan
by Troy Siahaan

At Intermot 2016, KTM today unveiled the 2017 1290 Super Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure T. As one would expect from an R model, the 1290 Super Adventure version is designed to be the ultimate KTM travel-enduro machine. For its part, with just a few minor tweaks, the 1290 Super Adventure T has long distance on-road touring set as its focus. But since it’s a KTM, a little venture off the beaten path is also possible.

Both models are powered by a 1,301cc V-Twin KTM says puts out 160 hp, though similarities taper off from here. The R’s WP suspension has been tuned for more aggressive offroad duty with revised fork settings and spring rates matched to a WP PDS (Progressive Damping System) rear shock for maximum capability when the asphalt ends.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Additionally, the restyled KTM 1290 Super Adventure R boasts an LED headlight with integrated cornering lights placed in a more aggressive-looking front end. A new 6.5-inch TFT display communicates all the essentials and more, while cruise control increases the touring capability. An optional Travel Pack adds Hill Hold Control, Motor Slip Regulation along with a KTM-first Quickshifter + for Clutchless up- and downshifts. The Travel Pack also includes display and Bluetooth control of incoming calls and audio on the new TFT dash.

Meanwhile, the Super Adventure T comes laced with many of the same electronics as the R model, but also features premium comfort items like heated seats and grips, cruise control and WP semi-active suspension that continuously adapts to the road conditions.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure T

See the highlights and specifications for both models below.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Highlights

  • Revised fully adjustable WP USD front forks with separate compression and rebound systems.
  • Fully adjustable WP PDS (Progressive Damping System) rear shock.
  • Tubeless 21- and 18-inch wheels fitted with Continental TKC 80 tires.
  • 160 HP LC8 V-Twin with dual-plug ignition,  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.
  • 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.
  • LED headlight with integrated cornering 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.
  • Windshield adjustment is all new and easy to use with one hand.
  • Auto-reset turn signals.
  • Integrated pannier mounts.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications

  • Engine Type: 4-Stroke, 75° V-Twin, DOHC
  • Displacement: 1301 cc
  • Bore/Stroke: 108mm x 71mm
  • Starter: Electric; 12V 11.2Ah
  • Transmission: 6 Gears
  • Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 52 mm Throttle Bodies
  • Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication, 3 Eaton Pumps
  • Cooling: Liquid Cooling
  • Clutch: PASC Slipper Clutch, Hydraulically Operated
  • Ignition: Keihin EMS with Ride-By-Wire, Dual Ignition
  • Frame: Chrome-moly Steel Trellis
  • Subframe: Aluminum, Powder Coated
  • Handlebar:  Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
  • Front Suspension: WP USD Ø 48 mm
  • Rear Suspension: WP PDS Monoshock
  • Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 8.7 in/8.7 in
  • Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 mm/ 287 mm
  • Front/Rear Wheels: 2.50 x 21”, 4.50 x 18” 
  • Front/Rear Tires: 90/90-21”; 150/70-18”
  • Steering Head Angle: 26º
  • Wheelbase: 1,580 mm ± 15 mm / 62.2 ± 0.6 in
  • Ground Clearance: 9.8 in
  • Seat Height: 35 in
  • Tank Capacity: 6.1 gal
  • Weight (without fuel), Approx: 493.8 lbs

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure T Highlights

  • WP Semi-Active suspension continually adapts damping rates in real-time to optimize comfort and handling while delivering the desired character chosen by the rider.
  • Tubeless 19- and 17-inch wheels fitted with Continental ContiTrailAttack 2 tires.
  • 160 HP 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.
  • 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 side-mounted cornering lights give a clear view of the road ahead after the sun sets.
  • Hill Hold Control (HHR) is standard allowing for easy starts from trick inclines.
  • Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) is standard for rear wheel stability under hard deceleration when the road surface has reduced traction.
  • Adjustment of the larger windshield is easy for customized wind protection for various conditions and rider sizes.
  • Large, eight-gallon fuel tank provides and extend range that is a prerequisite for touring.
  • Heated seats and grips offer comfort when the temperatures drop.
  • Panniers come standard.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure T Specifications

  • Engine Type: 4-Stroke, 75° V-Twin, DOHC
  • Displacement: 1301 cc
  • Bore/Stroke: 108mm x 71 mm
  • Starter: Electric; 12V 11.2Ah
  • Transmission: 6 Gears
  • Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 52 mm Throttle Bodies
  • Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication, 3 Eaton Pumps
  • Cooling: Liquid Cooling
  • Clutch: PASC Slipper Clutch, Hydraulically Operated
  • Ignition: Keihin EMS with Ride-By-Wire, Dual Ignition
  • Frame: Chrome-moly Steel Trellis
  • Subframe: Aluminum, Powder Coated
  • Handlebar:  Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
  • Front Suspension: WP Semi-Active USD Ø 48 mm
  • Rear Suspension: WP Semi-Active Monoshock
  • Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 7.9 in/7.9 in
  • Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 mm/287 mm
  • Front/Rear Wheels: 3.50 x 19”, 5.00 x 17” 
  • Front/Rear Tires: 120/70ZR19”; 170/60ZR17”
  • Steering Head Angle: 26º
  • Wheelbase: 1,580 mm ± 15 mm / 62.2 ± 0.6 in
  • Ground Clearance: 8.6 in
  • Seat Height: 33.9/34.4 in
  • Tank Capacity: 8 gal
  • Weight (without fuel), Approx: 504.8 lbs

Follow the rest of our 2016 Intermot Show coverage for more information on new motorcycle announcements.

Troy Siahaan
Troy Siahaan

Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.

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 3 comments
  • Chris Chris on Oct 05, 2016

    Would love to have seen the "T" model have 17's and sport rubber, w/a lowered, firmer suspension set-up (Reduced weight, even?). I would have gotten sho' enough fired up.

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