KTM 1290 Adventure 2017 Test - Road Test

After revealing how the new 1090 KTM 2017 Adventure handles on the road, it's the big sister's turn: KTM 1290 Adventurewhich is at the top of the segment in terms of power, equipment, safety and dynamic performance.

It is offered on the market in three variants - S, R and T - with an updated design and signed new digital equipment. Bosch state of the art and with an extremely competitive starting price 16.750 euro. 

How the KTM 1290 Adventure (S) is built

New Austrian maxi enduro it represents a renewed aesthetic that does not, however, negate the proportions and design cornerstones. New LED headlight with Cornering Light which guarantees perfect illumination when cornering when tilted, as well as a new windshield equipped with an intuitive and well-thought-out manual adjustment system.

Wheels have 19 "front and 17" rear wheels. The engine is still a 75cc 1.301-degree V-twin capable of delivering 160bhp. at 8.750 rpm and 140 Nm at 6.750 rpm in combination with a gearbox. QuickShifter+ a six-speed gearbox that allows clutch-free shifting from one gear to another, associated with a slipping clutch.

Very rich and developed electronic package: 4 maps are available for driving mode (Sports, Street, Rain and Off-road), semi-active pendants WP (48mm fork and 200mm travel like mono)MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) di Bosch which includes traction control and cornering ABS, which allows you to safely brake even in corners (so to speak in a slope).

Thebrake system signed by Brembo (with ABS Bosch 9M) and has two 320mm discs at the front and one 267mm disc at the back. The saddle is 850 mm from the ground (but can be lifted up to 870) and the total weight is 215 kg.

The R version (from €17.250) that I haven't tried is an off-road twin with different gauge suspensions, spoked rims, 21” front wheel, off-road tires and protection. The range is completed by the "old" 1290 Super Adventure, which today becomes the Adventure T (which I have not tried) and costs from EUR 18.640.

Integrated connectivity cluster from Bosch, unparalleled technology on two wheels

Awardedl CES in Las Vegas in the Automotive Audio / Video category and also highly rated in the Automotive Intelligence segment, the Integrated Connectivity Cluster is new dashboard of KTM 1290 Adventure 2017.

It replaces traditional appliances, introducing unprecedented technology on two wheels. The new Cluster is made in a tendentious automotive style. large display the ability to group all basic bike information and real-time information from your own smartphone. 

Another advantage of this solution is that the display automatically adapts to use: for example, at high speeds, all information is gradually hidden, with the exception of the speed display and any danger messages.

All basic smartphone functions, such as selecting music or answering calls, can be activated while driving using the steering wheel control. After initial setup, which is performed only once, the system immediately connects Bluetooth with a smartphone andhelmet intercom.

How the new KTM 1290 Adventure (S) 2017 hits the road

On the new Adventurona you feel one foot in the present and the other in the future... The technology behind this bike is truly exciting, from the Bosch safety package to the new multifunction display.

La Driving Position it is comfortable, as befits a motorcycle, designed (moreover) to overcome many kilometers, even if less high ones are not entirely light: a wide saddle does not help, and the weight during stationary maneuvers is felt.

But it disappears as soon as you shift into first gear and drive away. The 1290 Adventure is the “bike you need” anytime. It is able to adapt intimidatingly to the type of driving and the type of terrain. The response of the semi-active suspension is surprising in its efficiency and speed..

On paving stones and uneven asphalt, the surface is soft, absorbs well and provides comfort. But when you decide to leave the city walls and dive into the corners, the 1290 magically transforms into a true sports car. There are no settings to change, the springs adapt in real time to the new guide. Impeccable.

Instead, you can set the reaction of the engine, Sports gives real shots of power by unloading 160 CV on asphalt it is already decidedly at low (indeed, medium-low), reaching its maximum expression at medium-high revs. Nice electronics, quite soft and precise.

Protective and well thought out fairing, equipped with a simple and practical adjustment. The new Bosch Cluster fixtures are very readable and able to adapt the screen illumination in real time according to the amount of light present outside (in the gallery it will immediately have a more intense light).

Il display it can be adjusted to better fit the driver's height and is rain resistant. It undoubtedly represents a significant step forward in terms of technology applied on two wheels and I believe that soon it will also be integrated with satellite navigation, as it happens in cars. 

findings

I would call a new one KTM 1290 Adventure 2017 una full motorcycle. Everything is possible with her. He has a great engine. In sports, he goes very fast, with suitcases he takes you everywhere (even off-road, if you choose R). On wet roads, you feel comfortable because there is a Bosch electronic package that guarantees high performance and greater safety. It is equipped with an impeccable chassis. And with the new equipment, he is already preparing for future mobility, when all cars will be connected to each other. In short, not only is there nothing to envy of the competition, but it has all the weapons - especially the price - to be able to play it. And win. 

clothes

Casco: LS2 FF323 ARROW R

Jacket: Dainese D-BLIZZARD D-DRY

Back Defender: Daines Manis

Jeans: Dainese Bonneville

Steely: TCX X-Desert

Gloves: Dainese Tempest