We've driven: 200 kilometers off-road with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and KTM 1090 Adventure R

By no means does KTM stop at developing their big enduro bikes and takes the word enduro very seriously. After all, they are the strongest in the world in enduro sports and the Dakar Rally, where they have not won a record 16 years! When inviting the mentioned models on their first trip around Zadar, they made it clear: “Bring equipment suitable for off-road driving and don't forget a bag of water”. Okay, sounds good! Enduro is my favorite outdoor activity, so I don't have a problem with the ground even if I'm sitting on a 200kg beast just by wearing off-road tires.

The R mark stands for better flotation, longer suspension, more engine protection and suitable footwear.

For the 1290 Super Adventure R and 1090 Adventure R, KTM took the R-rated models at the end of the name as the basis for more off-road driving, added engine and handlebar protection, toughened suspension and increased travel from 200mm to 220mm. First of all, they were equipped with off-road spoked rims and tires with an off-road profile that is 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. That's it, there is no need to philosophize here, in these dimensions you will find suitable shoes for a trip to the desert or mud.

It also means very easy handling on the road, as the narrower front tire makes driving much easier and allows for sharp turns both on and off-road. Of course, leaning as far as the terrain allows - the road tires on models labeled Sueper Adventure 1290 S and Adventure 1090 still won't run.  

They ride like a big enduro on steroids

Tires with large and strong blocks are very similar to those of the Dakar rally, and they feel good on asphalt too, I did not notice any vibrations either. However, they really manifest themselves only when there is rubble, sand and earth under the wheels. On a 200-kilometer circular path that led from Zadar through vineyards and fields to Velebit, where a labyrinth of rubble paths on the wooded northern side awaited me, I crossed from one to the other several times, but there was not even a couple of kilometers of asphalt under the wheels.

Obviously, KTM wanted to let us test usability where most other competitors are no longer going to. The feeling when driving a safe hundredth parallel to an asphalt road is very good, and even better when this path leads to a bay where there is no one. I followed the path straight to the water. First, a small ascent along a meadow strewn with rocks, and then a long descent along the coast, which has already begun well with erosion all the way to the sea. I was a little worried if I would be able to climb the slope again, but took a risk due to the good suspension and distance from the ground, and especially due to the suitable off-road shoes on wheels. The joy on the sandy beach was immense. At first I was afraid of very soft sand, as the front wheel sank quite deep, but then I pressed the gas pedal sharply, got up and squeezed the engine with my feet, and when shifting the weight back, I loaded the rear wheel correctly to get good traction. and the front was somewhat lightened and therefore no longer plowed as deep in the sand. Oh, crazy, when I get stuck from second to third, and the speed goes up there from 80 to 100 km / h, it's a fantastic pleasure.

After learning that, despite weighing over 200 kilograms, you can ride a few laps in the sand, both bikes convinced me that this is, without a doubt, an off-road motorcycle. From coast to mainland, the biggest obstacle was a short but steep climb on rugged land, and all I had to do was get the minimum mileage in second gear and then climb the steep slope with torque.

The feeling of satisfaction was very strong. I drove it in a larger KTM, that is, the Super Adventure 1290 R, my colleague Pole had an even easier task as he drove the Adventure 1090 R, which is even a shade better in such conditions.

Dilemma: which is better - Super Adventure R or Adventure R?

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is a big boss, it can do everything, it can go 200 an hour on rubble and the frame and suspension can handle it. Tires unintentionally pay tax. Luckily, I successfully drove the 217 kg bike to the finish line without any defects, and my colleague from Poland had two defects that day. The sharp rock, the weight of the bike and the high speed take their toll, despite the excellent suspension. That's why with a bike like this you have to use the feel, adjust the speed according to the terrain, and it will really get you where you want to go. There is less wind protection than on the S model, but due to the lower speed in the field, you don’t even notice it. For highway driving, I would consider a taller windshield. The one fitted as standard is otherwise manually adjustable in height, as is the large digital screen with rich information display. For now, it's KTM at the very top. In addition, the choice of engine programs, adjustment of settings and electronics is even the simplest of motorcycles in this class. Far less demanding on the road, especially in the field, is the 1090 Adventure R. It feels a lot lighter in the hands, due to the smaller rotating masses in the engine, and above all, I never thought it had too little power. (engine block and shaft are the same). Hey, 125 “horses” on the road or in the field are many, or rather enough! It was easier for me to play with it, and as a child I used to draw lines in the sand with my rear wheel. Because it's more manageable, it's easier to get through more difficult terrain where you sometimes have to help yourself with your feet. If you also want to explore on vacation what is behind the neighboring hill and the asphalt road does not lead there, do not panic, just an even more exciting adventure. Off-road ABS, rear wheel slip control and engine management program ensure a safe ride.

So for a serious adventure in more difficult terrain, I would choose this myself.

And I would choose the Super Adventure 1290 R for trips for two with large luggage and dynamic mountain passes. Asphalt and, of course, forgotten gravel roads. The motorcycle is equipped with all the latest safety systems that are adapted for both road and off-road. There are also LED lights that light up when cornering, and a set of equipment called the road package, which means handbrake for hill start, anti-rebound and rear wheel lock before cornering when you release the throttle and quickshifter or in line with this. to our assistants for overtaking both during acceleration and during braking. Plus, it connects to your smartphone via the KTM My Ride system, so you can see who's calling you on the screen or call them yourself.

It is an extremely modern and high-tech adventure motorcycle. With a service interval of 15.000 XNUMX kilometers, they have also reduced the maintenance costs of both motorcycles. In fact, you can drive from Slovenia to Dakar and back, but you still have a few thousand kilometers to reach the next service.

Sales: Axle Koper phone: [phone] Seles Moto Grosuplje phone: [phone]

Price: KTM Super Adventure 1290 R 17.890,00 EUR, KTM Adventure 1090 R 15.190 EUR

text: Petr KavcicPhoto: Martin Matula