We Drove: KTM Super Adventure 1290 S

KTM has selected a volcano for its first test drive of the 1290 Super Adventure S and has enclosed a book with the invitation. I did not go to the crater to find out what our planet hides in its belly, it was quite interesting to climb on a motorcycle to Etna, which does not spew fire, although it is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. The fire was provided by an engine that boasts 160 "horsepower" and 140 Nm of torque and is currently the most powerful in the popular class of enduro touring motorcycles. The power-to-dry weight ratio of just 215 kg is unmatched at the moment.

The motorcycle is very different from its predecessor. With a more powerful engine, it differs from it in appearance by a very recognizable front end, in which futuristic light abounds. This modern one with LED technology offers an interesting solution for illuminating the road when cornering. The LEDs on the left and right are constantly on and form the daytime running lights; when the motorcycle is leaning into a turn, the interior lighting is switched on, which additionally illuminates the turn. The more you lean, the lower the light comes on and illuminates everything in front of you incredibly well. Another big innovation is a fully digital display developed exclusively for KTM by BOSCH, KTM's largest partner in electronics. The tilt-adjustable 6,5-inch display constantly shows speed, speed, current gear, engine and semi-positive suspension mode, as well as the heat level of the levers and settings depending on the amount of luggage. Driving with a passenger or without him.

The lower left side also houses the clock and outside temperature, and the large central portion of the left half of the screen can be configured to display information. Despite modern technology, adjusting the operation of the engine and displaying data on the screen is not a science. With a very simple operation of the four switches on the left side of the handlebar, you can customize the motorcycle control to your liking while riding. Unfortunately, the weather in Sicily was not at all pleasant, and although we were driving from the sea, where we were met by the morning sun, the changeable weather quickly took us over. The rain was our companion throughout the day, and the road slipped accordingly. Under these conditions, I set the engine to rain mode, which limits power to 100 horsepower and provides more responsive braking and rear traction control. During acceleration, the signal lamp that the rear wheel grip was weak, otherwise, would light up, but only at very high acceleration. Electronics gently regulated engine power depending on the clutch, and no annoying rough interventions were felt. On the dry sections of the excellent winding road to the top of the volcano, I did not hesitate to switch to the Street program (suspension and engine work), which represents the optimal performance of the bike in the most common driving conditions, i.e. when the asphalt is dry and with good grip. Lifting the front wheel at full throttle out of the corner is what gave me top-notch fun and an incredible sense of security as the electronics don't allow for nasty surprises. In the sport program, the engine's response to the throttle lever is even more direct, and the suspension becomes racing, which also means more direct contact with the asphalt. With this program, you will easily race your colleagues on supersport bikes around the corners. To drive on the rear wheel and cornering, all electronic controls must be turned off, but then maximum concentration and sobriety are needed.

For everyone who likes where the asphalt ends, you continue to drive through gravel and sand, and the right measure of power and braking performance is offered by the Offroad program, that is, for off-road. Then the polyactive suspension better picks up small bumps and allows you to overcome the base without good grip. The brakes also work differently. The ABS works late and allows the front wheel to sink slightly into the sand at first, while the rear wheel can also be locked. KTM and BOSCH have significantly strengthened their partnership over the years and developed the best they have for KTM at the moment. Last but not least, with 200 bikes sold, KTM is no longer a niche motorcycle manufacturer, and the technology they develop at BOSCH is diligently used in both entry-level Duke models and the most prestigious bikes such as the Super Duke and Super Adventure. ...

The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S already offers a lot as standard, which is a big advantage over the competition. The engine is started by pressing the switch, while the key remains securely in the pocket.

For those who want more, they offer different levels of equipment from the Powerparts catalog at an additional cost: additional protection, an Akrapovič exhaust system, travel bags, a more comfortable heated seat, rally pedals, wire spokes for a more off-road look and use where it ends asphalt. In the "road package" you can also equip it with a system that controls rear wheel traction when downshifting, an "automatic" handbrake for starting uphill, and KTM's "my ride" allows you to connect to your phone (you can charge it during driving time via USB port) and through the blue teeth connection, it plays music and receives phone calls, and the “quickshifter” shift assistant also provides sports fun, which allows sports shifting with the gearbox without using the clutch and works perfectly. The price of a motorcycle equipped in this way will rise from the base 17 to 20.

The engine, which I can only talk about in a superlative degree, shows its sportiness not only on the road (and of course on the field), but also in terms of consumption. Throughout Sicily, I drove it around corners rather dynamically, which meant that it consumed 100 liters of fuel per 6,8 kilometers. Not a small volume, but taking into account the 23-liter fuel tank, it can travel a good 300 kilometers on one gas station.

In any case, KTM has significantly raised the bar in this demanding class and has successfully incorporated its “ready to race” philosophy into the Super Adventure S. After all, it is not a hotel, but a side rubble. road, pitch your tent and then continue your adventure the next day.

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

Price: 17.390 EUR

text: Peter Kavcic photo: Marco Campelli, Sebas Romero, KTM